Inner Surfer Girl

That reminds me. I went to CVS the other day and had to wait on a prescription. I 1) was able to browse around the store and 2) was able to fit in their waiting area chairs. I have only been using the drive-thru for prescriptions for the last couple of years because I couldn't fit in their chairs or stand very long.

It could be a combination of fluctuating hormones and/or dehydration. Make sure you are staying hydrated.

Have you talked to him about alternatives since you don't fit in the machine? If he absolutely requires an MRI is there a facility that he knows of that has a larger machine? I know I had an MRI at over 500 pounds but it may also depend on how you are shaped. If he requires it and you can't find a facility that can accommodate you, you may be required to lose weight so the tests can be run. Don't give up. Keep asking questions until you can find a solution.

Welcome, @orelonsmom. It sounds like even though you haven't decided for sure whether you want the surgery that you are really hoping that it is covered by your insurance. That sounds like a good indication that this may be the right thing for you. Until you know for sure, learn as much as you can and ask lots if questions. In the meantime, you might want to consider finding one or two healthy habits to work on. These are some things that can help you prepare for surgery: Are you drinking enough Water? If not, aim for increasing your water consumption to 64 oz a day? Do you take Vitamins regularly? If not, work on taking a daily Multivitamin and an extra D3 at the very least. Do you exercise regularly? See if you can find a way to exercise more and aim for 60 minutes a day. Do you weigh, measure and track your food? It sounds like you have some great reasons to keep you motivated. Best of luck with your journey and keep us posted on how you are doing.

Wow, you THINK you are getting 40 grams of Protein a day? No wonder you are losing your hair. I agree, you definitely need to track your food to make sure you get in enough protein. What is your target? Mine is 100 grams a day. 60 grams would be a bare minimum. Most of us have a target of at least 80 grams. Getting only half of your protein would lead to hair loss, slow healing, and slow or no weight loss. Talk to your NUT as soon as possible about strategies for getting more protein in addition to finding Vitamins that you can tolerate. Are you at the very least getting 64 oz of Fluid a day?

I definitely have to be careful or would eat them all the time! It helps that they aren't cheap.

Start by getting a variety of samples since everyone's tastes are different, and your tastes may change post-op. You can get samples directly from unjury. Try the chicken Soup and the unflavored. Also, get a sampler from Syntrax. I really like the Syntrax Nectars, especially Fuzzy Navel. Premier Protein ready to drink are my favorite. I like all three flavors but chocolate is my favorite. I also like GNC Lean shake 25 in Orange Cream. If you have a nearby GNC store you can usually get samples. Quest has some new protein powders and I got some samples from their site recently. In addition to shakes, I really like the ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates the first few weeks. That is what they gave me in the hospital and they really helped me to reach my protein target for the first weeks. My surgeon also allowed the ProtiDiet Soups in tomato basil and creamy chicken which were a great alternative to sweet shakes.

Absolutely.

Great article. I did a lot of this pre-op when I was preparing for surgery. I focused on things like increasing Water consumption, exercise, and weaning myself off of carbonation and caffeine.

My first week was clear liquids (with a couple of exceptions) and my second week was full liquids. Try some Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or cream soup. Even when I was on soft foods, eggs were a challenge. They wouldn't be my first choice before I tried some other things.

Also, be sure you keep up with your blood tests. Your PCP may be able to order them for you as long as he or she knows what to look for in a bariatric patient.

I love Mr. Cheese O's. They are my favorite post-swim snack.

There isn't much difference between April and June, especially if it is early June. Go with your gut. Yes, some people bounce back fast but for some it can take some time to get back into the swing especially energy-wise. Best of luck with whatever you choose.

Her comment gave me an idea. Maybe next time I'll try them with cottage cheese.I can picture LipstickLady dry heaving as we speak.... Me, too. Not my intent but, yeah, it could happen.

Catherine Deneuve was born October 22, 1943. I don't think we have charts for France during the occupation, but in the US, the number one song was Sunday, Monday, and Always by Bing Crosby. I couldn't resist so googled "Catherine Deneuve surfing" and wasn't disappointed. Surfing On the beach And, a more recent photo. If I could have just a tiny bit of her class, style, and beauty when I get to goal I will be very, very happy.

Oh, and definitely take all your supplements. Vitamin deficiency is the kind of thing that isn't a problem until it is and then can be very serious. Once you establish the habit then it becomes really easy.

Based on what you shared I would highly recommend you track everything. That way you KNOW how much Protein you are getting. And aim for 80 grams every day. I bet just those two changes will really help.

Ha! Ha! Ha!

I haven't drunk these in years. Aren't they full of caffeine? I weaned myself off of caffeine pre-op. This is something I would definitely recommend you discuss with your NUT.

Her comment gave me an idea. Maybe next time I'll try them with cottage cheese.

Sugar free Popsicles and crushed ice are about the only things you can chew on the liquid stages.

And you are off! Congratulations and best of luck on your journey.

Catherine Deneuve is my fantasy alter ego.