TakingABreak

You are totally right. Also good call out.

It really bites my bum when I spend all this time responding and someone doesn't even care to respond....Good call out girl!

Honestly, this site was a savior when I first started out and was pre op. Between reading on here, doing research online, and buying different protein supplements, ect, its what kept me sane while I waited the 3+ months until my date. However, now I do this because I think it helps people. It does get old, the same topics over and over again, but I think its comforting to know that there are people out there going through the same thing as me. Eventually, I'll fall back and probably not visit as often. But I'm not there yet. I want to be there for people, the way others were there for me. Plus, points earned here for the store paid for my vitamins for the whole dang year....

I know other OPs that take Flinstones, but it seems like you have to supplement with other vitamins. I like the ones that I take because, besides calcium, its got it all, plus some. Like I said, I take at bedtime. I get nauseous with vitamins unless I take at night. These are perfect. And you can't beat the price for an actual Bariatric Vitamin. This is the description from the website. It doesn't specify to eat with food. It also specifies that it is easy to digest and absorb. Product description: ProCare Health Bariatric once-a-day Multivitamin 30ct. capsule The ONLY complete once daily multivitamin in the industry! Our vitamin is designed to specifically meet the health needs of those who have undergone bariatric surgery such as gastric bypass, vertical sleeve, Roux-en-Y and Duodenal Switch. This formula was developed in cooperation with Doctors, Dieticians and Nutritionists to make this the most complete once-a-day vitamin in the industry! It is designed to be convenient, small, easy to digest and absorb and cost effect. Convenient. Unlike other products on the market today, which require you to take 3 to 4 tablets per day, ProCare Health’s Bariatric Nutritional Supplement gives you all of the ASMBS and your Doctor’s recommended daily nutrients in a once daily easy to swallow capsule. Affordable. Our competitive pricing makes ProCare Health’s Bariatric Nutritional Supplement affordable to everyone. Over 45% less than other leading brands.

Gummies require stomach acid to break down, and you don't have much after Bypass. They are forbidden in my program too.

I always take mine at bedtime, never with food. I’ve been taking these for my last two checks and all perfect levels. All Bariatric patients can’t eat or drink at the same time, I doubt they would put it on the market with that assumption. Also, if you have a small sip of water before a meal, that isn’t going to hurt you. It’s the act of eating while drinking that can cause problems. I hate for you to pass on an awesome vitamin for these reasons.

I wouldn't recommend using protein shakes prior to the pre op diet. You will get sick of them, why rush the timeline. Can you do a lean protein and veggie diet? Cut all carbs down, put your body into temporary ketosis. Its the same concept as the liver shrinking diet. You don't have to use protein supplements to do this. This would be develop great habits for after surgery too. Measure out your food, because its harder to actually eat food and not overeat (prior to surgery). But I'd much rather do this, than drink nasty protein drinks. Plus, there will be plenty of time for that, after surgery when you have to drink them. Something like this: Meals:  3-4 oz lean meat o Any lean meat (fish, chicken, beef, pork, lamb) - No fried meats o You may use seasonings such as garlic, pepper, old bay, etc.  2-3 cups non –starchy vegetables (cooked or raw – NOT FRIED) o NOT ALLOWED – bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, legumes/beans, peas, corn o All other vegetables are allowed – broccoli, peppers, squash, tomatoes, carrots, green beans, eggplant, asparagus, cabbage, mushrooms, cauliflower, zucchini, cucumber, onions, spinach, greens, Brussels sprouts, etc. o Vegetables may be cooked or raw/salads Snacks: 6-8 oz light yogurt or light yogurt smoothie that is less than 90 calories (ie. Stoneyfield farm fat free, Yoplait light, Dannon light n’ fit non-fat yogurt or light n’ fit smoothie) ½ cup non-fat cottage cheese 1 string cheese 2 oz deli meat ½ pack of tuna Low fat jerky

lol, Cant ever have enough moms.

Yeah, my PCP is running some labs for me now because I can't make it up to Chicago for my 6 month follow up. But I made a copy of the ones from 3 months, she ordered the exact same things. If I did have to relocate, I'd def establish with a bariatric physician to do my annuals.

I wouldn't mind doing that, but I guess there are two things stopping me. #1. every program is different and I don't want to hassle with a new doctor who is like, "you drink from a straw, BAD!" Also, I've already established goals with this doctor, and I don't want to feel like I'm starting over if the new doctor feels I should be smaller, ect. #2. I'm sure that the procedure (surgery itself) is somewhat similar amongst surgeons, but I feel like the doctor who did mine, knows what he did, ya know? He would somehow have more common knowledge about a problem.

There is emotional baggage with this surgery. But I'm proud of you for choosing it for yourself. You won't regret it. Lean on us!

I couldn't handle regular peanut butter until about 3 months out. But I did use PB2 powder in my shakes and had no problem. The sugar is very little, at 1 gram. It adds 5 grams of protein per serving, with only 45 calories. Its also low fat compared to regular peanut butter. They have this in chocolate powder as well.

It does make sense. I think I'll continue to go to my doctor, so long as its only a day trip. If I move further, I'll have to forgo, even if its in the interest of science.

I agree with you. I wish that it wasn't public, and I think it sucks that anyone can troll this site. But knowing that it is public... I treat it as such.

This is one of the tips I give people... and its honest real advice. I personally wouldn't share with people, unless you know they will be 100% supportive. It is nerve wracking already and you need nothing but positivity. Plus it’s a lot of pressure from people who know you've had WLS, versus people who think you are on the weight loss track. People think that the weight is going to melt off after surgery, and sometimes it doesn't. You don't want the extra judgment. Don’t engage people with people who say “WLS is too dramatic” or “You could just diet and lose the weight” or “You aren’t big enough for surgery” or “It’s the easy way out”. SCREW THOSE PEOPLE, they don’t know. They will never know how triumphant our victory will be. I'm so glad I didn't share with my coworkers, because, they would have been the type to say "You took the easy way out". Now instead, they come to *me* for advice on how to lose weight. They feel guilty when they eat cheeseburgers for lunch, and apologize, as if, it offends me. My point is... be selective. And ultimately, not to be blunt... but settle on a *I don't give a f*ck what you think* attitude.

I brought this up to my surgeon as well. for insurance purposes, I had to have surgery over 3 hours away. I basically inquired about transferring my post op care to a surgeon local, and my doctor dismissed me. He said he has patients that fly all over the country for their yearly follow up visits. I guess I'm lucky that its just a day trip to go to the doctor, but I wouldn't see why you couldn't get established with another doctor if you moved out of state or country .

Hi, welcome! Congrats on starting your journey. Here's some tips I give out to newbies who are just getting started. Feel free to jump right into the community. So much to read and learn about. You can utilize the search bar to see if topics have already been started that you are interested in. Start altering your diet now. Cut out processed food, or at the very least processed sugar. Practice eating your protein first and then focus on non-starchy veggies. Also, start tracking your food. There are lots of apps that make logging very easy. I personally use MyFitnessPal, but there are others out there. Find something that you like to drink that doesn't have calories. Try different caffeine free teas and water additives. I still can't drink plain water....so you want to have something on hand that you know you like. Cut out caffeine. Most programs allow caffeine back in relatively quickly, but caffeine can hinder your body's ability to heal. You don't want to go through caffeine withdrawal along with the aches and pains of surgery. Don't use protein shakes before you absolutely have to! I made the mistake of supplementing some of my meals with shakes to "prepare myself" for the pre-op diet. Big mistake. You will get to the point where they are DISGUSTING, and you don't want to increase the timeline of that by drinking them before you need to. Start incorporating exercising (even if it’s just walking) somewhere in your daily routine. It will make it easier if it’s already a habit. Practice chewing your food at least 20-30 times before swallowing. Muscle has memory and it will be so much easier if you already have this habit. If you screw up and swallow too soon after surgery, you will pay the price. Set timers and don't drink and eat at the same time. I highly recommend having at least 1 visit with a therapist to establish with someone for after surgery. It’s not required, but everyone seems to have some emotional struggles afterwards. Whether its 2 weeks, 2 months, or 2 years you may struggle with the changes. I personally wouldn't share with people, unless you know they will be 100% supportive. It is nerve wracking already and you need nothing but positivity. Plus it’s a lot of pressure from people who know you've had WLS, versus people who think you are on the weight loss track. People think that the weight is going to melt off after surgery, and sometimes it doesn't. You don't want the extra judgment. Don’t engage people with people who say “WLS is too dramatic” or “You could just diet and lose the weight” or “You aren’t big enough for surgery” or “It’s the easy way out”. SCREW THOSE PEOPLE, they don’t know. They will never know how triumphant our victory will be. I would also remember that you need to make time for you! Make the time to shop healthy, meal prep, cook healthy, and plan ahead. And I’m talking to all the selfless mothers, fathers, husbands, and wives. We give so much to our families, but NOW is the time to focus on ourselves. We are doing it for them, after all. We are doing it to prolong our lives and improve the quality of our lives. Come up with a reward system of sorts. You want to acknowledge your successes. For my 50lb mark, I went and got pedicures with my girlfriends. For my 75lb mark, I bought myself some new dresses. For my 100lb mark, I bought myself a really nice full length mirror. Stalls happen and are completely natural. There are tons of threads in this community that you can search for suggestions or for advice. Hunger happens. Some people don’t experience a decrease in hunger, but it is easily manageable with a small amount of the right foods.

I had to take a Ambien before my 2nd sleep study. The first one, I didn't get enough sleep for them to probably get good info. I specifically requested a sleep aide to get me through the second test.

Will be thinking of you.

I think some people look at posts similar to this and see people who think this a magic trick. There have been other OPs who get disappointed when they don’t wake up from surgery half way to goal. Obviously this is an extreme and I don’t relate this to you, and I don’t get that vibe from you. But people here will always encourage patience because it takes time to lose, even with surgery. Keep up the positive attitude. You are doing great.

Thank you! I still have 35lbs to go to but my first goal. It happens differently for everyone. I was very big. 332lbs at 5’4, very petite stature. I think that’s why it took so long. Plus there’s the “polite” factor. I think people shy away from saying anything about someone’s weight, especially when they are my former size. Just don’t let it discourage you if people don’t say anything for awhile. Take more pride in the NSVs because there will be many of them. That’s what makes me proud everyday of my accomplishments. A family friend who is 100lbs soaking wet, gave me great advice recently. She said, there are days where I pick myself a part. Days I feel bloated and fat. It doesn’t matter how small you are, there will be days. But the things that don’t come and go for me is the improvement to my health, not worrying about if a chair will hold me, being able to cut my toenails and tie my shoes, walking across the parking lot without being out of breath, taking my dog for a walk.... *those* are the things that i never pick apart. I always hold onto.

Oh girl, I’m in the same boat. Mine was in January and I’m counting down the days! We can support each other. I had this surgery to start a family and I am very eager. Send me a PM if you ever want to chat!

I was nearly 75lbs down before my coworkers started to notice. Once I hit a 100lbs, people sent me private emails to congratulate me. It’s become apparent that people notice now.

Gosh, I don’t know why, because I don’t ever get emotional, but tears came to my eyes reading your story! I can relate to your struggles and your reasons for surgery. Your words resonated with me. You are doing this for your family first, and then for yourself. We all have our reasons, but I feel in my heart that you are ready. Congrats on starting your journey! I hope you stick around so I can continue to follow your story.