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I hadn't heard from anyone! Nice to meet you. What kind of surgery did you have?  I got a sleeve in the end of July last year.

Is there anyone who checks out this forum??  I'm in Lander and would love to hook up with some other people in Wyoming who've had WLS.

I subscribe to the e-zine "goop", written by Gwyneth Paltrow.  This month's edition had recipes for some awesome protein rich one-bite snacks---so very perfect for gastric bypass patients.  Examples are  Caesar Salad Bites, Almond Butter, and Chickpea Salsa.  The website address is www.goop.com.  Check it out and try some of those little protein rich snacks for your mid-morning or mid-afternoon meals.

I am still struggling with getting enough protein every day--which is why I was so excited to find the above recipes.  It gets old drinking Whey protein at least once every day--even though I have tried every avenue of mixing it that I believe exists--milk, yogurt, smoothies, juice, cream soups, etc.  At 5 years post op I still struggle with meat--especially beef.  Seems it doesn't matter how small I cut the pieces or how many times I chew it, it just makes me feel sick.  I don't necessarily feel pain, like it might be getting stuck, I just feel nauseous and often vomit from it.  This isn't a consistent problem and it isn't simply a steak problem.  It happen**** or miss on any type of beef that I have tried.  Chicken, turkey, pork, and fish do not bother me.  I have met other bypass patients that have the exact same complaint, so I'm not sure there is any rational explanation or fix for the problem.

Bottom line, we require 60-75 grams of protein per day to keep up our metabolism, energy, and muscle mass plus it prevents hair loss.  Eating meat alternatives such as beans, eggs, skim milk cheeses, Greek yogurt, and tofu are good alternatives.  There are a lot of other protein supplements on the market besides Whey, but most must be ordered online when you live in small town Wyoming.

One little trick that works well is to choose a buddy from your support group to buddy up with to remind each other every day to make sure to get their protein, take their supplements, and write in their food log.  You could even team up with a close friend for the same purpose and offer the friend other reminders of his/her choosing.

The best places to get information, help, and general support is your surgeon, your LOCAL support group or of course the Obesity Help website.  And the best way to keep track of your daily protein intake and supplement therapy is to remember to journal in a food log book of some sort.  Another great indication of adequate protein intake is the Total Protein blood chemistry test that your physician orders annually as part of your surgery follow-up.

I went to the doctor yesterday for a dizziness problem.  I used their scale to weigh myself.  I almost cried/died/whatever.  I'm embarrassed to say how much weight I have gained since the last time I weighed.  OMG  I am now at 70 pounds below my pre-surgery weight.  And I originally lost 120 pounds.  That is a 50 pound weight gain over the past couple years.  And I have been on here preaching about JUST START OVER and I have done so.  I would think that the weight would be melting off like it did right after my surgery 5 years ago.  Apparently it doesn't work that way 5 years later.  New plan is needed I guess.  I have done some research on nutrition and keeping up the protein intake and supplements.  I feel good--actually I feel great--so I would think that I am getting everything I need. This has to be an exercise issue.  Unfortunately Wyoming's winters do not allow for much outdoor activity and a gym membership is just in the budget right now.  What am I to do.?  I drag the Yoga mat out nearly everyday for stretches and workouts to help keep me limber and firm, but Yoga does not burn many calories nor does it kick-start your metabolism to burn more calories.  I have been thru hell in my personal life for the last 2-1/2 months.  Needless to say, I have been battling some serious depression.  I have a doctor who has prescribed medications to combat this mood thing and it seems to be working because I feel good.  I wonder if any of these medications can cause weight gain.  Guess I should do some more research.  And to change the subject, I still haven't decided on a program for the March meeting of our support group.  I feel I have hit upon some issues that many people experience after surgery--especially a few years out.  I think I should focus on Weight Gain After Surgery.  Good idea---stay tuned for the results of my research and the NEW PLAN I need to develop to get this weight off again.  I new I had gained weight because the pants I wore last winter no longer fit me.  But I had no idea it was 50 pounds.  I think I'm depressed all over again.  I'm not sure anyone ever reads my posts, but if you are out there and you have any helpful suggestions I AM OPEN to hearing them  I would love to see more Wyomingites posting to this forum.  I think I am the only one doing regular posts.  Until next time, ya'll take care and I will have good news next time, I promise.