Inner Surfer Girl

How many elephants is 4 million? (Sorry, couldn't resist The Daily Show reference.) This is great. BariatricPal is such a helpful site. It, along with everyone who posts, has been such a blessing to me personally. Thank you!

I agree. Or, take them to a support group meeting or your bariatric center. They may know of someone who is struggling financially and could need help.

That was what I was thinking since body builders drink higher carb shakes, but since she can't drink Boost then I would think she may have a similar reaction to higher carb shakes.

It is a process having to deal with all sorts of emotions and feelings that we 1) never felt before, 2) buried with our fat, and/or 3) have been avoiding. That is why it can be helpful to see a counselor or therapist and/or attend support groups and/or recovery groups (like OA.org) to help us through this process. You also might want to consider reading some self-help books. A couple of good ones: Eat It Up! (written by a therapist who works with WLS patients) and When food Is Love are a couple of good ones.

It may or may not have had a direct effect. All we can really do is guess. There are so many variables at play. Our bodies are complex systems and not simple machines. I do think, in my non-professional opinion, that to maximize weight loss we need to maximize our nutrition, and short-changing ourselves of Vitamins doesn't help. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process. Does it really matter how long it last of you are doing what you are supposed to be doing? I think those who treat stalls as separate and apart from their progress rather than an integral part of it experience much too much anxiety. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Congratulations!

Congratulations! You look great!

I don't know how long you would be "full". The question I would ask is if you are satisfied. As long as you are recording it and it fits in with your program, I say enjoy. Just beware of leering it lead you to wanting more. Have you tried it without the bun? You can always ask for a fork.

I agree with @BLERDGirl. Are you tracking your food? What is your Protein target? Are you getting in all of your protein and fluids every day? Are you taking all of your Vitamins and supplements as directed? If you aren't eating enough, especially enough protein, and/or not staying hydrated, you may have a difficult time losing weight. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

This sounds positively decadent. Jalapeño poppers were my kryptonite pre-op so I may have to try this one.

There is a risk for any surgery, but the risk of dying from WLS is extremely low. I can understand your husband's fear but I know for me the risk of me dying without surgery was pretty high. Has your husband accompanied to any of your appointments? It may help him feel better if he actually participates and learns more about the surgery as you go through the process.

Are you trying to post using the app or are you on a computer? Don't let us scare you away. You are not alone. There are an awful lot of people on this site who are rooting for you and want to help.

Is there some master checklist...Preparing yourself for surgery. I don't have a surgery date so difficult to make a plan. I put one together for myself based in all of the instructions I received from my NUT, surgeon, cardiologist, etc. When you get closer and get a surgery date you should be receiving some very specific instructions related to pre-op diet, meds, surgery prep, etc. There are also some good threads in this site related to things like what to take to the hospital and what you will need to have at home when you return. Just take really good notes.

The best advice I can give you is to stop and breathe. If the numbers on the scale are what are making you anxious then I recommend you stay off of the scale for a while. You might want to consider weighing no more than once a week, or even less often. You mention not having trouble drinking. Are you able to get at least 64 oz of Fluid and reach your Protein target every day? None of us lose at a constant or steady rate and fluctuations and stalls are all normal. 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 think with the protein intake. I think that is why he put me on solid foods and told me to eat every two hours and for it to be some type of protein. He said every hour I should be concentrating on something. One hour drinking my Water. the next hour getting my protein in. make it a routine. That sounds like great advice. I know it's hard to wrap our heads around right after surgery, but making sure we are eating and drinking enough rather than the numbers on the scale should become our primary focus.

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the weight loss process. None of us lose at a constant or steady rate. We all will experience stalls in our weight loss periodically. Almost everyone experiences their first stall about three weeks after surgery. Just follow your program. Focus on getting in all of your Protein and Fluid. Take your Vitamins and supplements as directed. And, exercise. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I agree with what others have shared. I have rarely heard of anyone being denied outright. It is more likely that if there are any red flags they will suggest some areas you may need more support. The idea is not to keep you from surgery but to make sure you are as prepared as possible.

There is nothing wrong with asking for help. You've taken the first step in posting about your struggles here. You might also want to consider making an appointment with your NUT to revisit your goals and talk about strategies for reaching them. From everything I know about myself and my experience, if I eat sugar, I crave sugar. The only way to break that cycle for me is to go cold turkey. It's easier said than done, but going back to basics would be a good idea if you want to continue your progress. You have already come so far, it sounds like you know what works. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

You are Wonder Woman! Thank you so much for your encouragement, caring, wisdom, inspiration, and humor. You are truly a shining example to me.

You may find that making some simple changes will help you lose that 50-60 pounds while you prepare for surgery. You may lose some weight just by giving up soda (even diet soda) and drinking more Water. Aim for at least 64 oz. Also, try avoiding starches, including starchy vegetables, and loading up on non-starchy vegetables. For example, when I was pre-op my NUT suggested adding a steamer bag of broccoli and/or cauliflower to a lean cuisine to help me feel fuller. Whether you are pre- or post-op, focusing on getting in good Protein will also help you feel fuller longer. In order to prep for surgery I weaned myself off of carbonation and caffeine and drank a lot of water. I think it really helped. Best of luck and keep us posted on how you are doing.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Keep 'em coming! My lunch today is 1/2 avocado with tuna salad and melted grated cheese on top.

Fast forward? Believe me when I say that January 27th will be here before you know it.

I will pass along my NUTs advise. Go to your local pharmacy when they aren't busy with your list of Vitamins and ask your pharmacist to help you find the best/cheapest versions. Also, stock up when they are on sale . Vitamins and supplements are expensive, but for me it balances out since I am no longer paying half my check to the coca-cola company!

Yes, you may have to live in the restroom for a while! If you don't drink a lot of Water normally, you are probably retaining a lot of water. Plus, our fat cells are full of water. I don't know all of the technical ins and outs (note to self research how hydration works) but I know that this is another counterintuitive process. We have to drink more water to lose more weight. If you are used to waiting until you are thirsty to drink, you will need to break that habit. If you are thirsty you are already dehydrated and it is very hard to catch up. You MAY find that once you are staying hydrated and urinating frequently that your bladder issues may become more manageable. Just keep sipping!