Inner Surfer Girl

What you are experiencing is very normal. None of us lose weight at a constant or steady rate. We all experience periodic stalls, and most of us experience one about three weeks after surgery. Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process. Just follow your program. Focus on getting in all of your Protein and fluids. Take your Vitamins and supplements as instructed. Exercise when cleared. Stay off the scale. And, Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

What you are experiencing is a normal part of the process. What do you do? Just follow your program. Focus on getting in all of your Protein and fluids, take 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

This is a good question for your surgeon. If you are unhappy withstood progress and/or are experiencing difficulties, then make an appointment wit your NUT and surgeon to talk about your progress, your goals, and your options.

Try making a list of pros and cons - for having surgery now, not having surgery now, or never having surgery. In the end, the risk of not having surgery was much higher for me than not having surgery. Plus, the upside is tremendous. Also, if you believe in prayer, this is certainly a good time to do so. Another good exercise is write about what your life is like now and what you want your life to be like. How close are you to the life you want? Do you have a bucket list or wish list? This is also a good time to make one.

Try infusing Water with fruits and herbs. Some options: Cucumber Apple and ginger Pear and ginger Lemon I also love herb infusions (aka herb tea). I like iced green tea with mint.

It depends. What is your Protein target? Are you getting in all of your protein every day? Are you getting AT LEAST 64 oz of Water every day? Or, even more since you are exercising? Are you avoiding added sugar and starches? Are you taking all of your Vitamins and supplements? Are you losing inches? Embrace the Stall? http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

OMG! That sounds delish! Please share the recipe. http://healthyrecipesblogs.com/2013/11/04/eggs-baked-in-portobello-mushrooms/ I used garlic pepper seasoning and black pepper along with light sharp cheddar instead of parmesan. It was so good. I want to try this. Thanks! Note to self: try this recipe!

I guess it depends on what you are doing. I know at 6 days out I was very careful with my abdomen. I would certainly be careful about stretching that area. Also, getting up off the ground or anything that engages those muscles may be problematic. You may want to run this by your surgeon.

Can you break it down into small goals throughout the day? Maybe drink 4-6 oz before you leave the house. 4-6 oz when you get to work. 4-6 oz morning (do you get bathroom breaks/can you take short breaks between experiments), etc.

That sounds like good advice, especially since you run.

None of us lose at a constant or steady rate. Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. Just follow your program. Focus on getting in all of your Protein and fluids, take your Vitamins and supplements as directed, exercise, and stay off the scale. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I don't think so. I just get B-1. If in doubt why not ask your doctor?

Has she tried: Refried beans? Tuna? I like the flavored Sunkist packets for variety. Hummus? I am trying to think of things I ate early out that didn't contain cheese or other dairy.

Definitely talk to her NUT. Did you attend the nutrition classes with her? Her NUT/program should have provided her with a detailed post-op plan. It is great that you are helping her, but I would encourage her to take an active interest in her program. To be successful, she is going to have to learn to take responsibility for her health. I was sleeved so my program may be different, but my surgeon wanted me meeting my 100 gram per day protein goal right away. The sooner she can reach her protein and Fluid goals the better she will feel and heal from surgery. Another good resource for recipes in addition to the Food and Nutrition forum on this site is The World According to Eggface blog.

I just posted this in another thread:

I focus on getting in all of my Protein (at least 100 grams) and Water every day. I avoid added sugars and starches for the most part. I take my Vitamins and supplements every day. I try to eat slowly and mindfully. I try to eat as cleanly as possible. I swim laps and/or take water aerobics class about 3-4 times a week,

I have seen many posts from WLS folks who are struggling with seeing their weight loss objectively. For instance, when they look in the mirror, they still see themselves as overweight or obese. I just ran across this article and thought it might be helpful: http://www.mysouthernhealth.com/phantom-fat-still-feel-oversized-even-losing-weight/

I agree. I think those calculators are just marketing tools. From what I can tell all you do is input your weight and it calculates the average weight lost based on the few studies that have been published. It is just a ballpark figure. What would worry me is that you credit your success to not eating breakfast. That is not a habit I would encourage for anyone who wants to lose weight and be healthy. It is great that you supplement with Protein shakes, but learning how to eat healthy will benefit you more in the long run. My question is whether or not you are reaching your protein and Fluid target every day? That would have more influence over both your long and short-term success than skipping meals.

Blood clots and pneumonia are very real risks for any surgery. The good thing is that your surgeon is aware of this. That is why you have to follow your surgeon's instructions to the letter. His or her's primary goal is to get you through surgery alive and well. Even if you think something you are asked to do is silly or that you can't do it, do it anyway. Everything from your preop diet, getting up and walking, following your food phases, avoiding NSAIDs, taking blood thinners, drinking water/staying hydrated, getting enough Protein, to breathing with your spirometer, etc. is for your benefit and to minimize risks. If you have carefully chosen a skilled and experienced surgeon and follow directions you should be fine.

I agree. What are you eating for breakfast? What is your Protein target? Not eating enough, and not getting enough nutrition can have an impact on whether or not you are losing weight. Have you talked to your NUT lately? Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Happy New Year everyone! 2015 has been an exciting and tremendous year of changes for me since I was sleeved April 20, 2015. Once I decided that surgery was for me, I still had to wait over a year for it due to financing issues. So, I have been on this journey for quite a while. One of the things I like to do is write. I took a hiatus from writing my novel this year so plan to get back to it soon. I signed up for a writing workshop in a nearby city that starts this month. A year ago I couldn't have even considered attending due to my disability and lack of mobility. As long as the weather participates I am now able to get out more although I am still not 100%. Another thing I want to do this year is write a book about weight loss surgery. Any suggestions, advice, or encouragement is welcome. I don't yet know what the finished product will be, but I was inspired by reading @@Alex Brecher and @@Queen of Crop 's books. What big goals do you have for 2016?

Thank you so much for sharing and best of luck with your surgery. Keep a journal handily, because I have found as I start eating cleaner, lots of feelings and emotions that I have buried will come up. It is a good idea to write about it, have a good cry, and let it go. Do you have a counselor or therapist? I highly recommend you find a therapist and a good support group (look for a bariatric support group and/or a 12-step recovery group like OA). They will be invaluable in helping you learn how to adjust to your new life. Unfortunately, as you discovered, there is a lot of ignorance, ESPECIALLY in the medical community about how to deal with, address, and even talk about weight and obesity. Apparently, good listening skills and empathy are in short supply sometimes. I wish you all the best with your surgery. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

I mean this in the kindest way possible, but if waiting 6 months to drink is impossible and 4 months is realistic, I highly recommend you talk with a counselor or therapist. It may just be because you are young, but alcohol dependence is a very serious thing, and it is very easy to become dependent on other substances or activities post-WLS if there are still unresolved underlying food, eating, or other issues. Choosing to have one drink on occasion once your surgeon has cleared you is one thing, but white knuckling it until you just can't take it is another. I do hope you find that you can have fun and be social without alcohol. It is a choice and not a requirement.

Wow, you are very brave! I don't know if I would have been able to take such a big step at your age. But, my life could have been so much different if I had had the option. I can't wait to hear about all the good things that come about for you, not only because of the weight loss, but because you have made such a mature decision. To answer your question, I don't know for sure how long it will take, but it shouldn't take long. Focus on sipping your fluids and Protein, and walking when you can (it will help with the gas pain). The sooner you can get in all of your protein and fluids the sooner you will start to feel better and to get back to normal. Take it easy and rest and follow your surgeon's instructions. My guess is that because of your age you will bounce back soon. Keep us posted on how you are doing. I want to cheer you on!

Whatever you do, make sure you do your best to stay hydrated and get in all of your Protein. Even if you have to do more liquids than soft foods. Have you tried tiny bites of soft foods like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, refried Beans, etc. Try small amounts of one food at a time.