TakingABreak

I hate calling as well. I feel like I'm bothering them over silly things, which I know that I shouldn't feel that way considering the cost of this surgery.

I'm not a vet by any means, but I am 5 months post op and my hair is significantly falling out. I have done everything, and anything to prevent it. I take 10k units of biotin. I avoided coloring my hair for almost a year and a half to ensure healthy hair. I use salon quality shampoo and conditioner. I meet or exceed my protein goals every day. The point is, that I don't believe there is one true way to avoid hair loss. I'm thankful that I have very thick hair. Some experience a little, some a lot. One thing I know for sure is that it does slow down, and usually grows back. Also, here's the more scientific explanation to why we shed, and when....hair loss comes during the next natural shedding cycle. Everyone sheds at the end of the “telogen” phase, which is approximately every 3-4 months. It depends on when your surgery is with correlation to your next telogen phase, as to when you will experience hair loss. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/science-hair#2

I can't say enough about my Vitamix. I made so many soups with it, and their recipes online are delicious. I highly recommend the Harvest Cheddar. You won't regret it, as long as you commit to using it. The prep is little and the blend/cook time is so short.

If only you could have seen my fridge and pantry before my surgery. I had surgery out of town, so my sister came with her family to dog sit for me, and I had to apologize because it looked like we were moving. Everything was empty. Even the condiments were gone, because not many were bariatric friendly. My husband said I probably overdid it considering he still lives there, but it helped me feel ready by getting rid of everything.

me too! I need to up the ante as well! I wish I knew someone local who had surgery like me that I could work out with. I do so much better with a buddy, not to work out with, but just to keep me motivated and accountable.

I love how we can continuously come back to this thread and add. I hope this goes on for rest of the time we spend on this site! Our rants will change with time and experience for sure.

I can relate to the texture issue! Sometimes our brains really take over. I had a hard time eating things that aren’t naturally soft. Things get so much better when you transition to soft foods. Hang in there!

That’s incredible that you are still losing 26 months post op. Just goes to show that it’s a marathon, not a sprint! Very inspiring!

I love my ProCare Health vitamins! It’s awesome that I can only take 1 tablet per day. I think I will be ordering the calcium chews, didn’t know you carried them. I do have a question about the prenatal vitamin that you carry from ProCare Health. Is this meant to be in addition to the regular vitamin?

When I was on purred stage, I was eating 4-5x per day. Approx 1/4-1/3 of a cup.

What type of purres? Are you avoiding fibrous veggies? Purred meat may still be too difficult. I’d focus on things like Greek Yogurt, refried beans, cottage cheese, cream of wheat, and things that are notably easier to digest.

1) I know a lot of sleevers who eat sweets and “junk food” again after surgery. I’d suggest being close to goal or at goal. However, lots of people say that they have trigger foods that they know they can’t reintroduce because it’s a slippery slope. Your taste buds may change too, you may not enjoy or crave those things post op. 2. Chewing your food to a purée, yes or no? I don’t even notice anymore. Muscle has memory and it’s second nature to me now. It’s habit and I don’t even think about it. Once you get food stuck once or twice, you just learn that chewing is a lot easier than suffering through discomfort or having to throw up for relief. 3. Yes, liquids typically don’t provide restrictions. Soups are slider foods for me and I can eat a lot more. If it’s not a hearty soup, I could easily eat a cup-cup and a half. That being said, I still can’t drink large amounts in one sitting like I could before. I don’t feel restriction like food, but discomfort almost. 4. It doesn’t take me a long to eat. I usually am the first done because I eat so little. They say you should take 20-30 mins to finish a meal, but that’s always been hard for me. I still eat fast. I’m lucky that I don’t overeat like some have described as a result of not taking your time. It truly does take your brain 30 mins to catch up and send those “full” signals. I still measure out all food. As far as “eating a good amount”, id say no, if your restriction is what it’s supposed to be, you won’t be able to. And one component as to why this surgery works. 5. Very safe. It’s not like you live on 500 calories the rest of your life. Many people get back up to healthy calorie amounts. What people don’t realize is that you end up eating what a normal adult (based on gender, size ect) should eat. I eat approx 1200 calories. Someone of my gender and height, really shouldn’t eat more than that. You do have to take Vitamins for life, but it’s a small price to pay for this life changing, this beautiful gift. Please feel free to ask any follow up questions!

I made most of mine from scratch (not all ingredients) but by using my Vitamix blender. You can actually use their recipes on their website without a Vitamix, by cooking the veggies on the stove top and blending them smooth in a regular blender. They have some excellent soup recipes. I highly, highly recommend their Harvest Cheddar soup. Remember, you can always add unflavored protein powder to any soup to increase the nutritional benefit. https://www.vitamix.com/us/en_us/browse/recipes/Soups/

It gets better, it truly does. I will say that I still have some roller coaster emotions at 5 months post op. It gets better and better, but there is so much that plays into losing weight. Keep positive! Its still hands down the best thing I've ever done in my life (with or without the emotional baggage).

I like doing this just so I know everything that is in the mix instead of monosodium glutamate, modified food starch, maltodextrin, guar gum, Calcium stearate, natural flavor (soy). MSG, modified starch and maltodextrin, and guar gum are in high concentration than buttermilk in commercially available ranch packets. Sounds good! I would for sure try it from scratch. Thanks for the tip

oh man, that sucks. I have heard that it is as bad as childbirth due to the dilation. I hope you feel better soon.

I use the hidden valley ranch dip mix with Greek yogurt (instead of the recommended sour cream) and it tastes just as good. I also eat hummus a lot.

It took me about 4 months.

Woot Woot! Congrats! That is awesome!

Hate to be harsh, but she's right. It sucks hard core, but they are inevitable.

Tomato Soup 1½ cup (360 ml) water 14½ ounce (410 g) canned diced tomatoes 2 Roma tomatoes, quartered 1 carrot, halved 2½ ounce (70 g) sun-dried tomatoes 1½ Tablespoon onion, peeled, diced 1 garlic clove, peeled 1½ Tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (Cut this back unless you are a really big fan of Thyme) 1 teaspoon fresh oregano leaves 1 Tablespoon tomato paste ½ bouillon cube ½ teaspoon flax meal ½ cup (120 ml) milk (I use FairLife Milk) After I soften all the veggies and let everything stew, I throw it in the blender to smooth it all out.

That’s great news! Best decision I’ve ever made and I wish the same for you.

Halo Top is a good one.

Mine were pretty itchy too. As long as there isn't any redness that is fanning out, discharge, or warmness to the touch... you are probably OK. It's annoying tho!

Aw that's a shame you are leaving @Creekimp13. There are a lot of people who post who have had surgery in the last year or so, but the actual vets are few and far between. I hope you change your mind, or come back for visits. Glad to hear you are so close to goal.