The Loser's Bench

Recent Posts

SMITHTRA
on 10/12/09 1:41 pm
Topic: It only gets better right?
Well its been nearly 10 weeks now and I'm down 119 lbs from my highest weight and 105 from the day of surgery.    You would think I would be happy.  Well for the most 99.5% I am ecstatic.  I'm just not sure what the future holds.  I know 10 weeks out is still close to the surgery and I cant expect things to be normal yet.  What ever that is, I wasn't normal in the first place.  But I feel bad because I want a slice of bread or something other than poultry or fish, I mean per my Doc whom I have full confidence in, I cant even have a salad until 4 mos. out.  Boy, am I ever suffering from forbidden fruit syndrome.   Does it get better food wise. will I be able to eat  things like salsa and chips, a sandwich, taco, posole, tortillas’, pizza, pasta, potato’s (all of course in proper portions).    It’s impossible to even go out with friends for lunch or dinner it seems like even when there are things I can eat on the menu its covered in lemon, garlic, scampi or some other form of butter.    Even the support groups here (NM), it seems like everyone wants to tell you the bad habits.   Trust me I do not want to regain even one pound but there has to be a balance where if my body tolerates these things I can enjoy them every now and then (all of course in proper portions).   Wheeew!!!   Okay sorry needed to vent.  
Isaiah  40:31  and  John 3:16

        
Barbara C.
on 10/8/09 11:46 pm - Raleigh, NC
Topic: RE: Challenges... What are yours and how are you handling them?

I'm sorry that I didn't see your post sooner.

When you are in this early stage of the game, it really is WORK to get in your fluids and protien intake, especially since you are now weaning from protien shakes to real food and trying to balance the not drinking 30 before/after a meal. That said, you can do it!  If you can, try to plan what you are going to consume at least a day ahead. Always start with your protien first. Some of things that worked well for me early on included: cottage cheese, shrimp, and chili (Wendy's is great when you need something when you are out and about), If you will look at my early blog entries you may find more. I also found that I could/would drink a lot more if I drank crystal lite or decaf iced tea.

As you said, you need to be gentle and patient with yourself! 

Try logging what you are getting. It really seemed to help me. 

Wishing you all the best!

Barbara
ObesityHelp Coach and Support Group Leader
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bcumbo_group/
High-264, Current-148, Goal-145

Barbara C.
on 10/6/09 7:07 am - Raleigh, NC
Topic: RE: Plastic Surgeon

Hi Mark,

Several folks that are in my support group have used Dr. Karl Schwarz in Raleigh (www.schwarzps.com). Duke and UNC also have very good programs. 

I hope that helps.

Barbara
ObesityHelp Coach and Support Group Leader
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bcumbo_group/
High-264, Current-148, Goal-145

rtaskew
on 10/4/09 4:36 am
Topic: RE: Challenges... What are yours and how are you handling them?
I had my surgery on August 4th, 2009, and now on a diet of soft food. My challenge is getting the proper intake of protein and water. I'm dehydrated and have bouts of being dizzy. When this happens, I try to stay home and drink plenty of fluid and eat regularly. It really doesn't work that well for me.
 
Challenge: Balancing food and water intake.

I cope with it by being calm and trying to find a routine. I know that this is a process and I stay patient with myself.

Any suggestions?
    
Mark H.
on 10/4/09 12:38 am - Raleigh, NC
Topic: Plastic Surgeon
I am looking for references for a plastic surgeon in Raleigh.  I am male and need a tummy tuck or something similar after loosing  130 pounds.  My surgery was 18 months ago.

Thanks
Barbara C.
on 10/2/09 1:33 am - Raleigh, NC
Topic: RE: Step II Diet Help

Hi April,

I absolutely understand where you are coming from. I had a couple of meltdown moments and to be honest, I think that one of reasons that I was so distressed was that I thought OMG I can't believe that I'll have to 'eat' like this for the rest of my life! Well, I'm here to tell you that the journey that you have in the first few days, weeks and months in no way are a reflextion of the way life will be as you move into the longterm portion of your journey. Even at a few months out, things will be so different and much better. By the time you hit your one year anniversary, your eating will have 'normalized' a great deal. While you won't be able to consume the volume of foods you did before, you will be able to consume much more 'normal' portions and a wide variety of foods. I would say that by the time you get to your second anniversary you will really have gotten to where you will be in the long term as far as volume and variety. Everyone varies as to what they can and cannot tolerate, but rest assured it will be better than it is now... by a long shot. 

I think that the first days, weeks and months is a lot like  shooting the rapids. It's rough and you have to hold on. That said, it gets much better and the journey is SOOOO worth it. 

Barb

Barbara
ObesityHelp Coach and Support Group Leader
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bcumbo_group/
High-264, Current-148, Goal-145

April E.
on 9/28/09 9:28 am
Topic: RE: Step II Diet Help
Thanks for the advise and words of encouragement. I was just feeling a bit depressed the other day watching my son and husband eat delicious food and started feeling sorry for myself wondering why I put myself through it. I got over that speed bump and am feeling much better. Wednesday I can start on soft foods and am very much looking forward to steaming some fish or something for my family for dinner! I am going to take it slow as I do not want to make myself sick. The thought of getting sick or dumping scares me to death and I don't want to experience for anything.

I weighed on my scale the day I got home from the hospital and had gained about 10 lbs or that's what I saw from the IV fluids and gas and as of today on my scale I've lost 13 pounds. The real test will come when I go to the clinic on Wednesday and weigh on their scale. Thanks again for all of your support!
Barbara C.
on 9/28/09 1:02 am - Raleigh, NC
Topic: RE: Step II Diet Help

Hi April,

I have to tell you that one of the greatest variations from one project to another is going to be the dietary program. Mine kept me on protien shakes and clear liquids for the first 3 weeks. Please contact whoever handles the nutrition for your program. My program didn't allow peanut butter for several months because it's sticky, but I don't know how they would feel about just enough to flavor something. 

If you have questions between your scheduled medical appointments, please be sure to give them a call. They and you will be glad that you did.

Wishing you all the best in your journey.

 

Barbara
ObesityHelp Coach and Support Group Leader
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bcumbo_group/
High-264, Current-148, Goal-145

BrendaNNC
on 9/28/09 12:45 am - Raleigh, NC
Topic: RE: Step II Diet Help
Congrats on your surgery!!  I wish I could answer your questions about the diet options, but I've not had the surgery yet.  Hopefully someone will answer your post soon.  If not, I'd recommend you calling the doctors office and asking them.  Please keep us posted and good luck.

Brenda
April E.
on 9/26/09 6:05 am
Topic: Step II Diet Help
Ok, so I just had my RNY Gastric Bypass on Monday, September 21. I was fortunate to have absolutely no complications and came home 24 hours early. 

Now, I am confused with my food choices. Is it too soon to be having protein shakes? I have been eating very small amounts of sugar free jello, sugar free pudding, hot cereal, sugar free applesauce and yogurt. Does anyone have any suggestions that I could try? I'm trying to appease my new palate somewhat and not get bored with my limited options. Is it ok to add Peanut Butter to some things for a different flavor?

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I go in on September 30 for my 1 week post op and they told me that at that time I should be able to advance to Step III. I just am afraid and don't want to make myself sick or over do it. 

Please help!

April
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