Inner Surfer Girl

Pre-op, I found it helpful to gradually wean myself off of caffeine and carbonation, increase my Water to at least 64 oz a day, try to exercise 60 minutes a day, and practice mindful eating (eating slowly/chewing thoroughly). I also sampled Protein shakes and tried to focus on eating more cleanly.

I quit chewing gum years ago so I didn't quit for surgery.

The key is to pick one and use it!

You both clean up pretty good!

Has your surgeon looked at it? Does it hurt? My incision scars are tiny so this sounds really unusual. I would recommend you get your surgeon's opinion.

Not all surgeon's use them. I didn't have one.

I don't really "cook" either but I am trying to do more. I usually "fix" something. Pre-surgery, I ate a lot of frozen meals, sandwiches and Cereal. No wonder I needed surgery. I have a small kitchen without a stove, so when I "cook" I have to use various appliances: microwave, toaster oven, panini press, rice cooker, slow cooker, electric skillet, and a portable burner. I also don't have a lot of counter space and I HATE doing dishes, so I usually use what is easiest. I did broil a steak tonight in my toaster oven and heated up green Beans and steamed a sweet potato in the microwave. I haven't cooked steak in YEARS (if ever).

It does get easier. Just keep working on getting in all of your Protein and fluids. You can increase your calories by incorporating fruit, Peanut Butter, and other foods with more fats and carbs. Stalls are a natural part of the process but can sometimes signal its time to do something different like eating more. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Aren't you allowed yogurt, cottage cheese, etc? I still used Protein supplements early out, but got a lot of my protein from yogurt, cottage cheese, tuna, refried Beans, and similar foods.

Glad to hear it's not a leak. Try using a heating pad on your shoulder. The heat helped my shoulder pain due to gas.

Congratulations on your approval. I certainly understand your being ready to get it over with. It is very hard to predict how your recovery will go. Everyone's experience is different. Personally, I had a great recovery with minimal pain and no complications and would have been fine spending time with family a couple of weeks after surgery. I know many people are trying to get their surgery before the end of year, especially if they have met their insurance deductible for the year.

My excellent surgeon was recommended by my PCP.

Welcome everyone, you are in for quite an adventure!

I use MyFitnessPal and have rarely run across something that wasn't already in the database.

@@Runner1, how are you doing?

Congratulations! This so great!

I am so sorry to hear you have so little support. I will help as much as I can, but since I was sleeved I may not have all the info you will need. For my surgeon, everyone who started with a BMI over 50 and all men, have a Protein goal of 100 grams. I believe everyone else was at 80 grams. It wouldn't hurt to have a target of at least 80 grams unless you started with a higher BMI at which point I would recommend at least 100 grams. As you found out the hard way, not eating is the worst thing you can do.

Were you given a basic post-op diet plan? Were you given a Protein target? (Mine is 100 grams.) Are you getting at least 64 oz of Fluid a day? Are you taking your Vitamins and supplements as directed? Were you given a Vitamin schedule? With bypass, I understand that there is also a limitation of not eating and drinking at the same time. Folks with bypass can further advise you on that procedure. I was advised to eat protein first, and eat non-starchy vegetables, and whole fruits, avoiding starches like Pasta, rice, potatoes, etc. since you had bypass you will need to follow your surgeon's advice related to fruit, sugar, etc. Are you exercising? You mentioned not losing weight for a few weeks. That is perfectly natural. None of us lose weight at a constant rate and stalls are a part of the process. Here is a post I wrote a while back about stalls that you might find helpful. Best of luck. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

For me, the best thing to do to curb my addiction to sugar and starches is to not eat sugar and starches. When I get them out of my system, I don't want them. Whichever procedure you choose, you will still need to do the mental work. I encourage you to see if you can find a good therapist or counselor, participate in group therapy, a bariatric support group, and/or a 12-step group like OA, and read/learn as much as you can. Dealing with food addiction isn't easy but it is very rewarding.

Follow your NUTs instructions. The primary focus post-op is getting in all of your Protein and fluids. Calories are a secondary consideration. Getting in enough protein and fluids (and vitamins) are critical for both healing and weight loss. Since you are at three weeks post-op, you are probably about to or already experiencing your first stall. Since none of us lose at a constant rate, stalls are a normal part of the process. I recommend you read this post I wrote a while back which may help you. Best of luck with your journey. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

The 2-week post op-liquid phases are not even comparable to anything I experienced pre-op. Instead of minimizing calories while trying to maximize volume, the issue is turned upside down: to maximizing nutrition while minimizing volume. Initially, I was extremely thirsty, but was only allowed ice chips. Once I was cleared for liquids, I could still only sip small amounts slowly. Post-op I wasn't hungry but still had to force myself to sip all day in order to get in all of my protein and fluids. As I healed, it became much easier. It is hard to describe until you experience it. But, you will make it. You just have to be committed to making it work.

Great to hear! The process does work. This is as much about changing our perspective and thought processes as those ingrained dysfunctional habits we learned from years of "dieting". You are on your way!

No this is not normal. You have to get in your Protein and fluids in order to heal. Please talk to your surgeon and your NUT so that they can help you.

Here is an interesting article. "...perfectionism plus depression is a loaded gun." http://nymag.com/scienceofus/2014/09/alarming-new-research-on-perfectionism.html?mid=facebook_scienceofus

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