Inner Surfer Girl

http://www.footsmart.com/products/71092

Easy Spirit all the way.

Here is a link to Shelly's Baked Ricotta recipe and other puréed recipes that seem to be pretty popular http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2007/08/pureed-foods.html?m=1

It will get better. You have support on this site and even if you don't currently have a support system, now is as good a time as any to start building one. Consider attending a support group, finding a therapist, and reaching out to trusted friends/family. Keep sharing on this site let us know how you are doing.

You may also want to consider visiting some 12 step groups (Alcoholics Anonymous and/or Overeaters Anonymous). Food addiction and alcohol addiction have many things in common and unfortunately it is very easy to substitute one for the other.

A friend of mine recently needed to update her work wardrobe for a new job and used a Nordstrom personal shopper. She said it was one of the best shopping experiences she had ever had. I am considering doing something like that once I get close to goal.

I don't know the ins and outs of your insurance related to diet/weight loss but his office can help you through the process. If your BMI is borderline, definitely make sure you are very clear about expectations.

I am going through Georgetown Bariatrics with Dr. Weiss. He is also at Central Baptist.

I don't know all the ins and outs of how to do it but it seems that becoming an unjury distributor in Australia might be a great business opportunity.

I get them through drugstore.com

Do you have a resale shop nearby? A resale shop might be the way to go for the less worn, higher quality items. I know large-sized clothes are usually in demand in second-hand stores. I did some volunteering with my church group at a St. Vincent de Paul's and they were always asking me if I would give them my old clothes because they had such a demand for larger sizes.

I am still pre-op but I think I can answer your question about sipping Water. The reason they tell you to sip-sip-sip after surgery is that it is a challenge to get your water in and stay hydrated while you are swollen and healing. Two years after surgery you shouldn't have that problem. All you need to focus on related to water is getting enough (at least 64oz plus). Best of luck and congratulations on your progress and for sticking around!

I think of her often when I find it hard to get out of bed (for some of us after a certain age no matter how much we weigh it can hurt when we first get out of bed) while I am pushing through the aches and pains. I always feel better once I am moving. Something tells me she never manages to push past those initial twinges and just gives up. For me its a great illustration about how many of our physical limitations can be more psychological than physical.

I have seen posts from people all over the Mideast (Jordan, Israel, Dubai, etc.). I am still waiting for some yummy Mediterranean recipes!

On another note, I lived in a dorm in college that had previously been a men's dorm. Urinals make nice planters.

Love it. I've even been to events where the line to the ladies was so long we just took over the men's room too (women in line for both). What do we want? Potty parity! When do we want it? NOW! Gotta go...

I am in Danville and Dr. Weiss will be doing my surgery at Georgetown.

Survivor would be terrible for WLS folks. Protein is extremely scarce and all they have regularly is a little rice. From what I can tell they all gain the weight back, plus (just like any other diet). My question has always been: who in the world goes on Survivor or the Amazing Race without knowing how to swim (or drive a stick shift for TAR) and expects to be successful?

Maybe you could propose an all WLS season and instead of eating challenges they could plan some other WLS specific challenges.

I am sure I will be doing lots of walking and some hiking. I won't be able to do so in the immediate vicinity of the cabin, though. The roads up there are very narrow and winding and I would definitely fear being hit by a car trying to walk on them. I will definitely be getting in lots of steps, I'm not worried about being inactive. I'm just worried about not doing any high-intensity cardio. If you walk on a trail you won't be on a road.

You will be in the mountains. Why not take advantage of what is available. I am sure there are some great hiking trails in and around Gatlinburg. There are probably some trails around your cabin. Why not go outside and explore? Take some kids with you. I grew up playing in the woods and, believe me, walking uphill is excellent cardio.

What I have been doing to prepare: Learn as much as I can (reading, participating on these boards). Drink at least 64 oz Water a day. Weaned myself off of carbonation and caffeine. Take a Multivitamin and a D3 every day. Exercise/move at least 60 minutes a day. Try different Protein shakes/samples. Best of luck with your journey.

I am so sorry you are feeling that way. I can certainly understand feeling that way when you are housebound and the weather is sucky. You can still walk. You can walk back and forth to the bathroom. Depending on how much room you have you can do laps of your living room. You can walk in place. Try putting on some music. Best of luck. It won't be too long until spring is really here.

One thing I forgot to add. Take a D3 supplement of you aren't already. My program stressed how important it is to take D3 starting early in the process.