Inner Surfer Girl

I am so glad to hear you found a good NUT and are seeing your doctor. I know it's hard to believe right now, but you will get through this tough time. Keep us posted and just be sure and do what is required to help you heal: protein, fluids, vitamins, and keep moving.

Congratulations! Great to hear.

There are decorators who can advise you on how to incorporate your existing possessions with an update. You might see if you can find someone who can offer you a consultation for a flat fee. Also, if you are planning to buy some furniture, the furniture store might have some design services. If you can afford it, it would be worth it to get a professional plan for traffic flow, wall colors, and lighting. My sister used a design consultant for the basics and it made a huge difference. In the meantime, I agree with the Pinterest suggestion. You can also make a good old-fashioned paper vision board by reading some decorating and lifestyle magazines and catalogs, and tearing out pictures for what you like. I would also ignore prices when you are envisioning your space/style. It's my opinion that you can find lots of great stuff at a whole range of prices. As for details, start with measurements. Measure your spaces. Write down what you want to accomplish with each space. Form follows function! Do you need places for conversation? Watching tv? Etc. Make a list of what you need: furniture, lighting, storage, floor covering, window treatment, etc. Then you can assess what you already have. Make sure that you try to keep what you really love and use. If you have something that isn't useful or gives you joy, then you don't need it. Make a list of what is left. Match that list to what you need to see what is left. This will give you a pretty good shopping list. Again, when shopping (whether it's at a flea market, garage sale, discount furniture store, catalog, or high-end store), don't buy anything that you don't absolutely love or need. This sounds like such a fun project. Without specific questions, pictures, and an idea of your tastes, needs, and budget, it would be impossible to offer you more specific advise.

I just use regular peanut buyer. Just be really careful with portions. I like the Jif To Go cups because they are pre-portioned. If you really want reduced fat, try PB2. It's powdered Peanut Butter. You can add it to Protein shakes, puddings, etc. or reconstitute it with Water. Some folks like natural peanut butter. Again, you just need to be careful with portions.

Congratulations and best of luck with your surgery. I was sleeved April 20 with Dr. Weiss at Georgetown and couldn't be happier with my surgery, my recovery, and my progress so far. I recommend you do your best to follow all of your instructions both in and out of the hospital. Be willing to try anything even if you think you can't. Getting up and walking as soon as you can is critical. Make sure you get in all of your Protein and fluids as soon as possible, follow your program, and walk. You will feel much better faster. Best of luck and keep us posted.

I like in Kentucky but my sister and her family live near you in Chattanooga. Go Hurricanes!

so does everyone who has the sleeve have to do the drink thing to check for leaks? Usually. My surgeon initially checked for leaks while I was still on the table under anesthesia. I then had a leak test the next morning before I was cleared liquids. Great to hear!

Beware of reduced fat Peanut Butter (or reduced fat anything). If you look at the label you will see the fat is reduced by adding corn syrup. Not only is corn syrup not good for us, my surgeon specifically instructed us to avoid anything with high-fructose corn syrup. Reading labels is critical.

I agree with others stay off the scale. Early out its a good idea to just weigh at your doctors' appointments if the numbers on the scale are going to influence your mood, feelings and emotions. Just focus on getting in all of your fluids and Protein, following your surgeon's instructions, and walking. Please don't fixate on the calories or trying to restrict or manipulate calories. This is not a diet. Your body is healing from surgery. In order to heal and lose weight you need to get in all of your protein and fluids.

I eat it with a spoon with refried Beans, melted cheese, and some salsa. Experiment. I haven't tried it but maybe you could eat it with eggs or something else.

Congratulations and Happy Anniversary!

I like Protein hot chocolate. I think the brand I have is ProtiDiet. I also like Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice tea. There is a regular and a decaf version.

@@Dallas Powell, please let us know how you are doing when you get a chance.

I don't eat them as much as I thought I would but I haven't had any issues eating them lately.

I had grilled salmon during my soft food stage.

I'm in Kentucky but not remotely interested in running. I have bad knees. I know someone on here swam the Ohio River at Cincinnati. Chattanooga had an Iron man this year. It might be an annual event. I am in Danville, KY and know that there are lots of 5ks in Lexington and central Kentucky. I am looking forward to being able to hike and to walk a 5k.

What you are going through is very common. I know when I was newly sleeved, I fantasized about every new food and food stage. I even found pet food commercials appetizing! I recommend you talk to a counselor or therapist, participate in these forums, find a support group or 12-step group (like OA), read, and journal. This journey is very intense but also very rewarding.

I think my first piece of fresh fruit was a peach. I haven't had any adverse reactions to any fresh fruits and vegetables. I recommend taking small bites, chewing thoroughly, and eating slowly when trying new foods (or eating any foods).

Congratulations!

Fortunately, I am not working and don't actually go out in public very often. I spent all summer in a bathing suit and cover-up. I did have a bathing suit that fit!

I understand where you are coming from and agree with much of your sentiment. BUT, sometimes people do post about things that are very dangerous and if they continue doing them they WILL die. Unfortunately, by nature of an anonymous internet chat board, we cannot literally drive someone to the hospital, so the best we can do is share our experience. This is a life and death journey for me, and believe it is life and death for most of us (or we wouldn't have needed WLS in the first place).

In the first week's after surgery your body is going through so many changes, I recommend staying off the scale. You will be weighed at your follow-up doctor's appointments which is often enough.

Being la flaneur in Manhattan sounds so cool and interesting. I so sorry to hear about your previous relationship experience and understand your feelings (I have certainly been very self-protective due to a toxic relationship). I just wish for both of us that we never let that experience keep us from living life to the fullest. Never say never!

Welcome! January will be here before you know it. Best of luck with your journey. Keep us posted on how you are doing and don't be afraid to ask questions.

That sounds like the kind of day that may produce dividends in the future. Who knows, maybe you smiled at the future love of your life or best friend on the bus and the next time you bump into her (or him) they remember you and introduce themselves. At least you got to spend time with family. I like to think of day's like yours as adventures.