Inner Surfer Girl

To add, reading between the lines it looks like you had good progress and then got discouraged and gave up when you hit a stall. If I am right, then below is a link to a post I made a while back that might be helpful. Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Why consider a revision if you know that you aren't following the plan for the first surgery? You say you are eating good meals, but the only specifics you mention, like honey buns and sugary drinks, aren't on any plan I've seen. Are you tracking what you eat? Are you reaching your Protein and Fluid targets every day? Are you taking your Vitamins and supplements as required? Are you making all of your follow-up surgical appointments? Have you talked with your NUT lately? A revision seems like a very drastic step to take, especially if you are dissatisfied with your progress but not following your program? What makes you think you would follow it any better after a revision? Just curious, not trying to be mean.

You really can't wait until you are thirsty to drink. I keep two 24 oz Water bottles with me most of the time: one with water and one with crystal light. I drink from one or both frequently and refill at least one and sometimes both. Until you get in the habit of drinking frequently, try setting a reminder alarm on your phone to remind you to drink.

Wow, this is very profound. It is such a great reminder of how much we can grow when we go through challenging times and how short and precious the life we have really is. Thank you so much for sharing. I am really curious to see some of your drawings!

I recently placed an order with BariatricPal and included a box of double chocolate protein cake. I tried it for the first time today. It wasn't bad.

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process. Just about everyone has their first stall about three weeks after surgery. Just focus on getting in all of your fluids and Protein, take your Vitamins and supplements as directed, and exercise (even if it's just walking). Edited to add the most important thing: Stay off the scale! Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Welcome to Bariatric Pal. You are in for quite an adventure. As for your first question, I would be fairly confident in saying that almost everyone who has weight loss surgery has been successful to varying degrees throughout our lives. It is keeping it off that is the biggest challenge. It is the nature of the disease of obesity. If we were excluded for successfully losing weight in the past, then no one would be eligible. I can't answer your second question. Were you asked to start a specific eating plan? They probably just want an accurate account of what you eat for the next two weeks.

I agree with your surgeon. Sometimes people are struggling because they have lost sight of what is possible. They may need help finding hope. If you are honest about your experience and share your own story with compassion, you can be a tremendous inspiration.

I prefer to Kiss This Guy, but that's just me.

Here are some ideas: http://www.livestrong.com/article/207166-face-exercises-to-sharpen-the-jawline/#page=1

It probably won't get rid of your double chin but you could try tightening it up. One exercise you could try is "kissing the sky". Tilt your head back slightly and kiss upward.

No wonder you aren't feeling well if you can't even consume the small amount you are allowed. Are you at least able to get in all of your Water? I don't know if you will have the same issues post-op or not. I was never nauseous. The issue initially post-op for me was just being able to consume the volume required. I had to sip continuously to get all of my fluids and Protein in. One thing you can do both pre-and post-op is to stay in contact with your bariatric team. If you aren't feeling well, can't keep down your food, etc., you should be on the phone with your NUT an/or surgeon's office. Don't wait until you are so dehydrated and/or malnourished that you wind up in the hospital.

I agree. Make an appointment with your PCP, now. In the meantime, here are some questions. The answers may help us help you. You say you "can't" drink Protein shakes, but don't mention what you are able to do. What are you doing to meet your protein needs? At three and a half months out you should be cleared for almost all foods. Are you tracking your food? Were you at least given a protein target? If so, what is it? If not, how much protein are you getting every day? Were you given a Vitamin and supplement schedule? Are you taking your Vitamins every day? Have you had your blood work tested lately? How are your vitamin levels? Are you drinking at least 64 oz of fluid/water a day? Are you exercising? When was the last time you saw your surgeon? PCP? I agree that you need a thorough check-up with your doctor as well as a referral to a dietician, especially one who works with bariatric patients. Seeking help is the first step. I am so sorry your surgeon's office couldn't provide you the support you need. I assume they are not a Bariatric Center of Excellence.

I haven't experienced this personally, but it reminds me of some things I have seen and heard by some WLS patients. A neurologist would be a good first start. Also, how are your vitamin levels. Have you had blood work done recently? I THINK I have heard of similar symptoms with a vitamin D deficiency (but I wouldn't swear to it).

Yes, I was sleeved April 20. I am very happy with my recovery and progress but I have a long way to go. I am nowhere near maintenance but much closer than I would have ever dreamed possible before surgery.

It is a very complicated process and can be overwhelming. That is why I think what has really helped me is to focus on very specific actions: drink water, get in protein, take vitamins, and exercise. Also, using every resource available (like my NUT).

I know this is the guy's room, but I am following because I will need to buy a new bed in the near future. I dumped my old mattress and box springs right after surgery because I am renting a hospital bed (due to lymphedema I was having trouble getting in and out of bed, especially soon after surgery when I couldn't engage my abdomen). I prefer a very firm mattress, too. One thing I really like about the hospital bed is that I can adjust the head and foot up and down. I am seriously thinking about an adjustable bed but am a bit afraid to check prices.

@@Radar, it is so good to read your inspiring and encouraging story. Fear of the unknown keeps so many of us paralyzed and stuck in unhealthy and uncomfortable situations. I for one need to learn to willingly take more risks.

I want to add a warning. Please do not skip meals. You don't get bonus points for not eating and it will backfire ---- it messes with your metabolism and you will tend to overeat to compensate for the hunger. You really need to get in the habit of eating regularly. It is so important post-op to drink and eat frequently enough to get in all of your Protein and Fluid requirements. If you wait to drink until you are thirsty, you waited too long. If you wait to eat until you are "starving", you will overeat.

My pre-op diet was high protein/very low carb. Fruit and fruit juice was forbidden for the pre-op diet because of the sugar. I would first look at your guidelines to see what would fit into the plan. For instance, can you have an extra Protein shake? Can you have extra lean protein?

Why are you consuming so few calories? What is your pre-op diet?

That is great to hear!

I just read a good article through MyFitnessPal that talks about evaluating progress by looking at fitness level. Specifically measuring progress in strength, endurance, and flexibility, rather than obsessing about the numbers on the scale. It's a good read. http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/what-to-do-when-the-scale-wont-budge/?native_client=1

Your doctor is right. Protein and Water are critical for both healing and weight loss. Whether or not you feel like it you have to do it. Try setting up a schedule with milestones throughout the day. Use your phone or an app to remind yourself to eat and drink. Use an app like MyFitnessPal to keep track. There is nothing wrong with sipping fluids all day. When I was early out I didn't go to sleep until I had finished all of my protein, even if that meant taking my Premier Protein to bed and sipping all night, It does get easier but it won't get easier until you do it.

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process. Just about everyone stalls at about three weeks after surgery. I agree. If stalls are going to negatively impact your mood, then the best thing to do is stay off the scale. Just focus on getting in all of your Protein and fluids, taking your Vitamins and supplements as directed and exercising and you will be fine. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall