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Showing results for 'savory protein options'.
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Help me weigh pros and cons?
GreenTealael replied to GreatHope's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
If I were in your position and unsure I would: Find a GREAT team (that accepts your insurance) and go to a few information sessions. Ask a ton of questions. Consult the surgeon and ask a ton of questions. Join the support group and listen to the candid conversations of the members. See the nutritionist/dietician and follow the plan they give to you. Start implementing the post WLS lifestyle now. Try a few protein supplements. Start monitoring your progress during these changes. If you are still unsure about any of it, ask more questions, take your time and go to more support meetings, talk more with your family about their concerns, tell them yours. Honestly you don’t have to rush into anything, take your time (unless there’s a reason you need to). For me WLS was absolutely worth the risks and I would do it again. Good Luck! -
Am I crazy for wanting to cancel my surgery next week and just try Wegovy?
NickelChip replied to BrooklynHearted's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I've personally been on both Saxenda and Wegovy. With Saxenda, I lost 20 pounds and my blood sugar and cholesterol improved, but high blood pressure was unchanged. I stopped because the insurance price went from $50 a month to over $200, and my weight loss plateaued so $2400 a year to keep off 20 lbs seemed a bit steep. As soon as I stopped, the weight came back, the A1Cs went up, and the cholesterol went higher than before I started. With Wegovy, I was only ever able to get the first two months of doses before shortages made it impossible. After that, I switched insurance and lost coverage of Wegovy completely, meaning over $1k per month out of pocket if I wanted to continue. I wasn't on it long enough to see how my labs would have been. From everything I've seen, surgery is the only durable option. In my case, the copay is less than a single month of Wegovy, with the possibility of it lasting a lifetime, and the ability to add the GLP-1 drugs down the road if needed. Only you can decide what is right for you, but I think for most people who are at the point of qualifying for surgery, the drugs alone will not be enough, and if you lose access to them, you will most likely go back to square one with weight. Or in my case, square one plus 10 pounds. -
How do I STOP losing weight?
Arabesque replied to Penguin733's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I kept losing fur another 11 months after I reached my goal. For a time I couldn’t eat more than I was. I added some snacks to eat between meals & my dietician suggested adding milk powder to my milk to enrich it with more protein & more calories. (I found this too sweet so I gave up after a short time.) I was eventually able to eat larger portions but I was still eating 4-5 snacks a day by the time my weight finally stabilised. (I was eating about 1300 calories at that point.) I usually eat about 1600 calories now, about 3 snacks & have basically maintained. How I eat has been sustainable for me & doesn’t limit or restrict my life in any way. What I realised is that the weight I’m at is the weight my body gravitates to & is happiest at: my set point. It may take you some time to be able to eat the calories you need to maintain. Also your goal weight may not be your new set point (it could be higher or lower). Another point to consider is that the lowest weight you reach may not be the weight at which you stabilise. Our bodies often resettle at a higher weight. There is the possibility of the bounce back regain at around year 2 or 3. Or you adjust your eating to better support your lifestyle & consequently eat a few more calories. Try adding some additional carbs (low processed, complex whole & multi grains) some good fats, another serve of fruit, … Have a chat with your dietician too for some ways to incorporate additional but still nutrient dense foods into your eating. All the best. -
December Surgery Buddies!
RonHall908 replied to AshleeHarvey's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Do you have a dietician? They should have some good recipes and give you some guidance on your post op diet. My Dr. requires liquid diet two weeks prior to surgery and two weeks after. Then move onto puree'. I have yet to have my surgery, but I have been on a pre op diet. 100-150 grams protein 80-90 grams of carbs per day. Should have my surgery sometime late January -
So I've been at my goal weight, but I'm still losing weight. I'm trying my best to maintain it and it's becoming difficult to do so. How do I healthily stay at the weight I'm at? I've tried the steps I found online like having more smaller meals throughout the day or adding more calories, but I don't have the appetite to do so and clearly can't eat as much as I used to due to the surgery. Would high protein foods work despite it being low in calories? Has anyone else run into this unexpected predicament? Or know of some good advice?
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Am I crazy for wanting to cancel my surgery next week and just try Wegovy?
BrooklynHearted posted a topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I have been going through the process of the bariatric program since January so it's about to be a full year. My surgery was originally supposed to be in July but the doctor's office screwed up my paperwork so insurance denied it. They were very dismissive and acted like it wasn't there fault but it was. They left out my psych evaluation so it was denied. I was so turned off that I went to another surgeon but couldn't schedule mine until December 28th. Now I'm a little more than a week away from surgery and on Day 5 of liquid diet but they do not communicate with me at all. No one even scheduled my pre-op testing. I have been emailing and calling my surgeon's office since last week to ask a question about if I had to stop certain medications and about certain protein shakes I'm allowed to drink. They never respond to me. Today I was told that the Physician Assistant is on vacation and the coordinator is out sick so I feel like I'm just left out here alone with no help. It makes me concerned about post-op care as well if they can just dismiss me because someone is out sick or on vacation. I can't help but feel like these are signs from the universe not to do the surgery. Am I crazy for giving up on this and just trying to take Wegovy instead to help me lose weight? -
December Surgery Buddies!
Michelle 07V replied to AshleeHarvey's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
For me Gatorade lime cucumber has been my go to , bottled water and the protein shakes I got are premade . I also have a timer set for 30 minutes to remind myself to sip something. And it’s time for another calcium chew. Idk about you but they remind me of starburst texture but chalky. I went out and did errands now I’m tired. And I was told by my dr the pure liquid diet for 30 days -
December Surgery Buddies!
sfugate89 replied to AshleeHarvey's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
That’s a good idea! I was told that we could only do clear liquids for this first week post-op, but if I can do smoothies that would be so much better! It would be much easier to add the protein powder to a smoothie or protein shake. -
December Surgery Buddies!
MLC3409 replied to AshleeHarvey's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I bought a cookbook that has smoothie recipes for full liquid stage. So I use the yogurt and milk and protein powder with the other stuff to make protein shakes. I am hoping they taste good 😂 I am going to make a few this weekend and put in the freezer so they are already for me post op. -
December Surgery Buddies!
sfugate89 replied to AshleeHarvey's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
That makes sense! I meant to bring some of those cups home but I forgot. My lip was busted after surgery as well. It seems to have gone down now, so that’s good! Hopefully yours will go down soon too. Where do you put your protein powder? In your water? I’ve been struggling to get the protein and water. I’m counting down the days till I can eat puréed foods and eventually solid foods again! Coming up on the holidays, this is going to be challenging. I just try to remind myself why of why I chose this path in the first place and knowing it will get better with time. Are any of you struggling with constipation? I’ve not had a bowel movement since before the surgery (12/14) but I’m wondering if that’s normal because I really don’t have anything solid in my tummy? Should I add Miralax to my water? What are some of the liquids that you’ve found you like the most right now? -
December Surgery Buddies!
MLC3409 replied to AshleeHarvey's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I am glad to read all of this. I bought small 2 oz plastic cups to use for my 2-3 weeks after. I also found protein powder that already has the required vitamins in it so I won’t have to deal with them the first 2 weeks. I am hoping that after the two week mark and moving onto purée food that I will start to feel more comfortable. I have my vitamin and calcium chews for that week start. I am glad you guys have had a fairly successful time since surgery. I pray all of us have as good experiences. -
Trouble with malnutrition
Arabesque replied to Amanda-Cleckner's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
They’re Creons & are a pancreatic enzyme. I take them for my protein malabsorption which began after my gall removal. I take one 25 000mg capsule 3 times a day. Started on a lower dose but it wasn’t enough. They were prescribed by the doctor who does the follow-ups for my surgeon. -
Trouble with malnutrition
ChunkCat replied to Amanda-Cleckner's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
I don't know how common this is with Bypass, but it sometimes happens with patients who have the Duodenal Switch because the level of malabsorption from the surgery is significantly more than with the Bypass. It usually happens a few years out because that's how long it takes to deplete the body of its stores. That's why we have to have lab work done frequently to monitor our vitamin levels and protein levels. Some patients end up malnourished when their vitamin levels drop too low or their protein levels drop too low. There are medications they can prescribe to help you better absorb protein but I can't remember what it is called, it is a digestive enzyme of some sort. A GI doctor would know what it is, your surgeon might know too. The liver is very sensitive and things getting out of whack can definitely cause it to be angry. I hope they do more testing and figure out what is going on... You have probably lost muscle mass as your body takes protein from your muscles to compensate from the depleted protein levels. Try protein shakes and protein waters that are made with whey protein isolate. It is the easiest form to absorb and it will help your protein levels go up. This is what DS patients are advised to consume, most premade shakes will be made with inferior types of whey that may not help your protein levels. Unjury makes some good ones, Syntrax is another brand that makes medical grade whey protein isolate. There are a number of them around! -
My Surgery is Tomorrow!! Dec/13/23
ChunkCat replied to Courtnay's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Thanks for updating us!! I am so sorry they had to change their surgery plans... My 3 week liver reduction diet didn't seem to work very well either, my surgeon said my liver had not responded the way he'd hoped it would have, but he's a pretty skilled surgeon so he was still able to do my full surgery with it. I have read about a number of people with that issue that end up having to stage their surgery though... I really hope you do well with the sleeve, maybe you won't even have to have the second part done!! I'm glad you have the option to though... The feels are strong after surgery even when everything goes perfectly, so I can imagine you were feeling it with everything that happened, plus the meds coursing through your system! I hope your pain continues to ease. Keep updating!! ❤️ -
New here, nervous and excited!
NickelChip replied to SkyeBlu99's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
The most likely way I can think to lose 8 lbs in 18 days would be to stick with a very low calorie diet of protein shakes and steamed or raw vegetables from now until after your appointment. Not the easiest thing to do with the holidays, and not a very healthy way of eating, though. -
5 weeks pose op and 3 week stall
KathyLev replied to BariBaybee's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I've been on a stall for 4 months now !!! It sure is disappointing to have that happen. It's like doing all that work and not one acknowledgement from the scale ! I put the scale away and focused on other things - like being able to walk without gasping for air I also measured myself - and even though I'm not losing weight , I lost 15" ! So there's that ! I also talked to my doc about it , and she told me to go back on my presurgery liquid diet for a week or two. She also suggested changing up my proteins to see if that helps. I'm still experimenting with her advice . Don't let the stall get you down ! Good luck with everything -
Weight loss before surgery
SkyeBlu99 replied to jacquelynn22's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I was also instructed to lose 10 lbs before surgery. I did initially lose that so my surgery is scheduled for January 30. Now I have monthly appts and if I regain the weight they will postpone my surgery. I have an appt on January 2 and I have gained like eight lbs back!! I am so mad at myself because I really don’t want to postpone surgery. I still have 18 days before my appt and so I’m being super strict now. Similar to what CarmenG said earlier: two protein drinks and a Factor meal in between. it’s so hard though and I totally relate! My post-op friend said it’s much easier right after surgery because you don’t feel like eating so this pre-op weight loss might be the toughest to get through! But we can do it. I’m just trying to look forward and remind myself how much I want this change in my life. I’m so close to getting surgery, and I don’t want to push the date back. I want the surgery more than I want that (unhealthy food). Hang in there!! -
Please please tell me this is normal. I've also only lost 12lbs in the first 2 weeks and now in a 3 week stall. I'm glad I've not gained anything cause i think i would be even more disheartened. I'm taking in around 700cals a day, getting my protein in and fluids. I have been doing light exercise on cross trainer but too scared to push it. should i be doing anything different or do i just wait it out? I knew it was coming, but mannnnnn... 3 weeks :(
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December Surgery Buddies!
Mjtcollective replied to AshleeHarvey's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Sleeved 12/7 - I swear I don’t feel like I even had anything done besides zero hunger and 16 pounds lost. No pain meds. No issues with getting fluids or any protein source down. No sleeping issues except maybe a little insomnia but I’ve always had that so nothing new. 🥳 one week into my new better self. -
Pre surgical diets can differ a lot but the two shakes & one meals is not uncommon. (Mine was two weeks keto.) Generally eat pretty cleanly: no sauces (pre made or own), steamed vegetables (avoid starchy vegetables like potatoes) no processed foods, watch cooking methods of your meats - low fat. Portions sizes ate likely only 3-4oz protein & a cup of vegetables. But check with your team for what they recommend for you in regards calories, portions sizes & suitable foods for that meal. I’d look at getting a set of scales which measures small increments as soon as possible. They will be invaluable as will measuring cups, spoons & jugs.
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December Surgery Buddies!
RonHall908 replied to AshleeHarvey's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm surprised they didn't give you a sleep study. The Bariatric clinic where I'm going requires it before moving on through the process for bariatric surgery. If you're not having any sleep issues now, you probably didn't need it. Glad to hear you're hitting the Fluid and Protein goals. Good luck on your journey. -
if your clinic didn't give you a calorie limit, then I wouldn't worry about it. Pre-op diets vary so much between surgeons that if any did have limits, they may all be different (I wasn't allowed to have any food at all - just protein shakes and no-cal (or ultra lo-cal) liquids)
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December Surgery Buddies!
MLC3409 replied to AshleeHarvey's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
This is Awesome!!!! I am hoping that things go this well for me too 🤞🏻. I am so happy to hear that you’re doing so well! I bought a cookbook that has full liquid protein recipes (it is a Bariatric cookbook) it walks through the first three week up a regular (general) diet. It has been helpful in getting ready for my post op. -
December Surgery Buddies!
justinmatson replied to AshleeHarvey's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Had my surgery Dec 1st! All went as planned and I think I’ve been pretty lucky. I have my 2 week checkup tomorrow with my doctor. So far I’ve only thrown up once and haven’t had any dumping or gas pains or anything. The only thing is a couple days this week I felt a little dizzy and weak, I think maybe dehydration or not getting enough calories. But I’m working on it and trying to hit my fluid goals a little higher each day. I’m very sick of protein shakes lol. I have to do 3 weeks of full liquids so definitely looking forward to soft foods Dec 22. I just tried cream of chicken soup (98% fat free, strained) tonight and it was such a treat to break things up. -
So today is Day 1 of my liquid diet & im able to have one sensible meal. I choose chicken & veggies but I think I overdid it. I don’t have a scale to properly measure my food but I did use a portion control plate ( double protein instead of a starch ) half plate of veggies )Did anyone else have the meal option , do you know how many calories the meal should be ?
