Inner Surfer Girl

I don't know how much protein you are eating now, but you might try upping your protein.

My comment is about your concern about a lifetime commitment. Yes, it is a lifetime commitment. But, before surgery I wasn't quite sure that I had much of a life left. I was a healthy fat person until I wasn't. I was on disability and very immobile. There was a very real possibility that every time I went to sleep at night I might not wake up the next day. There are no guarantees, but one year after surgery, and halfway to my goal, I am getting my life back. I have a lifetime to look forward to. I can still eat delicious, nutritious food. The idea of eating crap isn't nearly as appealing as it was pre-op. I am free to choose quality over quantity and be satisfied. I can put effort into my health (counting my Protein, tracking my food, drinking Water, exercising) and it makes a difference. I am healthier and happier than I have been in a very long time.

Bariatric Pal MyFitnessPal Misfit Shine (activity tracker) food scale Measuring cups and spoons Appetizer spoons salad plates, sushi dishes, small storage containers for leftovers/small portions A Water bottle Another water bottle for enhanced water (Mio drops, crystal light, etc.) A journal Adult coloring books, knitting (something to keep my hands busy) A good measuring tape (to take periodic measurements) Lip balm Lotion like Cereve and/or Aquafor for dry skin and cocoa butter/cocoa oil for my belly Rewards: like a regular massage, mani/pedis, etc.

Have you talked about this with your NUT? Are you exercising? Edited because obviously I didn't read your post very well. What did your NUT advise? Maybe you could try shaking up your exercise. Try something different. Maybe take a class. Maybe your body is happy where it is at?

I am not in my 30s but I would hesitate to get a goal outfit, mostly because I have NO IDEA what my shape and size will be when I get to goal. I am more inclined to save my money and get something really fabulous that fits me perfectly when I get there.

I would suggest that you make an appointment with your NUT to talk about your goals and strategies for reaching those goals. It might not hurt to do the same with a counselor or therapist. In the meantime, go back to basics: track your food, get in all of your Protein and Water, avoid added sugars, starches, and fried foods, take your Vitamins and supplements as instructed, and exercise. You have done really well so far, so it sounds like you know what to do.

According to my surgeon steroids were off limits right after surgery because steroids dissolve the sutures.

Read labels carefully. Not everything "low fat" is a good choice. If it is low fat due to the addition of sugar, then steer clear. I don't avoid all fats, healthy fats are necessary.

It is the way it is right now while you are healing from surgery to your stomach. It is not how it will be long term.

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. If you are going to lose a significant amount of weight you are going to experience stalls. If you can't take it then stay off the scale.

Congratulations! This is so awesome for both you and your son. I know there is so much more to come.

I forgot to add that the only time my surgeon mentioned calories related to the pre-op diet was to say he didn't expect us to limit calories. He wanted us as healthy as possible for surgery. He only wanted us to limit sugars and starches.

I don't think I have experienced what you have to this extreme. There has always been something I could eat to get in my protein: tuna, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, Protein shakes. I would suggest that you try incorporating one new food at a time but still use the standbys to make sure you are getting in enough protein and calories. Why eat ice cream when I could eat extra Greek yogurt or cottage cheese? You may or may not go back to your previous "go to" foods. You are starting over with a new palate.

The only time I used milk was with carnation Breakfast essentials. All the other Protein Shakes I mixed with Water.

I took a can of Avene spray water to keep my skin hydrated in addition to the lip balm.

In addition to sipping and walking you might also want to try a heating pad for the gas pain.

That is a great question for your surgeon. My pre-op diet was high protein, very low carb. Calories didn't matter.

There is nothing wrong with keeping private your medical Information. There is also nothing wrong with seeking help. I suggest you consider talking to a counselor or therapist about your feelings: fear, shame, anxiety, uncertainty, your sense of being overwhelmed. This is a major life change and you will be facing much of it without being able to use food and overeating as a coping mechanism.

The good thing is that you can get help. This is such a great time for you to build a support team to help you learn skills, gain knowledge about yourself, practice new behaviors, create new habits --- all so you can have an awesome life! Please keep us posted on how you are doing. In the meantime, just keep following your program and make sure you are getting in all of your Protein and fluids.

There is a difference between what you are allowed to try and what you can actually tolerate. I think some of the conservative food plans are based in large part upon experience of people who have gone before. If you can't eat it now, wait a while and try again. Go slow and try one new food at a time.

I am so sorry you are experiencing such distress. Many people go through a period of regret right after surgery for a variety of reasons: hormonal fluctuations, the shock of surgery on the system, the fact that you cannot use food to regulate moods and emotions, etc. I would suggest that this is a good opportunity to look for a good counselor or therapist to help you learn to cope in a healthy way. See if the person who did your psych clearance can see you or refer you to someone. Whether you want to or not, you cannot turn back the clock and change what happened. The good news is that you have no choice but to move forward: you get to decide how well you follow your program and learn to make the most of this opportunity.

So, how much protein are you getting a day? What is your protein target? Mine is 100 grams a day. 1000 calories seems really low if you are exercising as much as you seem to be doing and if you have a reasonable protein target. You may not be eating enough.

Yes, I do. Any non-caffeinated fluid counts toward my total (including crushed ice and sugar-free Popsicles).

This helps, but doesn't answer the question about protein, etc. Are you tracking your food?