Inner Surfer Girl

Some more:

Get a pad of paper and write the following seventy-times-seven (I don't know why, but that "biblical" amount sounds like a good number for this): I am beautiful. Look at yourself in the mirror, directly in the eye, and say, out loud: I am beautiful. Practice until it no longer feels awkward. Some other good affirmations you might find helpful:

I agree with the others. Are you tracking your food? Are you reaching your Protein goal every day? Are you drinking at least 64 oz of Fluid every day? Are you avoiding starches, added sugars, and fried foods? Are you taking your Vitamins and supplements every day? (You mention starting your vitamins back. What does that mean? Did you stop taking vitamins?) Are you exercising regularly? If you are not where you want to be, I would suggest making an appointment with your NUT to talk about your goals. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. We all experience periodic stalls and almost everyone experiences a stall about three weeks after surgery. Just follow your program. Track your food. Get in AT LEAST 64 oz of liquid a day. Focus on reaching your Protein target every day. The sooner you can get in ALL of your protein the better for both healing and weight loss. Take all of your Vitamins and supplements as instructed. Exercise when cleared. And, stay off the scale. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I have been seriously thinking of it. After reading the numbers in this article it now makes even more sense!

As I contemplate writing a book for WLS patients, I found this interesting. At least I am not a doctor not do I play one on TV. books

I have never been a big fan of matched suits. You could try to find a nice pair of pants and/or skirt and jacket/blazer. It depends on your budget and shape/size, but you might also try someplace like Talbot's.

Here is some great advice about keeping motivated: http://www.livehappy.com/blogs/science-well-being/making-motivation-work

Stay off the scale! Seriously. Our bodies are in such flux in the weeks after surgery that the scale is not the best measure of progress. Follow your program and focus on getting in all of your protein and fluids.

I have heard of apps like this but didn't use one. You could just set the timer on your phone to go off every 15 (or however many) minutes.

I go to a wellness center affiliated with a local hospital. They work daily with people of all weights, sizes, physical abilities, and ages. See if you have something similar near you. I have found the staff to be extremely knowledgeable and accommodating/adaptable, but more importantly they are very encouraging.

I forgot to mention the gas. I did have gas pain, mostly in my shoulder, but I wouldn't describe it as severe..

Welcome! To answer your question about hair. I had long, beautiful hair and cut it short (donated it) soon after surgery, so now I have short, thick beautiful hair. I haven't noticed any significant hair loss since surgery and I am almost one year post-op. I get in all of my Protein, take all my Vitamins, and don't limit good fats. I don't know if that makes a difference or if I'm just lucky. Some people do experience temporary hair loss. I didn't have a drain. I didn't experience vomiting or nausea. They did put an anti-nausea patch behind my ear while I was in the hospital. Best of luck with your surgery.

Welcome! I live in Danville and was sleeved April 20, 2015 by Dr. Weiss at Georgetown. He is an outstanding surgeon. You are in good hands. You might want to check out the new book called A Brand New Man by Don McNay. He was also sleeved by Dr. Weiss and his book about his experience was just published. Best of luck with your surgery!

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. Everyone stalls periodically, and almost everyone experiences their first stall about three weeks after surgery. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I know it must be tough for you but I am so glad you are seeking treatment. ED is no joke. I wish you health and happiness. You deserve to be happy, joyous, and free.

Its always better once we know. It's the uncertainty that drives us crazy. I am glad that you are in good hands.

I've had therapists work with me on affirmations, and I struggle with it. I'm too cynical... the best thing I've been able to manage is "I'm not a total a-hole, I guess." Except that for it to work you can't phrase an affirmation in the negative. Your brain ignores the NOT, so what you are reinforcing is that "I am a total a-hole." Don't do that to yourself.

This is a very appropriate place to use affirmations. Especially when you look at yourself in the mirror. Start with a simple: "I am beautiful." I am on the run so will come back with more later. I am sure others have examples.

Yes, it is a full-time job but it will get easier. I was able to get all of my Protein (100 grams) in the second day after surgery. It took a little longer to get in at least 64 oz of Fluid. Fortunately, if you can get in 3 premier Proteins that is 90 grams protein and almost half of your fluids. Just keep sipping!

Yes, I was successfully sleeved with a hiatal hernia repair April 20, 2015. It is very common to have a hiatal hernia and that is something that is easy to fix at the same time as the surgery.

That is what I understand. My surgeon didn't want us to necessarily lose weight those two weeks.

What shrinks your liver? Depleting it of the stored fat. By going extremely low carb you are forcing your body to burn the fat that is easiest to access. From what I understand the fat stored in your liver is your short-term fat storage.

I just ran across this on fb.

Mine was basically Atkin's Level 1 (high protein/no sugar or starches). I was supposed to do it for 2 weeks, but I was able to get an earlier surgery date so didn't have to do it adult week. The day before surgery I was on clear liquids.