Search the Community

My 2-week liquid diet countdown is about to begin. In a way this is a fair test of my commitment to VSG and more importantly the post-surgery dieting necessary to achieve the weight loss. It is time to get serious, establish my commitment, and get a do-over dealing with my obesity. Yes, obesity, I have hidden from admitting my situation, much like an alcoholic denies being a drunk, I am a foodaholic which in many ways is worse. I am tired of looking in the mirror and "remembering" my lighter days. It is too easy to say that my weight problem began when I quit smoking; but, facts are - I simply enjoy eating and when my taste buds recovered - my oh my - did things taste better and we all know what happened next. My issue is more than just losing the weight (100 lbs.), its about dropping the associated health risks, diabetes, high blood pressure, more drugs than I care to list, cholesterol, and a family history of heart attacks. I bought an assortment of protein drinks, soups and vitamins to start a dietary journey to a lighter me. Having read what so many others have posted in their topics, I believe that I too can show the same determination and will be reading and posting often. Have a great week, and thanks for being out there and sharing your successes.

Well I am so proud I finally took the plunge! Everybody hang in there and we can do it! I just need some help on foods to eat! I have diabetes, high blood pressure and other health issues! Hard to find things to eat that are sugar free but yet are filled with sugar alcohol! Any suggestions! My doctor said always think fat free, sugar free and low calorie! HELP! SUGGESTIONS!

The nutrition facts of the Quest differ with the flavors. Some use sugar alcohols while flavors don't. They range in calories, etc also.

I don't love the Quest bars, but I found them tolerable. I am usually full after 2/3 of it, so I toss the rest and feel quite proud of myself that I didn't "clean my plate". I love love love the Oh Yeah Bars. I am not a big sweets eater so one satisfies me and I have no carb cravings after. They are definitely a meal for me. Make sure to get the grab and go, not the BIG HONKIN' size. Nutrition Facts Serving Size 1 bar (45g) Servings Per Container 1 Amount Per Serving % Daily Value Calories 180 Calories From Fat 80 Total Fat 9g 14% Saturated Fat 4g 20% Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 5mg 2% Sodium 65mg 3% Potassium 70mg 2% Total Carbohydrates 19g 6% Dietary Fiber 1g 4% Sugars 8g Sugar Alcohol 7g Protein 14g 28% Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 4% Iron 4% Phosphorus 6%

We can do it, Laura! I'm detoxing. Turns out that I'm mid-cycle now and the weight jump isn't too surprising, nor is the desire to snack. Was back to my same 'ole number this morning. The very day after I reported my loss here I bounced back to the number I've been pretty constantly seeing (142.4) for several weeks now. I got a little up, go a little down, but I always settle right back here. Dang it. At least I'm not up like yesterday. So, confession: I've been logging my food at the end of the day instead of at the start of the day. This is not working for me! So today, I already have my food planned out. I am drinking two Protein Shakes today and eating Protein heavy meals all day. I'm hoping to kick the carb cravings - I got some bad habits while the kids were here because they eat a lot of snack foods we normally don't have in the house. Why can I walk past an entire container of homemade Cookies or danishes but not a bag of salt and vinegar chips? All that stuff is leaving the house - usually it's not here, if we want chips, I make them. So the processed stuff needs to leave because right now I'm having a hard time staying away from it all. Introduce any stress and it gets much harder for me to abstain. Sure, I only eat a handful of chips. But I do it EVERY day. That can't be good. Secretly, I'm scared that one day I'll just lose my mind and hide in a closet and eat them all. The fact that it hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it can't happen. There is no longer a skinny woman inside me screaming to get out. There's a fat woman inside me and she wants the food. ALL OF IT. So I have to shut her up with protein shakes. chocolate ones. I've got my limits. Anyway, I'm also curbing my coffee intake. I've been drinking quite a bit of it and want to see how I feel without it. You know, besides tired. And I'm proud to say that once I decided a few weeks ago to stop using alcohol daily I have only had a drink here or there. Nothing regular and there's no time of the day where I just feel like it's beer or wine time and I need a drink. This is a good thing. Hope everyone is well. Happy Weekend! We're dragging the kids off to tot Shabbat (ugh...as if spending an hour with thirty other kids six and under wasn't bad enough we're doing it outside in the muggy buggy woods) because hubs insists and I've been finding excuses not to go for the last two months. Ah well, I knew it couldn't last. ~Cheri

Well, I don't know but alcohol does not increase my appetite at all. I haven't had any problems with my band either so I would say everybody's body is different. I don't drink often but I include it in my calorie count and I don't get hungry.

If they are like the Blue Bell SF pops I had, they are made with sugar alcohols. While not completely carb free, from what I've read, your body only absorbs about half the calories from the sugar alcohols.

When is the first time you had wine and pizza. I know alcohol is supposed to be a one year wait but I was wondering if anyone tried it a little earlier.

I have had eleven fills and I have lost sixty pounds in twelve months, I'm still not in the green zone but I'm losing consistently with very little difficulty . I have learnt that I can't drink alcohol as it loosens my band and it takes me at least a week to get it back. I'm happy with my loss and the time it s taking.

I had my surgery in Mexico, at Mexico Bariatric Center, because it is too expensive in the US and I didn’t want to wait 6 months as required by my insurance company. It took no time to decide on my doctor and reserve a date for my surgery with Dr. Louisiana Valenzuela at Mexico Bariatric Center. My driver Victor, who was very nice, met me at the San Diego Airport on time. He took me to the Marriott where Tatiana my care coordinator who explained my stay and logistics met me at the Marriott Tijuana. The hotel was Marriott with 5 star service and personnel. The hotel’s shuttle takes all bariatric patients to the various hospitals at 6:30am. I checked out and met several other ladies that were to have similar surgeries that morning. Mi Doctor hospital is comparable to any European hospital. It is clean and has 24-hour surveillance and security. There were four other ladies that were having the gastric sleeve surgery that morning and we waited in the reception area together. The receptionist called us one by one to complete documents. I then received blood work, an EKG and other health screening tests. After my test work came back I waited for my turn to have my surgery in my room. I came with someone so my room had two hospital beds (no extra cost). They provided cable TV, a large bathroom, with a walk in shower. It was clean and well kept. I changed into my toms and surgery scrubs. Around 4PM my turn had arrived and I was whisked off to surgery. They did not attempt to influence me to have the surgery. Ultimately, you are not committed to the surgery until you are on the table and are about to receive your anesthesia. The doctors are very professional and they explain in detail the surgery and anesthesia. After the surgery of 45 minutes, I recovered for another 45 minutes then was taken to my private room. In the room I attempted to walk immediately because the surgery calls for CO2 to expand your stomach and the remaining gas must be released. I was nauseous due to the anesthesia, but it did not affect the other ladies. When the anesthesia wore off I noticed a drain attached to 1 of the 5 incisions, it was to drain for the next 1-2 days, in some cases longer. There was approximately one nurse to 2 people that provided round the clock care. Dr. Valenzuela and other doctors visited several times during the first 24 hours. After 2 days at the hospital my drain was removed and I was discharged because my leak tests and other tests were fine. (Marriot) They provide in-depth details about the surgery to give to your primary as well as a video of your drip test. They give you a manual on how to take care of your little tummy. At the hotel I continued my doctors orders and the care coordinators kept in contact with me. After two days in the hotel Arturo drove me back across the border that used a fast pass that granted us quick access through the checkpoint. With any surgery there are risks and the risks do not disappear in the US and Canada, they are the same. I was comfortable with having my surgery in Mexico because Dr. Valenzuela was more experienced than the doctor I was with in the states. You do not have to be very big to have the surgery in Mexico. A BMI of 32 is all that is needed. The doctors in Mexico expect you to be adult enough to tell them the truth about your health issues and follow pre-op and post-op procedures because they do not see you but for a few days and there isn’t much history to go buy. There is no handholding going on so after they give you pre- and post-op instructions you must take the initiative to follow them. They do give you their nutritionist’s information that you can contact anytime. However, I saw with my own eyes Canadians and American patients completely disregarding doctor’s orders and pre-op procedures such as pre-op liquid diet, drinking alcohol and smoking. Some ate tacos before surgery. One patient was caught smoking just before her surgery and 3 doctors talked to her for hours about her health and potential complications. Going to Mexico is an option for people who need another option. It is Mexico so expect most of the staff to speak Spanish. They are still able to communicate with you. I had a Care Coordinator and another person that is dedicated to watch over you. If you are interested in any other procedures let them know day one so that they can find a good deal. (Botox, Lasik, Braces, Skin Care etc.) Ultimately, I feel like a million bucks. I pat myself on the back because of my decision. I saved money and time. And no insurance agency dictated what and when I had my surgery. I can only endorse Mexico Bariatric Center but have heard of many other great experiences at other practices in Mexico. I hope this helps anyone who is thinking about going to Mexico for the surgery. Email me for a verbal recommendation. Kesha

My neighbor's celebrating her1 year anniversary this month. Shes lost 60lbs in 12 months when u average it out thts only 5lbs per month. Her highest weight was 307. And she has no loose skin. She looks Great! She doesnt eat right she has small portions of junk all day long. She drinks alcohol on weekends sodas and even breads whenever she wants. She says shes excited to have lost the 60 than to have gained 60 I love her rock star personality!

thanks everyone! I never asked or was told about the alcohol rule...not for a whole year...that's do able!!!!

I was told no alcohol in the first year.

Ask me tomorrow! I am going to an engagement party tonight! Not sure if I want to try alcohol in big amounts but I will have one.

I think it is a good idea to differentiate between foods you "can't" eat post VGS, and foods that don't agree with you or you choose not to eat. As for the "Can't" list (from my doctor and nutritionist) 1) Anything with carbonation (soda, beer, champagne) 2) Alcohol for the first year post surgery 3) Chewing gum (concerned that if you swallow the gum it will block the stomach). That was it on the "must not ever eat again list". I am 3 months post surgery and have only had one food "disagree" with me. That was a chicken and apple sausage. I felt yucky, and my stomach was upset, but it wasn't a horrible experience, I just wouldn't choose to eat it again. Then there are the foods that I don't eat anymore - this is purely my choice! I try to avoid most simple carbs - white rice, bread, Pasta. I am ok with the whole grain versions, but getting all that Protein in my meals doesn't leave a lot of room for simple carbs, veggies and fruits. I'm eating about 1100 calories a day and losing 2 pounds per week. If I truely crave a food, I will have a mouthful, and then the craving is done and over with. As for a prohibition on grapes, maybe in the first 2 months, but after that if you chew it well, it should be fine. I hope this helps.

In the short 4 days since my WLS, I've had no desire to share my news other than with immediate family. Everyone has their own issues, ie, being in therapy, alcohol/drug/food dependencies etc. that they don't share. I've basically told a few folks that I had hernia surgery. Similar pain and recovery time.

Yesterday I signed consent papers and was instructed on the diet that will in effect "detox" my liver. Limited carbs, no sugar, avoid alcohol (gulp) and tons of protein. I can do this (I keep telling myself) but have some events coming up in the next 1 1/2 weeks that will be challenging. If I can get past those hurdles, I should be ok. Last night I spent time with a friend that had the sleeve 4 years ago. It was encouraging to have the support and she joined me in one last round of cocktails and chips and salsa to celebrate. The one thing she said that stuck out was how she wished she had journaled her experience so she could look back on it. I'm committing to doing that on this forum so I can remember the big and small things. I also came home with 3 huge containers of protein shakes, vitamins, etc. from the Center and filled my prescription for some surgery day meds I will be taking. Now counting the days until I check in - 10 days to go.

I never said they were bad per-se. Did I not say everything in moderation? Eating them is probably no different than taking a laxative with a high fat content. Should you eat them all the time? Definitely not. Personally I would rather have a weensy bit of sugar over the sugar alcohols but that's because I'd rather not have the laxative effects.

Haven’t blogged in a month, so this will be long. Today marks 12 weeks since surgery and 14 weeks since the beginning of the pre-op. I’ve lost 43 lbs since surgery and 53 lbs in total. I’m damn happy with that! How funny….at the end of that last sentence, I made a typo, and instead of an exclamation point, I typed a question mark. If that’s not my subconscious peeking through, I don’t know what is! No really, I’m happy. No way would I be at this point if I hadn’t had the surgery. I am impatient. I am dismayed that the weight loss is slowing a bit. But, I do find hope in knowing that if I apply myself, the losses will continue and time will pass and every little bit adds up to a lot. So much of weight loss is a mental game. This is the true test. To make sure that I stay the course, not just because eating healthfully is actually good for me, but because I cannot – will not – comfort myself with the wrong kinds of food. I will lose weight at exactly the rate that I am supposed to. Now, I take this time to analyze what I am responsible for. I believe that I am eating the proper way and that I am getting a balanced diet. I am tracking my food, another plus for me. I will be downloading my sparkpeople logs and submitting them to my NUT so that she can review and give feedback. I am taking my vitamins. I am definitely reaching my protein goals. I do not feel that I am under eating nor do I feel that I am overeating. What could I be doing better? I probably am not getting my fluids in. I am not tracking that, and how would I know for sure if I don’t track it? I am hiking 6 evenings a week, up the hills behind my house, for at least 30 minutes & sometimes longer. That is waaaaaay more than I used to do, so while I applaud myself for that, it is time to step it up again. And I have not been doing the strength training I should be doing. I do sometimes have the fear that I will be someone for whom this surgery only gets me half way to goal. Or that the weight loss will stop altogether. I remind myself frequently that there are still things that I am responsible for, and I have no choice but to take responsibility. I have this sleeve as a tool, I have been lucky that my body has taken so well to this surgery, and I also have a tremendous source of support in the resources my surgeon’s team provides. I can contact my NUT and exercise specialist any time I want. For the rest of my life I have these tools. What has changed for me since surgery that seems to be a Forever change for me now? Well, like I said, I am much more active. I am much more mobile and my balance is better. I love that because I can see evidence of things to come! As far as intake, I am still following a pretty pure, unprocessed, paleo type diet. I have had bread on about 2 occasions, in the form of ½ of those whole wheat skinny buns. Other than that, no bread, no rice, no pasta. No sugar! I am having fruit once a day and more vegetables than I was eating at the beginning of my diet progression. The sleeve has certainly relaxed, so I am being careful to do the protein first thing. That definitely does the trick for filling me up, and it gives me peace of mind that I have the ability (for the rest of my life!) to be in control of my appetite. I got the sleeve because there have been times in my life that I felt insanely hungry. Now I know that I just need to eat some good dense protein and I will not feel that way! No doubt if I ate slider foods (and I could now if I wanted) I could eat and eat and feel that out of control hunger and keep eating. So I love that I have that control measure. I ALWAYS eat the protein first. And often I find that one last bite, the one bite that would be the One Bite Too Many, I discretely spit into my napkin. I will not push myself and make myself sick. I’ve gotten over the whole clean-my-plate thing. I’ve had alcohol on a couple of occasions and have been fascinated to discover that I have become a one-drink-nurse-it-all-night kind of gal. I was never like that before. I always felt driven to be gluttonous with food and drink in my previous life, and I no longer feel that way. I am so happy about that! This is an amazing journey indeed. I am so very grateful to have been given this opportunity. Onward!

Sugar alcohols are chemically engineered laxatives = why

okay, but none of this says *why* they are bad. i have been buying and eating met-rx pure protein bars... 20 grams of protein, 2 grams of sugar. i cant tolerate the protein drinks. so i eat half in the morning, half in the afternoon. no ill effects i can see. but i notice the builder bars i also got have 20 grams of proteinand 20 grams of sugar and say "no sugar alcohols."

Manufacturers that make "sugar free" products with sugar alcohols usually compensate by doubling the fat content. You eat a lot of fat - you won't lose weight, sugar or not. Everything in moderation. I too can't tolerate them! Talk about an afternoon bathroom marathon. No thanks.

I can't tolerate those different sugar alcohols personally.

what is the scoop with sugar alcohols? are they bad for you? okay in small amounts?

I just turned 21 on the 26th of July. Im about 8 1/2 months out. i think it just depends on the drink and how much alcohol is in it. I drank 3 smirnoffs and was feeling a little buzzed i also tried a shot of patron on a different night and was completely drunk. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!