Inner Surfer Girl

I agree with @@Babbs, you can have it eventually. Why not try focusing on what you can have now?

I think you have all of these but here is an article with before and after pictures. http://m.ajc.com/gallery/lifestyles/health/celebrities-who-have-had-weight-loss-surgery/g9Yy/

Soft phase is about texture. I had meatloaf and baked potato (just the soft inside, not the skin) when I was on soft foods. I wouldn't think a tortilla would have worked for me so that is not something I even considered trying. To me a tortilla wouldn't add any value: flavor or nutrition-wise. What does your program say?

I had grilled salmon when I was allowed soft foods.

I don't eat a large amount but I have dill pickles, olives, and jalapeños all the time.

I was able to take my meds without interruption.

To measure food, start with reading labels. If you are eating anything packaged the serving size/amount is on the label. You can use measuring cups, spoons, and a food scale to measure everything else. Ex. One single-serve container of yogurt just read the label. One serving out of a tub of yogurt you can use a measuring cup or measuring spoons. An app like MyFitnessPal is great because you can look up all kinds of foods (restaurant meals, name breads, and even homemade foods). You can also add your own if you have your own recipes, etc. Protein is so critical. Even if you don't focus on other things, at least making sure you count your protein so you get enough will be a big help for you. My protein goal is 100 grams a day. If I didn't track it in MyFitnessPal, I would never be able to keep up with how much I had and how much I still needed. My memory isn't that good.

I knew a lot about nutrition, at least based on conventional nutrition guidelines. Apparently, what I knew, and had been advised to do through years of dieting, was ineffective and in some cases wrong. I have an awesome surgeon and NUT and have learned so much from them. I think my surgeon's lecture on nutrition should be worth some college credit. I learned so much from him.

Agreed. But, also make sure you are getting enough Protein. If you don't measure your food how do you know if you are reaching your protein goal? What does you NUT advise? Only 40 oz of Water a day is too low. Especially if you are exercising.

I am not self-conscious, I just am concerned right now with getting on and off the table safely. I have a hard enough time getting in and out of bed!

At six weeks out I was still eating a lot of foods from earlier phases: cottage cheese, yogurt, tuna, tilapia, salmon, turkey, cheese, meatballs, eggs, refried Beans, etc. I don't really cook a lot either. Just choose a Protein and then add a little bit of vegetable and fruit to it. Green beans and tomatoes are what I have been eating a lot of lately. I went with my NUTs guidelines through the different phases and added the new foods from each new phase to what I was already eating to expand my choices. As far as restaurants are concerned, I've also brought home leftovers from some restaurant meals (Greek, Mexican, Hibachi seafood, and Southern Cooking mostly). I also ordered Chinese a couple of times and got chicken and broccoli with extra chicken and no rice which stretched over several meals. I also had shrimp egg fu yung. I just use Protein shakes as a supplement and focus on real food. Did you NUT provide you with guidelines and a list of recommended foods? Whatever you eat at this stage, it helps if it's moist. Definitely eat slowly and chew thoroughly. I definitely didn't try dryer and tougher meats until closer to three months out.

I loves massages and have usually had a good experience. With one exception. The massage therapist was young and very talkative. The only thing she seemed to be able to talk about was fat. Even if I was the largest person she had ever worked on I thought she just could have done a better job showing some professionalism. It hasn't discouraged me from getting other massages but it certainly stuck with me.

According to a Facebook post today is National S'Mores Day. I don't know if it's true or not but I plan on having a S'More-flavored Quest Bar tonight. I got a box of them last week and they are my new favorite.

I think you look great. If you want to change up your look, before you do something extreme, why not try a new hairstyle or try some new makeup just for fun. I agree, it just might take some time to really see yourself and feel comfortable with the new you.

My motto is: "It's better to have loved and lost than be stuck with a psychopath the rest of my life."

I can touch my toes/toenails and ankles, too!

Leaks are very rare. But, according to my surgeon, the biggest cause of leaks after surgery is steroid use. The best thing to do to avoid leaks is to follow your post-op instructions and stay in touch with your surgeon, especially if you have another doctor prescribing something for you. (Actually, he said the biggest cause of leaks is other doctors prescribing steroids...). If you have to go to the emergency room for anything, especially during the first three to four months, be sure and have your surgeon on speed dial. Follow your program and you should be just fine. Best of luck with your surgery.

I have never had to crush or change any of my meds either. Even though we are swollen after surgery, Sleevers still have a normal opening in the stomach and a pyloric valve (unlike folks with bypass and lap band).

Because of some financing delays I was more than ready when the time came. The worst part of the whole experience for me was the anticipation and the step into the unknown. Personally, based on my experience, I would recommend that you not postpone, but you are really the only person who can decide.

How do you feel unprepared? Have you been reading and researching? Have you met with a NUT and received education from your surgical program? Is it fear? If it's because you are not mentally ready then talk with your surgeon, NUT, and or psych person for some guidance.

There is lots of information on this site. I recommend that you just start reading, reading, reading. Welcome to the site and best of luck with your surgery.

I would suggest that you make an appointment with your NUT. Focus on the basics: reaching your Protein and Water goals as well as exercising.

Best of luck with your surgery. It will change your life.

I had fresh peaches, blueberries, and cantaloupe this weekend and they were delicious. I don't eat as many fresh fruits as I would like but am gradually adding them in. My fruit still tends be the no sugar added, single serve peaches, pears, and applesauce that I started eating during my soft phase.

To clarify, I could have it post-op starting with full liquid phase. Definitely go by your NUTs instructions though.