Inner Surfer Girl

So, on last night's episodes, Whitney was definitely easier to take. With the focus on her No Body Shame video and the dance recital they were able to show her caring and compassionate side. It is much more attractive than her manic attention-seeking and whining.

Happy Belated, Birthday!

One big issue is that if one of your major coping mechanisms for anxiety up to now has been food, then you definitely need to learn some new skills. Otherwise, you are setting yourself for a lot of challenges. Starting with the pre-op diet and going forward through surgery and post-op, you won't be able to soothe your anxiety with food (and/or alcohol, nicotine, etc.). In a lot of ways, this surgery requires that you learn and change things that have been comfortable up to now. This is a process that everyone has to go through. The professionals, like your psychologist, are just trying to make sure you have all the tools and support you need to be successful. Once I started the process and decided surgery was right for me, I had some delays due to lining up financing. That time wasn't a waste, because I was able to make some changes, prepare myself both physically and mentally, and continue learning about myself and the surgery. Without that extra time and preparation, I may have had a more difficult surgery and recovery.

The Physician's Assistants in my surgeon's office use the designation Bariatritian. I don't know if that helps you or not.

It depends on where you are in your program. I was provided a list of the appointments and clearances I would have for my program. Have you received anything like that? Also, when you make your appointments, don't be afraid to ask for details if you are unclear about what you are supposed to do or what the appointment is for. Sorry I can't offer more insight. Maybe someone else can help.

If you don't count or measure how do you know whether or not your are reaching your protein target?

You can add Protein powder to both Cream of Wheat and Oatmeal to increase your protein. I avoid starches for the most part but don't avoid all carbs.

I like both Cream of Wheat and Oatmeal but they taste nothing alike. I usually make mine with milk, cinnamon and some brown sugar.

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process. Are you getting in all of your Protein and fluids every day? Are you taking your Vitamins and supplements as directed? Are you exercising? What does your NUT advise? Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Congratulations!

Congratulations! You look great!

Congratulations on taking this first, big step!

Beautiful and sassy! You look so happy. I was reading about your exercise limitations. Can you swim or exercise in the Water?

I would have had just egg or egg and bacon but know some programs allow toast in the early phases. Adding: I like turkey sausage with egg, too.

Your NUT/surgeon should provide you a list of foods for each phase. Based on memory so this list might not be complete. What I used for my first phase, based in my surgeon's program: ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrate ProtiDiet tomato basil and creamy chicken Soups Premiere Protein RTD sugar free Popsicles Bone broth Sonic crushed ice Crystal Light For my second phase all of the above, plus: GNC Lean shake 25 V8 Cottage cheese Light and Fit Greek Yogurt

What are your post-op guidelines? Were you given a schedule? We're you given a Protein target? If the foods you are eating are within your surgeon's guidelines then let your stomach be your guide. For me, there is a distinct difference between satisfied and one bite too many,

Don't give up. There are many options. You can self-pay (you can save up, get a second job, delay purchasing a new car, borrow from family, borrow from retirement, etc.). You have to an carefully, but it is a possibility. You can look for a job that has insurance that covers the surgery. Some people choose to go to Mexico where the prices are lower. One option that might be available that many people don't know about is your State's Vocational Rehabilitation program. If you are unemployed, under employed, or if you are at risk of not being able to do your job due to disability, this might be an option. Don't give up.

If you use an app like MyFitnessPal, you can easily look up the protein content of your foods. How are you tracking your food/protein intake?

"Will this by any chance affect the weight loss journey?" Yes, it will. It is critical for healing, weight loss, and for your health that you get in all of your Protein and fluids every day, take your Vitamins and supplements as directed, and exercise. If you do not do all of the above, not losing weight and having your teeth and hair fall out will be the least of your worries.

Since you posted in the sleeve forum I assume you have a sleeve so you do not have a pouch to stretch.

I have a goal of 100 grams of Protein a day. I avoid starches and try to choose lean Proteins but do not have a specific carb or fat goal.

This is a good question for your NUT. I track my exercise in MyFitnessPal but don't eat back those calories.

I know for many of us, Halloween is a challenge because of the abundance of candy available at home and in the office. With the increase in food allergies as well as obesity among kids, it is time to start thinking about offering alternatives to candy for trick or treaters. Here is an interesting article about the Teal pumpkin project. http://www.wvgazettemail.com/article/20141026/DM01/141029308 Is anyone planning to hand out something other than candy this year?

I just updated the list with the article link: http://www.wvgazettemail.com/article/20141026/DM01/141029308

Times like this are when I think people should include their age when posting on the Internet.