Good Morning. Tips, tricks and BIG mistakes...

1) Since WLS, what did you think to try that was a BIG mistake? Lesson learned?

2) Do you have any super duper tips and tricks that might help a person struggling or perplexed in their first year or so post-op, or even the first day or so at the hospital?

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1) I remember eating a big clery stick that hadn't been "de-strung" in my 2nd month post-op...BIG mistake...what was I thinking!?  I didn't touch raw celery for a year after that. lol 

2) I guess the best tip and trick I learned was how to make protein coffee/tea without ever getting clumps. 

1 - 20 oz shaker cup with wire ball
4 to 6 oz of 1/2 & 1/2, water, or milk
1 to 1 1/2 scoops of IDS Vanilla-Cinnamon protein powder (Champion Nutrition Chocolate, IDS Cappuccino, Nectar Cappuccino, etc.)
{shake} until blended
Add 9 to 10 oz of hot brewed coffee (decaf or reduced caffeine)
{stir}
Pour into large mug

Add hot liquid to cold liquid to avoid lumps. Keep the protein slurry below 130 degrees.
 

I knew your post would be brilliant as usual.  You're my hero.

lol  Awww, shucks.

Have a great day! I'm off to the showers and then on to work.

--gina

My biggest mistake was EVER letting carbs back into my life.

My best tip is DO NOT make the mistake I made and DO NOT let carbs back into your life!
H

1. My biggest mistake so far was to try to eat a piece of steak in a hurry.  I took too big a bite and didn't chew well enough.  I didn't get it stuck, thank goodness but I sure did get the foamies.  I was in a hurry to get to a dentist appointment and the foamies are bad enough, in the dentist office was even worst.

2.  Best tip, keep trying until you find a protein drink you like.  It makes all the difference if you have something you like and can look forward to instead of dreading.  For me, it's protein in my decaf in the morning, hot chocolate w/ protein or Nectar lemon tea, hot or cold. 

My biggest mistake in the beginning was eating too much. I was a member of the "clean your plate" club.  and boyyyy did I pay for it    .  


My tips to pass along would be:   if the smell of your protein drink gags you, drink it out of a cup with a lid. It helps alot.    Also, use a timer to remind you to take your vitamins.   Oh and pack chapstick for your hospital trip.   Cindy

I still consider myself a newbie, but my biggest mistake has been eating too fast.  It usually happens when I'm eating with other people.  It is like I'm sub-consciously trying to keep up with them.  It always ends with me getting sick.  It is usually preclude by my ****iness at how well I'm doing with my eating.  It is my own personal reality check.

My best tip is walk, walk, walk.  I was doing laps around the hospital ward haven't stopped walking since.  I walk as much as possible.  I walk for my break at work. I walk with my girlfriend in the morning.  I walk in parking lots.  Walk, Walk, Walk!

Great post Gina! Love it.

Big mistakes as before mentioned, eating too fast. Not chewing enough. Drinking too fast. Putting protein coffee in the microwave to heat up on the end up with a cup of curdled protein coffee.

Tricks - I love my toddler spoons and fork ; they were from my kids from onieda so they look like real silverware. It makes me take smaller bites.
I always use a salad plate now.
Use my timer to remind me to drink at home or take my vits. I need a wris****ch at work to do the same thing.
About time protein supplement, only one I like, can tolerate a couple others.
Vitalady, has some many samples to try.
Chapstick was my best friend postop!

Hi Gina!

I'm running and don't have time for a good post, but just wanted to say hi and bye for the next few days.  I'm off with my friends for a New Year's trip to "the country" (CT).

Cheers!
Rosa

1.  Same as a lot of others - eating too fast and not chewing good.  Makes for a bad time.  Another thing is to not test the waters too early out.  Give yourself some time to adjust to your new eating habits before you go trying things that you shouldn't have.  Once you add them back to your diet and you find out you can tolerate them - it is a lot harder to stay away from them!!

2.  Get the protein samples from Vitalady.com and keep trying them until you find one you like, but wait until after your surgery because your taste will probably change alot.  Protein drinks really allow me more freedom, keep me from snacking in between meals and help me get my fluids in.

Linda