Inner Surfer Girl

To add: I loved this analogy for why dieting doesn't work long-term: "...as Dr. Christine Ren Fielding of NYU explains, “long term calorie restriction is extremely difficult to do because the individual is fighting against the body’s natural primitive instinct to EAT”. She said, “Try holding your breath for an hour. Why is it impossible? Because the survival mechanism to breathe is in a very primitive part of the brain and will not allow us to die from holding our breath. This is the same part of the brain where the survival mechanism to eat – and not starve to death – is located.”

I didn't watch The Biggest Loser but, based on the comments on this thread I was curious about this Dr. Here is an interesting article about his theory with a very good rebuttal. http://doctorsofweightloss.com/biggest-loser-medical-director-claims-results-better-surgery-8432

Best, I have seen your posts and am concerned/curious about you. What are your goals? Tell us more about your situation/experience and what leads you to ask your questions. What are you wanting to hear that you haven't already heard in the answers to your questions? Where are you in your journey? What kind of support/resources are available to you?

I am not sleeved yet but after years of dieting I can tell you that our metabolism is complex -- you CANNOT expect to see something you ate or didn't eat to show up immediately on the scale. It drives me crazy when someone equates the inputs and the outputs in real time. We are complex machines with many, many variables. It's a system not a simple in/out equation.

Here is an overview of constipation and what to do about it from Prevention. http://m.prevention.com/health/health-concerns/constipation-causes-and-remedies

Not if you exercise while you watch tv!

I read some of her blog last night. It may just be my interpretation but at the same time she was gaining a lot of weight it seemed like she was also doing a lot of drinking. Of course, I am basing this on what she wrote and my perspective. There also is mention of eating disorder behavior. I agree with learning to love and accept yourself. I also see the value of learning to be honest with myself. I wish her well and hope she learns to be her best self. I am just not sure that a reality tv show is a healthy way to get there.

Here is a good overview of why we lose hair after surgery from a Prevention article. http://m.prevention.com/beauty/beauty/solutions-thinning-dry-damaged-hair

I've seen this Bari Bear that seems pretty cute. There is a bear and a couple of other choices. They are supposed to be used to hold against your stomach when you cough or are jostled. I am considering getting one. http://teddy-tech.com/product/bari-buddy/

I've heard of people making a fictitious item/placeholder that would bump up the total calories above the threshold. I am not using map right now and am still preop so I don't have that problem right now.

Under the reality/true crime/documentary: Survivor Top Chef Project Runway Real Housewives of Atlanta Sister Wives Cold Justice Crimes to Remember My 600 Pound Life Who Do You Think You Are (and other Genealogy shows) American Experience

Go to the forum listings. Find the appropriate forum (you may have to drill down to topics) then click on start a new topic (on the phone it is under the three dots on the top right of the screen). As far as answering your question about your aggravation with your husband I am sure some of the married folks can answer. Fortunately, I dodged that bullet. I would encourage you to focus on what you need and practice "extreme self care". Don't let his thoughtlessness derail you from your goal. Best of luck.

I live in Kentucky and called our Insurance commission to find out why states like Kentucky didn't include WLS surgery as a requirement under Obamacare. They said that the Affordable Care Requirements were based on what was already required by the state (existing legislation). They did imply that things were still being sorted out with the requirements although I don't know if that means things could change anytime soon. It appears that it would require legislation to make it a requirement. Does anyone have any sample letters to use to send to our representatives?

I used to avoid shows like this like the plague but once I started watching I have found a mixed bag. My 600 Pound Life is sobering but mostly educational and optimistic (even the Penny episodes have acted as a cautionary lesson). It has given me lots to think about and I have seen something of myself in all of the people featured on the show. The new My Big Fat Fabulous Life has its own moments. I personally find the young lady annoying (she so obviously craves attention and has a lot of pain). I know it's not the focus of the show, but I would so like to see her address the underlying issues that we glimpse just below the surface. Yes, she has PCOS, but it appears that much of her obesity stems from lack of nutrition, and emotional eating (like me). It's not very clear what she wants out of life other than to live with her parents and dance a little. I think it's great that she wants to teach a dance class but it's not clear if she is a certified fitness instructor or not -- her class could go downhill real fast if she or one of her students has a medical issue. I would love to see her work with a professional to help her reach her dream of dancing. The shows where people are encouraged to binge on exercise and crash diet (The Biggest Loser) I can do without. Let's come up with our own TLC show pitch. What would Bariatric Pal folks want to see? I want how-tos, practical advice, healthy examples, and inspiration.

Google "gastric sleeve surgery manual" and you should find various surgery manuals online. I know mine has an overview.

I think you should banish the word "only" from your vocabulary. You look great!

Yes, lack of protein is part of it according to the article. Stress of the surgery, lack of protein, change of diet, and medication seem to all have an impact according to the article.

Can't answer your question but I just wanted to tell you I'm jealous. How cool! That should be an awesome trip. I want to go!

Glad you are home and feeling better!

My surgeon gave me a list (I don't have it handy). NSAIDs are definitely on the list.

Here is a link to a story on NPR from 2013 that also delved into healthcare costs http://www.npr.org/2013/08/07/209585018/paying-till-it-hurts-why-american-health-care-is-so-pricey

Time magazine had an entire issue dedicated to looking at what is wrong with the US medical system in 2013. The article is called Bitter Pill. I believe you can read it behind a paywall on their website. It is also included in the anthology Best American Magazine Writing 2014 (which is where I just read it). I would consider it a must read for anyone in the US. I am definitely on the side of single payer and think that Obamacare is a step in the right direction but doesn't go nearly far enough because of the "health industrial complex" lobbying/power. Edited to add: http://time.com/198/bitter-pill-why-medical-bills-are-killing-us/

I've been digging the old Hart to Hart episodes on Hallmark. What a blast from the past.

Since you don't do well with chlorine have you tried a salt water pool? If you have one available it might be worth a try.

Orange Juice isn't allowed on my 2-week pre-op diet so if you are on a specific pre-op diet you might want to double-check your instructions before having it.