Inner Surfer Girl

I have a blender but rarely use it, but, I never had a puree phase. I went from full liquids to soft foods to soft mechanical foods. I didn't eat baby food. There is plenty of regular, adult food to choose from to meet your Protein and nutritional goals.

Welcome!

I am about 18 months post-op. I haven't had to use protein shakes for a long time but still do occasionally for convenience. I also add protein powder to my oatmeal, etc. It is a choice, not a requirement.

I didn't experience any perceptible hair loss (my hair is fine and thick) and have always worn my hair long. Not long after surgery, I got it cut really short and donated my hair. I haven't looked back. I love it short. I swim and it is easy to care for, light, and I get complements all the time.

I don't think I had any restrictions on adding spices to foods. Like everything, just make sure you go slow, try one new thing at a time, and see how you react.

If I remember correctly, shrimp was allowed on my soft mechanical stage. Maybe soft. You can always call and ask your NUT if in doubt.

I almost bought a pomegranate at Aldi's the other day. I am not quite sure how to eat one!

I am actually struggling to get all my protein in. I get my fluids though. Try upping your protein. Eat protein first and avoid added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup). Starches, and fried foods. You may want to increase your fluids, too.

How are you doing at getting in all of your Protein and fluids? Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I don't think you can spot reduce fat. You can only tone your muscles. My exercise of choice is swimming. It is great for my core and my whole body. You could swim laps, take Water aerobics classes, do water weights, water walking, etc.

To be a healthy human being, exercise is critical. I enjoy exercise (mostly swimming) because I can do it. The more I exercise the more I can do and the more I can exercise the more I enjoy it. It is self reinforcing.

Congratulations!

This is your surgeon's call. It seems the biggest risk with karate would be herniating your incisions. I did some walking until I was cleared to get in the pool.

Take the time you are spending weighing and worrying about your weight and sip. 30 oz of fluid is dangerously low. Focus on getting in your protein and fluids. Until you are able to consistently reach your protein target and drink at least 64 oz of fluid the numbers in the scale are irrelevant.

This is a great time to learn to be able to do things that we think we can't take. You have made a huge decision to change your lifestyle and your postop diet is part of it. At least call your surgeons office and ask if you can add yogurt. You really don't need strangers approval to do what you want to do. I know for me, it was important to be able to meet my Protein and liquid goals and follow my plan. I found each stage to get tiresome because I wanted what was coming next. It is a very small sacrifice in the big scheme. And that first scrambled egg was the best ever! You will get there. This!

Happy New Year!

I was really only interested in the sleeve after learning about both. My surgeon does a lot of sleeves, and it is currently the most frequently performed WLS procedure as far a I can tell. I wonder why he performs so few. I would be curious to know more about his experience. How many surgeries he performs, etc. Does he not do many because of bias or because of lack of skill in that area?

This isn't a race. The best thing you can do is follow your program and focus on getting in all of your protein and fluids. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Try unjury or Quest.

Protein pudding and protein hot chocolate make good "snacks". I like WonderSlim dark chocolate pudding and ProtiDiet hot chocolate.

I haven't had cereal since before surgery. I do eat oatmeal pretty frequently. I just make sure I add Protein to it. I have had pizza a handful of times since surgery (over a year and a half). It just doesn't do it for me like it did pre-op. It smells better than it tastes. If I eat it at all, I prefer that it be really good pizza (not any of the chain stuff) and I focus on the toppings. Personally, if I am eating at an Italian restaurant I would rather have meatballs.

A lot of folks have issues with eggs early out. Are you able to eat something like Greek yogurt or cottage cheese? It sounds like you are figuring out what it is like to eat one bite too many. Try slowing down and taking tiny bites. You will get a better feeling of when you are satisfied.

His name isn't Gareth is it?

All I used: An extra pair of underwear to wear home. Biotene spray. Lip balm. A heating pad. A pillow for the ride home. My mom. The hospital provided everything else I needed.

What does the package say? It should give you the serving size in fluid ounces.