bikrchk Member

I did a lot of rice crackers especially early on. Seems they are less doughy than a pretzel or pita chip which work fine now.

I'm over 2 years out and still do a lot of eggs. Also like some of the protein-enhanced products, flap-jacked Mighty muffins, P28 products, etc. I tend to start recording every day but forget to log anything after lunch, so I'm not sure how helpful my diary is, lol

I'm 2 years out. My iron saturation was a little low at my last physical but not dangerously so. I changed the iron tablet I was popping mid day (iron should be taken alone as other minerals can affect absorption), to a chewable +C, (C helps with absorption), so hopefully it goes back where it belongs. If you're mixing…

Me too! I don't really "diet" , (at least I don't look at it like that anymore), but I focus on high protein, low carb and low sugar to kind of "reset".

I'm a little more than 2 years out and I'm learning that it cycles with me. I bounce around happily in my maintenance zone, then put on 5-6 pounds more. I can't say that I "diet" per se, but I adjust, (cut most of the crap from my diet), food journal some while I'm losing and it eventually comes off. Halloween candy…

This is a normal part of maintenance but it's good that you're keeping an eye on it! I've been in goal range (it IS a RANGE, not a single #), for about a year and 1/2 now and have bounced up as much as 7 pounds. You need to return to your good habits. Here's what I do... I no longer log food on a daily basis so this is the…

Hard to say since I was a 47 y/o female with just under 100 pounds to lose. I'd start with the BMR calculator on MFP. Eat at least as many calories as your BMR suggests while getting at least 90ish g of protein. Let your exercise and daily activity take care of the rest.

I chose VSG because I was only pre-diabetic, (no meds), had 90-100 pounds to lose, (no more) and didn't want to add additional malabsorption to the mix. Also, I'd heard that dumping, etc could sometimes be worse with R\Y. More than 2 years out, healthy and still thrilled with my decision! Good luck!

I'm 25 months now. Maintain a 5x per week stationary bike habit (followed with some pushups or plank and crunches for muscle tone). Had blood work done last month and it's all still good. LDL is up! Doc says the exercise is showing! Still take my vitamins. Still eat whatever I like in small quantities. I don't record…

I guess I do a version of that when I slip out of my maintenance range. I cut out junk, white sugar, alcohol, etc for a few days and focus on protein intake to kind of "reset" and remember my better habits. After the first day it also helps to reduce carb cravings. Works every time to land me back where I belong within a…

I did a Mexican thing that turned out yummy... Start with a slice of polenata (I used the kind you find next to the eggs in the grocery store) TB of well ground taco meat, (whizz it if you like) Pinch of shredded cheese nuke it for 30 seconds or so dab of plain greek yo dab or guac

I planned for 2 but ended up going back after 1 and 1/2. It's a desk job, I felt good, (never needed the narcotic pain meds they gave me), was getting all my protein and fluids and was bored at home. Preserved a few vacay days. It helped that I lived 5 minutes from work and took lunch at home anyway.

I'm with @Thaeda, I have effit moments, (probably too often). The difference is that now they are "moments" rather than daily occurrences that lead to week or month long binges. If I go TOO far my sleeve, or "shock collar" corrects that behavior in some uncomfortable ways, (puking or dumping) and it's not likely I'll…

In my experience the "surgeon line" is typically, "You are a success when you hit 80% of your excess weight loss", Ummm. really big Nope for me! Mine told me I could be "done" if I wanted when I hit around 165-170 pounds, just a 65 pound loss. I was still losing "easily" then and was not "done". I continued with his…

The sleeve is a reflux inducing surgery. I had reflux pre-op but it wasn't properly diagnosed until my EGD as symptoms were not typical. Not heartburn, but chronic coughing caused by reflux. I also had hernia repair with mine, (which should help make the reflux better). Coughing is much better, but I still get occasional…

I use a garmin vivo fit. Charging is not an issue as it uses a regular watch battery that lasts about a year. Love it!

Yes. It will be a big change, but at least for me, I felt really "normal" after a few months. Just eating A LOT less of whatever it was. As far as food prep, I didn't have a family to cook for, but the first week I pretty much drank shakes and ate yogurt and well whizzed bean soup. Week 2 or 3 eggs were good, little piles…

I'm guessing its probably fine if you wait a few months. I donated for the first time before surgery when I weighed 235 pounds and did fine during, but got really sick, (dizzy, sweating, passing out, nauseous) several hours after donating. I'd eaten and was well hydrated. Afraid to try it now that I'm much smaller and have…

Had to purchase cushions for my wooden kitchen chairs!

I can get a 16oz bottle of water down in 10 minutes if I'm empty but may feel a little "sloshy" for a bit. It's something I have to watch now like if I go for dinner, then to an outside summer activity where I might be sweating. In that case, I'm full from dinner and even 30-60 minutes later will have limited capacity for…

I told my family friends and close coworkers beforehand. After, I decided to share whenever it was relevant, (when discussing health and fitness, weight loss, etc). I don't much care for the opinions of others if they're not on my side in this battle for my health, BUT being open helps me stay on track, (they will NOT see…

I had ZERO complications. Textbook surgery with hernia repair which is very common, never needed pain management after whatever they gave me by IV immediately post op. 1 night in the hospital, advanced my diet on schedule and returned to work the next week. Off all pre-op meds for cholesterol, BP, asthma and take only…

My local grocery store (Hyvee) has their own brand of 100% whey that I like to mix in my coffee. Or Teraswhey is a good less sweet alternative. Early on, I did a lot of Nectar Lemon Tea. Not thick and milky, good for just sipping and I could add more lemon to cut the sweetness some.

I think it has a lot to do with how far you have to go. I started at 235lbs (I'm 5'6") with a goal of 135 I decided to stop at 145 when I hit a size 4 about 10 months post op. I intentionally entered maintenance and maintained well for the last year. I'll put on a little and then take it off, but taking it off is much…

Ditto what others have said. With as little as we can hold, hungry 4 hours after a meal, particularly a low density one like yogurt sounds normal. I couldn't have gotten my recommended calories, (at least 1000\day) without snacks during the first year. I too, eat about every 4 hours, recognizing there is an important…

Might try eating a bit more and varying the calories day to day... 1000 one day 1200 the next. Agree, if you're working out a lot you may need a few more calories. Also make sure that you're getting adequate protein.

Tried the Quest chips. Not a fan either, BUT Quinoa chips (Simple 7)... THOSE are tasty and protein packed!

It happens to me IF I binge on sugar. But I REALLY have to over do it. I'm a year and 1/2 post op and have been in my goal range 10 months, so it's not a "new sleeve" issues for me. For example, large home made sugar cookie and 1pm another at 3pm another at 5pm... THAT will cause a problem. If I stopped at one, no problem…

Yes. Dehydration contributes to low blood pressure. Nausea is another symptom of dehydration. Get a home BP monitor so you can check it and get to the doc especially if you're losing conciousness. It can help to add some G2 or other electrolyte beverage to your diet too.

I started getting the "you should stop now" messages when I was still in the overweight category, (about half way to goal). Folks weren't mean about it, I think it's just that no one had ever seen me at a normal weight and their perceptions were skewed. Just say thank you and move on. If you get someone who wants to debate…