Inner Surfer Girl

My surgeon will not perform the surgery for anyone who isn't smoke free and is not committed to remaining smoke free. I am not sure how long before surgery folks have to quit smoking, but I know he requires a pre-op nicotine test. The reasoning is that smoking inhibits healing and can damage your stomach as far as I remember. Best of luck quitting smoking. You CAN do it!

I am so sorry to hear this. I am praying for your friend and you as well. There are no guarantees in this life but I know for me the surgery has already given me back more quality of life than I had hoped for before surgery. My obesity was (and still is) a ticking time bomb. I wish you all the best. Keep us updated on how you are doing.

Best of luck with your surgery. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Why are you only eating one meal a day? On what planet is that healthy? How do you get in all of your protein?

I can't even imagine trying to see if I could.

Buck up and put your big girl panties on your bum, you beautiful woman!

I have it. I haven't cooked anything from it but it gave me some ideas.

This is great news. How is the swelling in your feet and legs? I have lymphedema and Fluid retention is no joke. This is great news. How is the swelling in your feet and legs? I have lymphedema and fluid retention is no joke.

I think you bring up some very good points. One thing I have observed just on BariatricPal is that for those of us who are not really drinkers to begin with, the idea of possibly never drinking again is not a big deal. But, for those who are drinkers (from regular social drinkers all the way to full-blown practicing alcoholics), just the idea of never drinking again will often lead to very strong negative reactions, I would guess that the "medical community" recognizes that if these people are going to be helped and will even listen to health advice, they will be more effective with a less restrictive message. Alcohol use is a HUGE hit button issue on this forum. I encourage you to read some of the alcohol-related threads.

You might want to start a new thread to ask this question. You may get more responses.

If it's at a restaurant you can always check with the restaurant ahead of time or talk to the host about your food limitations. If you are on soft foods and have been cleared for ground meats you should be ok. Soft fish, meatballs, and even Soup can be good choices. If it is at an Italian restaurant you could get a side of meatballs, or other Pasta topping without the pasta. It may sound daunting, but you will get the hang of adapting to your new food guidelines.

I am so glad to hear that your persistence and patience is paying off. Thanks for the update.

It sounds you know what has led to your weight gain. I recommend that you go back to basics and make an appointment with your NUT. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I am taking it and really like it. I have battled depression for years and have taken various meds. I haven't noticed any side-effects. I did start taking it pre-op and there was an initial weight loss, but I don't think it is continuous. I hope it helps. I know how difficult it can be to address any serious issue when I am also depressed. It sounds like you have a good therapist helping you address some very significant things. Sending hugs.

We all stall. It's not something to be afraid of. None of us lose at a constant or steady rate. Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. Please don't get into the mindset that your rate of loss is something to be micromanaged. Just follow your program. The rate of loss is something you need to trust to the process. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Welcome Diamond! Congratulations on deciding to take steps to get healthy. Whatever you decide to do, we are here to help you the best we can. Since your doctor didn't refer you to a surgeon, I would suggest you see if there is a Bariatric Center of Excellence in your area. Once you find one (or two), sign up for one of their free seminars. They can help you determine next steps as well as work with you and your primary Doctor. Since many insurance companies require a doctor supervised "diet" before surgery, you may be able to count what you are doing now with your primary Doctor. But, a good Bariatric surgeon's office can help you figure that out. Where are you located? There may be some folks here who ate in your area who may be able to suggest a good surgeon.

The best advice I can give you is that as long as you are staying hydrated by getting in all of your fluids and are getting in all of your Protein, I wouldn't worry about the numbers on the scale. You are undergoing a tremendous amount of fluctuations right now: fluids, swelling from surgery, healing, hormone fluctuations, etc. Just stay the course and follow your post-op program. I lost rapidly at first but I also have a lot of Fluid in my legs from lymphedema. Since you have a follow-up appointment soon they will let you know if you need to deviate from the plan.

Welcome! You will fit right in! I always said my drug of choice was chocolate chip cookie sheet. It's probably really cheese (that might have been a deal breaker for me). The hardest monkey to shake from my back turned out to be carbonation. I am so glad to be free from Diet Coke cravings for today.

Congratulations!

Congratulations! You now can say your BMI is normal but you have proof that you are extraordinarily!

I wasn't banded (I got the sleeve) but I was able to take my meds the day after surgery. Just talk to your surgeon about their guidelines.

I am not diabetic, but my advice is that if you are unsure about anything definitely call your surgeon. I assume you told your NUT and surgeon that you are diabetic. They should have experience working with diabetic patients so should be able to give you guidance.

I posted on another thread today that I am finding that for me, I am learning that my attitude during stalls is a very important determinant of my success so far. Pre-op, hitting a stall was where all of my best intentions fell apart. Now, I am learning to trust the process.

What is your Protein target? Are you getting in all of your protein and at least 64 oz fluid/water a day? Are you tracking your food? Are you avoiding starches, added sugars, and fried foods? Are you taking your Vitamins and supplements as recommended? Are you exercising? Have you talked to your NUT lately about your challenges and goals? What does he/she advise? Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I am not aware that I experienced any particularly (autocorrect read that as: reticular lay) noticeable abdominal swelling but I started at an extremely high BMI. What does your surgical team advise? I just re-read this an autocorrect really butchered it. Correcting now.