NEW GIRL

Hey, I just turned 19 last month. I had a RNY on JUne 13th. I am doing ok I feel healthier. I have a hard time watching people eat food that looks and smells so amazing. I get angry and try to avoid the food and them. Especially eating out because it looks and smells so amazing. SORRY HUNGRY... Anyway I think I have started to strech out my pouch or hurt it or something. See I have this bad habit where I don't eat all day then I am starving so I cram about 6 oz of food in. I don't vomit or anything but I do feel stuffed and in horrible pain for hours. I hurt and feel sore a lot actually almost like I have a poking feeling where my pouch is. That poking and soreness is almost always. Sometimes I have this feeling like my pouch is "asleep" that weird "asleep feeling you get inyour foot but where my pouch is weird huh? I smoke too. I don't drink protein because it makes my stomach hard and full for hours. My period is kinda weird to. I had one in june light for 5 days, 1 in july HEAVY for 12 days, august i had a 2 dayer. Well i am also a college freshman so I find myself running to class in school all day and eating cheetos in the car. I can't help it i'm busy. Any ideas to help me better manage. I eat crap. Including quesadillas and tacos wth cheese. A lot of soup and iced tea (unsweetened). I like to eat pieces of cheese to. I eat scrambled eggs, and grilled chicken, eggo waffles ( 1/2 of 1 burnt) with syrup. chinese egg drop soup. Tyson pre cooked chicken, crackers, and sweet potato chips. I had surgery at 253 I am around 190 or so! I was size 22-24 now size 16. I am actually just here to ask for good tasting recipe ideas and to see if I am weird in my pain issues. I wanted to ask other post ops around my time frame out. and ask if i am causing harm or could be? I plan on callling the doc too of course. I don't get sick from this stuff either. Well let me know if any of you have gone through similar? let me know thanks

Hi and welcome Elizabeth! Well, I can't say that I've had the issues that you're having, mainly because I know myself and my weakness for the things I've always loved. I'm afraid if I try things like chimichangas and take out chinese, I'll end up right back where I started. So I make sure when I grocery shop, I buy some snack type things and on the go meal type things that are healthy and easy to grab on my way out the door. My snacks include Genisoy crisps, Quaker whole grain rice cakes, an EAS low carb protein drink (the chocolate fudge is pretty good) and sugar free pudding with a scoop of unflavored protein powder. For lunch I usually take a low fat mozzarella string cheese stick with a slice of turkey or ham wrapped around it. Even some of the Lunchables are good if you skip the ones with the M&Ms in them hehe. Wendys chili in the small size makes an excellent lunch, as well as a Taco Bell Pintos n Cheese, if you're on the run and have no food with you. I usually order a pintos n cheese plus a small regular taco, then empty the taco out of the shell into the pintos n cheese and mix it all up. I usually can't eat the whole thing but most of it gets in there. One of the most important things you can do for yourself though, is not get to that starving point. Keep a snack in your bag or in your car (the rice cakes or soy chips will keep well in a ziplock) so you don't get to where you are so hungry that you just cram in anything handy. You sound like you are doing terrific with your weight right now, but just be aware that it could backfire on you later on down the road if that pouch does stretch out. It doesn't stretch instantly or over a week or a month. It stretches gradually over the course of 6 months or a year (just like our original stomachs stretched out over time). I realize you have a busy life, but any time you have worries you want to talk about or questions, just pop on in and we'll be here Donna

I felt compelled to reply to your post. A lot of things that you mention that you're doing.... are things that are really bad habits and what helped you need the surgery in the first place. I'm not one to "flame" anyone else for what they to... You're an adult and only you can decide whats good for you and what isnt. I also highly believe in not completely denying yourself anything..... that only encourages cheating, BUT you have to do that in moderation. I'd suggest leaving the cheetos behind and maybe picking up a lower calorie snack. I know cheetos taste good, they're easy to grab and all that, but they're also addicting and high in fat/calories. Try some of those 100 calorie packs? Also...... tenderized beef jerky (or turkey). They come in lots of flavors, easy to eat, also addicting and high in protein. Cheese is high in protein, but you might opt for a reduced fat cheese... I think it'd just be a good idea to look for better options regarding your food choices. Even switching to baked cheetos would be better..... putting a few in a ziploc bag so you don't 'over do' it. The pain you're having...... could be a result of not eating all day and then cramming food in there... that will definitely kick your metabolism into slow motion. It could also be something else.... so definitely check with your dr. I haven't experienced anything like that, so I'm not sure. But any pain that is constant, needs to be checked out. Ok....... last issue. And its a doozie!!! SMOKING ? Like I said, you're an adult and make your own decisions......... BUT why would you go through the surgery to save your life, only to risk it by smoking? Sorry if that sounds harsh..... I'm not a smoker but I am a respiratory therapist and I've seen what long term smokers go through when they're dying and trying to breathe. Remember that the surgery is still recent and you're in the 'honeymoon stage'... where the weight comes off easier. The things you've been doing haven't hindered your success (or maybe they have and you would've lost even MORE weight already)... but if you keep going at the pace you are.... there's a good chance that you're going to either stop losing weight all together or even possibly gain in back. It happens...... so PLEASE remember this is a tool you were given to ASSIST you in making good decisions that will help you lose the weight. I really don't mean to upset you or sound mean or anything of the sort..... I'm here to support you in reaching your goals and the roller coaster that takes you there. I just really hope you'll remember moderation and better choices and would be more than happy to help you think of some other food choices. I know its hard with you being in school and on the go.... but trust me, there are choices out there and you can do this the right way. Good luck....... Mel T

Hi Elizabeth: Welcome to the June board. Sounds like you are on the right track and know you have been goofing up. Seems like a good idea for you would be to plan ahead at night exactly what you are going to eat the next day. If you like cheese, low fat string cheese is a good snack or a quick meal so you won't be starving at night. Laughing Cow has lots of good light flavors (look at Buffy's eating posts) I totally agree that you should meet with your nutritionist and have her/him help you lay out a plan. You have done so well with your weight loss. Now is the time to ingrain good habits so you won't gain it back down the road. I have heard that lots of peoples periods are totally screwed up for awhile because of the hormones in the fat we are losing. Make sure you are taking your vitamins, and keep us posted on how you are doing! judi

Hi Elizabeth,first let me congratulate you on having your surgery at a young age!!!! I would say......you have gone through a major life changing operation and you are young and do you know how many young girls would love to have this surgery done and for whatever reasons can't????? YOU NEED TO TALK TO A NUT. and sounds like you also need to talk to a psych. BECAUSE YOU NOT EATING ALL DAY AND THEN cramming is definately not good or healthy.I am not trying to flame you either by any means......but you asked for advice so of COURSE i have to give my 2 cents (smile) CONGRATS ON YOUR WEIGHT LOSS....but that is why it is so important to talk with a nut. to not only help you lose the weight but to lose it healthy....and you should talk to the psych. so you can understand why you are basically starving then stuffing.....that's not mentally healthy or physically healthy.... we are all here for you to support you and if you read some posts it will give you good advice on things we eat and recipes............ (((((((hugs to you ))))))) keep in touch, Crystal

I Elizabeth.. Welcome to the best group of people in the World! are you drinking any water? I have a horriable time with that one myself. get your pouch checked out somethings wrong in there. Your period has acted out because of your life changes with your surgery. mine stopped all together. Thats is caused from your not eating enough nutritonal foods and Iron level. Make a goal to start working on that right away. I would hate to see a young person like yourself be forced into a early Menopause. Especially if you hope someday to have children. I believe you are causing yourself harm so try to take it a lot more serious. Now I will be praying for you so please come back and keep us informed. Protein Bullets are helping me a great deal with getting my levels back to normal, invest in some. the fruit punch ones taste like a sweet tart candy. Blessing to you Ms. Elizabeth! Valarie

Thanks for all of your feedback. I don't consider any one to be flaming me. People are entitled to thier own opinions. And i did ask so its ok. I do eat cheetos but half of a 100 calorie pack. I can handle cheddar cheese but not string cheese it doesn't sit right. I can't have a lot of premade protein drinks and powders because they contain dairy and i was lactose intolerant b4 surgery so i still am but I don't get sick from cheddar cheese go figure. Soy protein powder sits in your belly and tastes real bad it has a strong flavor. i do get jamba juice though with fresh fruit and soymilk only and some protein powder but the powder does sit and extend my belly making me full for hours. I don't see a huge problem with eating food that comes from a restaurant. I am not talking about burgers or nuggetts. I will definately go see my dr for the pains. I don't plan on attempting eating a big mac but I do refuse to eat food that looks and tastes disguting. I don't want to live eating boiled chicken and vegetables, thats gross. I don't eat sugar i watch that. I don't like tasteless food and i want to feel somewhat normal. I just don't want to eat weird things. I like chicken quesadillas but i only eat 1/2 of one of the quartes and i get it from ihop and i have them use spray pam to make it so its dry. They use a grilled chicken breast inside i asked a manager. Inside is only a small bit of cheese grilled chicken,chopped onion and salsa with tomato chucks its very soft. I wasn't talking about a taco bell quesadilla. My mom had the surgery and she actually eats the stuff i mention. I will go see the dr about the pain though. I think it might be a hernia from carrying all of those college textbooks around. Food on the run suggestions or quick to make food recipes that taste good suggestions would be appreciated. Oh and i don't eat regular eggs i eat egg whites. For pasta its soy noodles. I am picky i will admit that. I am struggling a bit however i am afraid a nutritionist will want me to eat fish and veggies stuff i should be eating granted but i hate fish and that stuff looks like stuff my grandma eats yuck. I do eat luchmeat shaved from the deli. Like ham and turkey. I had the associate check the sugar and fat on it b4 i bought it. I do love my grilled chicken though and as soon as i am allowed salad i will eat those with grilled chicken yum! But what are so high protein snacks on the run? IS the stuff i am eating now all really bad? Will it hurt me? MAybe i do need that nutritionist. oh wow this is a lot to think about and take in. Oh what a day what a day. Signed, overwhelmed

Elizabeth, it sounds like you have loads of good, creative ideas, but they are all mixed up inside your head, and when you feel overwhelmed, you revert to autopilot. I applaud you for being able to still make some good choices when feeling overwhelmed. Maybe you can find some satisfying new habits and ways to soothe yourself when stressed to replace some of the habits that won't help you succeed long term if you focus on your most creative ideas, and continue to ask for help! I can relate to your feelings of stress and adjusting to a new situation. I am starting a full-time Ph.D. program, and I also work full-time. I have been thinking a lot about planning ahead, knowing when and where I have refrigeration to count on, thinking about which months a cooler will keep some food safe in the car, and so forth. It's way too easy to just start going with the flow and feeling like you are just reacting to everything rather than being in the driver's seat food-wise. Believe it or not, I find that it takes much less time to make sure I have the right foods at home to take with me when I need them than to stand in all those long lines at school for fairly mediocre food in snack bars! A good shopping list is so important. It's critically important to have healthy things that you like on hand. I'd be a wreck if I fasted all day and then tried to make up for it. My energy and attention would be very poor without a regular source of protein throughout the day. Are you able to focus in class? I happen to like chocolate protein shakes, and keep a stash of them at work, and in my car. (I like Atkins and the low-carb Slimfast. If all else fails, and there is no time to eat, a shake will get me through 3 1/2 hours energy-wise. That's one class. I have an insulated lunch bag that holds a shake, some SF pudding, and a yogurt as well as plastic baby spoons.) So you need to find some fall-back protein foods that aren't so dairy-based as I eat. They don't have to be your absolute favorites, but should be palatable and provide you with energy. Above all, they need to be easy to grab, and last for a couple of hours in your bag. Of course, when you have time, some of the chicken meals you described will be delicious and good for you if prepared as you describe. You may not yet have found a nutritionist who is a good fit for you. In my experience, the first thing a good nutritionist finds out is what you want, what you like, and something about your lifestyle (on the go, home all day, 9 to 5, etc.) It's worth taking the time to find a good one whom you like and who can relate to you. Perhaps your college health service has one on staff who likes young adults and knows all about the demands of being in school? I was bulimic all through my teen years, and there was a high price to pay later. What people have said to you about taking care of your pouch during the honeymoon period could be a critical factor in your future digestive health. Asking for help here is a good first step! I admire your honesty and hope it will be a key success factor for you. Take care, Holly