Inner Surfer Girl

You should be able to add condiments, just watch out for high fructose corn syrup.

Also, try ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates. They come in fruit flavors and are more like crystal light than the milky shakes.

Have you tried replacing one meal with a meal replacement protein shake?

There are lots of different protein drinks and shakes. I like Premier, Syntrax Nectar, GNC lean 25, and Unjury.

Agreed. It won't stop the hair loss but it may make it more manageable.

What is your protein goal? When I was on clear and full liquids I didn't go to bed until I finished all my protein for the day. If you are short of your goal by all means have another shake or yogurt. Do what it takes to meet your goal.

The sad thing is that the company's response is that the cartoons were posted by an individual and not condoned by the company. My questions are: what kind of company culture inspires that kind of "fun"; and, how miserable and unhappy the person who drew and posted the drawings must be about her own body? I've watched enough Project Runway and read enough fashion magazines in my life to know what an unfair burden it is to ask a fashion designer to actually design for real human bodies. It must be so frustrating for them to actually have to think about and design for what a customer really needs. When I do get into regular sized clothes, I will definitely take into account how a designer, company, or brand treats all sizes of women, as well as how responsibly they utilize vendors, manufacturers, and labor.

Yes, there is a period of recovery but barring complications, by four weeks your incisions would have healed. Again, it depends on your physical capacity. For me, I feel much better and am moving more easily at four weeks post-op than I was before surgery.

Great video.

This wasn't addressed to me but I can answer with a resounding YES!!! Try the couch to 5k program. It's all over the Internet and there are lots of apps (I used get running). It has you do walk/run intervals and build your way up. When I started I thought I was gonna DIE running 20 seconds. But just push through. Repeat days or weeks if you need to to feel more comfortable. I did couch to 5k about 15 months ago and just ran my first FULL marathon Sunday. Ran the whole 26.2 miles! I was never a runner--heck in HS I was one of the girls walking and chatting at the back of the pack in PE. If I can do it you can!!' Congratulations! This is awesome.

As to your physical activity, what is your capacity before surgery? Are you up to a day of sightseeing now? Your physical capacity shouldn't deteriorate as long as you are getting in all your protein, fluids and vitamins and don't have any serious complications.

I was considering investing in a Lily Pulitzer dress when I get to goal. Unless the company responds to this in a positive way, I will be looking elsewhere.

There are lots of recipes in the Food and Nutrition forum.

I ordered Chinese delivery last week for the first time after surgery and had the smallest order I've ever placed. Before surgery, when I ordered out I would order enough for several meals. This time I ordered a large Shrimp Egg Foo Yung without rice and stretched it I've three meals.

I would drink what you can. I didn't measure by ounces/per time interval during my liquid phases, I just sipped all day. I would assume the 1-2 oz every 15 minutes are guidelines to help you stay hydrated and get in your protein rather than hard limits. But, if you are unsure why not call your NUT or surgeon and ask?

As to snacking, ask your nutritionist. My NUT advises planning for three meals and two snacks a day. My protein goal is 100 grams and if I have 20-25 grams per meal I have to eat more than three times a day. There is no way around it.

Oh, by the way, congratulations for reaching your goal weight!

It's great that you have an appointment with a nutritionist. He or she should be able to help you work out a plan based on your goals and objectives.

In the short term all you really need is protein since our bodies have excess stores of carbohydrates and fat. Our bodies can't store protein. So as long as you are getting enough protein (before and after surgery) your body can use stored fat for energy.

Unfortunately, guys usually do lose faster but that doesn't mean you won't be successful. He was probably just trying to help you calibrate your expectations.

What does your nutritionist say? Are you getting in all your Protein and fluids? Do you exercise? How far are you from surgery? The answer to those questions will tell you more than the number of calories you are consuming.

Yes, ask your surgeon. The intent of the pre-op diet is to shrink your liver. Based on my pre-op diet, which was fairly generous, wine was not allowed.

You have got to get in your protein and water. I track my protein with MyFitnessPal. Without keeping track there is no way I would be able to keep up.

I know some people drink the Isopure clear drinks. I like the ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates that I was able to get from my surgeon's office. You can also order it online from sites like Bariatricchoice.com.

Do everything you are asked to do in the hospital and post-op. It's all for your benefit.