BeanitoDiego
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Everything posted by BeanitoDiego
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Lost my Pup last month and struggled really hard for that first month. Stopped tracking intake and slid into old habits here and there. Also quit working out. Can't walk in the neighborhood because of all of the memories we shared. Losing my Pup is the most heartbreaking thing I've ever been through. My Pup was my world 💔
Talked to my doc during my one year followup and they were not worried about my current status. They know, and I know, that I will get back on track.
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I didn't care for the bone broth after surgery and had stocked up beforehand. Luckily, my supermarket allowed me to exchange the bone broth for vegetable broth.
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I have found my saving grace!!
BeanitoDiego replied to Dchonlee's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I recently tried a liquid store brand version of a water flavoring additive that is made with Stevia and contains some B vitamins. It was a nice change from plain water, and easy to add to my ever-present water bottle. On occasion, if I'm on the go and want a cold drink from a convenience store, I choose Bai Water if I can find it. If not, then I look for Gatorade Zero or Powerade Zero Sugar. -
I drank instant black decaf for 3 months both pre-op and post-op. I'm 9 months post-op and have been back on regular coffee for about 6 months. A change in my preference is that I now drink it with half & half and protein powder added. Two or three servings every morning, no matter where or how I find myself 😁 During that 6 month caffeine-free period, I also drank warm herbal teas, and room temperature decaf black teas. I still enjoy the herbals in the evenings occasionally. And I'm back to regular black teas with cream, one of my favorites!
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Share your favorite air fryer and instant pot recipes!
BeanitoDiego replied to NickelChip's topic in Regular foods (stage 4)
A hearty second vote! Tofu with any topping or seasoning is flipping amazing in an air fryer. -
I've hit a stall 9 months out. I'm not worried, though. My fitness levels continue to improve and I have nearly accomplished my pre-surgery goal of learning to scuba dive! One dive left to complete to get my PADI card 🐠
I was able to go for a 10K/6mile hike in the mountains two days ago just for the fun of it. In the before days, I might have attempted this, but it would have taken me 7 or 8 hours to complete and I would have been exhausted and in pain for the next two days. Taking my time with breaks for snacks and water, I was finished with my wee jaunt in only 4 hours 😎 and really got to enjoy photographing some insects, fungi, and turtles.
Just for fun last week, I ran two 5Ks in two days, something I would have never done in the past! Next goal is a 10K before the end of this month.
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Painful waves of stomach pangs
BeanitoDiego replied to TwinkleToes87's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
After surgery, I would have spasms when trying to take in cold or cool drinks. Everything had to be warm or room temperature. 10 months post-op, and I can drink cold things again. -
Pureed /Soft food Ideas
BeanitoDiego replied to dspedosk's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Ooo @NickelChip this sounds great! I will be trying it very soon. -
First Anniversary of Bypass Coming Up
BeanitoDiego replied to Deep6's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Thanks for sharing an update! I find a lot of inspiration in your story. -
Food Before and After Photos
BeanitoDiego replied to GreenTealael's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Dried berries and nuts have become crucial to my existence 😁 -
I've hit a stall 9 months out. I'm not worried, though. My fitness levels continue to improve and I have nearly accomplished my pre-surgery goal of learning to scuba dive! One dive left to complete to get my PADI card 🐠
I was able to go for a 10K/6mile hike in the mountains two days ago just for the fun of it. In the before days, I might have attempted this, but it would have taken me 7 or 8 hours to complete and I would have been exhausted and in pain for the next two days. Taking my time with breaks for snacks and water, I was finished with my wee jaunt in only 4 hours 😎 and really got to enjoy photographing some insects, fungi, and turtles.
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I have experimented with making my own low carbohydrate breads using primarily eggs and almond flour. Here is a go-to recipe for making a little at a time; I scale it up if I am meal prepping. 1 egg 1 Tablespoon olive oil 3 Tablespoons Almond Flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and pour into a microwave-safe bowl or ramekin. Microwave for 90 seconds. Flip out and slice in half. It's not exactly bread, but paired with a veggie sausage patty, it's a very filling grab-n-go breakfast. For convenience, I have purchased Healthy Life Keto Bread at supermarkets. It has 35 calories per slice, 9g of carbohydrates, 8g of fiber, and 5g of protein. My serving size is usually one piece toasted, with avocado, tomato, and nutritional yeast on top.
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I like both for different reasons. Indoor time is more intense and I regard it as training for the opportunities be outside engaging in activities that I find fulfilling, like swimming, camping, boating, and hiking.
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Food Before and After Photos
BeanitoDiego replied to GreenTealael's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Half a cup of lupin beans, 1/4 cup of sweet potato, 1/5 of an avocado, 1 slice of cucumber, 1oz of tomato. I will take a break and finish the leftovers as a snack later. -
ProteinSnacking, completely redefined.
BeanitoDiego replied to latido's topic in Vegetarian or Vegan Eating
I just found lupini beans for snacking! (Sometimes called lupin beans.) I have another package of chili lime flavor that I’ve opened, and they’re a delicious new adventure for me ☺️ -
I've only tried a few products, but have found two convenience foods that are good for packing a lunch/snacks while I'm engaging in outdoor activities. The first one is the Caramel Crunch protein bars: https://store.bariatricpal.com/products/bariatricpal-high-protein-bars-caramel-crunch I also like these Protein Crisps in ranch and barbeque flavor: https://store.bariatricpal.com/products/bariatricpal-protein-crisps-ranch?variant=12060717809740
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In the USA, federal legislation called the No Surprises Act was enacted in 2021 to help patients out when they cannot consent to being touched by someone out of their insurance network. It has been supplemented with changes as recently as January of 2024. These types of bills fall under something called, "surprise billing," and patients have protections and rights against certain charges. Here's a link for more information: https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises Many of us have had to navigate the complex insurance system in the States and we are no strangers to advocating for ourselves. I was hit with a surprise bill 4 months after my surgery and having knowledge of this legislation helped me avoid paying a large amount of money to an out of network provider that assisted with my surgery.
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I changed my profile image to a molecule of protein. Why? Because I am certain that it saved my life.
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That's brilliant! You've done amazing!! I should probably think about changing my profile picture at some point. Mine is the doll from Squid Games. Ironically the whole premise of the show is about dodging death. We've both done that...
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BeanitoDiego reacted to this
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I haven't tried a boil in bag, but I incorporate quinoa regularly into what I eat these days. It is easy to prepare from scratch. I found this site that is a good introduction into cooking it: https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-cook-quinoa-perfectly-article Hope you enjoy it! I like it with roasted veggies on the side, or topped with melted cheese.
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Oh yeah, something I wanted to rant about, a billing dispute that cropped up 3 months ago.
Surgery was in August of 2023. A bill shows up for over $7,000 in January. WTF? I asks myself. I know that I jumped through all of the insurance hoops and verified this and triple checked that, as did the surgeon's office. All was set, and I paid all of the known costs before surgery.
A looong story short, is that an assistant surgeon that was in the process of accepting money from my insurance company touched me while I was under anesthesia. That is what the bill was for. But hey, guess what? Some federal legislation was enacted last year to help patients out when they cannot consent to being touched by someone out of their insurance network. These types of bills fall under something called, "surprise billing," and you don't have to put up with it.
https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises
I had to make a lot of phone calls to both the surgeon's office and the insurance company and explain my rights and what the maximum out of pocket costs were that I could be liable for. Also had to remind them that it isn't my place to be taking care of all of this and that I was going to escalate things if they could not play nice with one another.
Quick ending is that I don't have to pay that $7,000+. Advocate, advocate, advocate for yourself no matter how long it takes and learn more about this law if you are ever hit with a surprise bill.
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Some days I feel like an infiltrator... I'm participating in society as a "thin" person. They have no idea that I haven't always been one of them! 🤣
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Travel 6 months Post-op
BeanitoDiego replied to Julie.Nudge's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I travelled internationally two months ago, and was 6 months post-op. I brought protein bars, protein-enhanced electrolyte water mix packets, an empty water bottle & coffee cup, and snacks like a nut-based trail mix that I like to put together. I also hauled a giant plastic container of protein powder with me because I LIVE for my morning proffees. No problems crossing any borders or with any airports/security checkpoints. -
Socks at night are a must-have! This will be my first summer post-op, and I can already tell that I will be in long sleeves and pants more often than not.
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For me, the changes in the way that I began feeling physically were motivating. I felt lighter and more ease of movement in the world. I liked seeing more of my natural jawline in the mirror. There was a spark that really wanted to see how far I could go on this path, and I am pleased as punch to be where I am at today!
