A Few Surprises and a Bariatric Change

For those who follow my blog, you probably noticed I dropped off the face of the earth and stopped posting for three months. There were two reasons. The first was that I got a job that demanded all my time and attention for awhile. I love my new job, and I'm very happy being an appeals specialist.

The second influences the nature of this blog. I had an endoscopy done after years of mysterious chest pains that were clearly not my heart. I have an ulcer and, most importantly, a "very large" hiatal hernia. I had also gained back everything I'd lost with the lap band and now weighed a shocking 290 lbs.

The hernia and an enlarged liver moved my band out of place and quite literally turned it on its side. The hernia and the band must come out ASAP. I'm scheduled for surgery in early August, and as soon as four weeks later (depending on how I heal) I will be back on the operating table for a gastric sleeve.

Like it or not, I'm now back on a very strict pre-surgery diet. I'm drinking protein shakes, eating Greek Yogurt, slugging Jello, making my own Cream of Any Vegetable soup, and trying not to miss solid foods.

I'm making the best of a bad situation by digging out recipes for protein shakes, Greek yogurts, Jello, and of course Cream of Any Vegetable soup. It has been an adventure to say the least. I'm not starving by any means, but I lost ten pounds in my first four weeks, and as far as I can tell, I'm still dropping as I await my turn on the operating table. Nice to have my work clothes fit well again.

Am I scared of the surgery? Nope! Anesthesia is a nice nap, and the procedure is laparoscopic. Doc says in about one week, I will be assessed to return to work since I have a lovely low-stress sit down job. Max time I'll be out is two weeks.

If the "worst part" of the surgery is the two week period before surgery, I'll be fine. I'm loving playing in my kitchen with both old and new favorite recipes like Milk Sherbet.

So, I'm taking you, my readers, with me on this adventure to prove that even what seems like the toughest weight loss regimen can be a breeze if treated like a mission of discovery. Some of what I post will be just links to the recipe, and I try to give credit to the originator of the recipe when possible.

The rules are as follows:
1. Less than 10 carbs per meal.
2. Use protein powders containing at least 20g of protein.
3. I may have up to 4 "meals" a day, and all meals should be a protein shake made with no-sugar almond milk or water. Almond milk is better, for me anyway. Nom! This morning's treat before church was Dutch Chocolate Black Forest "cake" to give you an example.
4. I may drink my "snacks" in the form of coffee, tea, Crystal Lite, and other no-carb beverages. Added treat: I may add protein powder to them! (Protein powders have gone WAAAY beyond chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. This is no hardship, believe me. Check out https://shop.bariatriceating.com/inspire-protein.html and be amazed.)
5. Constipation is an issue, so drink, Mama, drink, Mama, drink! If you've ever perused the water flavorings section like Mio and Crystal Light, this is no hardship either. I'm drinking Pomegranate Berry right now.
6. No alcohol. Period. Nope, not even vodka despite it being a clear liquid. Seriously, lay off the sauce.
7. Snacks should be from this list: Sugar free pudding or Jello, sugar free Popsicles, low fat plain Greek yogurt, broth, bouillon, strained creamed soups, no sugar added Carnation instant breakfast.

Ready? Let's go on an adventure.



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