Search the Community

Oh yeah Flat Whites are perfection. I haven't had one since surgery. I might splurge on one today There are lots of good options at Starbucks. I used to be addicted to white mochas, a triple venti white mocha was my drink of choice for years. It has like 900 calories though, a 1/2 day of calories, and I would get a coffee cake with it. I broke myself of that habit years ago. If you can carry your own sweetener and learn to love black coffee of very little cream, you really don't have to give up your coffee forever. You just have to be smart about it. I have given up basically everything with surgery, no alcohol and a laundry list of other things. I'm not giving up coffee. Plus after surgery your mind can be foggy and your concentration not what it used to be and coffee helps.

At a place like a comedy club with a 2 drink minimum, what the heck do I order? Literally everything has alcohol, sugar, caffeine or bubbles, or all of thee above. A seltzer with lime used to be the diet drink to order when "out" but no carbonation so that's out. Hate to pay for a glass of tap Water...

Remodeling is stressful! I remodeled this house after I bought it and it was a nightmare for awhile. Sheryl what happened to the guy you were dating who has the Harley? I thought you liked him, and did see possibilities with him. It's nice that you still have your ex to talk to and are still able to find comfort with him Sara I am so excited to hear your news about your dad. I really hope he continues to get good news after the pathology report. I got good news today too. My fusion is coming along nicely and I don't have to wear my back brace unless I leave the house. The best news is my liver doctor feels that my Hep C is not affecting me. He said my body has learned to live with it. The treatment for it is 90,000.00 and my ins would never pay for it because I don't fall under the guidelines for who gets treatment and who doesn't. But the main thing he told me is as long as I don't drink alcohol, not ever, I will die from something else, and not liver cancer. Now I go to physical therapy and I can go back to the gym as long as I am careful . I guess the PT will tell me what exercises would not be good for my back. I can do cardio though, and go back to exercising my thighs, where I have gained most of my weight. I really want to be able to wear my clothes. 15 lbs makes a huge difference in my pants. Floridna, I went to a talk on plant based diets and they talked about MS. They said diet makes a huge difference, but I am sure you have all the right books and are doing what is best for yourself.They talked a lot about eating tons of leafy greens. Please stop judging yourself because you have gained weight. You've had a lot of stress since you came back to the US and your MS is messing up your weight loss, not YOU!

I love the Atkins bars but the sugar alcohols will give you the runs if your not careful. I have to modify my tummy routine when I eat them

Congratulations on taking steps to get healthier! I think your plan to add more Protein is a good one especially as the meal replacement. Protein drinks are tricky because everyone has their own taste and that can change drastically after this surgery so I would not invest a fortune in powders and such. Also if you are a busy person and do not want to fool around with blender cups or actual blenders I would recommend giving Premier Protein ready made shakes a try. They are excellent for post surgery as well. There is no grit, no nasty taste, in fact they are actually very good. They have 30 grams of protein in 1 shake, 1 gram of sugar and are 160 calories. I turned to them post surgery when I could not tolerate most of the whey protein powders. My nut suggested them and I am thrilled she did. You can get them in smaller packs at Walmart and Walgreens or you can buy them at a higher discounted rate and larger quantities at Sam's and costco. Some of the others that are more tolerable is the syntax nectars. These are a powder and you need to use a blender cup to ensure you don't end up with that grit. Leverage things like yogurt, cottage cheese, nuts and seeds to help boost your protein as well. Focus your meals on lower carb, high protein. Leverage good carbs like fruit and vegetables. Stay away from bread, Pasta, rice, white potatoes. Leverage Beans, sweet potatoes, corn, peas, carrots, cauliflower.....pretty much any vegetables you love. Salads with some protein make an excellent well balanced meal, just watch your dressing to make sure it is not loaded with too much sugar. The goal is to remove as much sugar and bad carbs from your diet. Remove all processed foods from your house. They are not something you will be able to eat after surgery. Honestly they are so very bad for us. If you drink caffeine or alcohol you might want to stop that now because you will be required to at pre op diet and beyond. My nut had me practicing mindful eating, getting my Water intake up to 64oz. Per day, eating slowly, not drinking anything when you eat and removing all distractions. I hope some of this is helpful to you! Please keep us posted on your progress!

I started drinking at 18 months and 3 sips hit me like 3 glasses. be careful. alcohol also adds a lot of calories. I started to drink more and gained 6 pounds

Also talk to your primary physician. Are you having any obesity related issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, joint pain, etc? Insurance may not cover wls unless you have exhibited obesity related issues especially at only 20 years old. Ask your dr what he/she thinks of you having wls surgery, because you will need him/her in your corner to do it. Do you have a family history of obesity, diabetes, etc? My family is the poster child of obesity and heart disease. Research research research. I can't stress that enough. You need to research the different types of surgery, the short term and long term risks involved, what the day to day life is for post surgery patients both in losing mode and maintenance mode. Are you good about taking daily pills every single day? After surgery, Vitamins are not optional and are essential to keeping you healthy. This is a tool, not a solution. You can gain weight even after sleeved if you don't continue to follow the eating plan and make good choices. Drinking is almost prohibited due to how quickly alcohol enters the bloodstream post surgery. Losing weight rapidly will increase the likelihood of loose skin, even at your age. You can't expect to have a bikini body just because you lost weight. Basically, this is a serious decision you need to make and before you do so, you need to take the time to do your research.

I'm 2 years out and initially lost over 110 lbs. I more than passed the expectation of my surgery team. Over the past six months I have gained back more than 15 lbs. My surgeon is okay with my weight gain because I'm still within my expected range, but I am not. He also said that they do expect some weight gain about 2 years out as your body adjusts to its new size. What I also learned from my team is that you need far less calories post surgery than a normal person. Because you have essentially flushed your system out, your heart, lungs, muscles need much less energy just to work normally. They compareded it to a car needing less fuel after a tune up. So translate fuel or energy to calories. Much less calories are now needed and that as time goes on and my body continues to adjust, I may continue to drop in the amount of calories I can tolerate. So it appears that I need to limit my daily caloric intake to approx. 1500 calories to simply not gain. Even though I'm active, running, walk, kayak, ski etc on a regular basis. Doesn't seem to matter. In fact it was suggested that I might not be able to tolerate 1500, that as time goes on I may need to reduce my caloric intake even more. I still find I need 5 smaller meals a day. Do the math, that means 250-300 calories a meal. I know I've been eating more than that. So I struggling with accepting that if I want to keep the weight off, I need to live on a highly restricted calorie diet, which basically severely limits my intake of sugar, alcohol, carbohydrates, meat and fats. I lost the weight on low fat cottage cheese, greek yogurt, salads with vinegar or yogurt dressing, fish, Beans and low-fat cheese as my primary nurishment. I am realizing that I need to follow that diet for life and it is challenging, particularly when it comes to social events and dining out. I am praying for fortitude and solice to accept this as a permanent lifestyle change and would greatly appreciate hearing your stories and knowing that I am not alone.

Don't you think there will be chicken or some form of Protein at the wedding? I have been to several weddings and fancy parties since I was sleeved three months ago, and there was always something good to choose. (Lots of bad stuff, too, but plenty of fine choices if I chose to make them). Personally, I would lay off the alcohol for a little while longer.

When looking for a Protein supplement I look for less than 200 cals (but really not more than 175) 23g of whey protein or more very little fat, less the better and no more than 2 sugars, including sugar alcohols

Ok...I'm freaking out. One of my best friends from childhood is getting married on 10/10...I have to drive out of town for the wedding. I'm freaking out about the food....I'm freaking out about all the liquor I know will be there. My friend and her family are all obese...so I don't know what to expect of the menu...so I was planning on bringing a pouch of tuna...my question...is that RUDE to not eat the meal they paid for me to eat? Also, do you think a glass of champagne is going to do me in? I haven't had a drop of alcohol since 8/9 (10 days prior to surgery)...I was never a huge drinker (just occasional)...but it's a wedding for crying out loud! LOL

Sugar alcohols = diarrhea lol sometimes I'll eat a couple sugar free candies or an Atkins bar to keep me regular. I made the mistake of getting excited about sf Chico sticks and ate too many. I had diarrhea for 2 days.

I was told my doc does a 90% sleeve which freaked me out at first! All I can tell you is that 2 years later, (heck, even 6 months later), I feel perfectly "normal". I can eat what I like in small quantities including pizza, Pasta, meats, rice, bread and alcohol, but I try and stick to higher Protein lower carb choices. They are the "prescription" and I feel less bloaty and have better energy when I follow it. Do I regain? Yep. But I weigh at least once per week, (not every day) and the difference is that now, I can recover from a five pound gain within a week or 2 simply by focusing back on the basics and giving up some of the less healthy choices. In short, I'm winning the maintenance battle now where I never could before. Life as a "normal" sized, health woman is AMAZING! Miss that 90%? Not. One. Bit!

Gareth J. Hollands from the University of Cambridge, U.K., and colleagues, examined data from 72 studies (meta-analysis) that compared at least two groups with respect to their choices of food, alcohol, or tobacco packaging, portion size and tableware (dishes and glasses) size on food consumption. They concluded "successfully reduce the size, availability and appeal of larger-sized portions, packages, individual units and tableware can contribute to meaningful reductions in the quantities of food (including non-alcoholic beverages) people select and consume in the immediate and short term.” http://acsh.org/2015/09/change-your-setting-to-help-you-eat-less/ In other words, one might conclude that in part obesity in the U.S. is related to the large overly generous portion size of meals served in many of our restaurants. Many undergoing WLS change their tableware (the size of their plates, bowls, glasses and spoons) after surgery. This change reduces portion size or the temptation to overeat. Even after 28 months post-op I use a miniature metal spoon to eat which slows the rate that I eat (I tend to gobble food down).

Some of the quest bars have the sugar alcohol that makes me very sick, also yes it is more sugar but as double of protein, usually is my lunch. I have to say that I'm getting tired of protein bars or shakes. I just wish I could eat " normal" food and still meet my protein goal.

I definitely realized something when this happened. I felt like an alcoholic in a desert having to choose between thirst and a cold beer. (Not sure where he got the cold beer ????). I'm so scared to cheat because I'm afraid I won't get back on track. Also afraid it will become a habit. That I will justify it the next time and then the next and the next. I didn't realize until that night that I was literally afraid of junk food and afraid of failure. I have already thrown some nuts in my glove compartment.

The elevations can have multiple causes. My dad has very high levels but he is alcoholic and his liver si finally showing signs of failure. Mine were high before being sleeved and combines with two other tests doc said I was becoming prediabetic. You also said you've been working out with a. Trainer. It could be you have damaged some muscles and you enzymes are high due to that. Here are some ideas http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/mobileart.asp?articlekey=6274&page=3

24 months ago I starting looking into WLS. And after 12 months of different appointment to talk over Lap bands and never felt comfortable with how quick I was told yes we can do a lap band, pay your deposit and you can be in next week. It felt like all the people I went to see was more interested in getting my cash than my health. I stopped looking into WLS and tried to diet determined I could do it. So the story started again lost and gained. lost weight again then gained more than I started off with! The final straw was three months ago when I was on a holiday in Sri Lanka and Dubai and I found myself deleting all the photos of myself because of the way I was looking. And also when swimming with dolphins I was to heavy for them to push. It was embarrassing in front of everyone. And From then I wouldn't take part in anything else. On top of being embarrassed was the Chubb rub! The pain and blistering from my thighs rubbing was painful. Now defeated and weighting nearly 200lb and a BMI 38 depressed I know it's time for change. I have found a surgeon I am happy and comfortable with and after meeting three times to talk over options and time to do research I have decided to go a head with a gastric sleeve instead of a lap band. Tomorrow I am booking my operation for 2nd November. I am feeling mixed emotions on all kinds of levels. Happy I have made a choice and can move forward. And make the change I so want. Excited to final made a decision and getting help. Then Angry I have got to this size and not been able to lose the weight via diet and excises. I am also questioning do I share this decision with family and friends or just keep it between myself and my partner! I come from a family where everything evolves around food. And most of my socialising with friends is food or alcohol driven. My friend will be so supportive I know that. I am just not sure they will understand why I have choice to have WLS . My friends are all size 6 and never put weight on. Even after having children. when I have spoke to them in the past about my weight they think there doing good by tell me I don't need to loss weight and I am fabulous the way I am. I know there only trying to make me feel good. Every group has that one fat and funny friend. That's me! Did you tell people right away? Did having the WLS effect your friendships or social life ect?

Have been banded for 3 1/2 years; never drink alcohol or carbonated beverages. Did you trying drink pineapple juice? Sometimes the enzymes will help you.

Hi there, so happy for you. I am not on a diet and have just the one rule for myself: to eat when I'm hungry and not eat if I'm not hungry. The first is more difficult than the latter because I was such a restricter in my former life. All that head chatter. Like you, sometimes this puts me late in the day for nourishment and for me this can set up evening grazing (particularly because unlike you I have not given up alcohol, which I know slows my progress, sigh). Happy Onederland and size 14, yippee. Isn't it fun? Oh the clothes I was missing all those years!

Readyforthislifechange, Thanks for the recipe idea! It sounds delicious, and a nice alternative to Protein shakes. Aside from the nutritionals, I just a quick warning for some people who may have sensitive stomachs. Sugar alcohols, like the ones they use in no sugar-added ice cream, can give you pretty bad diarrhea! It’s different for everyone. Some people are sensitive, and some can handle a bigger amount without problems. I’d definitely suggest trying only a tiny amount first, especially if you’re still on your post-op liquid or pureed diet and you may already be having stomach troubles.

Comicbookguy, Great question! I love this way of looking at it, because a “new hobby” to replace food as a hobby sounds so much better than replacing a food addiction with a “replacement addiction” like alcohol or drugs! Let’s see. I suppose I have replaced my food focus with work and family. I now work way more than I used to, but it doesn’t feel like work since it’s BariatricPal and I love it! I also get to spend quality time with my kids rather than just watching them. Of course, there’s working out, but I always have done that to some extent. I guess work and family don’t count as true “hobbies,” but they’re what I fill my time with.

I don't think the alcohol in two drops of extracts is a factor. Curious as to how you are mixing the shakes. The bariatric fusion label has conflicting directions. How many scoops are you using?

Im on the diet trying to stick to it...have 8 more days to go... Other than feeling like being hit by a mac truck i think im doing ok. Now if only my mom would pay attention to the instruction sheet and stop tempting me with foods i should not have.. Lol I got the shake mix the vanilla flavor and many different flavor extracts so that i can have variety of flavors... Which actually have saved me in morning with mint flavoring.. Also have almond, raspberry, anise, hazelnut, coconut, vanilla, orange, peppermint... Now the sheet says that extracts are allowed, but i did notice that all extracts have different levels of alcohol in them... Now this may be a dumb question should i ignore those levels?

Ok so it's been a while since I last blogged but a lot has been going on. I'm from Iceland. An island way up north. So I just came back from travelling to Spain, a Mediterranean country and let me tell you, things there are different from what I'm used to. I've been to Spain 3 times before and never thought that much about food. I just ate what ever and loved it. But having the lap band is more difficult. The town I was staying at didn't have that many restaurants but when I went to them, they carried BREAD BREAD BREAD. They loved serving bread or huge dishes! I love tabas mmmm but it's served on bread, thick slices of bread. I can only eat thin slices. So when out eating, I ended up eating fries, omelette and lasange. But only found one restaurant carrying lasagne. But I tried cooking at home as well, so I wouldn't starve and didn't really want omelette or fries for every meal. The temperature! Gosh it was HOT. That mean that my polar body was swollen ever day with extra fluid and that also meant that my stomach opening was a lot smaller. I had to make a lot of trips to the bathroom spit out food that got stuck in the opening. The Productive burping was terrible! No matter what I ate. My worst case was a tomato!! Hello!! A tomato, a very well chewed tomato! I just had terrible time with it. That's why I was afraid to eat what ever was on the menu. But fries, I know they are deep fried and not that healthy, but I could chew them into baby food! What does a hot woman need in a hot weather??? ice cream. mmmm love some good ice cream. And I had a lot of it. It was a guilty pleasure. But it was so good in the hot weather. Alcohol. I was very very careful with that. I wanted a cold beer very badly but I stuck to cocktails with no carbonated liquids in it and yes that was just fine. And never got drunk or tipsy or what ever. Did not want to add hangover and throwing up to the PB!! I even at once point thought that it would be best to finish the trip off by eating only chocolate and ice cream because that went down very well haha. Also the company I was with. They were so nice and understanding but I was giving myself hard time for making them wait for me while I ate really really really slowly. We could never eat anywhere in hurry, ever. I came with a solution though, I sometimes grabbed a banana because that's easy to eat on a go. Now at home, I'm still swollen from the travel but I couldn't wait stepping on the scale and no weight gain!! to my surprise! I'll see how it went after my body has adjusted after the travel. I have to tell you though that for the first time in my life, I had lots of left overs at the restaurants I ate at. I felt like apologizing for it to the waiters, for not finishing my food. I've always finished everything at a restaurant but I was very careful, even though the portions were big, that I would only eat until I was satisfied (not full) and I'm proud of that. Overall, I did enjoy my trip very much and Spain is a fantastic country. And I've always enjoyed the food there before the lap band. But this was a difficult trip food wise and not that healthy I'm glad it didn't set me back tough. I'm happy to be home and on Monday hopefully my body has recovered and that I will not have any extra fluid.