Hello all new to site
Hello everyone, I just joined the site yesterday and I am so glad I found this site. I am from Philly and had WLS November 25th at Temple University Hospital. I didnt realize how hard it was going to be and some days I question if I made the right decision, especially since it takes me all day to drink a bottle of water and it has to be spring water. I have hit a slump already and haven't lost any weight in over a week. I was wondering if anyone else had this problem in the beginning. I am always hungry but of course I can't eat that much and haven't been able to tolerate the protein powders. I just bought one from Walmart (chocolate) and was able to drink a glass for the first time even though it is still gross. If anyone has any advice or input as to how the beginning was and what kinds of foods you eat. I am tired of chicken and fish and could use some new ways to fix it. I saute the fish and cooked the chicken in broth and use lowfat cheese to add more protein and flavor but any input would be greatly appreciated. I am looking forward to getting to know people and hopefully make new friends who understand the struggle I have had and am having with weight.
Hey Sandy! It sounds like you are right on target! You are going through the "what the hell did I do to myself" stage!!! And a stall! Both at the same time...that can be hard. Both these stages shall pass. I hit a small stall at about 3 weeks out and I am now in my first "real" stall. I'm just over 4 months post op and I've been the same weight for the last week and a half! I am losing inches, because I've been in a size 16 for a while, just got into my 14's. And they are too big on me now!! The 14's have lasted less than 2 weeks I think!!
Hungry....are you hungry or is it head hunger? When we have WLS, they operate on our stomachs, not our heads. Protein shakes can be tough, I had samples in the beginning, because everyone says our tastes change post op. I'm lucky, I get most of my protein from food! I ate sooooo much tuna, chicken and cheese and eggs in the beginning!! Tuna was easy. Especially when I went back to work! And there is soo much protein there. I'm sorry I can't help you out much in the food field.
You are doing great!!! Just keep plugging away, in time it gets easier!! Good luck and keep posting! There are a lot of great people here on the Pa board!!
There are never any problems, only solutions. quoted by a dear and special friend!!!
My stats:
Starting weight 234 lbs Height 5 ft 6 in
Goal in 7 months (127 lbs)
Currently: 120-123 lbs
Tops Small Bottoms size 2!!!! UPDATED: 11/11
Hi,
I am sure you will find other foods to enjoy. Just listen to your body and it will tell you what it wants. The water issue will improve in time too. Sipping is the norm in the beginning. I am happy to see you here. I hope you can find a local support group to attend as well. I am sure there are lots of good recipies people in here can share with you as well. Welcome!!
Paula
I am sure you will find other foods to enjoy. Just listen to your body and it will tell you what it wants. The water issue will improve in time too. Sipping is the norm in the beginning. I am happy to see you here. I hope you can find a local support group to attend as well. I am sure there are lots of good recipies people in here can share with you as well. Welcome!!
Paula
Clueless about weight loss and weight loss surgery of any kind.
welcome!! I had my surgery 11/03 and I also hit a slump around 6 wks out which lasted about 1 and a half weeks. So that is normal. I also think that your hunger is head hunger, not real hunger. As every will tell you, the drs. fixed our stomachs not our heads. And have you tried any liquid proteins, like isopure and new-whey bullets? They have about 40 g protein in them each. Just keep plugging along and don't get discouraged. Everyone on this site is here to help with any questions or concerns that you may have, just use them. It is a wonderful resource to have on this journey! Best of luck and keep posting!
Dee
Dee
Nice to meet you!!
I responded to one of your other posts about the protein shakes so I won't bore you with that info again.
As far as foods...I tend to have a lot of dairy in my diet. Some of my favorites:
Low fat or Non Fat Ricotta cheese. Depending on the brand, it's between 7-10gm per 1/4 cup. I make it one of two ways.
1) Put some ricotta cheese layered w/ a little spaghetti sauce, garlic powder, and shredded mozz, heat in the microwave. It tastes like a noodleless italian dish
2) My FAVORITE way: Sprinkle in some splenda and cinnamon, mix, and eat. It tastes like a rice pudding like dessert and is soooo yummy. I know it sounds strange, but try it.
2 cheesesticks = 16gm of protein
Greek yogurt (sold under the name brands of Fage, Oikios (sp?), Chobani) 6 ounces = 15-18gm of protein depending. Make sure you get the PLAIN one - the flavored ones have a ton of sugar in them. Now...that being said...it tastes AWFUL plain (like sour cream) However, add some splenda and sf jam, or sugar free flavored syrup (I like DaVinci brand and order them online), and others sprinkle in a little bit of sf jello crystals and it turns into a very yummy treat!
I would also sautee some shrimp in a nonstick pan w/ a little bit of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of butter, and finish with some lemon juice for a scampi like flavor
Eggs are good protein too, but give some people trouble early out. Try egg whites or egg beaters or something like that if you have problems with eggs.
Typical menu for me earlier out:
B: Greek yogurt 17gm
S: 2 cheesesticks 16gm
L: Deli Turkey or ham rolled on one cheesestick 10gm
S: 1/4 cup ricotta cheese 7gm
D: 3 ounces Ground lean meat w/ taco seasoning and cheese: 21gm
S: Cup of milk w/ no sugar added carnation instant breakfast: 15gm
Total: 86gm of protein (my goal was 72...so I tried to go a little over so if I didn't finish something, I was still close)
The stalls will happen and they are frustrating....Keep following your program and realize your body will eventually have to "give in" Early out is a perfect time for a stall. Your body is figuring out that you are "starving" it because it is getting less than what it is used to. Based on evolution, it goes into "starvation mode" and holds onto every thing it can hoping to keep you alive.
The other great advice on stalls is to switch up your menu. I know you said you eat a lot of chicken and fish. Perhaps switching to some dairy and what not instead of remaining on your staples will help.
And of course, exercise. It is soooo important and actually increases energy levels - so even if you feel tired...go out for a walk or do SOMETHING...within a few days you will realize how good you feel!
As far as fluids are concerned...try taking a medicine cup that comes with something like liquid tylenol or whatever...you are looking for one marked w/ "30 ML" on it. If you drink one of those every 15 minutes you will hit 64 ounces within 16 hours (assuming you are sleeping 8 hours a day) Also...keep tha****er bottle IN YOUR HAND or right near you....and get into the habit of taking a sip every few minutes. Before long you will be getting in your fluids. Experiment with different temps of water, too. Some do better with warm liquids, while others do better with cold liquids. Don't be afraid to flavor your water,too. Crystal lite or anything else sf/caffeine free. You might want to start out with less than a full packet - sometimes after surgery those things taste to strong and you need to cut it a little bit.
Good luck!
Pam
I responded to one of your other posts about the protein shakes so I won't bore you with that info again.
As far as foods...I tend to have a lot of dairy in my diet. Some of my favorites:
Low fat or Non Fat Ricotta cheese. Depending on the brand, it's between 7-10gm per 1/4 cup. I make it one of two ways.
1) Put some ricotta cheese layered w/ a little spaghetti sauce, garlic powder, and shredded mozz, heat in the microwave. It tastes like a noodleless italian dish
2) My FAVORITE way: Sprinkle in some splenda and cinnamon, mix, and eat. It tastes like a rice pudding like dessert and is soooo yummy. I know it sounds strange, but try it.
2 cheesesticks = 16gm of protein
Greek yogurt (sold under the name brands of Fage, Oikios (sp?), Chobani) 6 ounces = 15-18gm of protein depending. Make sure you get the PLAIN one - the flavored ones have a ton of sugar in them. Now...that being said...it tastes AWFUL plain (like sour cream) However, add some splenda and sf jam, or sugar free flavored syrup (I like DaVinci brand and order them online), and others sprinkle in a little bit of sf jello crystals and it turns into a very yummy treat!
I would also sautee some shrimp in a nonstick pan w/ a little bit of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of butter, and finish with some lemon juice for a scampi like flavor
Eggs are good protein too, but give some people trouble early out. Try egg whites or egg beaters or something like that if you have problems with eggs.
Typical menu for me earlier out:
B: Greek yogurt 17gm
S: 2 cheesesticks 16gm
L: Deli Turkey or ham rolled on one cheesestick 10gm
S: 1/4 cup ricotta cheese 7gm
D: 3 ounces Ground lean meat w/ taco seasoning and cheese: 21gm
S: Cup of milk w/ no sugar added carnation instant breakfast: 15gm
Total: 86gm of protein (my goal was 72...so I tried to go a little over so if I didn't finish something, I was still close)
The stalls will happen and they are frustrating....Keep following your program and realize your body will eventually have to "give in" Early out is a perfect time for a stall. Your body is figuring out that you are "starving" it because it is getting less than what it is used to. Based on evolution, it goes into "starvation mode" and holds onto every thing it can hoping to keep you alive.
The other great advice on stalls is to switch up your menu. I know you said you eat a lot of chicken and fish. Perhaps switching to some dairy and what not instead of remaining on your staples will help.
And of course, exercise. It is soooo important and actually increases energy levels - so even if you feel tired...go out for a walk or do SOMETHING...within a few days you will realize how good you feel!
As far as fluids are concerned...try taking a medicine cup that comes with something like liquid tylenol or whatever...you are looking for one marked w/ "30 ML" on it. If you drink one of those every 15 minutes you will hit 64 ounces within 16 hours (assuming you are sleeping 8 hours a day) Also...keep tha****er bottle IN YOUR HAND or right near you....and get into the habit of taking a sip every few minutes. Before long you will be getting in your fluids. Experiment with different temps of water, too. Some do better with warm liquids, while others do better with cold liquids. Don't be afraid to flavor your water,too. Crystal lite or anything else sf/caffeine free. You might want to start out with less than a full packet - sometimes after surgery those things taste to strong and you need to cut it a little bit.
Good luck!
Pam
Instead of complaining that the rosebush has thorns, be happy that the thorn bush has roses. 
Hi and welcome to the PA support forum. . .
Stalls are a part of our journey and can last longer by not adhereing to the correct amounts of water, protein and exercise regime.
As for recipes, I believe there is actually a forum on here somewhere where people post recipes and there are many good ways to prepare fish, chicken and whatever else you might enjoy foodwise. What I did was adapt recipes I had used prior to surgery, to be wl friendly. . .
Here's a couple of recipes I use the first one is for a Turkey meatloaf that is very yummy and you can portion size it and freeze and do that with other recipes and then go shopping in your freezer. . .
1 lbs. Turkey chopped meat (a little more is ok)
2 cups of herb stuffing mix (I use pepperidge farm)
1 egg
4-5 tablespoons of grated cheese (I use Locatelli romano)
1 cup of low sodium/low fat chicken brother (you can use the kind that comes in packets)
1 medium, finely chopped onion (onion powder can be substituted)
3/4 cloves of finely chopped garlic (garlic powder can be substituted)
pepper to suit tastes
Take the low sodium broth and pour into the two cups of stuffing, mix the rest of the ingredients well and shape and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for one hour, you can pour a small can of tomato sauce over top the last 10 minutes if you like for added taste, or sautee mushrooms in a nonstick skillet and add a little bit of white wine or cooking wine for a change. The amount of bread in a piece you would eat is small, so it is on plan and a good source of protein and tasty too. Hope you enjoy.
Here's a chicken dish I make:
Package of spinach
Package of boneless chicken breasts
garlic/pepper grinder or garlic powder and pepper
cup of chicken broth or chicken broth mixed with white wine
roasted red peppers or low sodium ham
shredded mozzerella (1) 8 oz package
Take the package of fresh spinach and put in the bottom of a nonstick baking dish, put chicken breasts on top, pour a cup of chicken broth or white wine and broth over breasts, then season with garlic pepper grinder or a bit of garlic powder and some pepper, then top each chicken breast with a slice of low sodium ham or if you like red roasted peppers, use those instead, then take a package of shredded mozzerella cheese and sprinkle on top, cover with alumium foil and cook in a preheated over at 350 for 30 minutes, a tasty and healthy source of protein.
Hope these recipes turn out to be something you can like.
Best wishes for your journey to healthier living!
Laureen
Stalls are a part of our journey and can last longer by not adhereing to the correct amounts of water, protein and exercise regime.
As for recipes, I believe there is actually a forum on here somewhere where people post recipes and there are many good ways to prepare fish, chicken and whatever else you might enjoy foodwise. What I did was adapt recipes I had used prior to surgery, to be wl friendly. . .
Here's a couple of recipes I use the first one is for a Turkey meatloaf that is very yummy and you can portion size it and freeze and do that with other recipes and then go shopping in your freezer. . .
1 lbs. Turkey chopped meat (a little more is ok)
2 cups of herb stuffing mix (I use pepperidge farm)
1 egg
4-5 tablespoons of grated cheese (I use Locatelli romano)
1 cup of low sodium/low fat chicken brother (you can use the kind that comes in packets)
1 medium, finely chopped onion (onion powder can be substituted)
3/4 cloves of finely chopped garlic (garlic powder can be substituted)
pepper to suit tastes
Take the low sodium broth and pour into the two cups of stuffing, mix the rest of the ingredients well and shape and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for one hour, you can pour a small can of tomato sauce over top the last 10 minutes if you like for added taste, or sautee mushrooms in a nonstick skillet and add a little bit of white wine or cooking wine for a change. The amount of bread in a piece you would eat is small, so it is on plan and a good source of protein and tasty too. Hope you enjoy.
Here's a chicken dish I make:
Package of spinach
Package of boneless chicken breasts
garlic/pepper grinder or garlic powder and pepper
cup of chicken broth or chicken broth mixed with white wine
roasted red peppers or low sodium ham
shredded mozzerella (1) 8 oz package
Take the package of fresh spinach and put in the bottom of a nonstick baking dish, put chicken breasts on top, pour a cup of chicken broth or white wine and broth over breasts, then season with garlic pepper grinder or a bit of garlic powder and some pepper, then top each chicken breast with a slice of low sodium ham or if you like red roasted peppers, use those instead, then take a package of shredded mozzerella cheese and sprinkle on top, cover with alumium foil and cook in a preheated over at 350 for 30 minutes, a tasty and healthy source of protein.
Hope these recipes turn out to be something you can like.
Best wishes for your journey to healthier living!
Laureen
My Mantra is that I do not determine my success by the number hanging in my closet, nor will I let the scale determine that success either. . . It is through trial and error I will continue to grow and succeed. . . Laureen
"Success is a journey, not a destination." Ben Sweetland
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