Day 7, (Ate) 8, 9

Greetings All ObesityHelpers,

Day 7 for me was Christmas Day and I did fine, I do find myself having cravings from my old life at times and I am graced to know that even if I ever do get back to eating any of those things, I am limited and it will all be in moderation for me. I went out with my family and I did fine, I had an Icee and Vitamin Water as my diet allowed and I was motivated because I was able to finish the entire Icee.

Day 8, I was introduced to full fluids, thick liquids, and even boiled chicken and vegetables as long as they are all blended down and have no lumps in the mixture. I didn't go that far but, I tried lightly seasoned Avocado Chicken Broth Soup and a Slim Fast shake with Almond Milk, PB Powder, Peanut Butter and Agave Nectar and I did fine after the initial shake. The first time I tried it, my head hurt and I could only take about 3 sips. Later, on for dinner I was able to finish most of it and I had more soup.

Day 9, is today and I am concentrating more on my water intake and protein intake, these are the hardest things for me to consume it seems, the water gives me the most chest and gas pain and the protein outside of my shakes is nasty to me, but I am pressing on. I take Alboz twice a day for Acid, Women's One A Day Vitamins, A Hair, Skin, and Nail Vitamin and A Blood Pressure Pill. I am also on insulin for my diabetes and I monitor it accordingly. My moods still a roller-coastering, but I explained to my loved ones this is normal and I check myself. I have started work again already and I walk and drive fine. I went to Fitness Connection yesterday and did 30 minutes on the treadmill and I felt great.

Yesterday, I know I probably ran my Patient Care Coordinator and Doctor insane, but they were so nice and I still support and promote them all. Reading the forums here and looking into things I did read some things I had no read before or heard of and it worried me, I immediately contacted my team and was reassured in my questions on leakage etc. I however; first had prayed and I trust GOD, for HE is the author and finisher of my Faith.

Until next time, everyone be blessed in your journey-Lisa-Marie.

I?d skip the agave because it?s just pure sugar. Not something that you should be adding to your diet now. Or really ever.

Icees are also not sugar free - so not something you should be ingesting.

Your vitamin regimen also seems incomplete - I see no mention of calcium?

The "hair, skin, and nail" supplement (biotin?) is pretty much useless as well.

Slimfast shakes do not have NEARLY enough protein. A regular shake has 180 calories and 10g protein; you need to be choosing shakes (and foods) with at least 10g protein per 100 calories. With all of your add-ons, you probably had a 300 calorie drink with about 12g protein.

Skip the agave nectar, it's pure sugar. It's best to avoid all types of sugar-- cane sugar, HFC, honey, etc-- and keep your carbs as low as possible during the losing phase. 1oz nectar is 80 calories and 22 carbs (source), which is unnecessary junk.

Peanut butter is also best avoided until maintenance. One tablespoon is 90 calories (source) and only 3.5g protein.

Stay away from the Icees. Are they REALLY included in your doctor's plan? An 8oz serving, or a very small one, is 111 calories and 29g sugar (source). It's important to stay hydrated, but even MORE important that your drinks be calorie-free.

A good guideline for the losing phase, even when you're on mushies, is 600 - 800 calories per day, 60 - 80g protein (or more), and under 25g carbs.

I drink the Slim Fast High Protein shakes from time to time. They have 20 grams of protein and less than 1 gram of sugar for 180 calories.

You got some very good advice from the others about some things to avoid. I know it is crazy to hear that our doctors are not always giving the right advice, and it seems insane to listen to people on the internet instead of a doctor, but in the case of post WLS nutrition and vitamins, it is often the case that doctors just aren't educated enough. In case you aren't sure, this is a list of the 56 words that sneaky manufacturers use to hide sugar in your food. Agave is first on the list!