Inner Surfer Girl

I just noticed this thread is from 2011!

I don't see any reason to cut back pre-op except maybe to practice not drinking with meals.

You definitely need more than 120 calories. You need at least 64 oz of Fluid and to reach your Protein target (mine is 100 grams a day). At 8 weeks out you should be cleared for most foods. Have you talked to your NUT and/or your surgeon about your challenges. Whether you feel like it or not, you have to eat. If you need to sip protein shakes all day, then sip protein shakes all day. Dehydration and malnutrition will not help you heal or lose weight.

You aren't a failure. I am not a failure. Our bodies needs are just not compatible with the modern food-abundant society. We evolved to survive times of famine. Unfortunately (or fortunately) most of us in developed countries will never have to experience true famine. Our bodies are not aware of this.

I said sliced tomatoes.

Personally, it does depend on your lifestyle and your wardrobe needs. I am not working and have spent all summer in the pool, so as long as I have a bathing suit that fits, I am happy. I am returning to the workforce so to prepare I am getting some things altered, buying some new (mostly sales and inexpensive basics), and will probably get some clothes made. I have a long way to go so anticipate this is going to be a constant process for a while since my body is a moving target.

I don't worry about it. It sounds like you are overthinking this. Just track the protein and fluids. To me it doesn't matter what you call it.

This is a great question for your surgeon. Unless you are doing something crazy like not following your post-op plan, taking steroids or NSAIDS, then I wouldn't worry about leaks at all. They really are pretty rare.

This isn't the time for restriction. Focus on what you can have, instead of can't, and use it.

I am over a year out and have had pizza maybe three times. It is not normally part of my life now. Even then it is toppings only or really thin crust. I haven't had orange juice or Pepsi nor do I intend too. I would eat a small orange before I would drink orange juice. Try the Syntrax fuzzy navel, ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrate, GNC Lean shake orange cream, crystal light, or something similar instead of orange juice.

No, but my NUT recommended organic bone broth (I can't remember the brand off the top of my head).

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. Everyone experiences periodic stalls and just about everyone has one about three weeks after surgery. Just follow your program. Track your food. 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

At least initially after surgery, instead of trying to fill a bottomless hole, the struggle is trying to stay on top of the fluids and Protein that we need while not being hungry. It really is a different world. Instead of the pre-op goal of minimizing calories, while maximizing volume, we have to focus on maximizing nutrition and minimizing volume. Next time, instead of the Cookies, try some protein (turkey, cheese, or even some Greek yogurt if you want something sweet) and see how that goes. Since you are pre-op, you could even have something filling like Peanut Butter on celery.

You could start attending support group meetings pre-op. Depending on the size of the group there may be people at various stages in the process.

Walk, move around, raise your arms over your head, use a heating pad, time.

To me, willpower is a load of crap. Before the sleeve: 1) conventional dieting meant I was at constant war with my body, 2) conventional dieting wasn't making me healthier but was creating my obesity, 3) willpower only meant I was an adversary to myself, and 4) no matter how hard I worked, every diet eventually led to even more weight gain. Post-op, I am learning 1) how to work with my body and not against it; 2) how to satisfy my needs with small amounts of delicious, nutritious, food; and 3) my efforts and hard work reaps positive results. Unfortunately, it is hard to describe the difference to someone who hasn't been sleeved. Because of that, it is one of the biggest fears and concerns that people have pre-op.

An update: I ran into JCPenneys yesterday to pick up a top to wear to a football watching party on Saturday. I found the shirt and also a Liz Claiborne (I think) black blazer in a size 20 and a dark teal blouse. I think I can wear them with a skirt I am getting altered. If so, I am on my way to my second interview outfit.

This is encouraging to hear. I am on my longest stall now, too. I know my body is doing important work to shift things around.

I wasn't required to have a chewable multivitamin.

Yes, I definitely counted all fluids. Especially early out.

Mix in: tzatziki sauce picante sauce or salsa an herb blend or Soup mix (make it like a dip) cracked black pepper --- why no fruits and vegetables? Fresh sliced tomato, cottage cheese, and black pepper is delicious in the summer lowfat salad dressing fresh herbs Make a salad out of it by adding salad toppings

I started at a much higher weight than you and I am over half way to goal. It is possible to be successful. Just don't calibrate your expectations based on what other people experience. You will probably experience rapid weight loss initially. You will probably experience slow downs and weight fluctuations. You will definitely experience periodic stalls, starting with a pretty common one about three weeks post op. Based on my experience so far, the best thing to do is: Follow your program. Track your food. Make sure you get at least 64 oz of Fluid a day. Make sure you reach your Protein target every day. Avoid starches, added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), and fried foods. Take your Vitamins and supplements as directed. Practice mindful eating: eat slowly, take small bites, and chew thoroughly. Exercise when cleared. Stay off the scale. And, learn to Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

My surgeon didn't use a catheter or a drain. Definitely keep in mind the date of whatever resource you are looking at. A lot has changed in even the last couple of years. You may want to write down questions like this to ask your surgeon. Every surgeon can be different.

I know! I have learned SO MUCH about nutrition throughout this whole process. Unfortunately, it seems that most of what I was taught through decades of "dieting" is not only dead wrong, it is probably what led to my obesity.

For a clear Protein, I liked ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates much better than Isopure.