Food questions & the queasies.

Hi everyone, I have a couple of questions...I'm officially 9 months out post-op today and haven't tried bread at all...(crackers on occasion with soup or cheese) since my surgery. I didn't want to blow my WL with empty calories/carbs. How much is too much with bread? Any recommendations as to a certain brand that is high in protein/fiber & low in carbs/calories? Does anyone dump or throw up on bread? Should I just avoid it for awhile longer? Well I think I have a viral bug. I threw up like crazy the other night & thought it was my pouchie giving me a run for the money. I'm REALLY listless and had a headache off & on over the past few days. My pouch is gurgling like crazy & have the queasies off & on. Loading up on fluids and keeping foods soft to avoid throwing up. So far so good. I left early from work the past two days due to needing some privacy...YUCK..and took Friday off to play it safe, and ride out the bug. I'm also finding I get lethargic on occasions (prior to this stomach bug) and I'm thinking I'm not getting "enough" of something in my diet. I do struggle with my protein...it is a lot better now that I can eat a little more..I do keep string cheese on hand that is a quick fix to get a quick boost in protein for snacks along with yogurt. I'm still struggling with a "film" on my tongue..not near as bad as when I first had the surgery...not sure if it is thrush or something else? It's more annoying than anything & my mouth constantly has a "sweet" taste to it..especially when I wake up in the morning...gross. Has anyone else struggled with this or still do? For the ladies...I just got over my "friendly visitor" the beginning of the month & two weeks later it came back with a vengenance...GRRRR....talk about a hormonal upheavel...SIGH...It must be from the weight loss. I made an appt. with my PCP for a complete physical & bloodwork just to make sure everything is ok..but that isn't until March 7th. I take my vitamins religiously. No problems there... The amazing thing...drum roll please is I've lost 115lbs! WHOOT WHOOT! I way 165 pounds I can't believe it! I went from a snug 26/28 in pants & tops to a 12/10....can you believe a size 10?? in some bottoms/skirts and a med/large in tops.... I actually got called "TINY" by a few of my co-workers recently....ME TINY??? WHO WOULD HAVE THUNK IT! LOL I am SOOO greatful to God and Dr. Barba for giving me this tool...I NEVER would have thought I'd see my current weight & size...the last time was I think in elementary school...I count my blessings everyday. I actually feel "light"...my thighs don't rub together HEE HEE...and when I work out at curves...I feel like I can do just about anything physical...amazing! Well thanks all for listening, Mickey

Hi Mickey. Well, first off, Congrats on the great work! Plenty to be proud of there! My doctor had me working in some carbs after 6 months. I buy a small fresh rye bread and have it sliced up. Have a slice from time to time. I stick to whole grains as far as bread goes. As long as your getting your B-12 which is very important along with your calcium and multi vitamins you should be fine. Just getting over the flu bug myself and gotta tell ya it's a mean one so take your time healing up . Take care and Keep up the great work! Julio

Hi Mickey Congrats on your processing so far !!! I cannot eat any bread except it had to be toasted. I use whole grains and rye bread for myself. I do not use carbs everyday but twice or three times a week for myself. hope you got rid of flu bug! Kathy k

Hi Kathy, Thanks for your info on bread/carbs. I do eat crackers with soups or with my yogurt 2-3 times a week so it sounds like I'm pretty average with everyone else. I may try a piece of low cal/carb toast later this week to see how it goes. My bug is better...just really drained me. The throwing up really tired me out...but I'll be hitting the sack early after my desperate housewives show..LOL..can't miss it! Mic

Thanks bunches Julio, I'm faithful with my B-12 and all of my vitamins so I'm good there. I feel a little better...the throwing up was just draining...tuckered me right out. I did go out for some air Saturday and starting to feel like my old self. Just tired. No fever or anything with it. I may try a piece of whole grain or low cal/carb bread/toast this week to see how it goes. I'm trying to get a little variety into my diet and I appreciate everyone's feedback and there experiences with certain foods. Thanks so much for sharing, Mickey

Hey Mickey, Congratulations on your time out and your success so far. On the carbs I would try not to have too much bread, not good to get back into that habit again. Crackers are okay once in awhile but I was told they are not good either in large quantities. You should be very proud of yourself you are doing great. To the subject of the monthly visitor. I feel like a teenager all over again. I bleed very heavy and get the bad cramps and headaches again. I guess the surgery helped us with our cycles going back to normal, if that is what you call it. I had cystic ovarian syndrome which kept me from getting my periods every month, I would skip, or get them for more than a week. It was crazy, now I am getting them monthly and like gangbusters. I have had alot of biopsies and tests and they say I am okay now. My cystic ovarian has subsided and I seem to be ovulating normal. Check with your GYN just to be sure. Good Luck and Keep up the good work. Hugs Kim

Thanks bunches for your feedback Kim. It sounds like you've had a run for the money with your cycles. I'm hoping mine will straighten out. It's more of a nuiscense (sorry can't spell) than anything and the hormonal upheavels are driving me crazy! I definately plan on limiting the bread in take..just looking for a little variety where I want to get the most out of what I'm putting into my system. Hugs back at ya, Mickey

>> I actually got called "TINY" by a few of my co-workers recently Outstanding Mickey. Bet you have the guys looking at you! --Steve

Hey Steve! It's good to hear from you! Not too sure about the guys looking but my husband definately does...LOL.. I meant to catch up with you after our chat during the anniversary celebration. How did you make out with the lump on your chest bone? Did it turn about to be a dislocated sternum/scar tissue? Can Dr. B do anything about it? Mine is definately more noticable now. It doesn't hurt at all just isn't too attractive. Mickey

We didn't do anything about it yet. Next I see you I'll show you what it looks like, and how my abdominoplasty went. --Steve