MrsFitz

I’m just beginning my second week of my pre op learning and it’s been a fun, interesting week (for me anyway!) I started eating a little better, getting more protein in to my daily diet and logging everything. Good news is that I’m 9lbs down in the first week so I will take that win thank you very much. I’ve also been practicing mindful eating too. My approach to eating was to hoover food up as quickly as possible but, after reading about WLS and what I need to concentrate on post-surgery, I have made sure that every meal has taken 20 mins to eat, that I eat off a plate, put my cutlery down between bites, don’t put more food in my mouth when I already have some food in there etc. Being a sceptical kind of person, I wasn’t really sold on the benefits of this but I gave it a whirl, just to see. I will definitely hold my hand up and admit that my scepticism was misplaced. My head and stomach now recognise that I have actually eaten something and it’s registered with them. I now have a feeling of fullness that I didn’t have before, which really is an eye opener. I know it probably sounds strange but I honestly cannot remember having this? Disordered eating has been such a part of my life for a very long time. I’ve also been giving different sources of protein a try, not for post-op as I’ve really taken on board people’s findings of tastes etc changing after surgery, but for the liver reduction diet and to give myself some variety now as I move towards that. I have tried protein water (a bit sweet but doable) protein yoghurts and protein puddings. Hubby recommended some PHD whey protein but I haven’t tried that yet. The bag isn’t yet open and all I can smell is overpowering vanilla 🤢 I will try it at some point this week, just to see if it tastes better than it smells! I’ve also ordered some 0%-everything flavour drops to try in Greek yoghurt etc, just waiting for those to arrive. My Bariatric plates arrived this week, plus measuring cups and spoons. I’ve been consistently taking my multivitamin, vitamin D and folic acid (because of pre-existing meds) have taken the dreaded ‘before’ photos (and managed not to cry) and generally had a positive week. I know my surgery may be a long way off but things are moving in the right direction and I’m happy about that. Onwards and downwards!

Thank you so much for your tips @JennyBeez👍 I did wonder if things could be diluted but wasn’t sure if it would alter the composition of it or not? Will definitely try adding a dash of lemon or lime juice though, that sounds great. Hubby has the job of mixing powders as he has used them previously so has ‘the knack’! I lack patience at times and would just drink it, lumps included… I’ve found some frozen beef bone broth discs at M&S which sounded ideal as you can just use one disc at a time. I haven’t bought any yet as I’d thought I’d leave it until I tried making some soups in the colder weather…actually that could really be now as it’s stupidly cold in the north of England 🥶 I’m trying to get organised as I can get overwhelmed with things sometimes (many thanks menopause anxiety 😡) so trying to avoid that if I can. I’m also trying to work on the mental gymnastics that my mind can go through when it comes to weight, diet, food blah, blah, blah. I want to eventually draw a line and just have a somewhat reasonable relationship with myself, before it gets too late!

Several years ago I had a run on the cake in a mug mix from MyProtein and OMG, it was so so nice! Me and hubby went silly on it and had to stop buying it in the end 😬 I’ve had a pancake mix before but can’t remember where I got it from, possibly Exante?? I think that’s part of MyProtein now anyway. I was thinking Lemon & Lime as I want something a bit tangy? I drink lime cordial at home so something similar would be good

Thanks @FifiLux for that information. 🙂 I’ve just checked and it seems to be Italy, France and the Netherlands, no UK ☹️ However I have found something on MyProtein which may interest you too @Bypass2Freedom https://www.myprotein.com/sports-nutrition/total-protein-blend/10529951.html which I will try when I have some spare cash. I just wish that they offered sample bags across their whole range so you don’t waste money on a big bag if it’s something you cannot stomach. Also found https://www.myprotein.com/sports-nutrition/clear-whey-hydrate/12869895.html?variation=12869898 which they do in Lemon & Lime which I wouldn’t mind trying too.

I bought a couple of things from Iceland when I tried the Ill-fated but hospital mandated SW diet…what an absolute waste of time. Anyway, I have a bag of the MyProtein chicken satay skewers in the freezer which I need to try. Currently having some I found at Costco which are really nice but will get around to the others when the Costco ones run out. I will have to look at the ice cream though, just for those times you want *something* 😊

I’ve used MyProtein for the flavour drops and some protein bars I’m waiting on for delivery (also good when you find some discount codes 😉) Not a fan of peach but I love watermelon so will have a look at that. Do you have any suggestions for unflavoured protein powder? I want something I can put in such as scrambled eggs, soups etc but I’m struggling to find anything!

Oh…I had hubby taking my ‘before journey’ pictures last week and I hated them so much. I don’t know about anyone else but I never really look at myself from the neck down in any mirrors at home. I know I’m fat, I just don’t need the constant reminders! I don’t try things on in a shop, just order online and hope for the best (does it fit? Yep, that will do) This time I actually looked at the photos and oh boy, it was awful. BUT I just have to keep reminding myself that I will NEVER get that big again. Hubby will take more photos if my weight decreases before the surgery, just so I have something to look back on and compare. We have to keep finding the positives!

Hi 👋 I’m just starting my journey too! My appointments are over the next couple of months but no indication of when I could expect surgery. It could be up to a year apparently but I’m hoping that everything is straightforward with the appointments and tests so there’s no delays (and therefore my surgery is sooner 🤞) Where are you based? I’m UK 😊 I’ve been reading everything I can, downloading bariatric recipe books, ordered a couple of bariatric plates (advised by dietitian for portion control) plus measuring cups and spoons to make weighing a bit simpler. I’ve started to eat a more protein-based diet and I’m learning to slow down my eating (20 mins) so I’m not overwhelmed when I have to start the liver control diet and then surgery! Good luck with your journey, hope everything goes smoothly for you.

That sounds very easy and doable - thanks for the info 🙂

Is there anyone else who used this method instead of protein shakes? I’m really interested in it. If so, what amounts do you use?

I have no experience either but I’m so sorry for everything you’re going through. Sending you positive thoughts and I hope you get the answers you so desperately need 💟

I know that for the first few weeks after surgery any medication that you take is in a liquid/dissolvable form but what happens after that? How do you take tablets if you can only sip water? 🤔

I think it can be difficult to differentiate between head hunger and actual hunger when food has become an addiction instead of fuel for our bodies. Giving up other addictions, like smoking for example, isn’t the same because you remove the tools of that addiction from your life - you bin ashtrays, throw away lighters, stop buying cigarettes etc. You fight the cravings for just one more cigarette, you get help from different sources, whether emotional or medical. You find that as time goes on that can manage your life perfectly well without smoking. Food differs as we need food to live. We constantly need the thing that had us gaining weight in the first place! We can’t ignore what our bodies need but we have to be more discerning and disciplined about what we put in it. I know, from my own experience, that my ‘full’ button is broken and my hunger ‘tells’ are all screwed up because I’m a food addict. To quote a saying of my late mother-in-law - I can eat a potato more than a pig! I know I have to learn new behaviours and to truly listen to my body instead of using it as a dumping ground for terrible food choices. I know it won’t be a straightforward lesson because if it was, I wouldn’t be obese.

Great advice, thank you!

Hi, 👋 I’m new too but have found this forum a brilliant resource containing lots of really helpful information. Good luck with your journey!

Thanks for all your advice, it’s really helpful! The only tablet that is like a horse pill is the multivitamin but I will chop it up and see what happens. If it’s a struggle then I will switch to chewable for the short term 🙂

Thank you Summerseeker and FifiLux! 2 of my meds are injections so I’m OK with them, another is folic acid but the tablets are small so hopefully will be OK with that. I have a HRT tablet to take daily (plus gel) plus the usual pain meds and vitamins. I intend to speak to my GP in good time re HRT to give myself chance to get used to any changes in medication she recommends. It’s a lot of information to take in when you begin isn’t it?? Hopefully the amount of reading etc I want to do will stop me reaching for ‘unsuitable’ foods in the meantime 😎

I’ve found the questions and everyone’s answers to be really helpful in understanding the journey I’ve embarked upon. I really do appreciate the honesty in all the answers - nothing is sugarcoated, pitfalls are spoken about but the positives are highlighted and they really do seem to outweigh the negatives. Thanks to all who have contributed - I think this thread is a must-read for newbies!

Thank you FifiLux and Bypass2Freedom for the welcome and kind words - very much appreciated!

Hi 👋 I’m right at the very beginning of my bariatric journey and I’m equal parts excited, apprehensive and relieved. I’m 55 and have had numerous attempts at weight loss (like many, many of us!) Thankfully I found an incredibly supportive GP who has helped with menopause issues and was really understanding of my frustration with my weight, and the constant feelings of guilt, anxiety and failure. She put me forward for bariatric surgery and has helped me with the initial stages. Mobility is an issue - I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis in both knees and left hip and generally feel like crap - constant pain and just a general feeling of being fed up. I’ve had my first education support meeting at the hospital and now have appointments for the dietitian, sleep test, and support group (waiting for endoscopy appointment) I’ve read, researched and downloaded what I can. I have also familiarised myself with all the information provided by the hospital and have downloaded a couple of bariatric recipe books for the different stages. I always like lots of information when embarking on something major! My plan is to start a weight loss plan come Monday and start getting my head around higher protein, lower carbs and better eating all round once again. My weight is currently 303lbs and I’m 171cm tall. I’ve taken the dreaded ‘before’ pictures (😖) and have re-started my weight loss app membership to record everything and make myself accountable. I’m looking forward to ‘meeting’ people who are on this journey too, regardless of the stage!