Inner Surfer Girl

I would disagree. Even if you aren't hungry it is critical to get enough protein for healing and weight loss. It is almost impossible to get enough protein when you are on clear liquids without supplements. Especially when you are healing and swollen. You just don't have the space initially to just drink broths in sufficient quantity to get enough protein.

If you need clear protein you might want to try ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrate. I got some from my surgeon's office and also ordered it online. I don't know if you can get it at GNC or Vitamin Shoppe (or similar).

My understanding, based on the way my NUT described it, is that you will have to chew your food well, but the pieces shouldn't have to bs as small with the sleeve as with the band. The opening into your stomach is not as narrow with the sleeve as it can be with the band. But, you might want to run your issue by your surgeon.

I avoided shaving while I was on blood thinners. Fortunately I didn't have to be anywhere out in the world for a while. Since you aren't on blood thinners you may want to call your surgeon or PCP to see if they have any ideas.

Wow. I was on Clear liquids (with the exception of premier protein) for one week, full liquids (including yogurt and cottage cheese) for week two, soft foods week three, soft foods with the addition of tuna, soft fish and canned chicken for week four, etc. My plan is very detailed and is based on texture. Hard, crunchy things like nuts weren't allowed until much later. Does your surgeon not have a NUT on staff?

@fiturefocus, I would double-check with your NUT about the nuts! By my plan, I am not allowed nuts and seeds this early (you were sleeved this month, right)? Some of your other choices seem advanced for someone recently sleeved. What does your NUT/surgeon's plan say? What phase are you on?

As everyone else said; it is hormone fluctuations, fatigue, dehydration, the inability to use food to self soothe, loneliness, pain, and/or the fact that you just took a major, irreversible life decision. You will be ok. Cry if you need to. Vent on this site if you need to. Just do what you need to do to take care of yourself and recover. Sip, sip, sip your Protein and Water and walk as much as you can.

In preparation for surgery I weaned myself off of caffeine and carbonated beverages. I focused on increasing my Water (64 oz a day), and trying some different Protein shakes (you can get samples). I also tried to get at least 60 minutes of exercise a day. Best of luck with your surgery. It will be here before you know it,

Just follow your surgeon's instructions and you should be fine.

I liked premier, GNC lean 25 (my favorite is Orange cream), ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrate, Syntrax nectar fuzzy navel, ProtiDiet tomato basil and creamy chicken Soups, WonderSlim dark chocolate pudding. I would recommend getting some sample packs and just keep trying different ones until you find what works for you.

My nutritionist told me mine would decrease. That proper protein intake is calculated based on your current weight. But if you are weight training you may want to get more. I think the theory is that your set point (the point at which your body is satisfied it's getting enough protein and is not starving) is pretty much based on your highest weight and is very hard to change. I could be wrong, but that is my understanding of how it's supposed to work.

Congratulations on taking such a big step at such a young age. I can't answer your question because how rapidly you lose weight varies based on so many factors: starting weight, height, fitness level, exercise, etc. I would encourage you to focus on the things you can control: Get in all your Protein, every day (eat protein first) Staying hydrated, aim for at least 64 oz Fluid a day (edited again due to typo) Get some exercise (walk until you are cleared for other exercise) Stay off the scale (it can drive you nuts) (Edited to add because I sent send too soon:) Even though I am no longer in my twenties I am very interested in seeing college students succeed. Plus, my siblings went to U of I and Illinois State!

This is the response I want to give to Doctors who throughout the years treat everything with: you need to lose weight. The absolute worst was when I twisted my knee in aerobics class and the very young, very thin, did I mention very young, doctor said she couldn't do anything for me but that I needed to lose weight. "Gee, I wish I would have thought of that." Why in the world did she think I was injured in the first place. Normal weight people get sports injuries all the time. Somehow, they manage to get treated.

I like GNC lean 25/orange cream is my favorite (powdered), ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrate (liquid), and premier ready-to-drink.

Stay off the scale.

@@VSGAnn2014, I agree that there are many tools and resources to help us cope with obesity and life. OA (and other 12-step programs) happen to be very effective for many people. You are certainly free to explore and use any of the tools you choose. I would just encourage you to learn more about something before you discount it out of hand. I have heard so many people who could benefit from OA (and AA, and NA, etc.) based on pre-conceived ideas about what that step means that it breaks my heart. Especially when they discourage others by sharing their own interpretations as fact. Best of luck with your journey.

I would say keep trying but make sure you are taking small sips. Liquids are critical but so is protein. It sounds like you just drank too fast. I wouldn't wait too long until you try again. You should be literally sipping some fluid all day long at this stage.

A timer or app may be very helpful. You may also need to aggressively set short term goals (I.e., 4 oz before I brush my teeth, 4 oz before I leave the house, 8 oz in the way to work, etc.). Set realistic milestones throughout the day and see if that helps. I, too struggle with getting in all my fluids so I understand!

If anyone is interested in learning more about OA, in addition to the printed material on the website there are several podcasts. http://www.oa.org/oapodcasts/

Well what makes me mad is they never mention the sleeve at all. They said "we no longer do lap band because it has low success rates so we've put you in the gastric bypass group." when I asked if there were any other procedures, they literally walked out the door and left it at that. This time around Im going to be more forceful for answers on everything. Last time I just went with everything instead of being my own advacate To be fair, that was three years ago. The sleeve is much newer and many insurance carriers have only fairly recently started covering it. When I first starting even beginning to be willing to contemplate surgery, my insurance would have had me do bypass. I only started seriously considering it when I learned about the sleeve.

The swelling will decrease after surgery. The best thing to do is weigh and measure your food, eat protein first, and get in all your protein and water and you should be fine.

You look great! Just focus on the basics -- Protein, Water, avoid starchy carbs, and exercise and you will do great. As you reduce your starchy carbs, you probably won't crave them as much. As many have noted on these boards: this is a marathon, not a sprint. Even though your previous NUT moved, why not see if you can find a new one?

I chose sleeve because: it had the best success with the least risk, and it was what my surgeon recommended for me. I don't have reflux so that was not an issue. I didn't even consider the band because of all the complications and maintenance issues. Plus, a family member who has lap band told me if she had the surgery again today, she would have definitely gone with the sleeve. Ultimately, you need to decide with your surgeon. Learn as much as you can about all the options so you can make an informed decision.

Forget calories and focus on getting in all your protein and fluids.