Inner Surfer Girl

Do you have a written plan? My manual had a detailed schedule. If not, call and ask.

My surgeon's office had the ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates. I also got them online through Bariatric source. You might also check the new BariatricPal Store. I got a sample pack of the Syntrax nectar directly from the manufacturer. Drugstore.com also has it by the tub. Most GNCs and other health-food stores may have what you need, too.

Do you have a good recipe you can share by any chance?

Sounds delicious!

It has been a few days since this reply. How are you doing?

Yes, it's normal. Just keep sipping. It will get easier every day.

I forgot about Syntrax. I like the Fuzzy Navel.

It is a different mindset to switch from minimizing calories to maximizing nutrition. You can do it!

I liked the ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates. Isopure is another one.

I am not a gun fan. I've been target shooting with a hand-gun once, and used to shoot rifles at summer camp. I was never very good at it and didn't really like it. What I loved was archery. This post reminded me that my brother-in-law is a bow hunter. I wouldn't mind trying some target shooting with a bow in the near future. The only way I hunt is with a camera.

I just pulled out my crocheting and knitting. I decided to attempt to knit scarves for all the nieces and nephews. I'm not too sure they will be thrilled but it is giving me a goal to work toward.

How far out are you after surgery? If you are still on soft food probably not. If you are cleared for all foods (including nuts and seeds) then I don't see why not as long as you track it and it fits in your program.

Very weird advice. I too was given ice chips right away. My surgeon even made it a point to tell us we could have all the ice chips we wanted before our leak test (not everyone in the room got the message that ice chips were all that were allowed at that time so we're a bit surprised).

Just a thought, but CrossFit may be too intense for what you are trying to accomplish right now. It may be a great choice for you in the long term, but if you are trying to hit a target on the scale to have surgery, the scale may not cooperate. Definitely talk to your surgeon and NUT to see what they suggest. Your surgeon may not care if the scale numbers are higher if your body fat composition improves but it is worth getting his or her opinion.

Just a thought, but if you are exercising a lot and weight training, you may need more than 500-600 calories. What does your NUT suggest? That said, stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Congratulations! I am looking forward to being able to do that, too! I hope you score some really awesome deals.

I would think it would depend on whether or not the funky smell is mildew. If it's mildew I would think washing won't do much good but you can try it to see what happens.

Even though you had surgery in Mexico they should have provided you nutritional support (at the very least a written post-op food plan that includes vitamins). Did they at least provide you with a Protein target? My protein goal is 100 grams a day. My water/fluid target is 64 oz. a day. I have a whole list of Vitamins. Off the top of my head (I can't remember all of the amounts): 1 Multivitamin D3 (5,000 mg) Calcium (1200 mg) Iron C B-1 B-12 (5,000 mg) D+K I take the C and iron together with a meal or snack that doesn't have calcium. I take the multivitamin and D3 the first thing in the morning. The rest I take with another meal or snack.

@@anna9/15, I am so sorry to hear that you are struggling. It is not uncommon to struggle with erratic feelings and emotions soon after surgery. Our bodies are still recovering and our hormones are out of whack for a while due to rapid weight loss. For some of us, who have used food to regulate our moods and cope with stress, not having that crutch can make it especially difficult. I am not familiar with your story so I have to ask: Are you able to get in all of your Protein and fluids every day? If you aren't getting enough protein and are dehydrated, you are going to feel crappy. Protein and Water are so critical for healing. You mention that you have just started Vitamins. I know that being Vitamin deficient may contribute to lack of energy, etc. Are you able to exercise at all? I agree with the suggestion of finding an in-person support group and am glad to hear you have appointments with your NUT and a therapist. Keep seeking help and keep reaching out here. You will get through this.

First off, I noticed you posted to a very old thread (from 2011). You might get more responses if you start a new thread with your specific question. As for the bread, if it's hard to eat it then don't. I avoid starches (bread, Pasta, rice, potatoes) for the most part. You don't need bread so if you don't eat any it's not the end of the world. As to meat, what is your issue? Do you mean all meat? Dry meat (like chicken breast)? Tough meat (like steak)? Can you eat turkey? Is it because of texture? Taste? Fat content? My NUT suggested for some of the dryer meats to eat it with a little bit of low-fat gravy. Also, make sure you take small bites, and chew it thoroughly.

I am going to disagree with some folks above who counseled you not to worry about Protein. My surgeon had the opposite advice. He said it was absolutely critical to get in enough protein as soon as possible. I credit his skill and following his advice for the ease of my recovery. Even if you don't feel like it do your best to get as much protein and Fluid in as soon as possible. He said barring major complication so, there is no physical reason we cannot consume three premier Protein shakes in one day. It's just a matter of sipping all day until you get it in. Don't wait until you feel like it or even remember to do it. Set up a schedule and sip, sip, sip. You will feel so much better if you stay hydrated and get plenty of protein.

What does your NUT suggest? Are you getting in all of your Protein and fluids in every day? Are you taking your Vitamins and supplements as instructed? Are you exercising? Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process. If you are unhappy with your progress so far, I recommend talking with your NUT. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Congratulations! You have a very lucky daughter.

I didn't have weight loss requirement either. What helped me to prepare was to: wean myself off of carbonated beverages, increase my Water, try different Protein shakes, tracking my food and exercise, paying attention to protein, and exercising 60 minutes a day. I did all of this gradually over months, focusing on one or two new goals/habits at a time. Pre-op is also a good time to strengthen your support system and learn as much as you can. Best of luck with your surgery.