jensjoy28

When you say you are hungry...how are you ascertaining that? I ask because it is very common for many people to "misassociate" certain things (especially early post-op) for hunger...sounds your tummy is making? Likely gas from surgery making its way through your system...also, excess stomach acid can mimic hunger....does your doc have you on a avid blocker?

I love Whole Foods, but there is a reason it has been given the nickname "Whole Paycheck"...what is your main reason for wanting to go? Organic produce? Personally, I love their prepared foods and used to head in there to grab lunch or dinner often per-surgery...this reminds me that I haven't been in quite a while...time to add back to the rotation. They have everything (at least at the ones here in CA)...something to try would be to grind your own nut butter...I also like the antipasto bar, and I like the bulk nuts/grains section

Totally, what a PITA! It is likely that they feel (incorrectly) judged, both by your desire to bring your own food and that somehow what they are doing to celebrate your BFs birthday isn't "good enough for you", and even though you aren't raising an eyebrow at what they will eat, it is easier for some people to keep their blinders on about their food choices if everyone else is eating the same. Hopefully your BF can let his family know that given your current dietary restrictions (and because you'd already bought the food) you guys are going to keep with your original plan for food at tomorrow's gathering, but they should proceed with menu of their choosing for everyone else.

Don't worry...you will feel more restriction with solid protein...yogurt is *almost* a liquid...and your body starts digesting food the minute it goes in your mouth...so 6 oz over an hour doesn't sound super unusual to me

Well, I had a "yay" moment and a "ugh" moment today...I flew for the first time since surgery and my seatbelt buckled with some room to cinch and the arm rest went all the way down. Then, at dinner I made the mistake of having a drink of liquid a few minutes after eating and almost immediately felt nauseous, had to run to bathroom and got sick...first time that has happened to me (9 weeks post-op) ...live and learn :-)

Hmmm...good question...I am sure there will be others who have gone through something similar, but I had a few thoughts I figured I'd contribute. Let's see...where I live in So. Cal. There are a lot of "boot camp" group training sessions which allow you to get the benefit of a trainer while paying less per session than you would for one-on-one sessions. Since I am a big believer in the importance of learning proper form for exercises (to limit injuries and maximize benefits), I think as a newbie it would be good to spend a *little* to learn the basics. Maybe just a couple of sessions w trainer? Or, do you have a friend who you could ask to show you the basics of form and how-to? Or maybe purchasing a workout video so that you could see some exercises, practice in the comfort of your home before heading to the gym? There are many online resources for free or very inexpensive workout plans that you could access to have a "road map" for when you are at the gym. Last thought for now is not to get too bogged down in the thoughts that others are looking at you and judging you...in my experience we THINK that is happening much more than it does...also, don't be afraid to approach someone that is doing an exercise that interests you, let them know you are new to this and ask for some quick tips...most people are more than willing to provide a friendly tip and intro.

Here is one... http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/balsamic-strawberries-with-ricotta-cream-recipe2/index.html Personally, I love to just put berries, balsamic and super fine sugar together in a bowl, stir and let chill for 30 min and then serve with some fine ribbons of basil...if you wanted to, you could serve over some Greek yogurt or put a smear of cream cheese on a couple of toasted baguette slices (bruschetta-style) for company.

This is one of those areas where the answer is "everyone is different". I did not have any issues w coffee (or anything for that matter) post-op. if you are having an issue, best advice is to stop for a week or two and then try again.

Unfortunately, unsupportive spouses are not uncommon...you can do a search on here and likely find some good advice posted from others who have been in your shoes. it sounds like it is time for a sit-down with your hubby to see if you can unearth some of the underlying issues/concerns...this surgery can bring forth a lot of difficult topics and feelings for the patient as well as loved ones...

I bet it was horrible then, but funny (to me, at least) now!! I had my own issues going down the stairs at work today...yes, those blasted lunges and squats do it every time!

I was going to reach out to you and inquire on how you were doing with this...recalled your post where your NUT (or Dr...can't recall now) wanted you to come in because they thought you should be further along in the amount of food and liquid you were able to get in. Glad to hear things are headed in the right direction.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/5:2_diet I didn't know either, but the wonder of Google came through again

Not antidote ...anticipate. Damn auto correct.

I, too, was cleared for strength training at 6 weeks...I like one of the other comments about strength training/toning 4 days a week with more limited cardio sessions. I think we too often default to cardio instead of strength training because it is "easier" and we feel like we know how to do it. However, the more muscle you have, the leaner you are overall and your body will burn more calories at rest. However, I do think it is great that you mix up your cardio routines... You will see better results if you keep your body guessing on what muscles you will work ....our bodies naturally want to find homeostasis, which, with exercise means that your body will antidote what is coming and it won't be as effective.

Two reasons...first is that because our sleeves are so small, there isn't room for both food and liquid...second is that when you mix the two the liquid acts to break down the food faster and move it through the digestion process faster, and they want you to stay satiated for as long as possible, so no helping it along. As to the other poster who mentioned malabsorption... The majority of the absorption of nutrients happens in the small intestine, so not sure about that as a reason to keep food in stomach longer.

Baja chicken tacos...pour some of the black Beans on top and eat filling with fork (no tortilla or rice) White chicken chili w/o the rice Roadside sliders eat w/o bun or eat open face with a *little* bit of bun (if you can tolerate bread)

Some of my friends are excellent flirts...I am not, so I have asked them some questions, and they all say similar variations on smile, look around and make eye contact...being shy actually works in your favor in the eye contact department...if you lock eyes even briefly and smile and look away, and then glance back, it's perfect!! Most guys that are available will take that as a "all clear" to approach someone. Also, until you get comfortable with it, you can ask yourself "what would someone who is outgoing do in this situation?"...and then try that. It will feel awkward at first, but practicing on strangers means if it goes "poorly" you don't have to see that person again, and really, who cares what complete strangers think of us?

I would suggest either eating before you go, or filling your (small) plate with your plan-approved food / portion soon after arriving and eating that as you would any other meal...then, if you have the inclination to graze in the next few hours, you will be able to firmly recognize that it is head hunger as opposed to real hunger and choose not to indulge. Good thing about potluck parties is that there are always other things to do or other conversations to join when you want to be distracted from food.

This seemed appropriate for the thread topic.