Inner Surfer Girl

This is exactly the mindset we have to learn to change. Rather than seeing a stall as a barrier we have to learn to see it as a natural and necessary part of the process. I believe a major reason that traditional dieting didn't work for most of us is because when we would reach a stall we would give up. Consider treating it as a good thing and look at all the progress you are making. I'll say it again: Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

You can make sugar free pudding with Protein powder. If you want a protein pudding that already has protein, I like the WonderSlim Dark chocolate.

Everyone loses at different rates and stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. That said, it is critical that you get in enough Protein and Water in order to heal and for weight loss. Whether or not you use protein supplements, you still need to reach your protein target every day and get at least 64 oz. of Fluid. What does your surgeon and NUT say about your progress so far? Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

What you are feeling is normal. Do you journal? Try writing about what you want your life to be like and how your weight/obesity is keeping you from living that life. Make a list of positives and negatives about having or not having surgery. Be gentle with yourself. It is not uncommon for your emotions to be all over the map. I can honestly say, the worst part of the whole process for me was where you are now: just before taking that final step in into the unknown. Before you know it you will be waking up in recovery to your new life.

My pre-op diet was high Protein low carb (no starches). If your surgeon didn't give you a pre-op diet then you should be ok. Just make sure you follow his or her instructions. As to wanting to eat everything in site, that is very common. Believe me when I tell you, you will get to eat again. It will be a while, but you won't starve.

I watched the show too. I haven't had my surgery yet. Scheduled for Jan 26th. I would love to know how watching it post-surgery you have a different perspective of the show? I think I am paying more attention to the post-op portion. I was eager for them to just get the surgery over already!

The Y I used to belong to before I moved was known as the "naked Y" because we all were fairly comfortable going nude in the locker room hot tub/sauna/steam room area. There was a whole variety of shapes, sizes, ages, etc. We had Muslims, nuns, Baptist, etc. I think learning to be comfortable in your own skin whatever your size is a gift. I was fine there since it was unisex. Not quite ready for a co-ed European spa though.

Yes, there is a recipe section under Food and Nutrition.

You have got to get in your protein so you can heal and lose weight.

Congratulations! What an awesome story and what a wonderful gift your friend gave you with the first massage and what a wonderful gift of words and encouragement from your masseuse. I love massages!

I agree. Just go slow and try one food at a time. You may find you like adding a bit more variety to your menu of choices.

Yeah! Congratulations! Saving a seat for you on the losers bench...

Cute!

I didn't see this show. Just the commercials made me mad. As to Weight Watchers, I am glad to see they are finally focusing on Protein. In the year before surgery I was following weight watchers points using the app. It worked ok (I mostly maintained my weight which in itself was a huge accomplishment, but found that not being able to at least track my protein was aggravating. I completely switched to MyFitnessPal when I needed to closely monitor my protein intake.

Congratulations! I know how exciting it is to finally see the scale move down (and stay down) instead of always moving in the other direction. There is more to come!

Congratulations!

I have little baggies and zip lock containers and when I do get a larger bag I weigh out individual portions ahead of time.

I THINK so but am not 100% sure.

I am not sure. Check the TLC website. They may stream episodes from their site.

I am not young and trendy, but I am looking forward to shopping at regular stores, too. I stopped at our local JC Penny right before Christmas and bought three sweaters off the sale rack and was thrilled. I like more classic clothes so I want to shop at places like Talbot's and J. Jill when I get smaller. I also want to invest in at least one "designer" dress. I agree that a lot of the clothes marketed at young women are too short, tight, and revealing. I want to buy what flatters ME! What department stores do you have near you? You might have better luck exploring different styles at a larger department store that has a broad selection. You might also want to try some thrift stores and resale shops for inexpensive options. They would be great places to just experiment. When I get to goal I plan to use a personal shopper at a nice store to help me build a good work wardrobe. I read a book last year that I gave all of my nieces for Christmas called Lessons from Madame Chic. It talks about finding your personal style. You might find it helpful. Best of luck and have fun!

When it comes to Snacks, and meals for that matter, I like things that are pre-portioned. My new favorite go to post-swim snack is a single serve bag of Mr. cheese O's. They are crunchy and cheesy. I also less frequently have a bag of Nancy's Naturals Protein cookie bites or Quest chips. Cheese sticks, yogurt, turkey roll ups, cottage cheese, and even nuts in single-serve packets make it easier to control portion size for me. I always take snacks to the pool. In the summer when I am outside for several hours, I take a small cold cooler.

It is a completely new way of thinking from our previous dieting life. That control we think we feel when we obsess about numbers is an illusion anyway. If you want to obsess about something, focus on your Protein and Water numbers. Stay off the scale. Follow your program. Focus on getting in all of your protein and fluids, every day. Take your Vitamins, and supplements as directed. Exercise when cleared. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I thought that at first but once I got honest with myself and accepted that I was super morbidly obese and could die because of it, it became easier to watch. I have learned a lot from watching it. This is the first season I will be watching post-surgery so I noticed last night that I have a different perspective already.

He couldn't do the bypass because the bowel wouldn't reach the stomach because of all the excess tissue in her abdomen. He delayed the surgery until she lost more weight because of her heart (probably also because she carried so much weight in her abdomen).