Inner Surfer Girl

As an aside, this is an example of why I think it is a bit silly to segregate the forums, especially pre-op when everyone is still determining what will be best for them. I have seen so many people stick to just RNY or Lapband or Sleeve posts or forums just because that is all they know. I wish more pre-op people would participate in more general forums. I run across posts from so many people I don't recognize and when I look at their profile they have been on the site for a long time but seem to have stuck to one forum or even one thread!

Mine was similar to what you posted. Basically protein and no carb. Do whatever you and your surgeon or NUT decide is best for you.

Being anxious pre-op is perfectly normal. As it was my first surgery ever I really had no idea what to expect. For me, the pre-op anxiety was the worst part of the whole process. The surgery was the easiest. You will do great.

Congratulations on your surgery and welcome to BariatricPal. Just keep sipping away, and walking.

Sure it's possible. Is this the diet you were given by your surgeon? Just follow the program prescribed for you.

Welcome to the sleeve side! Ultimately, whatever procedure is best for your health is going to be "the most effective".

This is a great question for your NUT. Texture-wise, the oats may be ok once you are in the soft phase, but the almonds would be much later.

I just saw this article and it brings up an interesting theory: that the American diet causes so many problems because we are a culinary melting pot and eat many foods in combination that have never been eaten together before. http://www.elephantjournal.com/2014/07/tummy-troubles-ayurveda-says-to-stop-mixing-these-foods-julie-bernier/ One thing I have noticed post-op is how much more simple my diet is now. What do you think?

I find that reaching my protein target every day has been a critical success factor for me. If you have not met your protein target then by all means eat some protein: whether it is a cheese stick, some protein pudding, or a Protein Shake shouldn't make a difference as far as I am concerned.

I think a major factor is that this is a MAJOR life change: physically, emotionally, psychologically, socially, etc., etc. If you are like most of us, we have always used food to cope with change, stress, and difficulties in general. Now that we physically can't use food, at least to the extent that we did before, we are going to feel uncomfortable. Finding new ways to cope and/or realizing that it is ok to feel uncomfortable takes a lot of work. One book I recommend that may help you is Eat it Up! by Connie Stapleton. A counselor or therapist, a bariatric support group, and/or a 13-step recovery group like OA are also invaluable for helping to learn how to live life without using food as a coping mechanism.

I agree with the idea of experiences as rewards. I am so looking forward to DOING so many things that I have never done or haven't been able to do for a long time: travel, road trips, antiquing, concerts, plays, sporting events, etc., etc. We have a local summer stock theatre. When I moved here I bought a seasons pass but had such a difficult time with parking, bathrooms, seating, etc., even with the handicap accessible options that I haven't been regularly since. I did go to one play last summer after surgery. I may get a season's pass this summer again! There is a newly renovated theatre in a nearby town that is a small concert venue. I went to a concert there before Christmas and actually fit in the seats! I plan to try to go to more concerts. Even going to movies and sitting in a regular movie theatre became too much. As a movie buff I really have missed out on just going to the movies. I will do that MUCH more this year and hope to go to a film festival in a nearby town this year. Eventually, I want to go to Telluride, Sundance, or even Cannes!

Congratulations on the weight loss. Feeling vulnerable, tired, and exhausted is very common this soon after surgery. You are still healing from major surgery and you hormones are going wacky because of the rapid weight loss. Also, none of us lose weight at a constant or steady rate. Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the weight loss process. If you intend to lose a significant amount of weight, you will stall. That said, exercise is important to be healthy. It will help you burn fat, retain muscle, regulate those wacky hormones, and gain energy, and just generally feel better. You don't have to go all out crazy, but it helps to have some exercise goals. My bariatric program recommends some sort of physical movement at least one hour a day. You could even start out with a goal of 30 minutes a day. You don't have to do it all at once. You could start with short 5 or 10-minute walks several times a day. The key is to MOVE. You could invest in a pedometer or fitness tracker to track your steps. You could take a dance class. You could swim. I happen to prefer swimming so I have been in the pool since I have been cleared: I take Water aerobics, and swim laps. I can do much more in the water than I can do on land. Try something. I almost guarantee you will start to feel much better physically, mentally, and emotionally sooner if you do. P.S. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

My surgeon sounds quite a bit like yours in terms of the protein. Protein drinks were fine immediately after surgery, but from 3 weeks post-op on, he wanted to make sure my protein was from 3 solid meals per day and not "liquid calories". However, I do not have any kind of daily protein or calorie goal that I have to maintain either based on his program. That was something I made sure to ask at my 3-month post-op appointment since most programs you read about on here seem to have them. I have my 6-month (well actually 7-month) post-op appointment coming up next week, and I plan on asking about having a protein shake post work out. Something I've noticed as I've increased my cardio and weight training is that I'm absolutely hungry right after my workout and throughout the day. I try to eat some solid protein, but so far it hasn't seemed to satisfy that hunger. Just a guess but if you don't have a protein target and aren't tracking your protein you are probably hungry because you aren't getting enough protein. Try tracking it to see.

So glad to hear you are doing better. Sending hugs. You are going to be just fine.

You definitely need to see your surgeon. This is the type of thing you need to ask a medical professional.

I am so sorry. It can really be hot-or-miss to introduce new foods. My best recommendation is to wait a while before trying shrimp again.

Take a breath. WLS is a big change for anyone who is experiencing it as well as loved ones. There is a lot to process for both of you. Please practice patience and be kind to yourself and each other. There is a lot of time before April. Who knows, she may come around and be able to clear her calendar by then. If not, that doesn't necessarily mean she doesn't care. In the meantime, you can focus on building your support team and see what you can do to keep the lines of communication open between you. Do you have a counselor or therapist? Do you know when the next bariatric support group is scheduled? In addition to your surgeon and NUT, a therapist can be extremely helpful. WLS will take over your life for a while but that is a good thing. One book I recommend that you read is called Eat it Up! by Connie Stapleton. I found it really helpful. Don't forget that we are here to support you, too.

Keep sipping. Frankly, until you can get all of your fluids and protein you need to stay off the scale.

The key is learning to stop before you get the hiccups. It just takes time to get a hang of it.I get the burp, hiccup, and the watery eyes and I'm only on liquids...it's tough to get all the liquids in. I guess the next learning curve is when I get to the pureed stage. It will also improve as the swelling goes down.

Was it the shrimp or the cocktail sauce? Did you try the shrimp plain?

The key is learning to stop before you get the hiccups. It just takes time to get a hang of it.

For me hiccups are a signal that I have eaten too much or too fast. Try taking tiny bites, eating slowly, and chewing thoroughly. You will start to get a feel for what it means for you to be satisfied. Hiccups, burps, and/or a runny nose are pretty common. For me hiccups are a signal that I have eaten too much or too fast. Try taking tiny bites, eating slowly, and chewing thoroughly. You will start to get a feel for what it means for you to be satisfied. Hiccups, burps, and/or a runny nose are pretty common.

I am sorry to hear that you are in pain. Please, please, please call your surgeon. Mine has 24-hour phone number. Please let them know what you are experiencing so they can advise you. We are not doctors.

Congratulations!

My starting BMI was so high it was literally off the charts. It may make a difference though that I carry most of my weight in my lower body, but I had no problems or complications with my surgery or recovery. I was sleeved April 20, 2015 and couldn't be happier with my experience.