Carrie's Journey

It's not so much about the calories...it's getting enough protein and fluid. Try getting 70-90 grams of protein with just food (and a tiny stomach)...pretty much impossible without protein drinks. At least in the beginning. I am content with having at least one protein drink in a day for the rest of my life. But introducing food back into my diet is definitely fun!

Have you heard of Health Wise drinks? They have yummy hot chocolates that have 15 g protein. I would have one every morning (maybe with a little instant coffee), but they're a little pricey. I also like their protein drinks...they taste like crystal lite way more than a protein shake. But the soups were gross.

Do you attend his support groups? I think I'm going to start Wednesday.

I know. The nectar protein powders are about 100 calories for 23 g protein and my surgeon's office sells Health Wise drinks, which are 70 calories and 15 g protein. I'm having a double one right now to get the rest of my protein and Fluid in for the day. Tastes like a crystal lite drink. Right now I'm pretty much drinking 3 Protein shakes a day and Water...with an occasional bite of creamy Soup or pudding or a fudgsicle. Not too exciting but I get to eat a little more on Tuesday!

I'm excited for you! I would've gone through kaiser but they wouldn't cover the surgery. Although I'll be paying for it for 5 years, I'm pretty sure it'll all be worth it.

I'm 10 days out and have told the people who matter. I go back to work in a couple weeks and I'm just waiting for the comments..."Carrie, you look great! What are you doing??" which will be nice comments to hear, but I'm just not ready for the whole school (I work at a high school) to talk about me. I know...I need to figure out how to stop caring so much about what people think. I was thinking of saying gallbladder surgery , which prompted a new diet (low fat) and once I started losing and feeling better I continued... I don't know. It's probably easier to tell the truth but I feel ashamed in a way. The nice thing is that I'm a lower BMI (started at 32), so I know the weight loss will come off slower. So maybe it won't be so obvious... What did/do you guys say?

Amazon

I'm not sure. I think it's just for as long as you're still losing...not yet at goal. Once you're at goal and want to maintain it's 800-1200 and you have to play around with calories to figure out how much your body needs.

My Nut says 400 calories first 2 weeks then 600 for the rest of the weight loss phase. Then I imagine maintenance is 800-1200.

I'm sure you'll be cured of both soon!

I go back to work on the 23rd (I work at a high school so I had the summer off) and I've been agonizing over what to tell people. Gallbladder surgery which prompted a new diet? Paleo diet? Just eating less and exercising? Im just gonna go with changing my habits. I've had high blood pressure and it's actually normal now! Hoping to get off meds soon...I meet with my pcp on the 27th so I'm going to ask. I don't think anyone at work would suspect surgery because no one thought I was THAT big (according to my sister), but if I drop 60 lbs within 6 months, that just seems really hard to do with changing my diet... Oh well we'll just take it a day at a time.

Awesome. I haven't announced my surgery to anyone but close friends and family. So the Facebook world is in the dark.

Wow!

That is just crazy that you were also 188. Definitely...when I'm on the computer I'll add you as a friend. If you ever prefer texting, feel free! 925-785-4828...I'm in CA. I text my best friend all the time because she wants to know every detail but she's thin so it's not the same. Lol Are you on Facebook?

Ohhh it must be the gallbladder. I heard that's a lot more painful. I still have mine but I had a small hiatal hernia repaired...didn't know I had one. You'll feel better soon. How many lbs do you want to lose? I've been in the low 200s for years but went into surgery at 188 (I'm 5'5"). My dr said I should be able to get to 120 but I can't even imagine that. I think that's way too thin. Maybe 130-140 and that's even hard to imagine. Isn't this exciting?? Well, if it's not yet its because you're still in pain. It'll pass. Please keep in touch! I'm not sure how to add friends on my phone...are you on obesityhelp.com too? It's nice to talk to someone with a similar low Bmi (I haven't found many) and surgery date!

Was the surgery open? That totally sucks you still feel pain. I was so glad to stop taking the liquid Vicodin. Yuck! It sounds like so many doctors have different rules on when to eat. I can't go crazy but I got cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, refried Beans, creamy Soups, eggs, and I'm waiting to hear back from the Nut to see if there's anything else...I assume it's anything soft/mushy but I'm going to stick with mostly protein.

Hi! What kind of issues? I'm feeling good...just sick of Protein shakes. I start soft food Tuesday! I've lost about 12 lbs. you?

I'm sorry. It does get better! My dr gave me 2 prescriptions for nausea but I didn't use them. Do you have something to take or can he prescribe you something?

Thanks! I'll check that forum out.