Inner Surfer Girl

supplements can be expensive, so I highly recommend you try samples and single serve packets until you find what you like, then be sure and look for sales. Also, keep in mind your tastes may change after surgery. You can order sample packs of protein supplements directly from the manufacturer (Syntrax nectar, unjury, Quest, etc.) and some stores (GNC, Vitamin Shoppe), and even online stores like Bariatric Choice and BariatricPal. My surgeon's office also had some products (like ProtiDiet). Since it was hard for me to get out and shop pre-op, I liked drugstore.com for vitamins and supplements, too. I buy quest bars by the box from them now. Drugstore.com also carries GNC products. Some of the manufacturers will also send you coupons.

The only thing that you might be doing "wrong" is eating too little. How are you doing at reaching your Protein target? What is your protein target? Your primary focus right now should be following your post-op program and getting at least 64 oz of Fluid and all of your protein, every day. That said, none of us lose at a constant or steady rate. Stalls and weight fluctuations are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. We all experience stalls and slowdowns in weight loss and just about everyone experiences a stall about three weeks after surgery. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I have the same thing. I have both lymphedema and lipoedema in my legs. I am currently undergoing treatment for the lymphedema with a physical therapist. I am not sure there is a treatment for the lipoedema other than fat loss and eventual skin removal surgery. Believe it or not, my inner thighs were the first place I noticed weight loss. You really can't spot reduce fat. You can tone and firm muscle. My exercise of choice is swimming. It is a great all over exercise, easy on the joints, and feels great. I also happen to be blessed with a pool at home.

The primary focus right now is getting in all of your protein and fluids. You need protein and fluids to heal and to lose weight. What is your protein target? How are you doing at reaching that target? Your calories are relative to your protein. If you are eating a 1000 calories and getting in all of your protein, then that is great. If you are eating 1000 calories and not getting in your protein then it isn't. 1000 calories of donuts is not the equivalent to 1000 of Greek yogurt or turkey breast.

GNC Lean Shake 25 in orange cream tastes pretty good (it's one of my favorites) and O just make it with water.

Yh that's true, surgeon sed that there was some room but a blood vessel was obstructing his view. And he sed had he done the surgery I could have suffered serious spinal complications or had a major bleed which would have lead to open surgery. I lost 14kg in 3weeks so gonna do a couple days rest then start again n get those 15kg off Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Glad to hear that your health and safety was the primary concern (as it should be). Did your surgeon give you any guidance for shrinking the liver (other than to lose weight)? Try going high Protein, extremely low carb (no sugars or starches), it really helps.

I recommend getting a variety of samples/single servings until you find what you like. Also, be aware that your tastes may change post-op. That said, some things I recommend you try: Syntrax nectar (see if you can get a sample pack directly from the manufacturer so you can try the different flavors. My favorite is fuzzy navel.) Premier Protein ready to drink. ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates (these were great during my clear phase). ProtiDiet hot chocolate. ProtiDiet tomato basil and creamy chicken Soups unjury (you can get samples from unjury) Crystal light, Mio drops, Herb tea, and other Water enhancers

I know rapid weight loss can impact the gallbladder. My guess is that the appendicitis is unrelated --- but, I could be wrong.

"Thank you for your concern."

I was doing WW online preop but not post-op. It may have changed, but my major issue (other than cost) was that it wasn't possible to track my Protein with the WW point system. I still had to track my protein so I started using MyFitnessPal which is free. Post-op, protein and fluids are the priority. For me, it is a fairly simple program. If you can track your protein and can follow a bariatric post-op nutrition plan in conjunction with WW, find the meetings helpful, and can afford it then I don't think they are necessarily incompatible. On a side note, I personally hated the focus on the scale that WW relies on and the consequent assumption that I did something wrong if I hit a stall. This is the first time in my life I have learned about how normal, natural, and necessary stalls are to the process of losing weight. (Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall) I personally have had much more success and have gained many more skills and resources with OA. If WW is helpful for you and meets your needs, then by all means keep going.

My surgeon's protein target for men is at least 100 grams.

Thanks! I can see how it can become an addiction. I HOPE to be able to stick to quality, classic clothes and to develop a small, basic wardrobe. In the meantime, I just need to cover my body.

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. None of us lose at a constant or steady rate and we all experience stalls. Almost everyone experiences a stall about three weeks after surgery. Just follow your program. Focus on getting in all of your Protein and fluids, take your Vitamins and supplements as directed, exercise when cleared, and stay off the scale. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

You look great and may be close to a good weight. That said, your Protein and calories both seem really low, especially for a guy. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I agree that the Water is your friend: water aerobics, swimming, water weights, water calisthenics, water walking, etc. I can do so much more in the water than I can do on land. If you want something to do on land, try chair exercises. Pre-op, I got an exercise peddler and pedaled it with my hands while I watched tv.

No alcohol for me. Why not try a Virgin Mary. I love tomato juice.

I completely disagree. Based on my surgeon and my experience you need to get your protein high enough so you can: stoke your metabolism and NOT burn muscle.

Congratulations!

Well, I bought a ton of liquid stuff before the surgery. But my hospital pulled a fast one on me and told me that my stay would only cost $150. I only get paid $640 every 2 weeks. Well, when I arrived at the hospital, I found out it was actually going to cost me $350. I had no choice but to give it to them. That left me with only $70 because the rest went to bills. So I bought nothing but liquid to last me for a week. Protein drinks are not very cheap (they are about $8.00 for a pack of 4). I bought 3 packs which cost me about $25 plus tax). The rest went to broth and medication. I now only have $7.56 in my account and I don't get paid until tomorrow. So, it was impossible for me to buy anything else. Once I get paid, I am going to buy soup and eggs and more protein drinks. Greek yogurt is pretty inexpensive, especially if you buy it by the larger container. Do you have a store like Aldi nearby? They are pretty inexpensive.

Thanks! I was just looking through a Talbot's catalog and they have a long Italian Flannel Riding skirt. Unfortunately, it's dry clean only, doesn't have pockets, and costs WAY too much. I'll have to check out Dress Barn.

Very similar in style to the skirts I had made when I was larger (except mine are longer). I am going to see if the lady who is doing some alterations for me can run up some basics for now.

Continue to be proud of yourself and excited about your journey. Chances are that your sister truly doesn't understand. Her opinion is just that, her opinion.

I'll have to check them out. I am fairly open but am not interested in "broomstick skirts" or clingy knits. Knits need to be thick enough and not cut tight/show every bulge.

I am 5' 6". My size is all over the place. I am currently wearing 1x-2x, 20-22 ish in tops and 22/24 ish in skirts. I do not wear pants. To update: I just made my first ever purchase at Talbot's and got a 24 dress. They didn't have any interview appropriate skirts. The 24 s are big on top, but my bottom-half is the largest part of me right now. Turns out that when I went to check out everything was 70% off! The dress is a little shorter than I am comfortable with but it actually looks pretty good on me in spite of the fact that it shows too much of my legs (which are currently my worst feature). I spent less at Talbot's than I did at Kohl's today (where I got some 0x and 1x t-shirts, some jockey underwear in 2 sizes and a bra, one size down from my current bra, a navy purse, and a couple of necklaces). Yesterday I bought some black SAS shoes for interviewing and a pair of topsiders just for fun. Both on sale. I may just have to get some longer skirts made for now. I can't seem to find any in stores or catalogs that fit my needs.

You're right. I was eating noodles because it's the softest thing in my house, lol. I still live with my mom and she eats a lot of chips and such. So, I figured noodles would be ok. I won't be eating them anymore, at least not for a while. Thanks for the advice. I will definitely eat that. I love cheese! I am concerned that you don't seem to be prepared for post-op nutrition and that your home environment may not be a very healthy place. Why not make an appointment with your NUT and/or see if you can come up with some strategies for making sure you have the nutrition you need and that you have the tools you need to succeed. Can you talk with your mom about providing you with a cabinet or shelf in the kitchen and refrigerator that is yours, so you can have the foods you need on hand? Your NUT and/or your post-op food plan would be a good guide for a shopping list.