Inner Surfer Girl

I see no reason to give up hope. You have already successfully lost a great deal of weight and have the tools to succeed. It's just sounds like you need some patience and perseverance. If I were you I would: increase my Protein and Water, make an appointment with my PCP and check my labs. I would also make an appointment with a NUT. Preferably one who works with WLS patients since I presume you aren't near your previous NUT. I would also recommend finding some exercise you can do regularly regardless of whether or not you think it influences the scale.

At least 64 oz a day should be your minimum. It's really difficult to get that much in at first but fortunately, all fluids count toward that total.

Stalls are very normal and to be expected. That said, your protein sounds really low. What is your protein goal? If you get in at least your protein goal and all your fluids every day you should be fine. Just stay off the scale if stalls are going to bother you.

As my NUT reminded us, whether it's the pre-op diet or the post-op food phases, it's not forever. Most of us can do anything if it's not forever. You have a definite end date for your pre-op diet and it's for your benefit. You've got this.

Dehydration after surgery is a very real risk. Immediately after surgery your stomach is swollen and since the stretchy part has been removed (when you have the sleeve) you physically cannot drink large volumes of Water. When you are thirsty before surgery it's not hard to drink several cups of water at a time. After surgery you are lucky to measure your volume in ozs. You are literally sipping all day just to keep up with your basic needs. If you get behind, there is no easy way to catch up by just drinking more. You have to stay on top of your Fluid intake. If you get severely dehydrated the only solution sometimes is a trip to the ER for IV fluids so it is worth it to you to get your water in. Some other post-op challenges I discovered is that water didn't taste the same for me and the texture was different right after surgery.

how much have you lost so far since surgery? I hesitate to share because it is relative since I started at a high number, but my high weight was 565 (week before surgery) and I was 431 today.

I didn't ask and I really don't care. I have a lot of weight to lose and am in this for the long haul. I, and my surgical team, are happy with my progress so far which is all I focus on. That, and meeting my daily goals of protein, water, and exercise.

From all I know about this process, it's perfectly normal to have periodic stalls. We do not lose weight at a constant rate, and since we are complex systems our bodies are always adjusting. As long as you are following your program (getting in all your protein and water and getting some exercise) you should be fine. I choose not to weigh frequently just because the number on the scale is not what I want to put my focus on. You may also want to take your measurements periodically. Oftentimes when the numbers on the scale aren't moving you will see changes in your measurements.

For me it doesn't matter. I track everything in MyFitnessPal but only really focus on protein. I do avoid most starches (rice, pasta, bread, starchy vegetables) so the carbs are really from mostly vegetables and fruit.

I had my three month post-op follow-up appointment today. My surgeon's PA was very happy with my progress and so am I. She said she would normally be worried I was losing too fast but I started with a lot of lymph edema which is shrinking rapidly which accounts for a large amount of fluids. I felt great because I have been focusing on Protein and fluids and the results are showing. This first three months has flown by.

I used to love mayo-loaded salads and was even known to eat it right off the spoon. Even though I still do full fat now, a little goes a long way. I've even started adding cottage cheese to things like pimento cheese so it's not so rich.

If you are in such bad shape it sounds like you have given it your all. Just follow your doctors instructions until you have your appointment then you can figure out how they fit in with your program requirements. Best of luck.

Aw, thanks. I'm blushing.

It really depends on what your pre-op diet is. If it's a liquid diet then your "snacks" will probably be Protein shakes, broth, sugar free Jello, and sugar-free Popsicles for quite a while. Start with your NUT to see what your pre- and post-op requirements are. Best of luck.

You'll be fine. I can't imagine why you should feel nervous. The dietician is there to help you be successful both pre and post-op. I really like my NUT and have learned a great deal from her.

For me, canned chicken was included in my soft food phase so it sounds like trying chicken in your third week is doable. Just make sure it's really moist and soft.

Count for what? If you are referring to an insurance or surgeon mandated supervised diet it depends on their requirements. Are you seeing the doctor who prescribed the diet for regular follow-ups? It really depends on the requirements of your program.

I agree with the above: a comprehensive bariatric practice and understanding of bariatric patients with a multifaceted program with required education components is crucial. Another red flag would be a surgeon who will schedule a surgery right away (within days or weeks) without requiring time for the patient to consider, adjust, and prepare. I know it's rare in the U.S. for this to happen but I have seen it happen with folks on this site.

I use full fat but not as much as I did pre-op. I also like Stonewall Kitchen aiolis. They have several different flavors that add a bit of flavor variation to plain tuna.

I agree that two weeks out seems awfully early to try it. At 2 weeks I was on full liquids. At three weeks was soft foods. Please be careful introducing new foods and follow your surgeon/NUTs program.

You mentioned your calories but not your protein. What is your daily protein goal? Are you getting in at least that much protein every day? What about your water? Are you getting at least 64 oz. every day? If you are not happy with where you are now and are not doing those two things then those would be the first two areas I would address.

Wow, 140 pounds is great. Congratulations! If you are unhappy with where you are now or feel like you need some help, why not make an appointment with your NUT?

Well bless her heart. She just sounds like a real peach.

If you are not sure what to do, talk to your NUT. You should have a very specific protein goal based on your needs.

Or, just start a new thread in this forum with a very explicit question/title for what you want... You don't need to wait for someone else to do it for you.