Search the Community

Hi! I'm new to the forum, and I have so many questions! I've been going over the forum for weeks and weeks, and it's been a great help, but I decided to join to get some of my own fears and concerns answered! I am getting sleeved January 5th by Dr. Aceves in Mexicali. *I've been over-weight my whole life! Like....since 1st grade, it's been a lifetime battle. I was in weight watchers at age 10! I can't tell you how bad that sucks!!!!! Nothing has ever worked for me. I have never been able to stick to a diet for more than a few months. And I have always been the "fat girl". Will I be able to stick to this? Does it really help you stop feeling hungry? So much of my hunger is "head hunger", I just want taste, will this surgery help me over-come that knowing that I can't eat like I used to? *I'm also a vegetarian. I was raised vegetarian, and have no tolerance for meat. Can anyone suggest good foods for vegetarians that will help me lose? I eat waaaaay too many carbs! I'm really scared I won't lose because my love of carbs!!! Any suggestions? *How long do you stay full on such a small food intake??? I eat SOOO often now, every couple hours! Food controls my life, I want to break this cycle. I'm a self pay patient and I'm terrified that this won't work for me. Can anyone help???

I would like to join this group! My surgery is scheduled for November 30, but if I join November's group, I will be behind. Is everyone okay with that? And for all of you trying to quit smoking, please check out the e-cig! You can use it with or without nicotine and all of the liquids come in flavors. It smokes like a regular cigarette but you are really smoking steam and it will not cause cancer or stink breath or any of that stuff we hate about smoking. You can use it everywhere. I have even smoked mine in a doctor's office and all the nurses and doc went crazy for it. I got mine in March and it was 2 weeks before I even realized that I hadn't had a real cigarette in that long. These things are amazing. My doctors think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread because remember, nicotine doesn't cause cancer...it's everything else. Nicotine is still a stimulant but so is coffee. You should use caution with anything but I think it is better than smoking. I have tried to smoke a real cig since and it makes me sick. I smoked for nearly 25 years, too. You can get them anywhere online and even in some malls, but here is a link to my favorite shop. This is the cheapest price for the best version and they ship super fast. Customer service is great too. e-Smokey Treats Oh, and I haven't finished reading everyones' posts but your diets sound quite different than mine. My surgery was scheduled on the day I should have started the preop diet. Since I didn't have a copy of the diet, the bariatric coordinator told me to wait until I got it. My surgery is in 10 days and I just started my preop diet today. I was not told to lose a specific amount of weight and my diet is low-fat, low-carb AND vegetarian. Basically, I get fruits and veggies plus protein shakes, sugar free pudding/jello and crackers for carbs. It is the end of the day and I have plenty of calories to spare. But I do wonder how important the preop diet really is, if each surgeon is so flexible about it. I'm not going to let it worry me. I know the purpose is to remove some of the fat from your liver, making your stomach more accessible. It helps the doctor get done faster and more efficiently. Some folks were talking about before pics. TAKE THEM. Take lots of them from different angles and get your entire body. You might feel uncomfortable now but you will be glad to have them later. I took mine a couple of months ago because I TRIED (and failed miserably) to do the P90X program. They give good guidelines for how to take those pics. I took mine in a somewhat modest swimsuit. I figured that if people saw me like that already in public at the pool, it wouldn't hurt to put the pics out there too.

I started my pre-op diet today after two days of last-mealitis and binging. I tried to fit in all of my favorite foods just in case I never get to eat them again. Let's see... I went to two fast food places, Taco Cabana and Jack in the Box. I don't know why I chose Jack in the Box. I never eat there! But I loaded up on tacos, chicken sandwiches, flauta, fajita taco, cake, eggrolls and more. Then last night, I hit the bakery at Market Street for a lemon torte and a fruit tart. I bought an eclair and a napolean but never got around to eating them. I also bought a shitload of diet food, fearing that I would be deprived if I didn't have everything I could possibly want at my fingertips. Today I am have a protein shake for breakfast. The new diet is low-fat, low-carb, and vegetarian. So basically, I can eat protein supplements, veggies, and fruit with an occassional cracker. YUUUUUUMMMMY! [she says with intense sarcasm] I think my biggest problem right now is the overwhelming fear that this, like many other things I have tried to lose weight, will not work. My brain is scrambling with the question, "What if I change my body and put myself through all of this and remain fat?" It happens. And it would be just my luck that it would happen to me. That is very negative thinking but I am afraid, nonetheless. I am also cranky and stressed out about losing my food "friends". I know that in a couple of months, I can still enjoy them, just in smaller portions but I am not sure I trust myself to have a bite or two of something I love (like a bagel) or that my body won't reject something that I love (like a bagel). Speaking of Bagels, I went to Einstein Brothers Bagels twice this week and loaded up on lox, asiago bagels, pumpkin bagel and bagel dogs. Now, back to the protein shake. I am using Herbalife Formula 1 shakes. They are really good and as much as I hate to admit it, really satisfy my hunger. They are not too sweet and you can use the powder in other recipes. I get mine from Ajay's Fitness (home of the 4-minute workout...no kidding. It's amazing). Nutrition products are available for shipping anywhere. I am also logging my food intake at Myfitnesspal.com. It's free and has a good library of foods to add to your food journal.

I started my pre-op diet today after two days of last-mealitis and binging. I tried to fit in all of my favorite foods just in case I never get to eat them again. Let's see... I went to two fast food places, Taco Cabana and Jack in the Box. I don't know why I chose Jack in the Box. I never eat there! But I loaded up on tacos, chicken sandwiches, flauta, fajita taco, cake, eggrolls and more. Then last night, I hit the bakery at Market Street for a lemon torte and a fruit tart. I bought an eclair and a napolean but never got around to eating them. I also bought a shitload of diet food, fearing that I would be deprived if I didn't have everything I could possibly want at my fingertips. Today I am have a protein shake for breakfast. The new diet is low-fat, low-carb, and vegetarian. So basically, I can eat protein supplements, veggies, and fruit with an occassional cracker. YUUUUUUMMMMY! [she says with intense sarcasm] I think my biggest problem right now is the overwhelming fear that this, like many other things I have tried to lose weight, will not work. My brain is scrambling with the question, "What if I change my body and put myself through all of this and remain fat?" It happens. And it would be just my luck that it would happen to me. That is very negative thinking but I am afraid, nonetheless. I am also cranky and stressed out about losing my food "friends". I know that in a couple of months, I can still enjoy them, just in smaller portions but I am not sure I trust myself to have a bite or two of something I love (like a bagel) or that my body won't reject something that I love (like a bagel). Speaking of Bagels, I went to Einstein Brothers Bagels twice this week and loaded up on lox, asiago bagels, pumpkin bagel and bagel dogs. Now, back to the protein shake. I am using Herbalife Formula 1 shakes. They are really good and as much as I hate to admit it, really satisfy my hunger. They are not too sweet and you can use the powder in other recipes. I get mine from Ajay's Fitness (home of the 4-minute workout...no kidding. It's amazing). Nutrition products are available for shipping anywhere. I am also logging my food intake at Myfitnesspal.com. It's free and has a good library of foods to add to your food journal.

Try vegetarian sources of Protein...they don't have high saturated fat contents like animal sources of protein (they are superior) here are some examples and grams of protein per serving size at this site (i tried to copy and paste and it didn't work out) Protein in the Vegan Diet -- The Vegetarian Resource Group

I didn't take anything with me to my first visit though you will need a list of meds, surgeries, and illnesses if you can't remember them all. Tricare did not require med-sup diet for me. I saw the doctor for the first time on November 4. I was notified of the approval today (12 days later). All I had to do was meet with a dietician who explained what I was in for and have a psych eval with MMPI2 (scheduled for tomorrow). My surgery is scheduled for November 30 with two preop/pretest appointments prior to that. Oh, and a low-fat vegetarian diet prior to surgery starting today. (They are giving me a break and letting me start that when I receive the diet in the mail, though--that means I get to have my farewell to food AYCE lobster meal tomorrow).

Carbs are NOT my friend. I tried to stay away from them. Nothing white for me, flour, sugar and flour. If I do eat carbs it is whole wheat...........but hmm I don't even do that much. I have not eaten pasta in 7 months. Bread off and on but I ate what I can "fat bread" the kinds that has lots of roughage in in so it is sorta thick and .........oh yes lets me honest dry!! My biggest problem was snacking/sugar and diet coke. Snacking is still hard. Diet Coke. Well it has been 7 months and I don't miss it anymore. Now Vitamine water 10 orange or peach flavor. I drink that stuff instead and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!! I am vegetarian so things are a bit more complicated for me since I don't eat animals!! LOL!! I am suppose to try meat this week!! But I could gag and slip my band!! LOL. NO really I am gonna try it so I can tell Robin I did. I made this Egg McMuffin thing tonight. So good. And mostly protien. 1 egg, Morning star farms veggies sausage, reduced fat cheese and Hearty grain ENglish muffin. It was so, so good. I wanted two but only had one!! Tomorrow morning I know what I am gonna have!! This is my new breakfast thing. I am hating eggs but need to eat them again after talking to RObin this way they don't taste so yuck. I could add some salse or pesto to for a condement!! Hmmm.........but it was good plain too!! Ok I gotta clean............:-)

In a recent post (that I can't find) someone wrote about Hormel Turkey Chili. I tried it and it is a winner, even though there are no beans in it. The cals are up there, 190 per cup, but it is very filling and has 23 grams of protein and only 3 grams of fat!! I also want to put in a plug for the 99% fat free vegetarian Hormel Chili which is also excellent and very very filling. That one has the same calorie count but 11 grams of Protein and a whopping 10 grams of dietary fiber with 1 gram of fat. Each can has 2 servings. Both kinds have quite a bit of sodium and I am going to contact the company to ask if they have any plans on cutting back on it to make it more healthy. Maybe they will give me free coupons, LOL!!!! Enjoy, Mimi

Miracle Whey Protein Powder | Six Flavors They also carry a pea protein powder for those who are lactose intolerant and/or vegetarians. Links to that are at the bottom of the page contained in the link above. I just checked with them Lis and they will still honour the special pricing and free shipping that are in the promotion.

Hey everyone!! Riley I love the new picture!! I really need that head hunger class. I can't find anything like that here in Sacramento. I got put in an anxiety/stress reduction class. Which is a good think but I think the head hunger would be even better. Ok I talked to Robin for a long time today. I am not getting anymore fills until I am down 5-10 pounds and I am doing a food log for her. We both agreed that this up and down stuff is no good. We talked about RNY and she told me she is glad I didn't do that one!! She said being vegetarian it would have been a problem. We talked about eating some meat for protiens. But nice to have her to myself even if it was only on the phone. I think she thought I was gonna argue the weight loss before a fill but I agree. I am tired of all this up and down. I have to get back on track and get really strict again. Oh yea it is 30x chewing your food NOT 20!! " LOL. So I hope I am down at least 5 by December 4 so I can get a fill. But truthfully I think I have to just keep losing fill or not. I have 40 pounds to go I can't lose momentum now!!

I tend to go for a vegetarian frittata - and request a side of aioli or dressing just in case you need moisture - the soft pumpkin/potato/vege filling is great tasting and very edible, but you still must GO SLOW and CHEW WELL!!!! no matter how soft - soft can block as much as hard. or a goats cheese tart. Caesar salad is good too. The beauty of these types of foods - they are usually Entrees, so smaller portions, and if the selection is good - order two entrees (you dont have to eat them entirely), noone will be any the wiser and it is actually far more interesting as entrees are much more exotic than mains usually.

In less than 3 hours I will be ready to go into surgery. My doctor only reccommended that i started the liquid diet yesterday so Yahooo. I bought some vegetarian broth and tried it almost gagged from it but I downed it like a trooper, my dh and daughter have been supported when I was about to give in to temptation after surviving 1 day I know I can do this. Looking forward to the mushy stage of the process Ha ha and trying to find a different protein shake to taste, I bought slimfast on accident so im going to have to get some better than that lol I hope all goes well with the rest of you and we start our new journeys together :smile2:

I have the same problem. I can eat chocolate like there's no tomorrow but try to swallow meat is like trying to blow bubbles out my butt. Thinking I should become a vegetarian. Don't tell me I need a fill or that I'm to tight because neither is true.And my meat is always pea-sized, chew, chew, chew.. I also don't eat breakfast because I'm tight in the am so it's not till noon or later till I can get real food down..

Dear ESV, Just hang in there!I consider myself a vegetarian but I do eat fish...I am curious if you do? Anyway I also eat a lot of cottage cheese (with salsa on it, go figure!), hummus, egg salad, cheese of any kind, and lots of tofu and veggie/mushroom stirfry. I also LOVE the regular Boca burger although I still have some difficulty chewing it enough!I dont eat any low fat or diet foods but my restriction keeps me from eaing more than a small portion...

Once you get away from eating sweets you will be amazed how those cravings go away. Being a vegetarian is going to be quite a challenge for you but you can do it! Do you eat fish? I know some vegetarians who eat tuna and stuff like that. If so there you go eat a lot of fish! If not there are nuts out there and beans and stuff. Good luck!!!

I am too tight even ith hot coffe first so I have a protein shake in the morning. I think if I just waited a couple of hours I would be ok and sometimes I can eat eggs but I dont see what the crime is of the shake. It start off a good day in terms of protein because I am a vegetarian I have to keep good track of that. Then I am eating healthy, real food, the rest of the day!

Hey all, can ya give me a hand - I have a banded friend up here, Joy Marie is her name (beautiful isn't it??) she is a doll, was banded 3 months ago and has recently had her 3rd fill. She lost weight right after surgery, but not one bit since. She is very frustrated! She is in a wheelchair so is real limited as to what she can do for excercise . . . she does not have Kaiser so does not have the benefit of all of our education and support. So a couple weeks ago she was telling me what she was eating, and it was a lot of liquids and sliders! uh-oh. Riley to the rescue . . . I told her I would ask you guys for your opinions - what are the best band foods? Fill you & keep you full for at least 3-4 hours. . . . being vegetarian my "best" is probably too weird for her, so what do you guys think? I know it's different for everyone, but thought we could give her some ideas. Peanut butter? Tuna fish? I also told her to come on here and meet us, I hope she did! HI JOY MARIE!!!

Hi everyone. Here's my intro post! I am a 39 y/o artist, Mom and Wife and have been fussing over my weight since I was 13. A day hasn't gone by in that many years that I haven't thought about food or my weight from the time I wake up to the time I go to sleep. Some history: I was athletic as a child--tall and lean and often called "too skinny". Then, I had a little weight gain around puberty (size 7 to size 9) and then woved steadily upward through my teens to a 12. In my early 20s, I gained 100 lbs in one year (size 12 to size 16). Then, I stayed at a size 16/18 for 15 years before gaining 50 pounds more in the past year or two. I blame stress for this one. (two military deployments, a relationship crisis, a high-risk pregnancy with 6 months of bed rest, a near-fatal car accident, and quitting my job to stay home with my son). Now. I wear a size 24 on a good day. And there aren't many good days because I am anxious, depressed and tired all the time. Comorbids are: Upper Airway Restrictive Syndrome (similar to sleep apnea), PCOS, joint and muscle pain and constant irritability. I love fashion but can't wear what I want. I make custom leather products and have already grown out of a display model I made just this Spring! I am running out of sizes and styles that are wearable. My next fashion step is the mu-mu and I REFUSE to go there. I made a vow today that I will not buy myself one more plus-sized outfit. EVER---even if I have to tie myself to a bed and wire my mouth shut. I have also entered menopause and all my fat (which I carry around the waist) seemed to drop overnight. When I walk, I can now feel my stomach on my thigh. Because of the injuries from my accident and the intrusion of my fat rolls, there are simple things (like fastening a bra) that I need help with. Sometimes, I have to take a shower after using the toilet because I can't reach my butt to clean it properly. That hurts to type but it's time to be honest. I am tall and my most comfortable weight has been around 170 but I haven't seen that number since around 1990. I have chosen that now as my goal weight. But really, I would just be happy if I didn't have a roll of fat on the back of my neck. Like most of you, I have spent years denying, dieting and settling but I can't do that anymore. The truth is, my weight is out of control and I need help getting it together. My most successful weight-loss attempt was the diabetic diet during pregnancy. I lost 12 lbs while pregnant. Go figure. My diet of choice has always been basic healthy-eating with exercise plan but the results never come and I give up. It took me two years of 5-day workouts at the YMCA and a low-fat vegetarian diet to lose only 20 lbs. I was able to climb a mountain at the end but my size was basically the same. It left me frustrated and discouraged. I am not afraid of exercise. In fact, I LOVE it (if I can get to the gym or motivate myself to get started). I love to swim and work the elliptical machine and weights. I love food but at this point, I would eat dried grass for the rest of my life not to feel this way anymore. (I have said this before in my life and ultimately failed). So, here I am looking at lap-bands. I went to a seminar today and was pleased with everything I saw and heard. I only have one thing holding me back. What if I can't stop myself from eating past the full point? How will the lap-band stop me? Being full doesn't stop me now. I am full right this second and planning to go find a snack any minute now. The seminar host told us that what stops her from overeating is the throwing up process. She said she ate a doughnut after surgery and never did it again. I do hate to vomit. But is that enough to stop obsessive/head hunger? Until I can answer that question, I can't make a strong decision because I won't put myself through this just to fail. Right now, I am just going through the process, researching and meeting people to learn as much as I can. I am dead-set against Gastric Bypass and lap-band is the only procedure I would ever consider. Since I can't seem to do it on my own, it's either this or die fat and early. I can't do that to myself or my family. I have the most perfect, darling little boy and I need to be here for a long time to watch him grow up. I am usually the person on forums who gives all the advice but I can't do that here. This time, I think I need to shut up, listen and ask for help. So, I'm asking: How did you deal with the emotional/head/obsessive eating? What did you say to yourself when visions of cupcakes floated into your consciousness? Does anyone have TriCare Standard who can talk to me about options and OOP costs? Who is having a hard time with the band/lifestyle changes and what are you doing to change your thinking or behaviors in order to make it work? Is there anyone here who regrets having it done? If you are a survivor of abuse (like me) and put on weight as a protective shell, how did you feel when your body was vulnerable and exposed after weight loss? How did you deal with it? How does losing the weight (or having the band) affect your relationships with others? Would you do it again if you could? Who here has gained weight back and why? Do you tell people you had surgery? I ask because so many people consider it "cheating" even though we know it is hard work. (I have considered not telling anyone BUT I have a big mouth and probably can't keep it shut even if I try)

I agree with the fats thing, that was one thing I found with my research on this. Along with the Biotin and increased protein intake, I also upped my fats content, but was really smart about it. The Protein drinks I buy, are vegan, but they also have 6g of fat & 12grams of Protein per serving (2 servings in the bottle- which I can down in about 2 mins) and I had 1 of those a day and just watched everything else that I ate, so long as it was high protein. I'm a vegetarian, but crave red meat every so often, and usually when I crave it I eat it. fo the first few weeks on the biotin, I upped my red meat intake, basically I live with 2 carnivores, so I would make tacos & put a tablespoon of meat with 3 tablespoons of Beans, and with meat sauce, I would Strain the sauce off the top and then strain meat out of the pot and put about 2 tablespoons on my Pasta. And once a week there was a no holds barred of a 5 guys little burger. And then there was the steak incident lol..... So at this point, today esp. I haven't had meat in about 3 weeks but now that I said 5guys, I want one, and will probably give into it!