Inner Surfer Girl

If this is upsetting to you then you have some very unrealistic expectations, You are not guaranteed to see a loss on the scale every day. I would highly recommend that early in the process that you only weigh at doctor's appointments early in the process. At the very least, try not to weigh more than once a week if your mental state is dictated by the numbers on the scale. None of us lose at a constant rate, and in the first few weeks after surgery you are dealing with fluids from your IV, swelling, healing, dehydration, etc, etc. Focus on doing what you are supposed to do: get in all of your Protein and fluids, take your Vitamins and supplements when and as instructed, and exercise when you are cleared (walk as much as you can in the first few weeks). And, stay off the scale. Stalling is a normal, natural, and necessary part of the weight loss process. One day of no change in the scale is not a stall, but you will experience a stall at about week three. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

He did suggest serving them again, and I do at times. I use instant rices (ie- goya yellow rice, Lipton rice sides etc) because they don't care for white rice. Can't really 1/2 those.If you make a lot of grains (rice, quinoa, etc.) it would be worth it to invest in a rice cooker. They are pretty inexpensive and they make much better rice than the instant crap. It's really easy to make the portion that you want. You aren't limited by the portion size of the pre-packaged stuff. They are really versatile, too. You can use them as a steamer for vegetables, fish, etc. Did I mention they are really easy and the food tastes better!

These are great ideas. Just based on what I have on hand, and some ideas you guys have given me, I may try to make some tuna melts with them today.

OK, now this bothers me for some reason. Why is your sister asking what you can eat? Especially as you say you will be eating turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole and dessert....like EVERYONE else from coast to coast. Sorry....rant over. She asked because she is considerate and doesn't really know much about what I can/cannot or will/won't eat. She is planning for a house full of people and cares.

For many of us, our life after WLS is radically different from our pre-WLS life. What I would like to know is what media and resources you have found particularly helpful in creating that new life. Are there cookbooks you go back to over and over? Do you read particular magazines for information and/or inspiration? What about self-help books? Documentaries? Websites? YouTube Channels? DVDs? Whether related to fitness and nutrition, mental and spiritual health, aromatherapy, style guides for dressing your new figure, or even cleaning and organizing your home, what has helped you create the life you want post-WLS?

Here is a link to another thread: http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/354961-How-did-you-get-rid-of-your

Mine is sagging some but it seems to be tightening up. I have been doing more neck stretches. I swim and do Water aerobics and have been spending more time stretching during my cool down lately. I also occasionally do a neck exercise where I look up and make kissing motions (kiss the sky). I posted a link not very long ago to some face and neck exercises. I think it may come up if you search "face yoga".

My nutritionist was in-house and covered by my program fee. That fee wasn't covered by insurance but is required and covers all NUT visits, education classes, materials, etc. for life.

I will be eating at my sister's house and she has already asked me what I can have. I plan to eat turkey and a bit of my favorites (stuffing, green bean casserole), and maybe a sliver of pumpkin pie.

I made sweet potato in the microwave this week and it was pretty soft. sugar-free pudding with pumpkin and Protein powder would be good.

Yes, you are at the three week mark so a stall is pretty inevitable at this point. Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process. If you are going to lose a significant amount of weight, you will experience stalls. Just focus on getting in all of your Protein and fluids, taking your Vitamins and supplements as directed, and exercising. If the numbers on the scale are going to dictate how you feel, then STAY OFF THE SCALE. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

However you think you SHOULD feel, you feel how you feel. It might be helpful to forgive yourself, even though there is really nothing to forgive. You have done the best you can do to care for yourself. There is nothing wrong with accepting help. I came to WLS kicking and screaming. I was at the end of my rope and KNEW I couldn't lose weight permanently on my own. I was to the point that I figured that the regain after my next diet would have put me over 600 pounds. So, I gave up. Fortunately, I was blessed with an awesome surgeon who helped me to understand the disease of obesity for the first time in my life. He helped me to truly understand that because of the disease and our modern world of abundant food it was almost inevitable to need help. Obesity is a disease not a moral failing or character flaw. How you feel is understandable, but, hopefully through this process you will learn to love and accept yourself just the way you are. As other's have mentioned, this process is as much an emotional and mental journey as it is physical. You may want to consider finding a good counselor or therapist, a bariatric support group, and/or a self-help group or 12-step group like OA. I wish you all the best and hope you will come to realize how strong you really are.

If you drop dead at work tomorrow, they might send flowers to your funeral, but I guarantee they won't wait very long before filling your position. You have to take care of yourself.

Ours wasn't a liquid diet. It was just high protein, very low carb (basically Atkins phase 1). No sugar, starches, etc.

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. Most people experience their first stall about three weeks after weight loss surgery. Just focus on getting in all of your protein and fluids, taking your vitamins and supplements as directed, and exercise as you can. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Congratulations! Stalls are a normal, necessary, and natural part of the process of losing weight. It doesn't hurt to go back to basics but, I wouldn't cut out all carbs (that seems pretty drastic). Maybe consider just avoiding starches. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I love apartmenttherapy, too. I have always lived in small spaces and that site has great ideas.

Congratulations! This is so good to hear and see!

You are very welcome!

My program provided me with everything I needed: the incentive spirometer, another similar device, and a leg compression device. They gave me everything before surgery so I could practice.

Congratulations! What an awesome milestone!

Dr. Weiss is excellent. I was sleeved by him April 20 and couldn't be happier. I went through the program at Georgetown but he is at Central Baptist now. The Georgetown folks were great. I am not familiar with Baptist but would assume that anyone he works with would be top-notch.

FYI -- not every surgeon uses a drain.

@@kimmyco, how did it go?

It doesn't. It's very important that you work closely with your NUT to make sure you are satisfying your nutritional needs for your activity level. The important thing is to get in all of your Protein and fluids. Until you are able to do that, you will need to make sure you keep your exercise light. By the way, I don't eat back my exercise calories.