Inner Surfer Girl

Even though YOU THINK vitamins are a scam, I would encourage you to include taking the required vitamins along with increasing your protein and Water. I understand that they are expensive but they are much less expensive than a trip to the emergency room. You can find inexpensive versions on sale often. I recommend taking your list to your local pharmacy and getting help from your pharmacist in finding the right vitamins and supplements. I think with protein, water, and vitamins, you might find some relief from your mental blocks.

Congratulations on your patience and perseverance. It is great to hear that you didn't give up. That commitment will serve you well throughout this process. Keep us posted on your journey.

I love these.I saw you posted about them in another thread as well. I've only tried cheddar and Tuscan herb (which I wasn't crazy about). Have you tried all of them? Thoughts? I got a variety pack from Amazon (not cheap). The Tuscan Herb was pretty good. I liked the Cheddar, too. There was another one (chili, maybe?) that was pretty good. My favorite is the Original flavor and my least-favorite was the Parmesan. I think Parmesan crisps are a little too strong. I've had other Parmesan crisps and just thought they were too strong/rich.

I love these.

What you are a experiencing is very common. Keep trying different temperatures, infusions and enhancers. For me, it took a few months, but drinking plain Water slowly became easier. At six months post-op, water is easier but I still drink a lot of water with Mio drops.

I eat a lot of tuna. I like it plain, with a little bit of mayo, with some flavored aioli (I have some from Stonewall Kitchen that I like), with salad dressing, etc. you can also get some of the flavored tuna packets (like ranch, etc). I found that post-op, if I do mix in a fat, I need much less than I used pre-op.

Turkey burger patty and green beans.

I was allowed anything that was sugar-free and caffeine-free. Check with your NUT for your specific program requirements.

Best of luck! The best advice I can give you is to follow your surgeon's instructions, do everything you are asked to do, even if you think you can't, and be gentle with yourself. Walk as soon as you are able, and sip, sip, sip once you are cleared for liquids. The sooner you can get in all of your Protein and fluids, the better you will feel.

What is your Protein target? If your protein target is 80 grams and you are getting 70 grams on some days, then you have room for at least one 10 gram protein snack (or two 5 gram protein snacks) on those days. Do you plan out protein-focused meals and Snacks throughout the day?

I was sipping something almost constantly in the first weeks after surgery. You have got to get in your Protein and fluids. Also try sugar-free Popsicles, and crushed ice. I put ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrate (undiluted) over sonic crushed ice and ate it with a spoon. Just keep at it.

Try posting and searching on the food and Nutrition forum. I know I have seen many recipes. Refried Beans and cheese are great for the soft foods stage.

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Anxiety and depression are common after surgery. Our bodies are going through tremendous changes and our hormones are fluctuating like crazy. Tell us more so we can help. How far past surgery are you? Are you following your surgeon's program and getting in all of your Protein and fluids? Are you seeing a therapist? Are you walking? Have you seen your surgeon recently? The more specific you can be, the better we can help. It will get better.

Congratulations on your progress up to now. As many have noted, this is a marathon and not a sprint. We are all going to encounter stress, roadblocks, and difficulties. I would recommend gathering all of your resources (make an appointment with your NUT and a therapist), and going back to basics. I wrote this post about stalls, but think it equally applies to your situation. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Great. What about my other questions? What phase are you on (how far out from surgery)? What is your protein target? How much protein are you getting? Are you taking a PPI? What does your NUT suggest?

These are so great goals. I always had a difficult time tracking food. Before surgery I was following weight watchers online so it helped me to develop a good habit of tracking everything I put in my mouth. Post-op, I use MyFitnessPal. As to weighing myself, I choose to weigh no more than once a week or less often. Early after surgery I only weighed at my doctors appointment. If your mood, emotions, and self-esteem are dictated by the numbers in the scale, you need to think about how useful daily weighing really is for you. My pre-op goals were: To ween myself off of caffeine and carbonation. To increase my Water consumption to at least 64 oz of water. And To exercise at least 60 minutes a day. Any time is a great time to learn about yourself and your relationship with food. Reading, journaling, therapy, and support groups (like a bariatric support group, group therapy, and/or a twelve step group like OA) are all great resources for self-examination and growth. This site is also an invaluable resource. Thank you for sharing your intentions. Being honest with yourself and with other's is a big step helping you to be successful.

Another tangent, but I just saw this article and thought it was interesting. It's targeted at men but think it applies equally to men and women. How to Keep Her http://www.elephantjournal.com/2014/10/how-to-keep-her/

What was in the papers you were given? Do you have a manual? My program gave me a binder full of information that includes a whole section on the pre- and post-op food plans. Is your a Dietician friend familiar with a post-op bariatric patient's nutrition requirements.

I was self-pay but was still required to attend all of the nutrition classes, see a NUT, and have a psych clearance. Fortunately, I had an outstanding, very experienced surgeon at a hospital with a robust program. We had one program fee that everyone paid (regardless of whether you had insurance or not) that guaranteed we had access to all of the services.

Rather than focusing what other's are doing, it would be helpful to know what you are or are not doing. What phase are you on? Are you following your surgeon's program? What is your Protein target? Are you taking a PPI? Are you getting in all of your fluids? Are you taking all of your Vitamins and supplements as directed? Stomach acid and/or not getting enough Water can make you think you are hungry. Are you getting in all of your protein and fluids every day? If not, you may actually be hungry.

Our burn pile had a whole bunch of pumpkins growing this year because that was where we dumped the ones that look like yours last year.

When I lived in Atlanta I passed a shoe store every day that specialized in large-sized high heels. There is a booming transvestite and cross-dressing community who love their heels.

How far along are you? If you are cleared for all foods, the Protein bars are usually ok. Just read the labels. I like Quest. You can get a variety pack and sample different flavors or buy individual bars from their website. You can also request free samples from the website. My favorite are double chocolate chunk and 's'mores.