Inner Surfer Girl

The Once and Future King

It will get better and it will pass. I am pre-op so everything I know about post-op is from reading and research (including these boards). But, I have battled depression for years and know what it's like to detox from food. I think you are going through a combination of physical and emotional changes that will definitely pass. In the meantime: Keep sharing your feelings. It's great that you let your kids and fiancée know how you are feeling. Journaling/writing is a great way to share your feelings, too. Get outside. Sunlight does help. Exercise also helps. Definitely talk to medical professionals. You also might want to consider Overeaters Anonymous. It's a 12-step group that can help you learn to cope and live life without numbing yourself with food. Best of luck and keeps checking in here so we know how you are doing. Edited to add: Stay hydrated.

My Pre-op goals included: Weaning myself off of carbonation and caffeine. Drinking at least 64 oz of Water a day. Doing some kind of physical activity at least 60 minutes a day. Trying out various Protein shakes.

It's called a BiPAP. I use one and agree that getting a good nights sleep is life-changing.

I've never tried feezing them. Maybe someone else can advise you.

As a born and bread southerner, I must point out that instant grits aren't really grits. You need to try the real thing!

Don't forget that organs, like your heart, are muscles. You risk serious health problems if you lose too much muscle. When you lose muscle you can't control where it is consumed. Also, muscle burns calories, so if you minimize muscle loss (or even build more muscle) you burn more fat.

For me, it's ok to hate fat (but not fat people -- plus, I am one). It's like the so-called "War on Obesity", which so many people seem to interpret as a war on the obese. Not cool.

I am still pre-op and due to mobility issues exercise is a challenge. I have always been a reluctant exerciser but when I do, I feel so much better. What has worked for me in the past: Water: I am a Water baby so water aerobics, lap swimming (when I was in better shape) and even goofing around in the water with kids are all great exercises. Dance: consider taking a dance class (aerobics, Zumba, belly dance, country line dancing, or whatever). Or, just turn up the radio and dance. Take a class: whether it's dance or water or Tai Chi or Yoga, I do better with a regularly scheduled class for consistency and for scheduling purposes. Plus, classes are a great way to meet people and make friends.

One other bit of advice. Don't start a diet before you have your first appointment. Based on what I have learned here, depending on your insurance and your BMI, you may need a higher starting weight (just an observation).

I got an exercise peddler and peddle it with my hands while I watch tv. When the weather is better I do Water aerobics. Can you get in a pool? Can you do chair exercises? Can you "waive your arms in the air like you don't care"? See if your physical therapist has some ideas of how you can add more movement into your day. You definitely need to get your Protein and water in.

My advice: Learn as much as you can (read, ask questions, talk to your surgeon and other professionals, read and participate on BariatricPal) Be open to using every resource available (support groups, counseling, etc) Start getting healthier now (drink at least 64 oz Water a day, wean yourself off of carbonation/caffeine, exercise regularly)

Just curious. What does not being able to work out due to medical reasons mean? Can you walk? Are you bedridden? As someone who has severely limited mobility I still try to get in at least 60 min activity in a day. What are your limitations? Also, with the sleeve are you getting your Protein and Water goals met? If you aren't happy with your results with the sleeve (oops this posted before I finished my thought) I think I was saying if you aren't happy with the results with the sleeve what do you anticipate would be different with a bypass?

Yes, there is an app (I use BariatricPal on my iPhone). It is addictive. I am pre-op and have successfully weaned myself off of caffeine and drink mostly Water. I have a 24 oz water bottle and I fill it up at least 3 times a day. You could try setting a timer on your phone to remind you to drink. I know it will be much harder post-surgery to get in water but I am building the habit and do feel much better when I get in all my water. Welcome aboard and best of luck.

From what I gather, the early seasons of My 600 Lb Life followed people for several years and the first episodes followed people who had surgery in 2004. My theory is that many of the requirements we have (Protein first, etc.) were developed based on the experiences of those who went before us. I am sure they had guidelines to follow, but they may not have been as detailed. As current WLS patients we are benefitting from their experience (good and bad). I would love to see a special with Dr. Now and some former patients focusing on lessons learned and what leads to success.

I have ordered GNC products through drugstore.com.

I don't know why not. I am planning to have the sleeve and have considerably more than you do to lose. I have seen many people on bariatricpal who have lost much more than 100 pounds. I have never heard a weight loss limit in any of the literature I've read and my surgeon has never said there was one.

Good luck. You are on your way. Ask lots of questions.

Congratulations! Glad you made it through the storm ok.

No, I don't know the answer but Georgetown will help you get the answer. You could also try calling your insurance provider and asking them (or see if there is information online). Best of luck. I am going through Georgetown, too.

Interesting.

Have you tried Syntrax Nectar? I was craving orange juice the other day and mixed up a fuzzy navel instead and it hit the spot.

My surgeon requires it for self-payers.

If breaks don't offer good protein choices, consider talking to the event and/or catering manager. They may be able to provide some good alternatives. In my last job we provided food for our training sessions and meetings. I was always battling my manager to provide protein options. He lived on sugar and could've conceive that other people had other needs.

Congratulations!