Inner Surfer Girl

Eat the yolk, all the nutrition is in the yolk!

As soon as I started even considering WLS they had me taking D3. Not only the gloomy weather but the use of sunscreen has really made an impact on everyone's D levels: not just WLS patients, but low D levels can really cause problems for rhose of us who have WLS.

Beautiful!

I was completely against any kind of surgery and had discussed it with a therapist in the past. What changed is that my new PCP suggested I at least learn some more and consider it. He referred me to a surgeon and I started the process with the goal of learning as much as I could and then deciding. I was surprised to learn how much had changed and how much progress had been made in techniques since I first heard about the surgery. I started learning a lot beginning with the online intro seminar provided by my surgeon. After speaking with the psychologist she recommended a book that had stories of people's WLS experiences good and bad. Joining BariatricPal, reading, asking questions, and going through my surgeon's program really helped a lot. I also went back and contacted a few folks I knew who had had surgery to get their take. It was a long process, but I was sleeved on April 20 and couldn't be happier. More importantly, the experience is nothing like I envisioned back when I first had that conversation with my PCP and before. Keep reading, and keep asking questions. Best of luck.

I know you are tired of chicken soup but you might want to get some ProtiDiet Soups. I lived on the tomato basil and creamy chicken during my liquid phase. Can you do cottage cheese and yogurt? You can make greek yogurt savory. Best of luck. I hope your recovery goes well.

I measured because it was important to know so I could meet my protein and water goals. I pretty much sipped all day when I was on liquids. I don't think you would need to limit your fluids.

How did it go? Were you able to get some answers?

I agree. I found that the whole post-op experience is a total contrast to my pre-op "dieting" life and SEEMS counterintuitive at first. Fortunately, I have an excellent surgeon who gets it and did a great job explaining the how and whys of how my new metabolism works. Believe it or not eating enough Protein, drinking enough Water, and exercising are the keys. It is working great for me so far and I trust my surgeon and NUT.

It takes some adjusting but you need to practice slowing down: take smaller bites, chew thoroughly, and put your utensils down between bites. Believe it or not, when you slow down and actually chew your food you get to enjoy the flavor longer.

Why? You don't give any info about what you are doing. Are you getting in all your Protein and Water every day? Are you exercising? Seems to me that going back to basics would be more effective and healthier. Why not make an appointment with your NUT and revisit your goals.

Best of luck. I hope everything goes well. I was sleeved April 20 and the worst part was the anticipation. As Miss Mac mentioned, you won't be aware of your surgery. I had a few minutes coming out of recovery where I felt a struggle to catch my breath. Other than that my recovery was easy and uneventful. I had a little gas pain in my shoulder that was helped by walking and a heating pad. You'll do great. If you do have any issues or complications you will be in good hands.

The best plans can change when tested by reality. Apparently, when your surgeon went in and saw the scar tissue he made a judgement call on what would be safest and best for you based on the circumstances. My surgeon told me if he got in and saw something that needed fixing he would go ahead and do it. Did he not explain his reasoning when he told you he went with the sleeve instead of bypass? Why not ask if you are still confused. Even if you were prepared for the bypass, from what I can tell the recovery process is very similar for both. Follow your surgeon's instructions and you should be fine. And never be afraid to ask for clarification or guidance. As someone who chose the sleeve, maybe this will turn out to be the right thing for you. Best of luck.

It took me over a year but that was because of my financing situation. I don't remember what the total cost would have been because I was able to get a large part paid for via Voc Rehab. I did have to pay for most of my testing on my own. There is a program fee upfront (I can't remember how much it is). There are some required education/classes as well as some medical tests that you will have to get done, all which determine how long it will take for you. Sorry I am not better help but you will be able to get answers tomorrow for most of this. It's quite an adventure but you will learn a great deal as you go through the process which will help you succeed.

I was sleeved April 20 at Georgetown by Dr. Weiss and couldn't be happier. He and all the staff in the office and at the hospital were awesome. I was self-pay but wound up getting help through Vocational Rehab which added time to the process. Best of luck.

If this is what you truly believe then why not work with your NUT and an exercise professional to come up with a plan for adding variety into your food plan and workout rather than just winging it for a couple of weeks. For me, yo-yo dieting wrecked my metabolism and your plan sounds like typical yo-yo dieting. Whatever you do, make sure you get in all your Protein and fluids.

Water aerobics for the summer.

I had quite a long time to prepare so I went on a bit of a shopping spree gradually picking up things I thought I could use. I also happen to love buying things like pretty dishes. Some of the things I bought that I found useful or plan to use in the near future: Heating pad Biotene Chapstick (Above for hospital and post-op) Adult liquid Tylenol Appetizer spoons (some people like toddler dishes, etc. - I prefer adult things that happen to be small) Sushi dishes Saki cups Small rice bowls (I use these all the time) - 9 oz so comfortably holds 1/2 -3/4 cup yogurt, cottage cheese, etc. Glass 1/2 cup containers (with lids) Plastic 1/2 cup ziplock containers (with lids) A Soup mug (I had a pretty pottery one already) A food scale Good measuring cups/spoons (if you don't have already) Samples of a variety of Protein shakes/powders Blender (if you don't have one -- I don't use it much) Good Water bottle(s) Shaker bottle for mixing shakes Vitamins

My understanding is that it's based on starting BMI. For my surgeon, males and anyone over 50 BMI's protein requirement is 100 grams. So, it depends on where you start.

I don't count calories (per se). I record my food in MyFitnessPal in order to track my protein. My protein goal is 100 grams a day. Since I am still eating a lot of the same foods every day (am still trying new foods) I hover right around 1200 calories. My NUT said I should still lose weight at 1400 calories so I don't really look at calories.

I've had sweet things but don't count them as "slips". Protein shakes, fruit, yogurt, pudding, fruit drinks (like crystal light, and Popsicles have all been plenty sweet.

How are you doing?

Want to know how to lose 10 pounds fast?

Are you still meeting your protein and water goals every day? Are you exercising?

I wasn't cleared for swimming until my incisions had completely healed which was about four weeks for me.

I understand. I always got mine thinned in the summer and still lived in a ponytail because it could be so hot. I can't believe how much lighter my head and neck feel ... and how little shampoo I am using. It's quite a change.