Inner Surfer Girl

Congratulations on your weight loss. You are doing great. Please try not to compare yourself to other people. You will lose weight at your own pace. That said, you do need to do your very best to follow your program to get the best results. Focus on getting in all of your Protein and fluids, take your Vitamins and supplements as directed, and exercise. Not eating is the WORST thing you can do. You have to get in all of your protein and fluids throughout the day. Skipping meals is not an option. If you need to, make a schedule and set an alarm to make sure you eat. Are you tracking your food? I am so sorry to hear you are having a rough time with your work and marital situation. Do you have a therapist? Does your program have a bariatric support group? Do you have a minister or other trusted counselor that you and your husband can talk to? Even though we have had weight loss surgery, we didn't receive an operation on our head. We still have to learn how to manage our moods and emotions and deal with stress without using food. You can start with something as simple as taking a walk when you want to eat something that isn't on your plan. A book I read recently may be helpful. It's called Eat it Up! and was written by a therapist who works with weight loss surgery patients. The author addresses a lot of common issues that arise after weight loss surgery. I wish you all the best. You can learn to navigate life without turning to food. It isn't easy but is worth it. Please keep us posted on how you are doing. Also, even though I wrote this post about stalls, you might find it helpful. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

An asterisk is this symbol: *

It is confusing so it's ok to ask questions. I also recommend you write everything down and keep it in one place. If your program doesn't give you a binder, you might want to get one to keep up with everything.

My goal is 100 grams of Protein a day and at least 64 oz of Fluid. For the most part I avoid starches (rice, potatoes, Pasta, bread, sugary foods, etc.) When looking at a food label I look mostly at protein and carbs. I try to keep the protein to carb ratio high (for instance double-digit protein, single-digit carbs). I don't really limit fats, but find I don't like greasy foods, so do choose leaner meats, etc. I try to get my biggest bang for the calories I can protein-wise. My surgeon also advised us to avoid high fructose corn syrup like the plague. I don't completely avoid cane sugar, honey, etc., but I try to minimize it. Beware of low-fat foods. For instance, low-fat Peanut Butter has almost the same number of calories as regular but is made with high-fructose corn syrup -- they basically diluted the peanut butter with sugar to lower the fat content which is insane. I'd rather have a small portion of "real" foods than fake stuff. I eat real butter (albeit very rarely). I also try to choose clean, whole foods when possible. So, for example, I don't drink orange juice, but I do eat fresh oranges on occasion. I eat protein first, then vegetables, and then fruit most of the time. I hope this helps answer your question.

I don't. But, if you ever have questions about details like this, I would recommend you call the office and ask questions until you understand.

Are you asking when my surgery was scheduled? I was scheduled at my last surgical appointment (after all my tests and clearances had come back). I had an appointment that included my last pre-op nutrition class, a seminar where my surgeon basically filled is in as a group on the surgery process and what to expect, and a one-on-one exam by the PA and my surgeon. Before I left, I was scheduled with my surgery date. Then, I had to go in for the last pre-op blood test and had a phone consultation to pre-register for the hospital admission. Was that what you were looking for? My program gave me a binder that included a list of all the steps in the process which was very helpful.

I've missed your posts. Sending you virtual hugs. I am glad to hear you are in grief therapy. Of all the therapy and counseling I have had in my life, I found grief counseling particularly helpful.

Aww, shucks. I'm blushing. Thanks!

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process. None of us lose weight at a constant rate. You will stall if you successfully lose weight. Make sure you are getting in all of your Protein and fluids, take your Vitamins and supplements as directed, and exercise. Make sure you are eating enough (eating like a rabbit doesn't sound good --rabbits don't eat protein-rich foods). Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Glad to hear it. If you are a reader, I just finished reading a good book. It's by a psychologist who works with bariatric patients. It's called Eat It Up! and addresses a wide range of post-op psychological issues.

I was going to suggest the same thing. You might want to find a good therapist or counselor. Does your program have a bariatric support group? You might also want to consider a self-help or 12-step recovery program like OA. In the meantime, try really hard to focus on the basics: getting in all of your Fluid and Protein, taking your Vitamins and supplements as directed, and exercising.

I don't have specific numbers but some categories for you to think about. Supplies and Tools: If you don't have these on hand already, you'll need a good kitchen scale, measuring utensils, storage containers, etc. Shaker bottles, Water bottles, etc. are helpful. Vitamins and Supplements: You can shop sales for good prices. Food: Your food budget will probably decrease, especially if you have been in the habit of eating out a lot. Fresh, healthy food can be more expensive, but you will be eating less of it. Protein Supplements: Not cheap, but the per-meal price is reasonable when compared to meals. Also, look for sales. It's also a good idea to try samples before buying in bulk. Clothes: Many folks shop at thrift stores while losing, but depending on what you have on hand and what you need, for work, etc. this can add up. I haven't started yet, but I have thought about saving for when I reach goal. I would love to be able to invest In new wardrobe and a personal shopper or style assessment at that time. Gym/Exercise: I joined our local wellness center. If you join a gym or Y there is a monthly fee. I also hope to buy a bike when I am able to ride. Some people buy exercise equipment, etc. I swim, so I need to buy new bathing suits periodically as my size decreases. Workout gear, shoes, etc. are expenses you may need to include. Rewards: If you plan to reward yourself, then you will need to include this in your budget. Mani-Pedis, massages, and even trips make good rewards. Hobbies: As I regain mobility and energy, there is so much I want to do. I want to experience life. This is something else to save and budget for based on your needs and desires. I hope this helps a bit. Maybe someone else can answer your specific question.

My gripe is the places that ask you to sign that you received the HIPPA notice without giving you the HIPPA notice. I am not interested in re-reading it, but I always refuse to sign until they give it to me.

I haven't but have you talked with your NUT? Have you adjusted your food plan?

For me there were several people over time. Since I have had surgery, I have reached out to a few of them to thank them for sharing their experience with me.

I am so sorry to hear about the delays. I have seen some folks post about getting an online evaluation. You might want to search the site and see what you can find. I hope you are able to get this taken care of soon.

I love pickled eggs! I moved to the eastern side of PA from the western side. I had no idea there was a sweet bologna, not really a fan, and the first time I ordered chicken pot pie here they served me a bowl of soup! I said "Where is the crust?". They looked at me like I had a third eye! Amazing how things differ from one side of the state to the other! LOL Oh, and back home it is "pop" but here I had to get used to calling it "soda"!I have never tried pickled eggs. I love pickles and pickled beets so may have to try pickled eggs one of these days. I shop at a local Amish store that has all kinds of things pickled I have never tried.

I have a lot to lose but I noticed changes right away -- just not where I expected it. When I went in for my first post-op follow-up appointment I noticed I was "jigglier" than usual when I walked.

I liked ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates while I was on the clear phase. You can use them undiluted over crushed ice and diluted with Water or in your crystal light. I also liked the ProtiDiet tomato basil and creamy chicken Soups. When you drink your Protein shakes are you taking very tiny sips? Also, are you drinking them from something with a lid. Some folks have found it helps not to smell them.

An update: I roasted some and used them as a base for tuna salad with cheese for lunch. I broiled a steak for dinner and added some peppers to the pan to roast at the same time. Thanks for the ideas. Keep them coming!

Post-op, I really liked the ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates (undiluted and over crushed ice immediately after surgery and diluted later as I progressed). I also liked the ProtiDiet tomato basil and creamy chicken soups for something savory.

You can whine all you want but stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process. They are bound to happen if you want to lose weight. And, I imagine the closer you get to goal, the more your weight loss will slow down. As you get closer to goal have you talked with your NUT? Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I would call the practice manager and calmly but firmly let him or her know what happened. Whoever sent out the email either made a mistake or doesn't know any better. They should have bcc'd the email at the very least. I try to assume the best until I have evidence to the contrary.

My NUT suggested eating drier meats with gravy. Chicken breast can be really dry.

Girllllllllll lol, I haven't had that yet but I'm so scared to even experience things such as that, or throwing up and acid reflux. I literally take my damn time. Idc if it takes me 2 days to drink broth, I'm chicken as hell. I do not care lol. And what exactly are you "sipping" on to get your daily Protein intake? I'm having the hardest time. I'll literally drink two table spoons of V8 in the morning when I FEEL like it, then at night I'll drink like 10-15 mg of broth and ofc sip on my Water throughout the day. Zero protein whatsoever! You can't wait until you feel like it. You have to get it all in whether you feel like it or not. Make a schedule and sip all day.