Inner Surfer Girl

Are you getting enough protein? If you aren't you could "fill up" on a ton of carbs and still be hungry. Try having a protein-rich snack before you go to bed rather than salad and see how that works. Have you talked to your NUT about this?

I am currently watching the first episode of this season's Project Runway and one of the contestants is a plus-sized plus size designer. I hope she makes it far in the competition and we get to possibly see a plus size challenge.

One of the reasons I like Project Runway is because they actually have to have some level of skill/talent to make it onto the show and the competition, although sometimes pretty unrealistic, involve actually producing something. I don't sew but find it educational.

I don't have a blog but may someday. Thanks for the info. I'll definitely keep it in mind.

It sounds like you are doing well but disappointed since you aren't where you would like to be. Obviously, you know what to do but have chosen not to do it. Focusing on getting in all your protein and fluids, and eating healthier should do the trick. You can do it!

One of my signals that I am "full" is sneezing. My guess is that even if you don't have the feeling of being "full" your body is signaling that you are. As to being cold, I have been cold since the minute I was in recovery. My guess is it is partially because of healing/recovery and partially from fat loss. I think the only time I have felt warm since surgery was when it was 95 degrees in the sun at the pool this summer. I wear a long-sleeved rash guard in the indoor pool I swim in now because my arms and shoulders stay cold. I also start out with a pile of quilts and blankets when I get in bed. I eventually peal most of them off but I start out cold. Sorry I don't have a solution for you, but I can empathize.

I just bought a bag of fresh sweet peppers at Aldi. Other than eating them plain, I am looking for some easy ideas on how to use them? Does anybody have a good recipe they can share?

I am still working through my bag. Last night I used them raw with some leftover hot pimento cheese dip from a local restaurant.

Welcome! And congratulations on deciding to take such a big step. You are in for quite an adventure!

Surfing lessons are definitely on the list!

This is interesting and I would be curious to hear more about the study. One red flag I saw was that one part of the study they mentioned was only for one week. Since our bodies are complex systems, I would be very cautious about extrapolating data from a one week study to include long-term results.

You are doing very well so far, but I would caution about getting into the mindset of minimizing calories and carbs as your primary strategy. Everything I have learned from my NUT and surgeon, as well as my experience so far, has me focusing on maximizing nutrition. I focus on getting in all of my Protein and fluids every day. I take all of my Vitamins as required every day. I track my food in MyFitnessPal in order to make sure I reach my protein target. I choose foods high in protein, low in carbs. I avoid, for the most part, starches: rice, Pasta, potatoes, bread, etc. I eat protein first. If I do those things, then carbs and calories fall into place If you focus on minimizing carbs and calories but neglect to get in enough protein and Fluid, you are being self-defeating. Also, don't forget that none of us loses at a constant rate. Trying to micromanage the scale is also incredibly counterproductive and will drive you crazy. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

You need to see if your surgeon offers it. http://www.bliscompany.com

Congratulations on deciding to take this big, scary step toward health. For me, the worst part of the whe process was the anticipation: not knowing what to expect and choosing to take that step into the unknown. My advice: take it one day, one step at a time. Do everything you are asked to do, even if you think you can't, both in the hospital and when you get home. Do everything you can to get in all of your Protein and fluids as soon as you are cleared, and follow your surgeon and NUT's instructions

@@TXMissy, it depends on your goal. If your goal is losing then following the protocol prescribed by your surgeon to lose weight is what you should do. If your goal is to maintain weight, then following your surgeon's protocol to maintain weight (which will by definition be higher calorie) is what you should do.

Congratulations on the weight loss! I think it is common to think that being thin will solve all of our problems. But,, doing the mental/emotional work is the hard part. I don't know what your specific issues are, but a good general book about dealing with the psychological aspects of weight loss surgery is: Eat It Up!. I also think there is a workbook that goes along with it. There are quite a few Weight Loss Surgery books if you do a search on Amazon. If your issues are good addiction, Genene Roth books are good. If it's codependency, then Melody Beattie books are helpful. Not WLS-related, but if you have issues setting boundaries, then I recommend a book called The One Life Solution. I understand that money is tight, but I would encourage you to seek out counseling. Some therapists work on a sliding scale. See if your surgeon, hospital, or even another surgeon or hospital has a Bariatric Support group, many of those are free and open to anyone. Consider exploring a 12-step recover, or other self-help group, like OA (www.oa.org -- the website has meeting lists, podcasts, articles, literature, etc.). I hope this helps. Please keep us posted on how you are doing. In addition to the above-suggestions, there are lots of other strategies you can use: volunteer work, tapping into your creativity, etc. that will be addressed in the above-referenced reading and resources.

My surgeon requires all self-pay patients to purchase BLIS insurance (which covers complications). Ask your surgeon's office about options.

Wow, that is probably the most restrictive and conservative post-op program I have seen. Just make sure you get in enough protein with your Isopure.

I don't know but you could ask. I used Biotene while I was in the hospital.

This is interesting. I would be curious to see if the conclusion also applies to the sleeve.

I ordered mine online (I think from Bariatric Choice). You should also be able to find Isopure at GNC (or a similar store).

Congratulations! Thanks so much for the inspiration.