Inner Surfer Girl

I was sleeved April 20 and was able to get back into the pool in mid-May. I initially wore the bathing suit I had left over from the end of last season. My birthday was in June so I ordered two suits for my birthday. One a size lower than last year's, and the second a size lower than that. Today, I finally tried on the second suit and it fit! For someone who started as such a high weight as I did there is a lot of room between bathing suit sizes so I consider this a big deal! Now, I need to watch the sales and order the next two sizes down do I will be prepared.

I came back to this post to see when I posted it. I just got into the next size down! So, that makes four bathing suits since I started this process!

I agree. Whether it was just a mistake or something more sinister, report it to the police and change your number.

I just wanted to add an anecdote. I am on a fairly long stall. Today, I tried on a new bathing suit that is one size down from my last suit and it fits. I have lost one bathing suit size while in my current stall. At my size, there is still a lot of territory between sizes so this is significant.

Welcome and best of luck on your journey. You are at the beginning of an exciting adventure!

I suggest you make an appointment with your NUT and go back to basics. Focus on getting in all of your Protein and Water every day. Are you tracking your food. If not, start tracking so you know that you are meeting your protein target. It's never too late to start over. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Don't pick at the glue. Let it come off by itself. You shouldn't put anything on the incisions until they have completely healed. I agree. Don't rub, scrub, or pick at the glue. It will fall off when it's time. Once the incisions healed, I started using Palmer's cocoa oil or cocoa butter when I get out of the shower.

Congratulations! You have been such an inspiration to me since I have been on this site.

Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

This is a very busy time of year with many people in the same situation as you trying to get surgery approved and scheduled before the end of the year because of insurance, scheduling, holidays, etc. I suggest you be patient, polite, proactive, and very persistent in following up and staying on top of the process. Try not to treat the staff (who are slammed and probably a bit overwhelmed right now) as adversaries but allies. Have faith but do what you can to help get everything completed.

I don't suffer from anxiety so I can only imagine what you experience, but I find it a good practice to assume the best until you have evidence to the contrary. I also recommend, based on many interactions on this site, that you make sure you have a good therapist or counselor to help you navigate this whole process. Anxiety can be debilitating at the best of times, and the physical, hormonal, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of this process can be extremely stressful. It doesn't have to be, but if you do not handle change and uncertainty well then there is nothing wrong with seeking and accepting help. I wish you all the best and have faith that everything will work out for the best.

Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I am nowhere near maintenance, so take this with a grain of salt, BUT, based on your post and responses. 50 grams of Protein seems low for anyone. Was that the protein target recommended by your NUT? It does seem low for anyone, especially if you are exercising. Are you taking all of your Vitamins and supplements daily as directed? Have you had regular blood work to check your levels? Have you talked with your NUT lately? Are you tracking your food and Water? Are you still drinking at least 64 oz. of water/fluids a day? Are you at or near goal? Are you unhappy with your progress? Do you want to lose more or maintain? Have you talked about this with your doctor or NUT? I hope that with the help of your doctor and your NUT you can find a solution. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Stalls are a normal, natural and necessary part of the process. I would think more people would regret NOT taking Vitamins because they are vital for your health. Please follow your NUT and doctor's direction for taking vitamins and supplements. You should be having regular blood tests to monitor your Vitamin needs. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I don't think you would really have to wait very long. If you can't lay on your stomach you can have a massage just laying on your back, or even seated.

Only your doctor could determine why by running tests. All strangers on the Internet can do is give you possibilities. We cannot diagnose you. Yes, it could be blood pressure, or dehydration, or number of other things. But, you need to see a physician to get a definite answer. Even the best doctor can only guess without seeing you and talking to you and doing appropriate tests.

If you watch it on Friday morning, I won't tell you who won.

Congratulations for persevering so long. I know how tough it is. I was delayed due to financing issues so I understand. Why are you sabotaging yourself? Who knows. It is probably driven by fear. But, it doesn't really matter why. What matters right now is whether or not you want to have the surgery now, and if so, if you want it to be safe and effective. What matters is what you do and not what you feel. (I recommend a very good book for WLS patients called Eat It Up! that talks about this issue.) I spent a lot of years trying to figure out "why" I was obese. I did learn a lot of myself, but ultimately, I just had to accept that I was regardless of why. Your pre-op requirements are designed so that you will have the best possible outcome. They are designed so you will not only survive the surgery but will do so with minimal risk. It's only for a short time. If you are not ready to follow your surgeon's orders for pre-op, then you aren't ready for surgery at this time. What can you do if you are not prepared to postpone your surgery date? Get rid of everything you are not allowed to eat if you can't control what you put in your mouth. Do it now. Make a detailed, written plan of what you will eat and when and stick to it. Record everything you put in your mouth either on paper or using an app like MyFitnessPal. Forgive yourself for not following your plan but love yourself enough to do everything possible to follow it from this second forward. Write out a list or narrative about why you want this surgery and what you want your life to be like. Make a list of everything that is holding you back from having the life you want. Find something to do, especially with your hands, besides eating and obsessing about food. Drink lots of Water. Again, this pre-op diet is just for now. You will get to eat again. You will not starve to death. It is not the end of the world. If you are allowed things like sugar-free Popsicles or green vegetables, then by all means use them to keep yourself from grazing on foods not allowed on your program. I also suggesting giving your NUT a call and being honest about your struggles. He or she may have some helpful suggestions. You can do this.

I use the Bariatric Advantage calcium chews and really like them. They taste like candy to me. I like the caramel, chocolate, raspberry, and lemon.

Is anyone else watching the Project Runway finale? It's great to finally see a plus-sized collection on the runway for the show.

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process. Here is a post I made a while back with some suggestions. I happen to be on a stall myself right now. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I wanted to add: Based on your mention of a family history of addiction. Have you ever considered exploring 12-step recovery? You might want to consider visiting some meetings of a recovery group like OA (for compulsive eaters), CODA (for Codependents), or Al-Anon (for families of alcoholics/substance abusers). A support group like one of these and/or a bariatric support group may help you to learn some new coping skills. This might be something to talk to your therapist about.

I am so glad to hear this. I, too hope you will feel better soon.

Yes, mood swings are very common soon after surgery. Our bodies have undergone the trauma of surgery and anesthesia. Our hormones are in flux because of rapid weight loss. We may be dehydrated. And, We no longer have the crutch of using food to stabilize our moods and emotions. Things will improve. If you are having a difficult time functioning, it doesn't hurt to talk to a counselor or therapist. Your surgeon, NUT and/or PCP may also be able to help. Don't be afraid to seek help. Especially if you think your moods may lead you to hurt yourself or others. This is a temporary phase and will pass. Just take care of yourself and follow your plan (get in all of your Protein and Water, and take your supplements as instructed). You will feel much better soon.

@@heather5565, Happy Birthday! A massage is a great gift to get yourself.