JavaKnut

Trying to figure out if it is some sort of allergy, or food issue, or if it is related to surgery. Had my first red area show up on one of my surgery scars (about 6 months post op now). Then over the past few days, more and more zit areas pop up around on my belly. Another on one of the scars. I shower at least once a day - twice a day if we go swimming at the pool. I can't figure out what is causing the irritation. Thought maybe mangos recently, so cut those out. If it was sugar or greasy foods, my face would break out - and i really don't eat much of either of those - especially not greasy. When the spots first show up they itch, then they go away after a few days. They do not spread - so not like poison ivy or anything. Doesn't seem like bug bites - we have no pets or fleas that we can tell. Bug bites would normally be in other areas too.

I had the same stall too. Up and down 1-2 lbs, but hovering the same average for about 2 months now. Went through a bunch of stressful time with quitting one job, starting a new one, packing up and moving across state lines. The packing and moving dropped me about 6lbs over a couple weeks and stalled since. I am more active than ever now - swim every day with my kid and go on walks. I am eating about the same, still proteins first. Semi frustrated, but haven't reached a panic or concern stage yet. Just trying to figure out what I feel actually.

I have not had a flare up since surgery. I felt one coming on, but I was letting myself dehydrate with trying to move houses and wasn't getting all my fluids in. I just got back on the liquids again heavy and it went away the next day. I haven't been on any meds since surgery.

Sorry the delay in seeing this post - been out of town. You are past your two weeks now I am guessing. For other's reference - the green meal was defined by the nutritionist - basically a protein and veggies. I did it with a salad with all good veggies, a tiny bit of oil & vinegar, and grilled chicken on it. Again, that was my week 1 of the pre-op diet. Week 2 was liquids only. Some people go on 3-4 week liver reduction diets - i only had to go on 2, and I only did liquids only for 1.

Yes, mine were.

Do you use a CPAP? I had the same thing, my pressure needed to be dropped because of the weight loss. The machine was blowing me up like a balloon. I would wake up blasting gas out of both ends and some day in agonizing pain because of it. They say your numbers can drop with just losing 10lbs. I lost 45 when I discovered what was causing my problems.

I use probiotics - throw them into sugar free pudding with added protein for a snack at night, and it is keeping me regular. I switch every other day to the ones with added fiber in them. I use just a single packet (kid's serving) and do just fine.

I was told 3 months initially, but then was cleared at 2 to have the pastas and rice, etc. No food restrictions. I still don't eat rice as I have heard of so many people having issue with it, and frankly, I am not a huge fan of rice anyway. It was just a vehicle to get the sauce from some other food down instead of slurping it like soup. heheheh. Carbs take up space, and I want to get my proteins in. I have been guilty of eating chips and salsa recently, but I make sure to eat proteins, then go for the chips. I try to get some whole grain chips and keep the carb/fat content down as much as I can. I can order a sandwich, but really only eat a bite or two for the mouth feel before i just pull out the innards and eat the proteins.

I was told I could ingest anything I could throw in a blender - use your imagination. There was no food that was off limits - just the consistency was key...and keeping it low carb/low sugar too. I felt like it was a huge win to go out and get soups, then bring them home and blend them in my vitamix. Flavor was great - and I could get something that was from someone else cooking. I never went so far as to blend a burger like my surgeon joked about.

Both nutritionists that I have worked with have said - screw the calorie counts - focus on proteins, fats, carbs. Try to make each food fall into 2 of these 3 categories when looking at the per serving numbers: 15g of proteins or more 20g or less total carbs - 10g or less of those being added sugar 10g or less of total fat

There are all kinds of sugar free non-carbonated drink options you can buy at the airport. Keep hydrated = #1 priority. For protein, power crunch bars (taste great) are great and can be tolerated very early in recovery - quest bars are nasty IMHO. I stayed away from jerky early on as it would dehydrate and can be rough if not chewed to mush. Packing premier protein in checked bags is a fantastic backup. Easily put them into the room fridge or throw them in the ice bucket to cool them down for breakfast if you need it.

High protein, low fiber, low liquids, pain meds - all = constipation. Make sure to get plenty of liquids, and walk! Walk walk walk walk walk! I would stay away from meds to help you, unless your surgeon approves. Mine told me to stay away from everything but colace and milk of magnesia. Colace first try - if that doesn't work, then go with the milk. Thankfully I only had one real bad day and I won't go into the details on that.

Usually caffeine related.

Start to wean off the coffee now! I slowed my coffee intake before I went liquid only and that helped a ton. No headaches when slowing it down like I did. I didn't find the liquids to be too bad. The shakes were good, and the snacks weren't bad. I had one week of 3 shakes/day with 2 snacks a day and a green meal. Then one week of 5 shakes a day and no snacks. Lost 20lbs in 2 weeks.

I had the same thing, but it was due to sleeping on back/inclined instead of level and on my side. Also, I use a CPAP and I was losing weight in my face, which was causing my mask to not fit as well. If you use a CPAP, make sure you consult with them about lowering your pressures with weight loss. My machine was pumping me full of air and causing horrendous pain that no one could figure out, until I questioned the CPAP machine instead of diet/food/exercise.