Inner Surfer Girl

If you live in an urban area another good resource is schools, like massage schools, cosmetology schools, etc.

I wasn't nearly as far gone as he was but I had gotten to a place where I felt completely helpless. I knew the next "diet" would boomerang me into being bed bound. I felt it was damned if I did, damned if I didn't. I think that is why it was so important for me to learn to embrace stalls as part of the process and not to give up.

My year has been great. Miracles do happen. I am getting my mobility and my life back.

I've never had a professional massage! I will have to add that to my idea least for future treat yo self days! Me either. I was always super embarrassed by my weight. Do it! It is so worth it.

Do they make sandwiches? You could get a turkey and cheese sandwich without the bread. Just think Protein first. Do they make the food on site or is it prepackaged? If you get a salad then get one with protein and just eat the toppings. Do they have chilli? Chinese food: look for chicken or shrimp (or similar) and forego the rice. From what I know of college food there should be plenty of Proteins to choose from. Just focus on protein and avoid the starch.

You can make your own with better ingredients -- try going to the deli and get them to slice up some good meats and cheeses. In a pinch, rather than lunchables, look for P3, string cheese, or meat and cheese roll-ups. They make decent pre-portioned Snacks.

Except, I don't think the OP's problem is a "stall" per se. to me, stalls happen when you're eating on plan, but not losing weight. It happens, happened to me, as the body needs time to adjust. She's, by her own admission, eating off plan and is bored. I think she needs to wrap her head around what this surgery is and what it's not. It's not a quick fix, it's not a fad diet. There is a misconception out there that you have surgery, wake up and the weight flies off your body or melts off at lightening speed. It's not that. What this surgery is, to me anyway, is a giant reset button. A chance to redefine your lifestyle, without the need to resort to fad diets. It allows you to eat smaller portions of nutritious food and hopefully curbs your cravings for crap so you can lose weight at a healthy clip. If you're unwilling to accept what the surgery is, and what it does, and continue to eat "bad for you" foods because you're bored and upset because you didn't wake up skinny overnight, you'll never maximize the benefits of the surgery. OP, I hope for your sake that you get to a point where you can accept what this surgery does, as well as its limitations and also accept what you need to do to make the tool work for you. You've had some good suggestions: a support group through your surgeon's office or the local hospital; OA, therapy. All these suggestions are good weapons to have in your ongoing fight against obesity. Good luck! I posted it because there is more to the post than just dealing with stalls: especially important is the part about assessing where you are and where you want to be, seeking help, and reevaluating how well you are following your program. I thought it might be helpful.

I avoid starches and added sugars, not all carbs. I choose yogurts, etc. with the highest protein to carb ratio. Danon Light and Fit Greek, Fage, etc.

Congratulations! This is awesome!

I worked at a University before I was on disability and used to run a Brown Bag series for staff. This would make a great topic. Do you have a training and development unit (either in HR or elsewhere)?

Is it enough? I don't know. What are your specific guidelines? When you plug all that into MyFitnessPal what does it say your macros are? Protein, carbs, fats? How many calories? Every surgeon's pre-op requirements are different.

I use My Fitness Pal. It is great. It also ties into my fitness tracker (Misfit Shine).

Last night's episode about Sean was another crazy one. Another young person who was weighed almost 1000 pounds by his mid 20-'s and the "diet" pushed him over 1000 pounds. Why haven't we figured out that we can't just send a patient that heavy home to the same disfunctional situation with a piece of paper for instructions to "prove how committed they are."? Neither he or his mom have the emotional, mental, spiritual, or physical capacity to do any of this without a massive, multi-pronged intervention. It still baffles me how we as a society let anyone get into this state (I am including myself in this) without tools and resources. If there was ever an example where intensive in-patient treatment and family therapy was needed years ago, this is it. This reminds me of my efforts to find treatment before I turned to WLS. I couldn't even get into intensive outpatient because I wasn't anorexic or bulimic. I still believe I was denied because I scared the little anorexic teenager in the waiting room by my very presence/existence. SMH. I truly hope Sean and his mom both make it. This was also another example of how his mom probably needs surgery, education, and therapy as much as he does.

How much protein are you eating? If you are exercising intensely you MAY need to up your protein and or healthy carbs. What does your NUT suggest? Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Can you have sugar free Popsicles? Herb or decaf tea? If so, then they make a great snack. Don't be afraid to eat/drink what you are allowed to help get you through.

Why not go back to basics? I would suggest you make an appointment with your NUT to talk about strategies for reaching your goals. In the meantime: Track, weigh and measure your food. Drink at least 64 oz of Water a day. Make sure you reach your protein target every day. Avoid starches, added sugars, and fried foods. Take your vitamins and supplements as directed. Exercise. You have been successful before and it sounds like you know what to do. I don't see how going on a "diet" would be more beneficial than actually following your post-op program more diligently. Best of luck and keep us posted on how you are doing.

I think it really depends on what state you are in. I would suggest looking for a Bariatric Center of Excellence near you and attending a seminar. The practice will have an insurance coordinator who can help you determine whether requirements. Best of luck.

I was listening to the story in the car this morning. One of the things I found interesting is that the monks only ate what was given as offerings. As the monks were seen as vessels by which people could send food to their ancestors, they liked to give tasty unhealthy food rather than more nutritious food.

Only eating two meals a day and not enough Protein leads to obese monks. http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-35812339 Protein, protein, protein!

Great ideas. Punching a pillow helps, too!

@@sassyfrass23, sending hugs and prayers. You have certainly had a rough time of it. I know anytime I have gotten "clean" from sugar/carbs, my emotions have been very raw and close to the surface. Be gentle with yourself and try not to do anything or say anything rash. It will get better. You can do this!

I agree with Kathy's suggestions. Another good one is Eat it Up! by Connie Stapleton.

Whether or not you practice self-destructive habits, I thought this article had some good insight: http://www.elephantjournal.com/2015/08/the-vicious-cycle-of-self-destruction-how-to-get-out-of-it/

Best of luck! You are going to do great. I know it.

My one year Surgiversary is April 20. This year has flown by. Best of luck with your surgery.