LookingForward22

Thank you, I’ll double check my labels and the Baritastic App. I used members mark Canned chicken, good & gather brand non-fat Greek yogurt and used the gram weight of the eggs rather than large, med. I noticed there are some Protein gram diffrences between brands so I’m not sure if it is that or something else - but it’s a good point to verify those numbers. It really was yummy, I hope you like it!! 

I asked my surgeon what they recommended based on my medical history - and why. I really thought she was going to say bypass because of my high BMI and reflux, but she suggested sleeve. I mentioned I was taking Pepcid for reflux - but she pointed out that was only since January and mostly from my hiatal hernia… so fixing that should resolve my reflux. (Only a week out too soon to tell). When I asked about my high BMI she told me that she had some high BMI patients do very well with sleeve - but that she normally recommends a duodenal switch for high bmi and being a 10 hour surgery (with my hernia repair) she likes to do those in two stages… which this allows us that option. Honestly I’m hoping to loose enough that I don’t need to convert. I’m not working towards a specific number - I wanted my liver to improve (it already is showing improvement) and to get healthier. When I hit the number / goal where I feel good then I’ll settle in there. Hopefully I can do that with just the sleeve.

I vary… I usually weigh myself in the morning. I only record my weight on Tuesdays (my surgery was on a Tuesday). Occasionally I will jump on to get an idea of how much I fluctuate throughout the day, but that’s not an all the time thing. Like if I’m feeling bloated I might hope on or something like that.

I have issues (digestive) when it comes to artificial sweeteners. I don’t particularly love the taste of most either. I knew going in I would have issues with the artificial sweetener in the pre-op liquid and post liquid stage when options are limited. Most times my sweet tooth is satisfied by fruits - but sometimes I want something more and try to use moderation. I have found built bars (especially the puffs), which do contain erythritol and were recommended by my nutritionist, more than satisfied my sweet tooth (and offer a nice protein boost) when I was eating solids. (That was pre-op… right now I’m a week out from being sleeved). Those were an occasional thing to tide me over on the go and keep me from getting to hungry and over eating. The Fairlife shakes, in moderation didn’t bother me, but when they were my primary source of nutrition - I struggled. I also have a milk allergy so I need to watch how much dairy I consume. I’m ok with a little - but too much and I get stomach cramps and digestive distress. When I called my nutritionist Monday because of the artificial sweetener causing some digestive irritation - she suggested moderation. One of the yogurts she suggested I try had cane sugar & fruit pectin. It was lower in sugar than regular, and had a bump of protein. I had two days to get through until purees, where I could add in real food and transition away from the shakes… so it was getting through. I try to make healthy choices, fresh fruit or no sugar added in general. Occasionally I have some things with artificial sweetener, but keep it limited because past experience has proven it will irritate and inflame my digestive system. I am working towards a balanced approach. My PCP (whose been my Dr for about 44 yrs now) has always told me he’d much rather I have less sugar in moderation than artificial sweetener as a rule. So I am trying to stay within my program guidelines and follow a balanced approach. It takes some creativity, but so far I am making it work. I have more to loose than you do, but I’m pleased with the progress I have made so far. Since I started my weight-loss journey I have lost about 75 pounds so far (50 leading up to my pre-op, 10 in the pre-op liquid phase & 15 since being sleeved last week). I might have had even better progress had I gone strictly sugar free … but I’m striving for maintainable, steady progress - something I can do forever not just a short term “diet”. Moderation seems to be working for me, but I will keep reassessing and working with my team and make adjustments as I go.

Finally feeling better now that I can have purées. Made a chicken salad that reminds me of a deviled egg consistency - that is yummy and Protein packed. I wasn’t sure I could do a puréed meat - but connecting it to the deviled egg filling helps. 3 oz chicken 2 hard boiled eggs (about 100 grams) 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise 1 tablespoon non fat Greek yogurt 1/4 teaspoon mustard Whole container about 1 cup: 284 calories, 43 grams protein, 2 grams carbs, 1 gram sugar, 11 grams fat Used the mayo we had on hand - will probably exchange out for a lower fat one going forward, but it was a welcomed change from the liquid of the past 2 weeks. Going to slowly introduce new purées over the next week so I don’t upset my stomach. I’m on the purée stage for two weeks before I go to soft foods. Other than the ricotta bake… (hoping to make that sometime this weekend), anyone have any staples you have had good experience with or favorites to share?

I’m sorry you are going through this. I hope you can get in for the tests you need as soon as possible, and that you have some lasting relief.

Congratulations!! Woo hoo yay you is right!!!

I woke up from surgery with a binder in. I’ve been wearing it most days helps with the pulling at the incision where my stomach was taken out.

Not all programs are alike. I’d suggest looking for a program/doctor who has a flexible nutrition plan that’s more inline with your eating plan. My program takes a balanced approach and there really aren’t foods I can’t have - but I can’t have them all at every stage. I am allowed beans, complex carbs and minimally sweetened yogurts. So check around with different programs to see who might be a better fit for you.

I’m so excited for real food. I know it will be purées - but I could probably live on my grandmothers chicken salad (puréed of course).

So I start purées tomorrow, but I’m allowed yogurt, soups, etc today. I notice when I take sips, but especially when I eat thicker things like yogurt (with a spoon), I have what feels like some air pressure when I swallow. I’ve used a reg spoon (metal), flexible rubber baby spoon to flatten it out - almost pressing the spoon flat with my tongue so there can’t be an air pocket with yogurt. But still I’m having a tiny bit of mild diaphragm pressure when I sip or swallow. After a few bites or sips I burp (or every so often- sorry for this… pass gas) and then I feel ok. Until I do burp, I have an uncomfortable diaphragm pressure … Is this normal? If it is normal, is this a forever thing or just while you are healing? Thanks.

Thank you. I was assuming that was the case - but I thought it’s better to ask and know. I’m trying to eat incredibly slowly just to be safe.

Oh no… I’m sorry!!

I have had some cravings pop up but so far it’s been manageable. I’m in the final 36 hours of my post op liquid and counting down until I start purée on Wednesday. I’m hoping that brings a little more variety and distracts me some.

In my practice the surgeon keeps their own surgery schedule. When I met with my surgeon, (which was after I completed all of my program requirements) she asked me if her first available date worked for me … if it would not have - she would have gone on to her next availability and so on until we found a date that worked. I took her first available. I had an 8 day liquid diet to shrink my liver so the length of that will also play into that date.

My plan is to call my dietician tomorrow and see what options I might have. Today I was told by the intern on call to just focus on staying hydrated with water and juice - or whatever I could tolerate, move as much as I can and recommend some OTC meds to try to help things along - beyond what I already tried. Wednesday I start purées and I’m hoping that I can incorporate more options to help keep my system happy.

Thank you. Today has been rough. My daughter birthday part was today - on the upside not feeling well none of the food was appealing to me so there was no temptation or craving. I’ve pretty much confirmed my problem is constipation. So I’m trying to move as much as I can and drink as much water as I can. I’m not worried about protein or calories until I get things moving - or I talk to my regular team tomorrow. Hopefully I’ll be feeling better by tomorrow and can get back on track.

Sorry you are feeling hunger, but I’m glad to hear you are feeling brighter today.

I just was sleeved on 8/16. I have been over 300 pounds for YEARS… but as long as I was able to do what I wanted and needed to - I didn’t see the need. Last year I hit my heaviest weight ever at 382… and I was like NOPE this isn’t happening. I worked my butt off to loose weight and had a good start. Then I got sick and we found out my liver was enlarged (like 3x the size it should be) and my fatty liver was progressing to NASH and my liver function tests were concerning my drs. Finally I was ready to consider surgery. I lost about 55 pounds from my heaviest leading up to my pre surgery diet (over about 9 months). I had a few set backs with having covid during that time. My endocrinologist was pleased with my liver reduction (through palpitations) and knowing I was scared about surgery told me if I kept making progress I could hold off on surgery if I wanted. But I was to worried that there would always be another “set back” and my liver wasn’t anything I wanted to mess with. I lost another 12 pounds on my pre op diet. I asked my surgeon how my liver looked after surgery (there was a chance I was also going to end up with a liver biopsy in addition to a hernia repair) and she told me my liver looked fantastic and to keep doing what I was doing - no need for the biopsy. There’s no guarantees that weight loss would reverse my liver condition - but it was my best shot. However I was told if I did nothing it certainly would continue to deteriorate. I’m not quite a week out. I’m sore - occasional movements hurt, at times a bit nauseous (not horrible) and I’m sick of the liquid diet … but I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. I have confirmation I’m on the right track and that means the world to me. I’m not looking to be a particular size or weight, I’m working towards being healthy and that includes my liver, joints and over all well being. My husband was supportive right from the beginning to do whatever I wanted to do. At times I wavered because I was scared - but he was my rock and honestly I think not doing something scared him more that the surgery (he was scared too). He sat in my drs appointment when the dr explained what the progression of my liver from NAFLD to NASH meant and what to expect if I didn’t make some real changes. My only advice is find a bariatric program you are comfortable with. It took me two tries. Have your boyfriend come along if he’s able and if not take someone you trust to be objective and SUPPORTIVE. Having that support helps. Also if you have a therapist talk to them about it - your concerns, fears, hopes for the outcome. And if you don’t have one, consider finding someone who deals with bariatric health. I see mine every two weeks and we always touch on where I’m at in the process - it has helped. No one can tell you what the right decision is for you, but I do hope you have support whatever you choose to do. Best of luck and please update how you are doing no matter what you decide.

I take our favorite Mayo and use 1/2 of it and 1/2 plain greek yogurt - choose which ever variation your plan might suggest. Add some protein and helps cut calories. We usually use Hellman’s (the olive oil one works well with this) and occasionally have grabbed the store brand to do this with as well. I have been doing this long before surgery and actually my kids (adults) ask for me to make it that way now. Even use this for deviled eggs. I have also done this with sour cream (half and half) and no one ever noticed. Trust me, my family will point out if anything is “off”.

Thank you! This was helpful, reminding me to listen to my body and stick to the basics. I’m hoping once I get to purées and have more Whole Foods to work with some of the problems resolve them selves. I was over my protein goal Friday and about 15 oz short on my water. Today I was over on my water about 20 grams short on my protein. I definitely need to make hydration the top priority, protein my next and not worry quite so much about calories.

I did reach out and heard back, there’s a possibility it’s my irritable bowel acting up from all the protein (slowing things down). That can sometimes make me feel nauseous. So I’m starting some Miralax tonight and will continue through tomorrow. I’ll check in with my regular dietitian on Monday. If I feel worse they suggested some Dulcolax - but encouraged me to keep up with the water and as much movement as I can to help. The artificial sweeteners may not be helping either, but my regular nutritionist would be the person to make any changes to my diet plan so I will see what she has to say. Thanks for the feedback it was very helpful!!

It’s not impossible - but my urine is still on the pale side (not as light as yesterday but still pale). I’ll give them a call and see what they suggest. I’d rather stay ahead of things then feel worse and wish I had called. Thank you!

That does seem like a long time but I’m betting there is a good reason for it. @heartofmercury mentioned having 30 days and I bet there are others. My team said if I struggled at all with the diet at any stage to call. They would rather work with me to stay on track than to have me go off track and delay my healing or progress. Hang in there - you have a lot of support here!

I’ve been doing the same. The iso pure changes the taste a little bit I think. It’s not horrible but Wednesday can’t get here soon enough. I’m ready to taste some different flavors.