Inner Surfer Girl

I agree with @@BLERDgirl, if you are confused call your surgeon or NUT. My Protein goal is 100 grams.

@@Cody's mom you have got to get in more water. You are risking some serious problems if you don't figure out how to get more water (it sounds like you are already experiencing some).

I don't avoid carbs all together, just simple carbs like pasta, rice, bread, added sugars, and starchy vegetables. If you eat vegetables and fruits in reasonable quantities you should be ok. Just eat your protein first.

Never mind on the Belsomra. According to the website it looks like it may cause sleep eating.

There is a difference between protein shakes and meal replacement protein shakes. I would check with your NUT to see what is required for your program.

Yes, it is very normal. Focus on your protein and water and stay off the scale.

It is Belsomra.

It's great to hear you are doing well. You are at such an exciting and rewarding stage in your life. I know that the process of going through WLS and getting healthier will pay so many dividends for you. Yes, it's tough, but anything worthwhile is going to be hard. I am doing well. (Thanks for asking!) My 3 month follow up was this week and I couldn't be happier with my progress so far. I am looking forward to regaining my mobility, energy, and stamina so I can get on with my life. Keep us posted on how you are doing!

I am so glad it went well. So far in my journey (I am 3 months post-op) my NUT is still one of my favorites. She gets it.

I was going to invite you over to my place!

You mentioned you are craving sweets. The more carbs/sweets you eat, the more you crave them (at least that is how it works for me). If you are craving sweets try drinking a low carb Protein shake or eating a sugar free Popsicle. You've got to get the starches out of your diet or you will continue to crave them. What does your NUT advise? Maybe it's time to make an appointment.

I agree. How many grams of Protein? If you are eating extremely lean protein sources but only getting 10 oz of that it still seems low. What is your protein goal? Mine is 100 grams a day. The lowest I have seen on these boards has been 60 grams and that is for folks with a very low starting BMI. I work very hard to get at least 100 grams of protein and 64 oz of Fluid a day which leaves very little room for good carbs (vegetables and fruits). I avoid starches (Pasta, bread, rice, starchy vegetables).

I think it's Belsomra but I'll double-check.

Just checking in to see how your summer is going. Are you in school this summer? If not, when do you head back? I noticed you haven't posted in a while and am curious to see how you are doing. I would hate it if we discouraged you and want to make sure you are ok.

How was your appointment?

I am so sorry this happened to you. Did your PCP talk to your surgeon at all before prescribing steroids? The reason I ask is that my surgeon emphasized that steroid use right after surgery is the biggest cause of leaks.

MyFitnessPal

I just googled Sullivan County NY and think I found a good number of options for you to explore. I noticed that there are several parks: federal, state, and local in your area. Here is a link to a lot of NY environmental groups. This is where I would start if I wanted to meet people who are interested in hiking and outdoor activities. http://www.eco-usa.net/orgs/ny.shtml There seem to be a good number of theaters. Maybe some of them need help painting sets, etc. There also seem to be a lot of artists and galleries. Check with local artists for classes. I noted yoga retreats and studios and hotels and resorts. Some hotels offer memberships to locals to use their facilities. Why not pick one place you have never been and go explore. It will get you out of the house. Whether you go to the farmers market, a museum or gallery, a pick-your-own or other farm, a park, etc. take a journal and a camera and explore.

Yes, they did for me.

I am three months out so this is what I have observed so far. The challenge with the sleeve is 180 degrees from my pre-sleeve dieting life. Now, rather than being hungry all the time while trying to avoid eating too much and craving unhealthy foods, I am not hungry very often but have to make sure I am eating and drinking frequently. Unhealthy food is not appealing to me at all. Now, when I eat delicious food, I am able to enjoy it and be satisfied with a very small amount. An example: I LOVE Greek/Mediterranean food but do not have a good restaurant near me. On the way home from my three-month surgeon's office, I stopped at a Greek restaurant. I got a lunch special (without rice or pita), and added extra meat. I ate a small amount and was satisfied for lunch. I brought the rest home and had some for dinner last night and lunch today and still have enough for one more meal. I am also just as satisfied with a meal of cottage cheese or yogurt. A turkey burger patty with green Beans is a feast. My nephews chocolate birthday cake was not remotely appealing. It's hard to describe, but it is a very different experience.

As O suggested on another post, I think your first stop should be the public library: for exercise videos, Internet access, audio books, book clubs, community activities, etc. What I hear from your posts is that you are bored and are having trouble thinking of things to do to fill your time. I realize that as you are in a rural area there are not a lot of obvious things available to entertain you, but that doesn't mean they aren't there. As I mentioned before, look for existing clubs and organizations (Sierra club, churches, community groups, etc.) for activities and volunteer opportunities. Practice a hobby. Pursue a project. Take a walk. If you want to message me with more specifics ((your location and your age would help as well as any other info you would be comfortable sharing) I would be glad to help you look for some specific ideas.

This has got to be rough. I am so sorry you are having to deal with this. I don't know if it would apply to you but my sister is a pharmaceutical sales rep and she just started selling a new insomnia drug. You might want to talk to your doctor to see if that is related to your condition. I hope you are able to find a solution.

Yes, journaling is extremely helpful. I don't do it as much as I would like, but yes, it has been helpful throughout my life.

What @@Bufflehead said. I just want to add that with the sleeve, in addition to making your stomach smaller, the procedure results in a change in the hunger hormones and helps your body cope with fewer calories. It communicates to your body that you can be satisfied on fewer calories. For me that is one of the biggest benefits.

Keep us posted. My legs have shrunk a lot. At least my right leg has shrunk rapidly, my left one is still much larger than my right. I have some Palmers coconut oil with E. I don't know if it will help with discoloration but it makes my skin softer. I also recently got a dry brush that I am hoping will help with the flaky skin and circulation.