I'm having gastric bypass....

[GoofieRuthie]

I guess you could say I was one of the lucky ones. I have been able to eat pretty much anything since surgery. Excluding sugar and milk. Some people have a really hard time with chicken but I never have. In 3 years, I've only gotten sick twice and both times it was my own fault. In the beginning I ate alot of cottage cheese, salami slices, beef jerky, and cheese. These days, other than eating alot less than others, you wouldn't know I had surgery. I eat pretty much anything that I want. I have become lax in my diet though. If there is a support group near you, I highly recommend you go. I have not had any follow up support with a group or my doctor. (long story) Thankfully, I've managed pretty good, but not everyone has it so easy. I wish you all the luck in the world. Again, PM me if you have any other questions you don't want to ask on here. Nothing embarrasses me. I'm an open book.

Here is a link to my profile. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=K1027103039&NoStatic=1

There is a link at the top that shows my pics along the way too. Hope that helps.

 

[Shugardrawers]

What you can eat will depend on what stage of recovery you are at. In my first couple of weeks I ate a sugar free soft diet. Applesauce, jello, cottage cheese, protien drinks etc. Eventually I added in a variety of foods, your Dr can guide you as to what and when. Now, at 4 years out I *can* eat anything I want. I don't. Things that are highly greasy/fatty don't sit well with me. Neither do highly sugary or carby things. I get queasy if I get carried away. Sugar I still dump. I can eat a single slice of pizza though I know it's not good for me and it's a sometimes treat. I adore Taco Bell tacos and eat them more than I should. Tortillas get stuck going in so I don't eat burritos. I can nibble at pretty much anything I want. What exactly are you hoping you'll be able to eat?

 

[Glynis]

My biggest concern at this point is cooking for my family. I still have little babies at home, and would like to be able to still cook one complete meal rather than having to cook for them, and then to cook for me. I know that in the beginning that probably won't happen, but for the future, I just kind of want to know what other people have found to be "un-eatable. For instance, I didn't know that some people have problems with tortillas. Things like that. I've already stocked up on sugar free jell-o, and applesauce. I need to pick up some cottage cheese and some chicken broth for those first days after the surgery. Then we'll see what happens.

Thanks everyone for your good wishes and support. I am joining a support group through my surgery center, but for some reason, I feel a lot closer to people on the Dis boards.

 

[Cthia]

Sorry no advice from here. Just offering my best wishes for you and I hope your surgery is a huge success for you.

 

[Shugardrawers]

How you cook for your entire family will have to change if you don't want to cook a seperate meal for yourself. Lowfat, low sugar and low carb will be the game but it's not as hard as you think. Fresh and frozen fruits and veggies, grilled, roasted and baked meats without breading, dairy foods and whole grains such as oatmeal and whole wheat bread. A great idea that worked for me was a healthy eating cookbook for kids. I liked almost everything in it and tolerated most of it well. It's not always easy and of course your little ones and your Dh too may balk at first but they'll come to like it and the advantage is that you are helping your kids avoid the bad eating patterns that got you where you are today. It will take home work and lots of trial and error. Not everyone has problems with tortillas. Just me that I know of. Give them a shot anyway but try for whole wheat tortillas anyway because you need the grains. The big thing is not to push the envelope with fats and sugars. They will kill your efforts immediately. I have oh so much advice for you that just won't fit here. PM me and we'll talk.

 

[luvmydogs]

I lost 110 pounds nearly three years ago through portion control/exercise (I did tons of research and then consulted with a bariatric surgeon for a gastric bypass, but did not qualify), and sweetie, I couldn't be happier! My blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar were all high, and are now normal after I lost the weight and got fit. I also enjoy exercising like I was never able to before! I know you'll enjoy the same benefits.

You'll get no flames from me! Many people are misinformed about this surgery--it will help you lose the weight initially, but you will still be responsible for mainting your loss. As you know, your stomach will eventually stretch, and you'll be able to regain, so you'll have to watch your food intake and exercise in order to keep your weight off for good. Gastric bypass is not the easy-out that many people think. I know of one teacher at my ds's school who had it and she looks fabulous! I'm sure you will, too!

We may be different in how we attained our healthier lifestyles, but the end result is the same. I wish you *all my best* for a successful, uncomplicated surgery and recovery, and here's a big CHEERS! for the new you!

 

[taekwondo mom]

No Flamew ... my mother had the surgery about 5 years ago she is doing great.. Oh did she get a New Life !!!!!!!!!!! Please follow the Dr's advice and don't rush trying to eat stuff that your body not ready for...

Good Luck !!!!!!!!!

 

[twojo21]

my aunt had that done, she did have some issues afterwards with infection so make sure to follow the drs instructions to a t. please remember that weight loss is not all physical but also mental, make sure to see a counselor or join a support group to make mental long lasting changes. best of luck with the surgery.

 

[MickeysMommy]

Good Luck

 

[arminnie]

Best wishes and no flames from here, but I do want to advise you to be careful about your medications if you take any.

My cousin had the surgery and got her epilepsy medicine out of synch because of the absorption issues. Also you need to be very careful if you are taking birth control pills. Not because you might die, but because they might be passing thru you and may not work.

Some post menopausal women have had to go to the patch instead of oral hormones after a gastric bypass.

Since you will be eating much less, it is very important that the food that you do eat is very nutritious. You must take the vitamins and supplements that they tell you to take forever - most doctors recommend chewables (like Flintstones).

 

[Glynis]

You guys are the best! I was really worried about a whole bunch of negative stuff. I've been flamed on other lists for this same topic and I was bracing myself for the same here. Once again, you have all shown me that Dis'ers are the best when it comes to support and pixie dust.

I have my last pre-surgery class tomorrow afternoon, and I have to say I'm feeling a lot better about things after talking things over with you all. Thanks so much!

I'll post again after the surgery and let you all know how it went! Keep me in your prayers and thoughts, please!

 

[JimB.]

Hope all goes well for you.

I don't know much about it personally, but my brother underwent GB a few years ago & (IMHO) it literally saved his life. He was obese, with T2 diabetes & hypertension. He is now slim, having lost probably 175 lbs, & is off of ANY meds.

He also just got married 2 weeks ago to a real hottie & is probably the happiest he has EVER been.

None of which would have been possible without the surgery.

He also had a bum gall bladder dealt with at the same time, so he is off of fatty or fried foods & alcohol forever (not such a bad thing...............)

Good luck!! I'm sure any initial discomfort will be worth it in the long term.

 

[damom2daboyz]

...best of luck and speedy recovery!! We'll be here if you have any questions. Email me or PM me anytime. I work odd hours but I will get back with you.

See ya on the losing side!!

 

[SamRoc]

...on Halloween. I know, timing is bad, right? Anyway, I'm wondering if there's anyone out there who's been through it, can you give me some ideas of what you can eat now and any other helpful advice? Thanks in advance.

By the way, I hope I don't get flamed. I know some people have very strong opinions about gastric bypass. Believe me, I'm not entering into it lightly.

My girlfriend and her husband just had this done, this is from her email that she sent me today:

Hope all is well with you. I am now down 87 1/2 pounds. It is pretty amazing since I only had the surgery in July. I feel really good. Dave is down about 80 pounds, and only has 10 to go to reach his goal. I sadly still have about 40 to go, but as I said not bad for under four months.

I think those are really good results! Good luck to you with your surgery.

 

[damom2daboyz]

So cool, you look great!!


Glynis, someone else posted about the emotional rollercoaster you go on post surgery, I second that. I had eight months of support session before surgery and 6 months post op. Don't get discouraged, hang in there, everything eventually settles down. The lap procedure, not as painful except for the gas pain, that's why I said walk, walk, walk. The gas passes quicker. I didn't eat a whole lot of real food at first, once I figured out how to make my protein shakes, I did them for the first three months only, then went regular proteins. Drink your water faithfully and avoid sugar/carbs, you will dump, not fun, heart races, stomach cramps, and then DIARRHEA!! Ugh!!!
Every post op is different with their tolerances, you just have to work thru what works for you. A friend of mine can eat steak but not chicken. I can eat chicken, no steak. Always remember, watch what you eat because the pouch will stretch. Sometimes I think I obsess, I weigh every day and purposely stop during eating to "check how full the pouch is".
Again best of luck to you.

 

[Glynis]

Well, I just got back from my last pre-surgery class. They went over all the material we have learned in the last couple of classes, and they signed us all up on their website. They have an online support group. I'm excited to start attending the chat sessions, as well as the live and in person support groups.

I report to the hospital at 6:00 Monday morning and am scheduled for the first surgery of the day at 7:30. DH and my DSIL will be there at the hospital with me, and I just received word that my father is planning on driving up to be with me as well. My mother is making him come. My mom is my inspiration for the surgery. She has had so many problems due to her weight, and I just didn't want to have to go through all that she has gone through. She would be coming as well, except she is recovering from her latest surgery; a hysterectomy to get rid of uterine cancer.

I have printed out all your advice, and put it in my educational binder from the doctor. I really appreciate all the tips and advice. Believe me, I want and need it. More than that, I am so grateful for all the good wishes. I firmly believe that if I go into the surgery with all those good wishes flying around my brain, it's sure to help things go more smoothly.

I'll update you all as I go along. If I can ever figure out how to post pictures, I may consider doing a photo journal to chronicle the weight loss.

Hugs to all of you!

 

[tiggerlover]

I do not know much about this surgery, I just wanted to wish you luck and send some good wishes your way for a speedy recovery.

 

[magicfan]

No advise about the what you can eat. Just wanted to congratulate you on your new journey and wish you the best of luck. I have heard so many people have wonderful outcomes. They feel great about themselves, have more confidence, more energy, happier in thier new life and skin. How exciting for you.

 

[Pugdog007]

Good wishes for a quick recovery & God bless.

 

[PigletsPal]

Wishing you the best of luck with a speedy recovery. I had the lap band in sept. and it was the best thing I ever did. I also get alot of help and support from obsityhelp.com.