Inner Surfer Girl

I no longer take mine and don't have any issues. I don't really remember how long it was after surgery that I stopped, but it was less than six months (maybe even three).

Congratulations! That sounds so cold but very fun!

This is so awesome! Congratulations and mad Haply New Year!

Isn't it great to regain your hope and optimism? Have a very Happy New Year!

I would say both are important. The good thing is that all of your liquid protein supplements count towards your fluid totals. If you HAVE to choose one over the other go for hydration, but you really shouldn't have to choose.

I am so glad you were able to get hydration. Dehydration is no joke.

Happy New Year, @@Alex Brecher. Thank you so much for this forum. It has been invaluable to me. 2016 is going to be a great year!

One thing I truly don't understand is how many people come here to get something answered that they should really be asking their medical providers. I would always suggest anyone to keep asking questions of your doctor until you 1) understand, and more importantly, 2) are very clear about what you are supposed to do. I know many people are intimidated by medical folks, especially after the way many of us have been treated due to our obesity, but there is really no excuse for a doctor not to take time to make things clear.

It's nice that your husband didn't inherit his family's miserable-personality gene. You don't have to tell them anything. When they start commenting on your weight loss, simply tell them that you've been eating differently and have begun an exercise routine. It's the truth and nothing but the truth and, even better, it will make them crazy. Wouldn't it be a kick if they surprise you? Don't count on it, though, because the obese among them will probably add a jealousy component to their already miserable outlooks. @@Inner Surfer Girl's suggestion of a book written for WLS people brought to mind a different kind of book someone who used to be on sparkpeople.com mentioned often in the depression "team" (you can find affinity groups for everything imaginable there or you can start one). I don't know the book myself, but you may want to look at a copy in a bookstore or at least read an online description. The title is "Boundaries," by Cloud and Townsend. I just googled it to be sure of the title (had forgotten about it some time ago); it turns out to be one of a series of "Boundaries" books. Here's a link to the publisher's (HarperCollins) material; it has some topics that you may find interesting -- including one on setting boundaries with mothers. Your husband might to take a look, too. http://www.boundariesbooks.com/ As to your friend's "lucky" comment: Am I the only one who doesn't see it as necessarily negative? It seems vague enough to consider asking her to say more. Back to the in-laws. My advice for the week for dealing with miserable thwarters is taking shape: "Punch their lights out." Congratulations on a beautiful start. I haven't read this one but I recommend The One Life Solution by Dr. Henry Cloud all the time. It also talks a lot about boundaries. I highly recommend it! The One-Life Solution: Reclaim Your Personal Life While Achieving Greater Professional Success https://www.amazon.com/dp/0061466433/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_W8xHwb95BSRKQ Here is another good one: Mojo: How to Get It, How to Keep It, How to Get It Back If You Lose It https://www.amazon.com/dp/1401323278/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_T.xHwbS8ECEVT

I agree. I didn't want to be dealing with caffeine withdrawal while also recovering from surgery, so I weaned myself off of caffeine gradually in the months leading up to surgery.

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the weight loss process. Everyone stalls, and most people experience their first stall about three weeks post op. Also, keep in mind that weighing on different scales at different times can give you completely different readings. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

This is a great question for your NUT. I believe it is POSSIBLE to get too much Protein, but if you aren't reaching your daily target then one shake isn't going to put you in a danger zone by a long shot. Of course, this is just my opinion. I treat my protein target as a minimum and not a maximum, especially if my protein is coming from lean/healthy sources.

Protein! I don't know if you can necessarily easily gain muscle while in the losing stage, but you can certainly increase your muscle/fat ratio. Have you talked to your NUT about your goals?

I think you look great and very happy! What is a bit of loose skin when you can live life to the fullest?

I am so glad!

Go slow and sip. You need to get more than 20 oz in as soon as possible. For me that meant sip, sip, sipping all day. Try taking tiny sips (almost drips). Try sugar free Popsicles, crushed ice, decaf tea, etc. Try different temperatures. One thing that helped me early post op was to put ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrate over a little bit of crushed ice and eat it with a spoon. You could try a toddler spoon or appetizer sized spoon or the tip of a teaspoon. Just keep at it. You don't want to wind up in the ER with dehydration. The sooner you can get in all of your fluids and Protein, the better you will feel.

I agree. Rather than slim fast, try premier. I also like GNC Lean shake 25 (made with water). The only shake I would make with milk is the carnation Breakfast essentials no sugar added. The rest I make with Water. You might also want to try Syntrax nectar.

That is a good question to ask your NUT and bariatric team since they will be submitting the data.

That anxiety and fear is why I think it is absolutely critical that you use professional help. I am glad you are seeing professionals about this. We can be encouraging and cheer you on, but we do not have the professional skills and training that will be most helpful for you.

So, if you leave then who is going to cook his breakfast, lunch, and dinner? What a jerk. There is a reason I'm single...

What an awesome year. Something tells me 2016 is going to be even better! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and inspiration. It is a tremendous help to see how you embrace life.

Hey Inner Surfer, do you have a brand name on the dip mix? I would like to try that, sounds good Simply Organic Greek Yogurt Dip Mix in Mediterranean Herb. I haven't tried it in plain Greek yogurt yet but I will (probably with cucumber). It is really good in cottage cheese.

I like them. I don't eat them often and when I do it's after my protein so I don't eat a lot. But they are good and good for you.

70 grams of what? Protein? (The subject line cuts off in my feed.) What is your protein target? Are you getting in all of your fluids? Are you taking your Vitamins? You may just be fatigued because you are still recovering from surgery. Do your best to get in all of your protein and fluids. It really helps with recovery, But, be patient with yourself. You did just have major surgery and your body needs time to heal.

I wanted to update with my latest variation of cottage cheese. I got some packets of organic Mediterranean dip mix. I have mixed some into my cottage cheese lately and it is really tasty.