Inner Surfer Girl

Have you seen video of the skin removal surgery where they remove a mass of fat? It is very complicated because they have to tie off every single tiny blood vessel.

I use My Fitness Pal. I can't remember what I did 10 minutes ago so it helps to keep up with my food, especially my protein count.

No, the surgery has nothing to do with removing fat.

I agree. I think learning to let go has been the biggest struggle and one of the main lessons of my first 50 years.

I understand the desire to know about other people's experiences, but I think one of the dangers of this is the assumption that we can somehow control results. I have come to understand that the only thing I can control are the inputs. And even then, trying to manipulate the inputs (by restricting calories, over exercising, etc.) can do more harm than good.

I am so sorry this happened to you and am praying for you. I am also so glad to hear that you are seeking counseling and medical care. What you wrote was very difficult to read do forgive me if I missed it, but did you report this to law enforcement? To the embassy? I couldn't even begin to know how to navigate the justice system when something like this happens so would imagine that a predator would take advantage of that vulnerability. You are very courageous to speak out about this. I wish you all the best and hope you will not allow this to derail you from your recovery.

I use Palmer's cocoa oil or Palmer's cocoa butter. I happen to love the feel and the smell!

Thanks so much for the update. I am so sorry you still don't have this resolved. Were you able to have the band removed while you are waiting or does this hold up the band removal, too?

I also get those little single-serve packages of green Beans, peaches, pears, etc. it's easy to add one of those to a Protein to make a quick meal. I eat a lot of green beans! Cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, string cheese, deli turkey, deli cheeses, tuna and salmon packets, refried beans, chili, Peanut Butter, turkey sausage links, and eggs are in my fridge and pantry. I keep frozen turkey burgers, chicken, fish, blueberries, etc. in my freezer. My spice drawer is multiplying. Before surgery I didn't cook very much but I am trying to do it much more so I have been adding more herbs and spices to my collection. I have always had tons of condiments (I love mustards, pickles, olives, artichoke hearts, capers, mayo, aioli, salsa, jalapeños, etc.) I find I use much less mayo and/aioli than I used to though. I just rearranged my small fridge yesterday and it is still about half full of condiments!

Sending thoughts and prayers and virtual hugs your way. I wish only the best results from your treatment and am praying for you, your family, and your healthcare team.

I am five months out and still don't do lettuce well. I am more likely to add sliced tomato and/or cucumber to my meal than to eat a salad. To me lettuce just adds bulk that takes away from room for Protein. If you are having trouble getting in your protein, then you definitely need to focus on eating protein first and avoiding fillers. Eating protein first will also help you feel more satisfied.

I have very little prepackaged foods, some canned veggies I'm getting rid of; mac & cheese I had for my granddaughter..... I do have rice, couscous, quiona, tri color Pasta, and some reg pasta. I also have regular oatmeal. Which ones of these should I hold on to? I kept my oatmeal, quinoa, and couscous for later and gave away all my pasta and boxed pasta meal starters, etc. I also keep my rice bit may give it to my mom. I anticipate that later in my journey I may be able to add more carbs but am avoiding most simple/starchy carbs for now.

What does your NUT or surgeon's program say? Starting with soft foods, I was allowed no-sugar added applesauce, peaches, and pears. I avoided any fruit with seeds (strawberry, kiwi, etc) early out.

Sounds like second-hand smoke then.

I just saw this today on Mighty Girl and it resonated with me.

No potato salad for me (too many starches and no protein). I have never been a big chicken salad fan but I eat tuna salad.

I post from my phone so this is how I do it. Go to the forum that matches your question (ex. Post-Op Sleeve) and click on the dots on the top right-hand side of the screen. I think one of the options is Start A New Thread. I am doing this from memory so may not be completely accurate. It also helps if you are as specific as possible on the subject line. Give it a try.

Nope. Nope. Nope. I'm thrilled with my decision, I wouldn't change it for the world despite this minor frustration. I was a happy fat, I am a happy not fat. I simply have no appetite for anything. @@CowgirlJane has the right idea. I keep almonds, jerky, shrimp salad, my favorite Gouda cheese, lunchmeat, etc. at my house, I think I am just in a rut. I think I need to expand my staples because I am tired of eating what I eat but am too lazy to make the effort to do much more. Ugh... Just a guess, but maybe you are just bored. Do you have a farmer's market, gourmet market, or other place to shop other than a big chain grocery store? The choices available and all the marketing can be overwhelming at big stores. I live in central Kentucky so we have a lot of farmer's markets, local food producers, and Amish stores that are fun to shop.

I don't know where you got the idea that Water is "tasteless". Water did taste funny and the texture was weird after surgery. I am five months out and water is just now tasting normal to me. Plus, if you ever travel and taste water from a variety of sources and municipalities, you would know that water isn't tasteless. There are some places, like my grandmother's hometown, where I only drink bottled water because the tap water tastes so bad.

I would follow your doctor's advice. When you are in the hospital, your IV is full of Vitamins do you will be fine for quite a while. By the way, you may get more responses to your questions if you start a new thread in the appropriate forum with your specific question, rather than asking in another thread on an unrelated topic.

I love pumpkin. Following.

My biggest fear was that I would be lactose intolerant after surgery. So far, so good!

I don't "shoot for" a particular number of carbs. I focus on my protein and avoid starches (like rice, pasta, bread, starchy vegetables, and potatoes) for the most part.