PrettyBrown

Best of luck to you!! I’m nearly 4 months out, surgery was thee best decision I ever made. I hope yours is as successful and happy! I bought a food scale from Bed, Bath & Beyond, they also honor 20% coupons, so a deal made me feel better. I didn’t spend more than $15 on it, it’s nothing fancy, but it does the job! I would definitely recommend one, you’ll use it to each meal after surgery! It’s a whole lifestyle change, and I pray yours is a great one! Please reach out with questions, I’ve met people who helped and listed for me and I’d like to pass the buck. 😁 I also purchased small 3-8oz containers for your meals. Then once you start cooking with the new diet, you’ll notice what things would be needed... just pace yourself, and the best of luck to you! 🥳 💪🏽

Hi! I take the Bariatric Advantage calcium citrate chewables and the ProHealth Bariatric multivitamin chewable. I bought both from the hospital pharmacy initially, but they were almost $60 together. So, I went online and price matched, each brand’s website was the cheapest VS all other retailers I could find, so I ordered thru each of them. I didn’t even think of using other brands... that is now my today’s “DUH” moment. They offer a slight discount if you auto-ship, so I’ve done that for both. For the multivitamin chewable, I H.A.T.E the citrus flavor; but since I’m past one month post-op, my NP says I can switch to the pill. Honestly, anything would have sufficed as long as I don’t ever have to taste, smell or see the citrus flavor chewable ever again! I like that the pill form comes in a 90-day supply, so that will be helpful in cost per month. I think the Calcium Citrate chewies are $35 if you autoship. I’ve tried the ISO-PURE protein waters, they are fantastic! I’ve also had the protein shakes, I don’t really drink them anymore, my tummy does not agree post-op. I struggle with getting protein in, but I use the GenePro protein powder, it’s the only one my program suggested that isn’t flavored. I figured that would be best because I can add it to anything or any temp of food. It is a little more expensive than the others but it’s great and I have no complaints. Hope that helps! I know it can totally be overwhelming at first. Please reach out if you ever need a support!

Thank you for the advice!

Oh no! So sorry! Are you doing okay now or still dealing with the gas?? Sheesh! I was so looking forward to a straw! I’m struggling with my water intake too! I’m averaging about 32-40oz per day... I had my one month checkup yesterday, they suggested infusing my water with fruit or using SF sweetener to get it down easier.... not sure if I want to do the sweeteners, my dr said it may give me more cravings for sugar moving forward. 😩

Welcome!! And congrats on your surgery!

So you’re doing fine with using a straw??? I feel like it could help me get more water in, I’ve been scared that it’ll cause gas! I had a problem with that right after surgery and have been scared ever since... anyone have any tips for me eating more protein for breakfast? I’ve done cottage cheese with GenePro protein powder, but am looking for some other ideas. I’ve been sticking to beans/scrambled eggs/cottage cheese. also, has anyone tried BariatricPal foods?? Anything good there?

Me too! I tried it the first couple days and it didn’t go down well. Maybe because it didn’t look appetizing. Mentioned it at my 2-week checkup, doctor said it’s okay, as long as your eating and my tummy is tolerating it. 👍🏽👍🏽 I’ve heard from a couple other people on this forum and from 3 people I’ve met through my program that it’s more common than you think. Hang in there! 😉

Me too! It’s a hard habit to break. I notice it especially when I’m grocery shopping - I want to buy more than we ever need. 😞

Light English muffins?? Can we have those? I’m needing ideas for breakfast! But I know myself, if I start eating stuff I’m not supposed to, it’s a slippery slope!

I am right there with you! 23 days out, and I’ve actually gained 1.5lbs. 😫😫😫

100% agreed!!!!! Is there another doctor in your office that you can speak to?

No! You aren’t behind!! I’m about 4 weeks post-op and I’m handling walks only — you DEFINITELY aren’t behind! We all heal and move forward at our own pace! ☺️ I’m so sorry about the pain you’re experiencing. Hang in there! Can you maybe try an ice pack on the areas that hurt? I did that my first two nights at home, I was able to stop taking pain meds after I began using the ice pack, the numbness of the pain helped me finally get some rest. I found that the more I rested the more I was able to get up the next day and work thru the pain. 👍🏽 Hang in there!! It will get better!

Have you considered wearing a band around your mid-section? I had a little tear and a drop of blood right after and my doctor suggested I wear the band until I stopped feeling so tight near the stitches.. maybe that will help??

Yay!! I thought the exact same immediately after surgery. I don’t feel that way anymore! I took a look at myself in the mirror, I can already see my figure and see what I’ll look like with an actual figure without the added baggage. 🥸 I am so excited and cannot believe I ever doubted! Thanks for sharing that!!

Sorry your pain is sticking around! Are you up and walking? My pain subsided somewhat the more I walked. So happy for you on the 32lbs!! That’s what matters! We just bought our first home in March 2020, literally a week before COVID hit. Good luck on saving! It’s a slow process but so worth it once you get the keys to your new home!! Sending you prayers and best wishes for recovery!!

Those are all great suggestions! I have had eggs and beans but will try the others too. Yeah, purée was weird all around. I have my 2-week follow up with my doctor today. Let’s see how much I divulge! I have a feeling that they may give me a scolding for not sticking to the purée diet. 🙄

It’s going good! Me and puréed foods don’t get along, so I’ve been eating normal foods and just chewing super well and slow. My water is okay, I’m not up to the 64oz daily yet. I’m averaging about 40-60g of protein a day; it’s pretty hard to get to the full 80g my program suggests. I’ve been good since surgery though, I walked to the bathroom immediately after surgery right when I woke up. The pain the first two days was pretty gnarly, but it’s been good since getting home. I took pain meds only that first night I got home. The weight loss is slow but it’s still happening so I’m good with it! I’ve noticed my bones don’t crack when I get up and start moving. I feel like my legs jiggle more mow when I walk, not sure if that’s because of the weight loss or maybe it’s just in my head! 😱 movement is definitely easier now. My Toms would always be super tight on my feet, so there’s a little wiggle room when I wear them. (Yay!!) my clothes are looser now and a blouse that I haven’t worn in 2 years fits again! I am also nowhere near a tired at the end of my day like I used to be! it’s all for the little things, right? Soooo grateful to have you all!!!

Having it in the Gatorade Zero is a terrific idea!! Thanks!!! Yeah; I think I will try the shakes again. A lady I met at the protein shake isle at Sam’s Club who also had surgery a year ago, told me that I’d be able to get down only about half the shake at a time. To try anymore in one sitting would be a waste because your tummy can’t process anymore than half at a time. I threw the boxes away already and stored them all in my pantry so I can’t really return them now. mind if I ask was it cheaper to buy the GenePro online? I got mine at GNC locally but it was $38 for a 30-day supply. I’m hoping to buy cheaper next time.

Kudos! I had nausea in the hospital really bad, I stayed one day after surgery (required). When I got home I haven’t really had that except for the first night. I blamed it on the purée of turkey and green beans. I haven’t really had purée since. I’ve just been chewing my food really well. The pounds will come off, just be patient with yourself and the process! Best of luck that you see the numbers coming down soon!

THANK YOU for the advice for the long-term!! It definitely helps to know this tightness in my tummy won’t last forever! I decided after surgery to weigh myself only weekly. Sundays are the day I’ve chosen. They say not to do it so often, but I don’t want to wait. At least for right now where I should be losing lbs pretty regularly, hopefully. 🤞🏽

Ditto! It’s been 9 days since surgery and today is finally the day I’ve promised myself I would do nothing and relax!!!!! I’ve been going non-stop since surgery. No judgement to you! We all have lives, they don’t stop just because we had surgery. But if you ever feel tired thru those days, I hope you’ll stop and rest or ensure you get a little more sleep that night. 👍🏽 If you’re able to move around, I say good! I kinda felt like it’s a good sign of recovery if you can move and be on the go. But... I’m guilty of not really slowing down, so take my words with a grain of salt. 😉

Sending you love, prayers and virtual bear hugs! I’m sorry to hear about your daddy. Please let me know if you ever need an ear. 🙂

Hi Luckz! I had mine on 11/24. Yes, I also cannot tolerate the protein shakes now, they honestly disgust me. Don’t tell my hubby that, he just bought me two more cases. My dietician suggested that if you don’t like something initially, to give it a second try 7 days later. It’s supposed to be better the second time. They just stare at me now whenever I open the fridge. 🤣 have you tried protein powder? I got the GenePro one, it’s a little more expensive than the others, but my dietician says this is one of the best. I honestly got it only because it was unflavored, I hoped I’d be able to throw it in anything I ate to help get the protein numbers in each day. I mix it with cottage cheese and it’s been delightful! What do you like these days? Anything that’s worked for you?? I’m all ears!

Hi Tim! I need the same support so please consider me a friend!! I just figured out I can still eat crap, but need to avoid it. I will def need some accountability partners! 🙂

It is amazing that you are able to see the possible side of theirs! Kudos to you! But yes, I suspect that may be part of why I didn’t want to share my news; their reactions would turn me off from them. I commend you and congratulate you for being willing to take this big step for your health! I won’t forget you! I mentioned to another person if you’d like to have a regularly scheduled check in, so that none of us ever have to feel forgotten? LMK what you think? I could use the support also 😁!