Sai

I went in for a band adjustment, hopefully finding a doctor who knew what he was doing, and instead he suggested for me to get a revision to a sleeve after studying my recent history of problems finding my sweetspot. He never brought up RNY. I'm happy with the sleeve. I think if he did offer the RNY vs sleeve, I'd go for the sleeve. I read Dr. V's book on gastric sleeve (good book), and he said in his experience, of all WLS, the sleeve is the most natural and has the least complications.

I think craving salty things is normal when you are on a low carb diet. On low carb diets, we lose a lot of salt so I believe it's recommended to have a higher amount of salt intake. I eat pickles all the time but not until I was cleared for all foods (week 5 in my program)... But yeah, I'd say it's normal. ^^

I had the band for years, then I had the revision to sleeve in September 2016. Regret never entered my mind. For me, it's been so easy. The recovery for me was easier than the band, and on the 3rd day, it was as if I didn't have surgery. The post liquid phase sucks, no two ways around it but I had to do that for the band too. I love the fact that after 2-4 oz of food, I'm totally satisfied. No feeling of being stuck, no feeling of being nauseated, no sliming, and best of all my satisfied/full is like my normal big stomach felt but it's tiny. My taste buds haven't changed except that the thought of anything sweet is bleh to me. It doesn't even enter my mind to reach for anything sweet any more. I never cared for sweets but now, it's a true turn-off for me. I think if I had nausea like many here, or got lactose intolerance, I would feel regretful during that time too but I guess I'm pretty lucky. I have a support group from the same doctor, and most of them are like me... Maybe it's her technique, not sure. I was cleared for all foods by the 5 week, so I was wondering if your surgeon has allowed other things other than Protein shakes (especially since you are having issues with them)? I stopped all Protein Shakes after the liquid phase week 1.

I had the lapband for about 8 years. Many times adjustments are necessary because the body changes with time and/or weight loss, not necessarily how well one does on their diet... I just wanted to correct that little part, just in case newbies are reading this, otherwise, congrats. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Caffeinated. Pre and post op. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

I have an granny smith apple a day. Other than the first couple of weeks, I haven't had an issue. I just eat them because I need the other health benefits from it, but I hope it helps you with your constipation. Oh yeah, almost forgot, ground flax seed is really great for constipation. I used 1-2T in my shakes, cottage cheese, wherever. Works as good as Metamucil but tastes much better and it has Omega 3s.

You're feeling nauseated from trying not to eat more? Usually people get nauseated when you eat too much, not the reverse. Even with a working sleeve where one can only eat a mere 2 oz of food (every hour if need be), most don't get true "hunger" pains. I have to go over 16 hrs with zero food to have true hunger pains. Something isn't right. I'd talk to your doctor or get a second opinion...

It only took me once too. One bite too many is one too many of that experience. I will never do that again hehe. I'm almost 4 months out, and it was THE most miserable experience to me. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

You'll get wonderful comments concerning stalls since they are so common so I will add something else. Keep working on your Water intake, it's as important as Protein in our journey. I rarely feel thirsty, maybe it's years of thinking it's hunger instead of thirst, often confusing the two. It's something I continue to work on. I still hit 64 oz but it's a constant challenge, and I'd love to get to 100 oz daily. It is a daily reminder of the commitment to my program. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

They made me strip and gave me a gown, but I must've seemed a bit apprehensive because they offered me some tear away panties, and I gladly accepted.

I've read the same stuff. They're not claiming that it's the same chemical structure. They're trying to explain in layman's terms how they're changing the chemical structure. They're describing stripping out everything but the protein chain and then binding the protein chain to less stuff but still stabilizing the protein chain and in the process making it more bioavailable. In trying to make it understandable to non scientists they've actually made their description not scientifically accurate. My scientist dad used to get driven crazy by this, he called it "simplification to the point of error". I've read some other documents by the company, and it appears to me they're claiming that their process of refining the Proteins reduces allergens and makes more of the protein bioavailable and that's what they're basing the claim on. I've also read the outcomes from the clinical trial. While I think there are some basic flaws in the study design, my conclusion based on the raw data from the study (available at clinical trials dot gov) is that Genepro is as good as any other Protein powder. I have found it to be easier to mix in more foods at more temperatures than other brands, so I'll stick with it. For me, it's like the question of which is better, a .380 or a 9mm? The answer is the one you'll actually carry. My 9mm is a much better weapon, but it's not concealable. My .380 is, so it's the one I'm more likely to actually have at hand. If another protein powder is better, but I won't use it because it's gritty or changes the texture too much, or won't dissolve well in hot liquids, is it really better? Exactly. I agree. That's why I use it too... Until I hear otherwise, I'm not changing. My blood work is perfect this past year so that's another reason. Also, I'm pretty sure they don't want to give out too much of their process details, not just to break it down in laymen's terms but also so other companies won't copy it. Maybe it's just simply denatured protein with the addition of Prohydrolase hehe. So even if they break the peptide bonds, and do change the structure, it still contains all the amino acids which our bodies still benefits nutritionally from (both through absorption and digestion). P.S. That's so cool your dad is a scientist. My dad was a surgeon before he passed away, and I tried that route but ended up as a scientist instead. I kept passing out watching his surgeries .

How do you make it yourself? I like being in control of ingredients. What can sauce did you use just in case? This is all new for me so trying to make sure I do things right. Thanks!!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App I use this recipe but without the flour. It's super easy and tastes good . http://allrecipes.com/recipe/61727/ten-minute-enchilada-sauce/

Needed to see this... The other day I had a piece of my favorite candy. Pulparindo extra hot and salted tamarind with chile mmmMM... but I felt guilty. I cycled an extra hour for it lol. I, too, have to always work on: Letting. It. Go.

Thank you. It is a Fedora - supposedly a genuine Panama hat, although it is made in Ecuador, so maybe not genuine at all. It is close. I have wanted one for years, but no one made a size 8. I have gone down a hat size, so this one works for me, and is even just a hair big at 7 7/8. It's so awesome. I really want one now. booo lol. You look great in it!

@@LittleBill I like your new hat . Is it a Fedora? I want one.

At the one week point, I was at 64 oz water and 65g+ protein. I used a lot of unflavored protein to meet my protein levels during the liquid and pureed stage. I still hate getting my fluids in but I do it. Bleh lol.

@@LittleBill Study the clinical trials about prohydrolase and how enzymes help Protein absorption and make it more bioavailable. The point is, it doesn't matter if you eat 100000 g protein if the majority of it isn't absorbed or if they spike it with crap. Several top protein companies have been sued for protein spiking, GENEPRO has not been one of them. There are other companies like Nutricia where 2 T equal 15 g of hydrolyzed collagen protein and yet it has tons of other ingredients like Malic acid, Glycerin and a zillion other things plus the protein... Yet it's only 2T. It's far too simplistic to debate on purely a weight to weight argument concerning protein. The gist is the stability of the protein and bioavailability, and many other complex factors. Having said that, as I stated above, I am a nerdy scientist, and my day job is consulting Protein purification (mainly column chromatography) and analysis techniques, and I don't want to work on Christmas hehe... So I will stop here concerning Genepro. Believe what you want. ^^ Have a great and fun day <3. @@Alex Brecher Thank you for the clinical trial link! I wish I could be part of it. I've been thinking of sending this past year's lab reports to show my total protein, albumin results to them.

No need to do that. I mean, you can but you don't have to. The science is sound. Purified Protein is nothing new, and because they add a mixture of enzymes to increase the bio-availablity, it is equivalent to 30g and a great product. Sorry for the nerd talk, but I've been a biochemist and purifying & analyzing Proteins for a very long time. Their competitors have been going on youtube and bodybuilding forums to try to slander them. Apparently people believe them but doctors know, NUTS know, which is why they often suggest GENEPRO. I've been using it from the beginning as my main protein supplement and my protein labs are perfect every time.

Can put it in your coffee, broths and Soups, stews... Wherever. It's a great source of protein and very versatile.

I was told sleep in any position that is comfortable.

Good to see you pop in, @LisaMergs. I love love love seafood, that feast sounds awesome. O M Gosh. I just had 4 Mussels at a restaurant the other night. Yeah, 4 haha but hey, they were delicious... And like you, I am thankful of the gift of surgery, to have such an awesome tool. I am also grateful for you and all my friends here. Happy holidays, Lisa!

Thank you for the tips! Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you Alex and staff! ^^

Glad you are going to ask your surgeon if you can have certain pureed before you do it. The stomach is still healing and the majority of healing is during your first 21 days so it's important that you continue conversation with your surgeon in what he/she feels you should eat. I hated the liquid part of my diet (pre and post) so I feel you. It was the worst of the entire journey. Hang in there, keep drinking your protein and maybe get some miso soup if it's allowed on your plan. Don't forget to take your antacid twice daily to curb the acid mimicking hunger.

If you're not happy with your weight loss, exercise more, eat better quality food, change up your diet... Etc. If your expectations are so high, change your habits to meet those expectations. I'm happy with a pound a week, sometimes I go 9 or so days with no change, and then a big weight drop happens. I still don't classify that as a stall. It's just my body adjusting. More importantly, the more stress you have, the more your cortisol levels rise, the more cortisol, the more it encourages your body to store fat. Chronic stress, worrying will not only slow your weight loss but maybe put pounds on.

16 wks post-op as of yesterday. Same with me. I once took one bite too many (when I first was allowed solids), and it was such a bad experience that it was one time too many so... I'm extra careful now and stop at about 80% full.