LindsayT

Mashed potatoes will be during the puree stage starting at 3 week. HOWEVER, each program is different.

If you're talking about the 2 weeks after surgery, it's all liquid, no chunks of any kind. So broth, strained soup with protein powder, milk, protein drinks, water, and sugar-free popsicle.

My surgeon said to double up on birth control because the extra estrogen released after surgery, when you're losing, can make you super fertile. I had my tubes tied after the birth of my third, so I can't speak to the effectiveness of the pill.

It has started. My hair is falling out in tub clogging, brush filling, handfuls. I knew it was coming, but nothing prepares you for it. I've noticed the touch of my hair has changed. I mean, it's dry. I just got a haircut a few weeks ago, I use good quality moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and a leave in conditioner. Is it normal for it to be dry too?

Have you tried Miralax for the constipation?

Oh, yes, the hormones. Ugh... I am still dealing with acne at 40, so I feel your pain. Dermatology is very helpful. I'm on 2 topical prescription creams and an oral medication to help control my acne. My skin overall has gotten drier since surgery. I use an in shower moisturizer and another one once I get out and dry off. It's help my body skin a lot. I also use a heavier cream at night on my face. Just be careful if you're acne prone on which products you use.

Totally understandable.

Meats from the deli are definitely better than the prepackaged stuff. But they both are not doing it for me. I've been craving cured Italian meats, but they are much higher in fat and calories...bummer.

Lunch meats are funky to me as well, but I do like adding lean meats to my boxes like leftover chicken, turkey, ham, or steak (steak is touchy for some, so see how your stomach reacts). And be careful that the meats aren't too dry. Leftover meat can dry out and cause your stomach problems. I also like imitation crab or shrimp cocktail for some different protein options. For me, it's all about mixing it up so I don't be bored. Eating again is so much more enjoyable. Food just hits different, ya know. The taste, texture, and smells are like trying something for the first time. Just keep in mind things that you liked before, you may not like after surgery or when you start eating again. That one weirds me out. I'm hoping my liking to those foods comes back as time goes on.

It's hard, especially the preop and postop diets. The next couple of months are really important as you prepare for and the heal from surgery. I find communication is best with friends and family ( if you're telling anyone). Explaining your eating requirements and that you still want to hang out, just not always food focused. The restriction to foods is temporary. Yes, you need to adhere to your prescribed diet for life, but you can still enjoy food once you've healed. And occasionally, a bite or two of something special.

It sucks. I've noticed for me that I stall every 2-3 weeks for about 5-7 days. It's super frustrating. Even with those stalls, I've managed to lose 38 lbs since surgery on May 1st and a total of 53 lbs since the pre-op diet. Stay the course, and you'll start losing again.

Sounds like you have some great ideas that'll work for you. So happy things are going well for you!

The gas from surgery. I just let it rip. Especially when I was cramping so badly. The nurse even encouraged it. There is zero shame in the hospital... lol

Talk to your team. You can also try sleep hygiene practices as a non-medication option.

I can understand that to be frustrating. Just brainstorming thoughts... What types of foods are you eating? For example, sticking to low fat/sugar/carb and high protein. What about drinks? Low to no calorie. Physical activity? Cardio and strength training. What about medications? Too much sodium? Water weight? Are you still tracking your food and fluids? Has your team done blood work lately? What does the nutritionist say? Another way to measure progress is by measuring different areas of your body versus just the scale. Maybe you're losing inches instead of pounds. How about the way you feel or activities you can now do. Hopefully, you and your team can figure out what is going on.

I've seen the Greek in the 12-15 gram range. Anything over that has been difficult

I'm having a hard time finding high protein greek yogurt in my local stores. It's super frustrating.

Please share more about no bake brownies

Thanks for the compliment. We're on vacation too (nothing as fancy as Europe). It was our year to visit family. And y'all know how that goes... dinner our, picnics, BBQs, road trip food. 😫 My husband and I shared most of our out to eat meals, but we went to all our favorite restaurants from home, so it was hard to just ordet something that was bariatric friendly. It's been hard keeping track of food, water, and weight. I've lost, maybe 2 lbs, but have definitely maintained while we've been gone. We get home tomorrow and am looking forward to getting back to my normal routine. Sounds like you enjoyed your trip. We've only ever been to England and even then that was when my husband was stationed there in the military. I would love to go back some day.

I felt this way before surgery. I was everywhere emotionally. TBH, after surgery I just went with the flow. It kind of worked itself out for me. I still get head hunger and have to be careful around certain food. But like you, my husband is super supportive and he helps me through it. Sometimes we butt heads over his comments in the moment, but it was something we talk about regularly. I basically gave him permission to tell me if I'm eating too much, too fast, the wrong thing, ect. It's helps, especially if we're out or at parties. The head hunger or food addiction is definitely something I have had to (and still am) working through.

When did you start to reintroduce salads and raw vegetables? I was given any guidance except to introduce slowly.

I was told to start walking right away and more intense/weight exercise at 6 weeks. And even then, my surgeon said if it hurt my abdominal area to stop and try again in a week or so.

Had mine done on an Army base, and it was 100% free. The only out of pocket I had was a $36 copay for my psych evaluation.

Had mine done on an Army base, and it was 100% free. The only out of pocket I had was a $36 copay for my psych evaluation.

I just started drinking black coffee at 2 months, and even then, I maybe only have 3 or 4 cups a week. Tea is a bit easier on your stomach, though not as much caffeine. The biggest problem with caffeine is that it's a diuretic.