Inner Surfer Girl

I understand completely what you are feeling. It is very common to feel vulnerable and confused. You just had major surgery, your known world has been turned upside down, and you probably still have pain meds and anesthesia in your system. The good news is that you will feel much better soon. I hate to break it to you, but even if you regret the surgery, it's over and you can't turn back the clock. If at all possible, make up your mind to go with the POSITIVE side of the equation. It will help your recovery. Also, I know it's hard, but please do everything you can to get in all of your Protein and Fluid. Doing so will be the best thing you can do to assure that you will be feeling much better sooner. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Congratulations on the weight loss! I have moved a few times in my life so know what it is like to need to make new friends. The suggestion of finding a good support group and/or counselor or therapist is a good one. I also agree with going out and meeting new people. Do you have any hobbies? What are your interests? Do you belong to a YMCA or gym? Do you like to dance? Play sports? If you like to run does your community have a track club? Ski? Do they have a ski club? Etc. Consider taking classes. Our community has lots of classes and activities at the public library, a local arts center, and even out county extension service. Continuing Education and Community Education classes are often offered through community colleges, universities, and even high schools. Do you go to church? A faith community is a good place to meet people and to also find ways to volunteer and be of service. Are you interested in the outdoors or environmental issues? Check out The Sierra Club. They offer lots of outings. Other organizations offer chances to volunteer and meet new people. I did hear in your post a tiny red flag when you said you needed someone to pay attention to you. Since you are married, I would caution you to be careful about what kind of attention you are seeking. Otherwise, just be open and yourself and you will meet some new folks before you know it.

Why? Stalls are part of the process. You will stall. You can't avoid it if you want to successfully lose weight. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

So, next time she does that, ask for a chair and sit at the end of the booth. I bet she will think twice about ignoring your needs.

I love them, too. I just can't eat as many as I used to at once. Once you are cleared for crunchier foods they should be ok. Before that you might be able to do the soft centers during your soft phase.

Great. Then all you need to do is follow your surgeon's requirements.

@@beckibut, with your joint issues I would definitely suggest you consider finding a good pool, there is such a variety of exercise you can do in the water I am sure you can find something that will help you get moving that won't be so stressful on your joints.

Congratulations! I think my overall goal is to lose the equivalent weight of all the Backstreet Boys!

Great. When you do so it would help to know why you are required to be on such a low calorie diet pre-op. Is there a particular objective?

The differences: You had major surgery and are healing. You were pumped full of IV fluids in the hospital. You are swollen. You probably already lost that "easy" first 20 pounds pre-op. (You know that 20 pound all the commercial diet plans "guarantee" you will lose in the first two weeks.) Please trust us. You are and will be fine.

Congratulations!

For me, the keys to succeeding with this process is being proactive, persistent, and patient. Sounds like this is the time to be patient.

Congratulations! Tomorrow really is the first day of your new, awesome life. Sending a virtual hug and high-five. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

You are still recovering from major surgery. Just follow your program, focus on getting in all of your Protein and fluids, take all of your Vitamins and supplements as directed, exercise, and you will lose weight. We all lose weight at different rates at different times. At three weeks out you are about due for your first stall, which is a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process. You are doing fine. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Blacking out is not good. You need to call your surgeon right away. You may need to go to the ER. How is your hydration?

Great job! In my opinion, if your Protein goal is 100 grams, you have plenty of room protein and calorie-wise for one more 5-10 gram protein snack. You might want to consider planning for some pre-portioned snack options in the 5-10 gram range to have on hand for just such days. It could be a cheese stick (or two), some nut butter, some nuts (if you are far enough out), etc.

Last night I actually broiled steak for the first time in years. It was a bacon wrapped filet from Aldi's. I had it with green beans and some sweet potato. Quite a feast!

I would suggest talking with your bariatric team/NUT/PCP, and going back to basics before even considering anything a drastic as diet pills or a new surgery. It may just be a matter of refocusing and recommitting to your program, which you can do! You have come so far already. Embrace the Stall! (Which can apply to weight gain.) http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I love swimming and one of my happiest moments post-op was when I was cleared to get back in the pool. It is good for the body, mind, and soul!

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process. Calling your NUT when it concerns you is a good idea. She gave you some great advice. I would do what she suggests: increase your calories a bit. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

This is a situation where it would be a good idea to talk with your surgeon's insurance coordinator. He or she should be pretty experienced with working with the carious insurance companies and can help you navigate through the process.

Are you getting in all of your Protein and fluids? How much are you eating? Are you getting enough carbs and fats for your activity level? Are you exercising? Have you talked to your NUT or surgeon? Are you getting enough rest/sleep? You might still be fatigued from recovery, but it could be that you aren't getting enough rest or nourishment. It could be your Vitamin levels or something similar. Or, it could be your blood pressure, If you are concerned, I would definitely talk to your bariatric team or PCP.

Absolutely! It amazes me how many posts I see about people worried about what other people think about their food or drink choices. I especially see this with the younger folks. Maybe it's because I am old and jaded, but who really cares what I choose to eat or drink?

I wouldn't do carbonation of any kind. Better yet, drink Water. You would be surprised how many people drink water at bars. You can get it with a twist of lemon or lime if you like. Edited: I meant to quote @@SuperDave about ordering, but I agree with the above, too.

Great advice from @Dub. I also suggest starting to track your food if you aren't doing so already. I was already using Weight Watchers Online pre-op so I continued using it but since it doesn't track Protein I switched to MyFitnessPal for post-op. Plus, MyFitnessPal is free. I didn't really have major Food Funerals but I did make sure to choose quality over junk whenever possible. I made a point of going out for Mediterranean food before surgery and had Mexican the night before my pre-op diet started but that was it. I didn't binge, just chose my favorite foods.