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Somewhere I read that too much protein can lead to issues with gout. Have you ever heard anything like that? Also, JSan, I am intrigued by your avatar - can you share where you found that? It's pretty cool.

I took my pill maybe 20 min before the appt. not sure if it had kicked in yet....but regardless, 101/69 is too low either way! Lol. I feel so much better with out it. So far my BP is running normal since I stopped the meds last week! I've been charting BP since home from hospital on spreadsheet along with oximeter and weight. Cardiologist said stop, PCP concurred and gave me numbers to watch for if it creeps up so I could resume meds if necessary. So far, so good - don't need 'em!

After a lifetime of counting numbers, that was important for me, too. Otherwise I have no sense of "where I am." My NUT said initially I should get 300-600 cal per day, leaning toward the 600 end. Then as more real foods were introduced, 600-900 cal per day. Now, 12 weeks out, 900-1200 cals and 65-80g protein is the range, but I should try to stay at 1000 cals & 65g protein...at 70, I probably need less protein than younger people. When I get to Maintenance Level I'm going to try this ratio and see how it goes: Protein - 26%, 65g, 260cal. Carbs - 38%, 95g, 380cal. Fats - 36%. 47g, 428cal It will really boil down to tweaking the fat and carb numbers if necessary since I want the protein level to be the constant.

That IS major, Lynn - congratulations! May this be just one of many successes to come. I got off my BP meds, too, but your numbers are waay better than mine! And then, 19# lost as well! I just hit the 50# lost mark, so I'm celebrating, too,

Ditto - July 17 and down 49 lbs. It is just amazing, trying to recall when I last weighed this amount - years and years and years. So grateful. So very Grateful.

no driving restrictions beyond waiting til you are off the narcotic pain meds

Very clever! Glad things are going well for you!

I had no help before or after surgery except transportation to and from hospital. Stock up on supplies and meds beforehand while you can still drive. Post-surgery the nix on driving is just because of your pain meds, which you may only need 2-3 days. I did not NEED or want any help. It sounds like the relationship may not have been built on a solid foundation in the first place, so celebrate YOU and your FREEDOM. It's an exciting time in your life, Mousecat88 !!!

@Frustr8 - yay, good for you! Ffeels so good, doesn't it, seeing the numbers go down? Those "little" victories are HUGE.

Everyone is different. Some lose fast, some lose slowly. Have you discussed at your monthly followup with your surgeon? Talked with your nutritionist? Discussed at support group? Are you keeping hydrated? Eating 6 times per day? Our nurse said the weight loss is 80% diet, 20% exercise; in these first few months we should be getting 500-600 calories per day if you feel you must count calories, although they want us to just count protein, which for me is 65-80grams per day. If your surgeon is happy with your progress, then try to relax and just work the program! I believe our bodies go into starvation mode and resist losing like the dickens. I was a basket case every time I would go into ADJUSTMENT MODE (stall) - had cravings, was moody, full of anxiety, weighed in every day... I've learned to relax, but now am transitioning to real food, which is a whole new challenge! Not sure I can get all my protein from food without supplemental protein. Time will tell.

I was devastated the first time I quit losing, and it lasted for two weeks! They say we've "stalled" but the term has a negative vibe to it. I realized it's a period for the body to ADJUST and catch up to the changes going on. And odd issues can happen anytime - I'm 12 weeks out and sometimes my stomach threatens to reject what I sent down there. Some days are great, others are iffy. I've learned to treat my stomach with respect and delicacy. And I don't mind losing slowly, averaging aout 8 oz per day. Slow and steady is just fine.

Isn't it fun? Your whole day now must revolve around YOUR needs! Be the DIVA that you are - it's all such a wonderful adventure...WHEE...

I was reading that bariatric surgery doesn't have enough stats yet on the long-term outcomes of patients, so that's one reason there may not yet be much protocol standardization. I appreciate the conservative approach of surgeons; right now I long to have coffee or other things, but I would hate to suffer acid reflux in 5 years because I drank caffeine again too soon, or get gout because I ate too much protein, or some other thing. For those who stay active on this forum long term, it will be interesting to see if there are common problems that befall us in 5-10 years and beyond. I am 70 now, so may not be around in 10 years, but I'm going to enjoy the heck out of the years I have left with this new lifestyle. I think about those in their 20's - 40's who are having the surgery and hope they won't have a future of digestion issues to deal with. I suppose new meds will keep being developed to meet the challenges.

Frustr8, how is it that 11 days out you can have soup and eggs? I'm almost 9 WEEKS out and still cannot have eggs! You must be some kind of Wonder Woman.

You are so correct about that, and each time you say NO to someone it will get easier and easier. You are putting boundaries around you and teaching others how you expect to be treated. You walk, and you journal, girl. If others have a problem with your focus on attending to YOUR needs, then the problem is THEIRS, not yours. You are not responsible for their reaction. Coping with the feelings is another issue, and the strategy will be different for everyone. For me, I journal, look at the charts I keep about my progress so far and congratulate myself. Under extreme stress, I do scream therapy: take a pillow and scream as loud as you can into it. I usually end up laughing at how ridiculous I must look, but it works!

More thoughts: we all are benefiting from marvelous medical progress -- 20 years ago all these surgeries you have had might have taken an even greater toll on your system; are you self-employed, Andy? Your hospital stays must have impacted your job quite a bit. And most importantly, I'm so relieved your double surgery went so well and you seem to be doing just fine. You are due for some better days, friend! Big hugs to you!! We are truly living in a "treat 'em & street 'em" world these days...

Andy, your courage and stamina are beyond comprehension. A lesser person might have just surrendered and given up. I respect your candid and unvarnished story, and feel privileged that you would share it with this group. I hope you stay in the group as we go along, this motley group of strangers-turned-friends by a common cause, finding solice and support and periodic ass-kicking when needed. You are AWESOME. Since you invited Qs, I'm wondering how the foods you can eat will impact the WLS surgery and life going forward.

Gotta print that one and put it on the fridge!

So you finally made it -- yippee! So glad all is well and you're home. The adventure begins.

I am so reassured to hear you say that -- I have been stalled 15 days now and going nuts. I wonder what the longest stall is...

Yeah, I know I know! it IS most interesting. From a bird's eye view, I am amazed by ALL the very different protocols for both pre and post-op food plans. It makes me wonder WHY? Why are surgeons not in greater agreement and working toward some level of standardization? Is it the varying opinions of the legal department of hospitals, deciding what degree of patient risk is acceptable with a given procedure? Is it the personal opinion of the surgeon on the design of the program? I just don't know, and may never know, but I sure do wonder! I agree it sounds nutso to allow crackers and such - it does say in limited amounts, and of course, protein is first. I suspect pts so long for something to chew on after 6-8 weeks they had to make a few concessions. I do know that coffee is a no no because it tends to be a diuretic, and because caffeine stimulates more gastric acid. Those who are marginal in getting enough hydration don't need the extra challenge of a diuretic. Or so they tell me!

@jsan You made me chuckle! Yes, dammitall, it sucks. But not for long. I keep having to tell myself "Everything's temporary." My mood is better today so I can say that with impunity. Hope it's all going well for you! It certainly LOOKS like you're doing well at 80# lost in what, just 2 months?? AWESOME! I try to think about Tom Hanks living on that deserted island 4 yrs on a diet of fish and coconut (Cast Away).

That is definitely a big emotional factor. I cannot eat most processed foods, or tolerate sweeteners other than stevia, which eliminates commercial protein drinks. I'm used to doing my own cooking and baking, which I love. I can have organic dairy, and got organic bouillon, and now organic V8. My program is very conservative: no caffeine or meat of any kind for 3 months. I have braved foods from the next stage by cooking potatoes and carrots in broth, which was heaven. And found a good bariatric broccoli cheddar soup which is wonderful. Fortunately in a few days I can begin Stage 5, which means tuna, canned beans, cheese, toast (yippee!), crackers, pita, tortillas, and then I can make the baked ricotta everyone raves about. I can be much more creative now with soups and such. Still can't have eggs, poultry, beef, seafood, nuts, rice, pasta, dried fruits or fruits with peels. Or coffee!! I was just whining a bit, and this too, shall pass. I was warned this 6-week Stage 4 would be the worst. What bothers me most is the 2-week stall. I've upped the water, and changed the exercise routine so hopefully that will help. Thanks for your suggestions!

@Frustr8 So happy your BIG DAY finally, FINALLY arrived, and hoping you and SueSaBelle are doing well. Check in with us when you're able!

My highest wt was 368, consult wt 350, and 8 weeks post-op have been stalled at 314 for two weeks. Very demoralizing. In some respects I still feel I'm at 368. Stalls create feeling of O boy, here it comes -- another Epic Fail at losing weight, like its something in my DNA I can never overcome. But I don't feel ashamed anymore after learning obesity is a disease -- a chronic disease -- a chronic, deadly disease. And we don't know a singular cause of it. Yet. I am working on this, and realize it is very much a mental game element we must overcome. My best self tells me to look at the NSVs (non-scale victories), to look how far I've come, look for small goals in terms of more exercise, and journal. I do track protein, and get 60-90g per day, but it's not enough to quell cravings and there's not enough variety to provide the satisfactin of a tasty meal. I'll try to make tomorrow a better day. I really need my body to end this stall. I am glad for this site, and glad we can lean on one another and share our journey with others who understand.