TakingABreak

its very possible that its the level of minerals in the water. My surgeon explained that our pouches sometimes don't like the "texture" (whatever that's supposed to mean) to plain water. If you add something, anything to it, its supposed to help. I can even do a little lemon or lime and it goes down OK.

I don't mean to be an @$$, but I never thought of myself as being fat forever either, couldn't imagine it. I always thought I'd lose it, one way or another. But it became increasingly obvious that if I didn't get this surgery, that I would be obese forever. I would die from weight related diseases or complications. Just saying, this isn't the end of the world. I feel like a normal person now. I don't label myself as a bariatric patient. I don't think about it anymore. I eat well, that's it. Oh, and I go to the doctor to get my vitamins checked.

me either. I cannot do straight water, makes me nauseous every time!

I would LOVE to share recipes. There are posts here and there that have them... but if there was one, on going one, that you could go to for inspiration, that would be AMAZING!

Great ladies! I'm excited to keep this going. I might post a video of how easy my dinner goes together since I meal prepped. Feel free to post any and all the above: -Tips on meal prep - Questions on how to meal prep -Pictures/videos of your meal prep victories -Fun meal prep ideas/recipes

Interesting, I'm only taking 1000mg. Maybe I should boost that up... thanks for the tip!

I drink diet soda too. A lot less than I used to, but I need that caffeine pick me up. We are naughty naughty girls

I generally have kept sugar under 5grams per serving. However, I've eaten a healthy amount of fruit in the past, which I know has well surpassed the 5 grams. I guess for me, I avoid over 5 grams of "added" sugar, even though some things have natural sugar in them, but I look at the label regardless. Some say if it's added sugar, some don't. I don't know how much it would take to dump. I've had something that has 7 grams, as a treat... no dumping. But I'm not testing the waters a lot either.

Ughhh you look fantastic! I hope I get that great shape when I'm down to 175!

I confess that it brings me IMMENSE joy that I weigh less than my two best friends.

Please let's not have another post to debate the cause of death for Mr. Atkins.... We can just reread this one... and let it rest LOL

I found this link with 20 meal prep tips! https://dailyburn.com/life/health/meal-prep-ideas-instagram-stars/

Absolutely!

I’m 6 months post op. I just wanted to do something that could help pre ops waiting for a date or even for post ops who want to get better at food prep.

And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Yay!!! That is amazing! Can’t believe I missed it yesterday! Congrats!!!

You are right. Well said.

the question i haven't mustered the courage to ask my husband. I don't know if i want the truth.....

I can see the how the info can relate. However, i don't believe that poverty overpowers of human nature to learn from our hardships. There are many people who use their resources wisely, and many who don't. What differentiates them? I don't know. From my experience with the people who I know that abuse the resource, it seems like they don't spend it, like they earned it. They have no sense of responsibility to use it wisely. They know that it will be there, month after month. No worry that the amount will change, or the date. Its dependable, and predictable. They don't feel like food is a bill. In my house, we frequently talk about our "food bill". I'm NOT of course, referring to everyone on food stamps.

I wish I had a creative bone in my body!

I know your not picking on me LOL I love our talks. I don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea. I don’t think everyone abuses it. I have a family member who has a family of 4 and they make approx 21k per year. I know it’s much needed. I’m glad it’s a resource for those who do. I just get frustrated when it’s not used for nutritious and effective ways. If you spend all your money on crab legs and can’t feed your family (besides ramen noodles) the rest of the month—that is when I get upset.

I’m actually the same way, I entertain with food. I always have stuff in the pantry for guests that we don’t actually eat. For example, we keep a stock of s’more supplies because people like to use the fire pit when they come visit. I have a garage fridge stocked with beverages that we don’t drink. I don’t think it’s a bad thing necessarily, but it depends on the family. I get joy cooking large family dinners (15-20 adults that come). I don’t think I’m wrong for that. But I do think that I see how food is so much imbedded in our family gatherings. We rarely do activities that don’t involve food. If I were to make an assumption based on why the US is more obese than other countries with the same cultural norms, I’d say it’s our portion control. You don’t realize until you’ve gotten a dinner plate in Japan or Germany, that the US serves a ridiculously large portion. Also, it could be the readiness and availability processed foods and added sugar. It also could be the lack of balance between food and activity. All these things play a roll.

Sounds like a happy medium is needed. Hard to achieve, who knows? I know I want my children to know about protein, carbs, fats, sugar, ect. I don’t want them counting their calories or worrying about being “fat” but it’s all about how you focus the conversation. Its also about using the right words.

I had Zero follow up regarding emotional support from the hospital or surgeons office. The only time my psychological well being was discussed was in my pre op psych evaluation. I have an established therapist, who I’ve used off and on for years. But nothing was ever recommended after surgery. The surgeon worries about your body health, never has anyone asked how i am feeling emotionally. It’s kind of a disappointment I have for my program.

As long as it’s SF and calorie free, there’s nothing wrong with other things to drink besides water. I actually can’t drink straight water, makes me nauseous since surgery. I drink a variety of teas, crystal light, water additives, ect.