First Nutrition Visit...Several things

Jack Allen
on 1/15/15 8:50 pm - Leesburg, VA

I had my first nutrition visit last night and learned a few things. First the surgery is classified as inpatient so even though my insurance gives me the option I will be in the hospital for 1 day min, which Im completely ok with knowing that I will have pain meds and an IV going to keep me hydrated.

Next the nutritionist showed me my food bite size for 2-3 months out and it was the size of a quarter and my total meal intake she showed me a 1 cup baby cup. She suggested I go buy a few of these to use as guides.  I had the same suggestion with my lapband but didn't do it. I will be buying these tonight.

 

Alcohol - When I had my lapband my surgeon made me sign a contract not to drink alcohol for 1 year. At 9 months he released me from that because I was doing well.  Well this Dr does not recommend that and only states I should stay away from alcohol for 4-6 weeks. I was very surprised about this, because of the addiction problems after WLS.  Regardless I won't be drinking any beer for 6 months minimum.

 

Lastly I got my blood test and ekg scripts which I will be doing tomorrow.

 

I'm so excited and nervous at the same time.

47 yrs old (feel 25) 6'6" tall, 1/10/2015 = 340,  highest weight = 360, VSG scheduled 2/11/2015

    
Jenna77
on 1/15/15 10:15 pm
VSG on 02/25/15

Yay! So exciting! I had my appt with the dietitian this week too! I was told 2-4 tablespoons. Anyways- that's interesting on the alcohol. I was told no alcohol, but assumed it was because there is no benefit to it nutritionally. I am not a big drinker anyways.  

 

That is a really good suggestion on the baby cup. I was told to use baby utensils and dinnerware to help with portion control as well. In fact, I received a huge stack of papers with all the information we went over. Good luck with your other testing! I am assuming not all doctors do those? Mine hasn't mentioned it at all.

I am also nervous and excited!! Good luck!  

5'1 Consult: 227 HW: 232 SW:212 CW:131 GW: 120 Pant size start: 18/20 Current: size 6/8

M1: 195 (-17) M2: 184.6 (-10.4) M3: 176.6 (-8) M4: 168.2 (-8.4) M5: 160 (-8.2) M6: 155.4 (-4.6) M7: 145.6 (-9.8) M8: 141 (-4.6) M9: 137 (-4) M10: 135.8 (-1.2) M11: 135 (-.8) M12: 131 (-4) M13: (-0) M14: (-0) M15: (-0) 

Have stopped losing pounds but am losing inches! 

    

Jack Allen
on 1/15/15 10:31 pm - Leesburg, VA

You said - no alcohol, but assumed it was because there is no benefit to it nutritionally

Im not a big drinker either so no biggie.  But there is a huge risk to become addicted to alcohol after WLS.  Since your stomach is cut and until that heals that incision line is very susceptible to new food or drink. If it took you 10 beer to get drunk before it might only take 1 beer after.  You should research this. Many Drs believe that you can trade your addictions, from like food, to alcohol very easy.

Its not a big deal for me though, but research it, its worth looking into. 

47 yrs old (feel 25) 6'6" tall, 1/10/2015 = 340,  highest weight = 360, VSG scheduled 2/11/2015

    
Jenna77
on 1/15/15 10:51 pm
VSG on 02/25/15

I really had no idea. Thank you! I will for sure look it up. That does make sense, though. 

5'1 Consult: 227 HW: 232 SW:212 CW:131 GW: 120 Pant size start: 18/20 Current: size 6/8

M1: 195 (-17) M2: 184.6 (-10.4) M3: 176.6 (-8) M4: 168.2 (-8.4) M5: 160 (-8.2) M6: 155.4 (-4.6) M7: 145.6 (-9.8) M8: 141 (-4.6) M9: 137 (-4) M10: 135.8 (-1.2) M11: 135 (-.8) M12: 131 (-4) M13: (-0) M14: (-0) M15: (-0) 

Have stopped losing pounds but am losing inches! 

    

Tracy D.
on 1/15/15 11:29 pm - Papillion, NE
VSG on 05/24/13

The advice about alcohol isn't just because there's no nutritional benefit.  As a sleever, whatever alcohol you drink will hit you MUCH harder and faster than normal.  I had half a glass of champagne at 7 months to celebrate hitting goal weight and it made me loopy.  I haven't touched the stuff since.  

And of course there is the whole transfer addiction thing.  This forum is littered with posts of people who thought it was OK to start drinking "just a little" at a few weeks out and it ended up becoming a huge problem.  

If you decide to play around with it, at least wait until you hit maintenance and then be very careful.    

 Tracy  5'3"     HW: 235  SW: 218  CW: 132    M1: -22  M2: -13  M3: -12  M4: -9  M5: -8   M6: -10   M7: -4

 Goal reached in 7 months and 1 week

 Lower Body Lift w/Dr. Barnthouse 7-8-15

   

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

Ladybugsy
on 1/16/15 7:29 pm

I unfortunately know this first hand.  I had a friend from high school who had a gastric bypass.  She became an alcoholic after her surgery and pretty much replaced food with drinking.  She died 2 years ago from alcoholism.  She left behind 2 beautiful daughters, 12 and 3 years old.  Her oldest and my youngest were best friends. 

I have never been a big drinker, I like a glass of wine every now and then as my parents make their own and we have some nice regional wineries here, but I will limit the amount to a couple of sips and the frequency to maybe once a month once I'm cleared.  It probably wouldn't bother me to ever have it again after seeing what happened to Beth. 

HW 350.  SW 338.  CW 320. 

Month 1, including pre-op: -27 pounds

    

Brad Special
Snowflake

on 1/15/15 11:35 pm
VSG on 12/06/12

I have these ladels my wife got from WW years ago. One is half a cup the other is a cup. Man I love those things. When I make stir fry or taco meat or whatever like that it is so easy to just scoop what I want right out of the pan. I also pre measure the hamburger meat to 8 ounces and freeze it. That is enough for her and I once I add what ever else we are eating.

56sunShine14
on 1/16/15 12:03 am

HI Jack,

I too am a former bandster, had mine removed last July and prepping for the Sleeve.  I know where you have been with it and hope your next journey goes much better.  The only thing I have left is the pre-surg. weight loss required by my surgeon.  I have been having a difficult time and finally figured out that, altho I was eating and drinking the right things, I was graing on them more days than not.  Now, I am finally on track.

I wish you well.  :)

  All posts that I make on this site, any forum, are a result in my having experience and caring for anyone having to go through life as an obese person. If you have medical issues, please see your doctor for medical advice.

 

Karen

    
PrayMore
on 1/16/15 11:50 am

My surgeon's rule is no alcohol for four months post-op. And we did get the warning about getting intoxicated quickly. Alcohol can also be inflammatory in the stomach, too, no? Good to avoid for the empty calories, cross-addiction AND ulcers, too, I think! 

  

5'6", VSG on Dec. 2

    

Most Active
×