Inner Surfer Girl

I got to a place where I had to. Because of my weight and mobility issues, I am on disability and am unable to work. Even now, post-surgery, I know there are things that I can't physically do. But, I can look forward to a time that I can with confidence now that I have had the surgery and am starting to see results.

It may be time for me to start thinking about scheduling another one. There are a few places to get one in town so I want to try all of them until I settle into a routine.

I like Quest bars. My favorite flavors so far are double chocolate chunk and s'mores.

Congratulations on the weight loss. Did your NUT provide you with a list of approved Protein shakes or give you guidelines? Many of the shakes that body builders use are high in carbs. What are the carb and protein amounts for the Protein shake you are using? I like Premier Protein, GNC Lean 25, Syntrax nectar, and ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates.

The best way to minimize the risk of leaks is to: 1) choose a skilled surgeon, 2) follow your surgeon's instructions, and 3) do not use steroids or NSAIDs (which should fall under the heading of following your surgeon's instructions). Leaks are very rare but if you have any issues post surgery, then definitely call your surgeon. My surgeon said that the biggest cause of leaks is other doctors prescribing NSAIDs or steroids without consulting your surgeon. Just keep your surgeon in the loop of you have any issues.

I could have pudding during my full liquid stage and Peanut Butter during my soft food stage. The calorie to Protein ratio for peanut butter is high so I don't have it regularly. I did have some today with apple slices, though. If you really like peanut butter, you might want to consider trying adding PB2 to your protein shakes or pudding. You can also just add Water to PB2 and eat it plain (I haven't tried it that way myself). You asked about adding protein to juice. What kind of juice? I don't drink fruit juices because they are so high in sugar. Be sure and check with your NUT. I know that for my pre-op diet, fruit juice was strictly forbidden and post-op I was only allowed some diluted juice during the clear stages but I never drank it.

Are you seeing a counselor or therapist? This is the kind of thinking a professional can help you with.

Congratulations! This is awesome.

I take a multivitamin, d3, b12, b1, Iron, C, d+k, and calcium. The b12 is sublingual or quick dissolve, the C and calcium are chewable, the rest are pills. If you have special needs them definitely talk to your doctor.

Congratulations, this is so awesome! I for one appreciate your sharing your experience and most of all your enthusiasm through this process.

I was able to take all of my meds the day after surgery. The only one I had to cut in half was one where the prescribed dose was 1/2 a pill. I take a whole bunch of Vitamin supplements that were required by my program. They gave me a list. Rather than share my list I would recommend you get a recommendation from your surgeon and/or NUT.

I hope your recovery goes well and your surgeon is able to find a safe solution. One thing my surgeon stressed is how dangerous an extended time in the surgical theatre can be for obese patients. The longer you are under anesthesia and the longer you are paralyzed, the harder it is for your organs to restart, etc. It sounds like your safety was foremost in his thoughts when he made his decision. I am sure he didn't make it lightly. You are definitely in my thoughts and prayers.

Congratulations on reaching goal! That is quite an accomplishment. I am nowhere near goal, but it seems like you are already doing what I would advise: making an appointment with your NUT. That seems like the best course of action to me. Best of luck with your maintenance and entering this new phase of your journey.

I don't think it would be wise to deliberately try to lose muscle mass just to match a number on the scale. Don't forget that your organs are also made of muscle and you do not want to damage them. Make sure you get enough Protein so you lose fat, rather than muscle. What does your surgeon and NUT advise?

I am still way too buoyant to swim under water but maybe that is in my future, too!

By the way, I did treat myself to some really pretty art glass for my birthday. It costs considerably more than a cupcake but will last much, much longer.

When It came time with my birthday, I thought about getting myself a cupcake but was on the fence because I was afraid that 1) I would love it, 2) I would love it and it would make me sick, or 3) I would hate it. I wound up not getting one. A week later I was sitting within inches of my nephew's birthday cake and it didn't appeal to me AT ALL. Not even enough to want a "taste". Your tastes do change substantially post op.

My protein goal is 100 grams a day, so I have to eat more than three times a day to get it all in. I agree that you may need to plan for a couple of protein-rich snacks.

To me, stalls are an important part of the process. It's where our bodies are doing the work of becoming smaller.

Could you eat them just how they come or did you have to go home and blend? I didn't have a purer stage. I went from full liquids to soft foods so I didn't.

I stopped at Taco Bell on the way home from my first post-op follow-up appointment and got Pintos & Cheese. They are still one of my go to's when I am out and about.

Definitely start at your own pace and don't push too hard. The last thing you want to do is injure yourself.

I agree @@Babbs, it is a great exercise for me as well as being very good for the soul.

I would agree with you to a point, but if someone is at week one and struggling to get in 64 oz of Water but not even attempting to get in protein then that can cause a problem, too. That is why it makes sense, based on my surgeon and NUT's instructions, to include as much protein in my liquids as I need to get them both in. Later, counting 64 oz of water as a minimum is much more workable.

If you can drink milk have you tried adding no sugar added carnation breakfast essentials? You can also try adding non fat dry milk. Either of those will increase your protein.