anonbaribabe

Baritastic! It's specifically for bariatric patients and let's you track your water, protein, vitamins, etc. You can set reminders/timers and it has a surgery countdown.

I like taco salad and meatballs—I use ground turkey for both. Also, since you don't mind cold chicken you could do a grilled chicken salad.

I'm not a smoker, but someone in my pre-op surgery classes was and he was just required to stop smoking by the time they submitted to insurance—so similar to what is described above. Good luck quitting! Someone else in my surgery group said that she used Chantix and that it helped a lot, but another person in the group said that she quit cold turkey and that it worked for her.

It's good that this info is getting out there. My dietician heavily emphasized that I'm not allowed to use any protein that's main source of protein is concentrate, like Premier.

I'm using instagram for my WLS anonymously. I don't post any pics of my face or any other identifying info. Insta is a fun way to track your progress.

I was nervous, but I told my family for a few reasons. The first was that my surgery will likely be scheduled around Thanksgiving and it's going to be hard explaining why I'm not eating at a holiday where the main event is eating Besides that though, I didn't want to keep it a secret from them. I also like being able to talk to my sister about it and I wouldn't be able to do this if I hadn't told her. I was nervous to tell them, but I was more nervous to keep it a secret. I felt so much better after telling them. I totally understand those who want to keep it private, though. I've told one close friend, but other than that, I haven't told any of my other friends and I probably won't. Ultimately do what makes you feel the best If you do tell them and any of them are unsupportive, lean on those who are supportive and hopefully the others will come around. Good luck!

My doctor does sleeve-to-bypass revisions for those who have GERD or those who don't lose weight with the sleeve.

This is what my doctor told me. I've also read that the development of GERD after surgery could be, in part, due to the surgeon's technique and that some patients' GERD gets better after losing weight.

That's awesome, congrats!

Six weeks post-op I'm allowed to have caffeine, use straws, and have carbonated drinks.

I agree with this; you'll get sick of them which could then make it more difficult for you to stick to your diet. Even if your pre-op diet doesn't require you to drink only protein shakes, post-op you'll definitely be drinking them so you don't want to get sick of them before then. I'm on a 3 month diet prior to surgery and have bought a few types to try so I know which I like, but only drink them for breakfast or for a snack if I'm hungry in the afternoon.

My insurance requires that I lose 5% of my weight in the 3 months before surgery and for the first couple of weeks I was eating pretty poorly. I've finally buckled down though! I'm sure that going to a support group will better help you stick to your goals. My dietician and exercise physiologist meetings are in a group setting and it's definitely helping me with accountability.

I agree! Wishing you continued success!

@Little Kansas Kitty This is completely unrelated to this post, but I love your videos! Super informative and nice to see what I have to look forward to

I'm wondering if it's dumping from the sugar? Could also just be that your body doesn't tolerate it like it used to? Someone who has a more concrete answer, please jump in

Hello, fellow Kansas Citian! Congrats, you look amazing and so happy!

I hear ya. Everyone wants to give their two cents, lol. I ignore anyone who doesn't have something positive to say—ain't nobody got time for negativity!

I agree with all of this. There are so many reasons that your scale may be saying you've gained a pound. In the grand scheme of things, one pound is nothing I'm the type of person who used to weigh everyday, so I totally understand becoming fixated on that number. If you decide to keep on weighing frequently I recommend the app Happy Scale. It tracks your weight using a moving average, so it takes normal weight fluctuations into account to estimate your actual weight.

Same! It's great to know that so many others have had the same questions and are going through the same experiences

Welcome! Keep your eye on the prize The next few months will fly by and your surgery date will be here before you know it.

I'm glad you posted this, I'm always looking for people to follow! My insta is the same as my username here, anonbaribabe.

I completely agree with all of this. We crave support from those who are closest to us, but until they're willing to be more openminded you have to cheer for yourself and focus on the support you receive from your husband. I truly hope that they come around and support you to the fullest extent.

Hahahahaha, I trust you! And oh man, good luck! I feel like these shots will be the only thing that save me after surgery, lol.

Creamsicles?!?! That sounds awesome! I can't wait to get these!

I haven't had surgery yet, but this is one of the things I'm really looking forward to!