If you come up with a weight-loss friendly sauce recipe for one of them could you post it pretty please?

I am, but I am also in maintenance so a few cals from the sauce is not a problem. However, even if I had found this during the weightloss phase... I would prepare it as directed, but eat a small amount of the veggies alongside lean protein. One package would have lasted me for 5 meals that way.

It has been a while since popping in. Thought I would share my latest obsession. I have tried to eat "real food" as much as possible, particularly since my forme obese state was largely dependent on processed crap food and a truckload of sugar. I cook a lot, but recently had to pack up my kitchen in anticipation of moving. Found this product "nourish bowls" in the produce section of Meijers. There is for sure enough veg in one container for a sleever to make at least 2 meals out of it without adding protein. Add protein and it goes a long, long way.

What I like about them aside from tasting fantastic is you get a lot of quality veggies and nutrition minus the tons of preservatives and crap. I have only tried the Monterray Risotto version, but these will be in the rotation for now at least until I am up and cooking again. Pair it with some Costco Rotisserie chicken and you could eat for a week with minimal food prep. Honestly, this is better than fast food! Worth a shot to those of you that can tolerate the fresh veggies on the sleeve.

I had work discrimination issues to contend with so did not reveal my status. Be prepared to deal with frequent questions, as it will not let up until maybe 6 months or so after you have lost your full amount. Even then, it will still come up sporadically- but at least not multiple times daily. I eventaully gave a standard reply of following a diet (liquid diet in your case), exercise, and recovery from medical issues... all having different impact levels at different times. It was a little easier for me to just stick with that though as I dealt with cancer issues throughout the weight loss period and after, hence most people were reluctant to pry too much and would be satisfied with just that canned response. For that occasional nosy-ass fucktard I would then just say I didn't want to discuss my medical history with them. With a well-practiced teacher look of "cut that **** out". Worked great.

Many on this site might say you can't hide the surgery. Nope, I totally disagree. You are unlikely to lose 40 pounds a month for 4 months. You are more likely going to lose an average of 10-15 pounds per month- within a "normal" diet range. The difference for us tends to be we post those numbers for 6-8 consecutive months adding up to a LOT of weight.

Mine was 2011. Goal weight since 8 months post-op. I had a hiatel hernia that was repaired at the time of surgery. About years out the hernia returned with a vengeance so had to go back in. Had the gallbladder taken out at the same time, and that was due to the weight loss. I was allergic to the meds given to protect the gallbladder though, so that was a mitigating cir****tance. Gerd was only a problem when a hernia returned, and once repaired for the most part is not an issue. So far, absolutely the right choice. If the hernia becomes an issue again it will be a revision to rny. Hoping that is not going to happen.

I had a hiatel fixed with surgery. Around 4 years out I developed a very large hiatel hernia again and was unable to keep solid food down. (I was also having gallbladder attacks during this). Like you, I had a CT and barium swallow. I did have the hiatel hernia fixed the second time while they removed the gallbladder. I did not convert to bypass- really wanted to avoid that if at all possible. Interestingly, my surgeon said if I did convert it really wouldn't help to lose additional weight, although I was concered about losing too much since I was at goal. Anyway, I am not sure I made the right choice. I am once again mildly symptomatic similar to another hernia. Only time will tell, but I might have a conversion in my future anyway. I am sorry you are going through this and I hope all goes well for you.

I remember really trying to figure out how to navigate meeting my needs with balancing family meals. Long story short, eventually I realized to just eat the protein out of the dishes and not to worry to much about what it was cooked in. I also remember it taking a long long time to find good protein sources. Maybe offer up some of the lesser known options. Finally, I wish back then I had the Instant Pot and my sous vide- those are a perfect fit for the dietary needs. I would do a thing on that for sure :)

Generally the honeymoon period is about 6 months-- but it is due to folks becoming fatigued with working on losing weight and not that somehow the process becomes less effective. There are a slew of people that have come through here over the years demonstrating that significant weight loss can occur after that period. A lot of us use protein shakes for replacement meals. I used Premier ready to drink primarily, but there are a lot of brands out there. Just be sure the vitamin count in the drink meets your needs, carbs on it is not too high, and that the protein used in it is something we can absorb. Don't buy too much of any one item- taste buds can really change post op.

You can't compare post surgery loss to pre-surgery loss. Presurgery is far and away more difficult. I had to work my arse off over 3 months to lose much of anything, and it was a real struggle. I was also afraid that I would get surgery and fail that- this is a natural and common feeling. All of us have tried and failed every diet known to mankind, otherwise, we would not be considering surgery. Just keep working really hard at improving habits and taking off what you can- it does really help the whole process. Just don't give up, for sure that doesn't work!

I have had multiple colonoscopies. The prep schedule that I was given started 24 hours in advance. It involved a lot of miralax and ducolax washed down with Powerade Zero. I have a redundant intestine issue, so I have to start 48 hours in advance. It is highly effective and you for sure can space out getting all of the prep down. Here is a link to my Dr's site. It shows the different preps that they use. https://www.gidrs.com/procedures--preps.html

Hi Diva,

I am so very glad to read that your breast cancer treatment appears to be successful, albeit with some lymphodema. I had a double mastectomy but managed to avoid the lymphodema so our situations are not quite a match. What I do notice though is that if I use my left arm too much in a day my left side along the ribcage will really swell up still with some swelling also in the upper arm. This was not a thing prior to the double mastectomy so it is related to that in some form. I initially had a lot of restricted movement, but have since regained nearly full range of motion.

I think if I could offer any advice it is to pay attention to what seems to make your condition worse compared to when you can do an exercise that does not seem to inflame/worsen it. Take notes. Hopefully, you may come across a pattern to help guide you in what you tolerate well. Include in your notes what you are eating to see if diet may have a mitigating factor in that. Finally, if you are able to check in with your doc ask what you might do, if sleeves or other support type garments may assist, etc. If you are able to walk without it getting worse that is actually a really great way to get started. I know for a long time I had to put the left arm in a sling when I went for walks (or even at work) to keep me from moving the arm, which in turn would trigger a ton of swelling. Maybe some type of an adjustment may help in your situation? Find a forum online of survivors and post there- I bet you will find a slew of possible solutions that way. We are better here about weight management and not so much experience with lymphodema resulting from cancer issues. I can help you track down a place if that helps. Breastcancer.org might be a place to start poking around for that.

I wish I could be more helpful, but know that we are sisters in this and I am rooting for you.

Nuff said.