Inner Surfer Girl

I don't know about Attention Deficit but I was a bit fuzzy and unfocused for a few weeks post-op. I just chalked it up to anesthesia, low carbs, and generally recovering from surgery.

One of the things that helped me to be honest with myself about my weight and obesity was watching My 600 Pound Life on TLC. The new season started last night and I just finished watching the new episode that I recorded last night. It was preceded by a compilation episode that I did see last night. Since that one included a segment on Penny I needed to take a break before seeing the new episode. Some random thoughts: I thought it was sobering and heart wrenching as usual. I HATE the obligatory shower scenes. We get the idea. They could spend a lot less time on them or eliminate them entirely and spend time on other aspects of obesity, the surgery process, or the post-surgery segment. Nikki (I think that was her name) is a beautiful girl with a lot of style. I noticed the drawings on her walls before they revealed she is a costume designer. It was great to see her get her MOJO back. With a disabled brother and two older sisters, it was obvious to me she was starved for affection and attention. Dr. Now mentioned when doing the sleeve instead of the bypass something that the sleeve can be just as effective even though the bypass is more aggressive. Watching this post-sleeve, watching her eat the volumes and types of foods (donuts) she was eating pre-op looked really gross and unappealing. (Thank, God!) I started at a lower weight than she did and I would never dream of trying to sit on one of those balance balls or on the ground. What a difference being 20 years younger than me makes! It is heartbreaking how young so many of these patients are who are on this show. Nikki isn't the youngest by far, but she was still really young to have reached over 650 pounds. That is an awful lot of donuts. It was interesting to see the rate of her weight loss pick up again after she started seeing a therapist and addressing her emotional issues. I liked the analogy that the therapist used of not being able to look at and address issues until you physically put them down/let them go. I wanted to slap her sister until they had their talk. I know we only get one side of the story, but to not allow NIKKI to be around her nieces and nephews is outright cruel. I think her mom has a lot of food issues and is also probably dealing with a lot of stress due to both her son and daughter. Her dad was sweet if clueless. I am looking forward to seeing a follow-up on her in a year. I really liked her. I know it's January and every other advertisement and commercial on TV is about diet or exercise, but still find it jarring to see those commercials on during this show. It just seems so transparent. Did anyone else watch it? What did you think?

Your calories seem really low. What is your protein target? Are you getting at least that much protein every day? Are you getting in at least 64 oz of fluid a day?

I had a check-up with my PCP today. What is awesome is that I no longer dread getting on the scale and no longer get the "you need to lose weight" lecture. My PCP is thrilled with my progress!

Have you tried to take them without crushing? I never had to crush any of my meds.

There are lots of lists on this site, but I'll try to give you some suggestions off the top of my head: Biotene spray Heating pad Shaker bottle(s) for Protein shakes Water bottle(s) Small food storage containers for portion control Herb and decaf teas Mio drops, crystal light, etc. liquid Tylenol (not children's) Food scale Measuring cups and spoons Journal Binder or other holder for all of your paper/materials (if your program doesn't provide you with a binder) Lip balm Protein shake single serve samples ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrate ProtiDiet hot chocolate

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. We all experience stalls and just about everyone experiences a stall about three weeks after surgery. That said, you really need to do everything you can to get in all of your Protein and AT LEAST 64 oz of Fluid. It sounds like you are not consuming nearly enough of either. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Do they know you have such a tight schedule?

If you were sleeved then you don't have a pouch. A sleeve is generally made the size of a small banana, so if you are healed/no longer swollen, are eating slowly and chewing thoroughly, a small banana is just the right size.

Are you seeing a counselor or therapist? Have you talked to your NUT lately about your challenges and concerns? You may want to consider attending some support group meetings and/or some recovery meetings (like Overeaters Anonymous). You can find meeting lists, podcasts and other resources online at OA.org.

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. If you intend to lose a significant amount of weight you will experience stalls. Almost everyone experiences a stall about three weeks after surgery. Just follow your program. Focus on getting in all of your Protein and fluids. Take your Vitamins and supplements as directed. Exercise when cleared. Stay off the scale. And, Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Maybe you are actually hungry. Are you getting in all of your Protein and fluids?

It sounds like you are doing great. If you follow your surgeon's food phases then there really is no reason to expect to have issues. I think they are the exception and not the rule.

I like the ziploc twist n lock or similar. Basically little bowls with twist on kids. They seem to be a bit sturdier than the snap on lids. You can also get small glass containers that are even sturdier.

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

Stay off the scale!

Colds and allergies are miserable no matter when you get them. Tylenol Cold Multisymptom is my friend. Knock on wood, but I haven't been sick very often since I was sleeved. Keeping up with your Vitamins is important.

Since corn is a starchy vegetable, I don't eat a lot of it. I certainly didn't try it at 5 weeks post-op. If it's allowed on your program then I suggest just trying it to see how it goes.

Track your food (I use MyFitnessPal) Read labels Avoid added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup) Avoid starches (bread, Pasta, rice, potatoes, corn, etc) I don't have a specific number target. If I do all of those things my carbs stay pretty low. I don't avoid good/complex carbs, though.

Weight bearing exercise and cardio are both important. So is stretching. Don't forget your flexibility. Strength, endurance, flexibility, and aerobic capacity are all important for fitness. My exercise of choice is swimming. I can accomplish all of these things in the Water and it's easier on my joints.

Also, to add: Quest chips are savory. Kay's Naturals has some savory choices. You may also want to check Protein Snacks by ProtiDiet, WonderSlim, etc.

I just eat cheese if I want cheese flavor. I also like Mr. Cheese O's.

My surgeon actually gave an I depth overview of everything: experience, process, how to avoid complications, etc., etc. He has done thousands of successful surgeries so he really was thorough. He offered much more information I would have even known to ask about.

It will come. You just had major surgery and are healing. It's ok to nap and rest. Just make sure you are getting in all of your fluids and Protein and take your Vitamins and supplements as directed.

Frankly, I didn't go to my first pre-op appointment with a lot of questions. I did a lot of listening and most of my questions came from that. If you don't understand something then ask for clarification until you understand clearly. Take notes. If you have made up your mind about a procedure before even talking to your surgeon, then be prepared to hear him out and ask questions if he has a different recommendation.