Inner Surfer Girl

This is very common and a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process. Focus on getting in all your Protein and Fluid, and stay off the scale. Embrace the Stall!

What you are experiencing is completely normal and part of the process. Just focus on getting in your Protein and Fluid and, as was recommended above, stay off the scale. It will drive you crazy. By the way, if you haven't done so yet, now would be a good time to take your measurements. You will find that when the scale seems to be stuck, you may still be losing inches in the U.S. (or centimeters in the rest of the world). Best of luck and keep us posted on how you are doing.

I am so sorry to hear about your complications and pain. I understand your discouragement but it will get better. Your hormones are probably in flux right now, too which doesn't help. Hang in there, keep sipping your Protein and fluids, walk when you can, and you will feel better soon.

My understanding from people on here who have had surgery in Mexico is that your primary care doctor will need to provide your post-op care unless you can find a surgeon who will do so (which is unlikely). You will need to get regular labs/blood work. Just be sure and get as much information as you can from your surgeon. I had surgery in the U.S. and my surgeon provided me with a packet of info about meds, etc. to give to my PCP.

I mix Syntrax nectar and GNC Lean 25 with Water. I also like Premier Protein RTD.

This. Also, turkey and tuna. I eat a lot of roasted turkey deli meat and tuna. Make sure the vegetables aren't starchy. Try broccoli, cauliflower, green Beans, etc. Avoid corn, peas, potatoes, etc.

Still can't eat.... Just keep sipping.[/quot So I finally got about 1 Protein shake in and some Beans and some blended watermelon mixed with ice (slushie) & I've gained 3 lbs..... Wtf Stay off the scale. What you are seeing is normal fluctuations due to recently undergoing surgery, IV fluids, etc. Stay off the scale and focus on getting in your protein and fluids. Did I mention, stay off the scale?

Wow, you look great! Congratulations!

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

The orders of magnitude of what is possible after WLS is so much higher but here is a reminder of what my life used to be like many years ago.

Still can't eat.... Just keep sipping.

I use Palmer's Cocoa Butter and Cocoa Oil because it smells good and feels good to generally care for my skin. It has Vitamin E. Staying hydrated is really important, too.

If you are pre-op, don't attempt to follow a post-op diet. Wait and talk to your NUT about your specific needs. 800 calories is low for post-op anyway. Good sources of protein: lean meats (turkey, chicken, fish, tuna, salmon, shrimp, lean beef, pork, etc.), cheese (cottage cheese, low fat cheese, regular cheese), Greek yogurt, Beans, etc.

I like WonderSlim dark chocolate protein pudding made with PB2, it tastes really rich. Have you considered trying chocolate flavored calcium chews. I find that between the calcium supplements, pudding, and chocolate shakes, I don't feel deprived of chocolate.

Try drinking out of a smaller cup like a shot glass or saki cup.

The important thing is to get in your Protein and fluids. Your surgeon or NUT should give you a protein target (mine is 100 grams every day for the rest of my life). I was able to reach that goal within two days of surgery. It's hard when you are newly post-op to get in all your protein and fluids but it is critical for recovery and weight loss. After surgery my whole approach to food had to radically change. Rather than trying to minimize calories while maximizing volume to feel satisfied the objective has been flipped. Now, I have much less volume so have to maximize protein and nutrition while minimizing volume. It is a different mindset. It requires eating protein first and then non-starchy vegetables and fruits IF there is room. You will need to weigh and measure your food and read labels carefully so you can keep close track of your protein. I use MyFitnessPal because I can't remember what I did 10 minutes ago. You will also have to learn to sip liquids all day as you won't be able to drink a lot at one time. Dehydration is a very real risk so you cannot get behind on your fluids. If you have a good program your surgeon and NUT should provide you with detailed guidelines and education related to both pre-op and post-op nutrition. As mentioned above, there are a wide range of pre-op and post-op instructions between surgeon's and also between patients, so make sure you follow your surgeon's program that is recommended for you. Now that I am no longer on liquids, and have been cleared for all foods, I eat about 4-6 times a day. Usually, 10-25 grams of protein per meal or snack. It is different but you will learn what works for you. Pre-op, it was helpful for me to wean myself off of caffeine and carbonation, increase my Water consumption, and learn to slow down and eat mindfully. Otherwise, it really is hard to envision what eating post-op is like until you actually experience it. Best of luck. I hope this helps.

V8 and ProtiDiet soups (tomato basil and creamy chicken) were lifesavers for me during my liquid phases.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

I have brought Jerky, Quest bars, cut up veggies-- but now our local theatre checks your purse for "contraband!" Last time I made my 13 yo son hide it in his cargo pockets! He was freaked out till I explained it wasn't ILLEGAL technically and the worst that could happen is they'd make us throw it out. We made it past the checkpoint and he said "omg what a rush!" I think I've created a monster ???? I think this is a situation where talking to the manager might be helpful, especially if this is someplace you go a lot. If movie theatres are going to restrict what you can bring in but not provide healthy options in their concessions, then this could be an accessibility issue.

I am taking a wild guess, but if you are eating three large meals and two large Snacks, you aren't actually hungry. What most of us experience is "head hunger". It's not our bodies telling us we nutrition, but boredom, habit, stress, and other psychological cues telling us to eat. The surgery does not cure head hunger, but it does give us a chance to learn the difference and learn healthy ways to deal with it. You probably will have to remind yourself to eat and drink, I have had to do this, at least early in your recovery.

Everyone has these doubts. Ask yourself: If I don't have the surgery will I continue to gain and/or if I lose what are the odds that I will gain it all back, plus? If I do have the surgery, what is the likelihood I may reach my goal and then gain a little bit back? Under this scenario would the surgery still be worth it to you? Also, as to which surgery to have. That is a decision you need to make with your surgeon. Learn as much as you can so you can make the most informed decision possible. From what I observed almost everyone has an opinion about what is "best", but keep in mind that we are naturally biased based on our own decision and experience. I was sleeved on April 20 of this year and couldn't be happier with my recovery and progress. And, yes, I had the same doubts as you at one time. I was just sure that I was the unique person who would fail. Now, for the first time in years, I am confident and hopeful about regaining my life. Edited: because autocorrect is insane.