Inner Surfer Girl

As others have mentioned, none of us lose at a constant or steady rate. Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process. Just follow your program. At four months out, it is probably a good idea to check in with your NUT to talk about your challenges and goals and to make sure you haven't started straying from your program. As long as you follow your program you are no where near finished, unless you give up. I truly believe that my attitude during my stalls is what determines my ultimate success. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Here it is: http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I haven't had too much choice in the matter up to now (hard to fit and not a very big clothing budget), but what I am looking forward to is having a wide enough selection to attempt to make more ethical clothing decisions. I really want to honor clothing companies and designers who practice fair trade and avoid those that use sweat-shop/slave labor. I haven't quite figured out how to do this but it is one of my goals.

I've always heard the boots referred to as shit kickers, not the people. But, I am citified, so what do I know!

Let's make a date to browse a Lululemon store looking fabulous in their competitor's clothes and not buying anything.

1 week clear liquids (with a couple of exceptions) 1 week full liquids 1 week soft 1 week soft mechanical 1 week solid and so on I don't remember how much I lost each week. I only weighed at doctors appointments. Frankly, until you are regularly getting in all of your Protein and fluids, which should be your primary focus from day one, staying off of the scale is a good idea.

It is very common. We are filled with IV fluids and experience swelling from the surgery. The best advice I can give you is to stay off the scale, and focus on getting in all of your water/fluids and Protein. As to the pain in your neck, thighs, and calves, you may want to ask your surgeon's office. It may have something to do with the position you were in during surgery.

Weight loss competitions have always been toxic for me. They are a HUGE set up for dysfunctional eating and food behaviors. My advice is not to participate in competitions like this. Just focus on your own health. That said, have you talked to your NUT? You probably aren't eating enough to support your level of exercise.

What is your Protein target? What do your post-op instructions say? Post-op I was on Clear liquids for seven days and then full liquids for seven days. The next week was soft foods. My clear liquids included: Syntrax nectar, Isopure clear, bone broth, ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates, Water, crystal light, sugar-free Popsicles, sugar-free Jello, etc. In addition to the clears my surgeon made an exception and also allowed Premier Protein, ProtiDiet creamy chicken and tomato basil Soups. When I was on full liquids I was able to add in other Protein shakes (like GNC Lean shake 25) and other opaque liquids like V8, creamy soups, etc. I was also able to count protein pudding and Greek yogurt as full liquid. My protein target is 100 grams a day and getting in all of my protein and at least 64 oz of water/liquid is and was my number one priority post-op.

I know it's rough but am not aware that it has actually killed anyone, yet. Nor has it resulted in anyone committing murder. Stay strong. It is only for a RELATIVELY short time. One thing that helps is to focus on what you CAN have. If that means eating sugar-free Popsicles all day then so be it. I promise that it is worth it.

Another good reason to: exercise, drink lots of Water, eat cleanly, manage stress, dry brush your skin, and get massages. http://healthpositiveinfo.com/how-to-drain-lymph-system-important.html

I stepped down from my Diet Cole addiction with tea. I slowly weaned myself off of carbonation then slowly weaned myself off of caffeine.

Great, comprehensive post. I found it very educational. Running is not something that appeals to me but maybe when I'm closer to goal (and get a new knew) I might surprise myself and give it a try.

http://www.leesfamousrecipe.com/menu/lee%E2%80%99s-famous-sides

Lee's Famous Recipe is a southern fried chicken fast food chain restaurant. I love their green beans because they taste home cooked and seasoned unlike green beans at other fast food chicken places.

My hospital really had most everything (including no skid socks, toiletries, etc.). Take what you are asked to bring: CPAP, spirometer, etc. I also used: lip balm, hot pad, extra change of underwear (I wore home the same clothes I arrived in). I had my mom with me and gave her my phone with strict instructions not to give it back to me until I was no longer loopy but you will want to bring your phone charger. I also gave her a list of my friends who wanted to be updated so she used my phone to text them when I got out of surgery. The best thing, other than my mom, was making up my mind to do everything I was asked to do, even if I thought I couldn't. Best of luck!

Can I just add that I addicted to Lee's green Beans. I tend to keep a large in my refrigerator and add a tablespoon or two to my meals. I just ate a tuna packet on top of a tablespoon of green beans with a tablespoon of pimento cheese in the microwave. Instant tuna casserole.

Welcome! I haven't really run into an issue eating out. I am single and actually cook more and eat more at home now than I did pre-op, but I still eat out on occasion. You probably won't want to when you are still on liquids, but it is doable if you plan ahead and make good choices. My number one priorities are Protein and Water. When you are on liquids you can usually find a clear Soup at a decent restaurant. Once you are on soft foods it gets easier. Choose a good protein: cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, soft fish, refried Beans, etc. You can also eat soft cooked veggies, but eat your protein first. When you are cleared for denser Proteins then turkey and chicken are great. I even get shrimps, scallops, pork tenderloin, etc. Tougher meats like steak are doable further out. Just choose a good protein and a non-starchy vegetable and you will be fine. I usually have lots to take home unless I order an appetizer portion. Unless it is fried fast food place, there is usually one or two things on the menu that are decent choices. Best of luck with your surgery and your recovery. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Welcome! If you can't find a bariatric support group near you, you might want to see if there is an OA group nearby. OA also has some phone and online groups. You can find out more at OA.org. BariatricPal is also a great source of support, information, and encouragement. Best of luck with your surgery.

I am so sorry for your losses. I can't even begin to imagine how hard it must be to experience such loss. I am not in your shoes but want to encourage you not to give up. I truly believe it is never too late. I would recommend you make an appointment with your NUT to talk about your struggles/challenges and your goals. In the meantime, go back to basics. Follow your program. Track your food. Make sure you get at least 64 oz of water/fluid daily. Make sure you are getting in all of your Protein every day. Avoid starches, added sugars, and fried food. Take your Vitamins and supplements as instructed. Exercise. You can do this! Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I second the Mr. cheese O's recommendation. I eat them with a can of V8 as my post-swim snack. I also agree with carrying an insulated cooler/lunch bag.

Or, don't dump the yolks. The yolks are the most nutritious part of the egg.

I don't know if inspiration will just "come to you", but recognizing that you don't like your results and that you need to do something different is a step in the right direction. Now, take another step. I would suggest that you recommit to following your program. Make an appointment today with your NUT to talk about your progress, your goals, and how to get there. Find out when the next bariatric support meeting is and attend. Talk to the person who did your psych clearance and find out if they can see you or can refer you to someone. Go back to basics: Drink 64 oz of Water a day. Just do it. Track your food. Make sure you get in ALL of your Protein every day. Avoid starches, added sugars, and fried foods. Take your Vitamins and supplements as instructed. Exercise. (You have got to find a way to move, even if it isn't a formal exercise program. If you can, get a fitness tracker so you can at least track how much activity you engage in daily. That will give you a place to start for adding in activity/movement, and even "exercise"). You know what to do! You obviously did something right to lose as much as you have up to now. Don't give up! Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Fazoli's- side of meatballs with cheese and mushrooms. For a feast, I add a side of Lee's green beans. It takes two stops, but it tastes great.

Dr. Weiss at Central Baptist in Lexington, KY is awesome. His self-pay is considerably less than that but I am not sure exactly what the hospital charge is.