Inner Surfer Girl

Do a search on this site. There are lots of recipes. Just be sure and watch the carbs. My preop diet instructions require limited carbs.

What has worked for me the best up to now is to sign up for a class. Whether its water aerobis or belly dancing or whatever, having something at a specific time and place makes it harder to put off.

If finances are tight you might ask the Y if they have financial assistance for your family. I am a fan of the Y because of the familly atmosphere and range of services.

I think it is enlightening to see how different cultures have such different relationships to food! I would love to develop a more French and Mediterranean attitude toward nutrition. It is cool to hear everyone's experience.

Greek yogurt does have Protein. Does he want you to focus on that?

Check out GNC Lean shake 25. My surgeon suggests high protein, low carb shakes. Some of the body building shakes have too manu carbs. There are lots of suggestions on these boards for protein sources. Best of luck.

According to a local tea master, sun tea is a petri dish (confirmation here: http://www.snopes.com/food/prepare/suntea.asp) Please brew teas and infusions. Don't leave it sitting out in the sun.

Why not ask your NUT? You shouldn't feel forced to eat something you are allergic to.

There is a forum for 12 Step. Its fairly quiet bit you might want to check it out.

For me, using affirmations are a great way to change my self-talk and rewire my brain. Do you have a favorite affirmation that helps you with your weight loss journey? Could you share it? What else works for you?

I actually started working through this with a therapist a few years ago. I moved and misplaced the book. I need to get anorher copy. Thanks for the reminder.

LOL. My sister-in-law is Chinese and she had to clean her plate, too! Its a marvel to see her completely clean her plate ising only chopsticks.

Because I am unemployed and my insurance does not cover bariatric surgery I have been looking for ways to help finance the surgery. I found that my state does offer bariatric surgery assistance through the Vocational Rehab program. After a meeting today I am one step closer to approval. Has anyone else received assistance through vocational rehab? Any words of encouragement?

Wouldn't that be "My thoughts become my reality". I like this one. Edited for typo.

The Woman Within catalog/website has workout clothes. That is where I get my swimsuits.

I am pre-op (self-pay) and don't yet have a scheduled date. I am in Danville. My surgeon is Dr. Weiss at Georgetown Bariatric.

Only your surgeon can answer your question when he sees your liver. My surgeon stressed NO CARBS (very low carb).

Spit is free! Here are some other suggestins: http://swimming.about.com/od/swimgoggles/qt/Swimming-Goggle-Anti-Fog.htm

Resistance bands and free weights are inexpensive. Do you have a Y near you? Edited to add: i just teread your question and didn't see tjat you don't live near a gym.

Did Voc Rehab help you with your surgery?

I am a Water aerobics veteran and was a very good swimmer when I was in better shape. I do deep water exclusively now (used to do shallow and deep) due to a knee injury. Yes, non-swimmers can take deep water wirh the right equipment if you can overcome your fear of not being able to touch the bottom. I am one of the buoyant ones so I couldn't sink if I tried! I tried to show a friend of mine that she wouldn't sink but her panic always overtook her as soon as her feet left the bottom. I echo rhe recommendation to take swimming lessons if you are uncomfotable in the water. Fear and panic are more dangerous than lack of skill. You will gain confidence and get some exercise at the same time.

I just started reading Death by Food Pyramid. I am not very far along, but it looks like it will be very educational. You might want to consider reading it before you go too extreme in any direction.

You asked about men vs women for protein. My sugeon recommended 100 g protein for men and higher starting weight folks.

I am still pre-op, but the biggest mental hurdle for me was giving up pop. I wasn't sure if I would be able to survive without it. I have. I started by switching to tea to get the caffeine kick. Now I am reducing the tea and focusing on water. It wasn't nearly as hard as I had anticipated.

Does anyone from Central Kentucky have a good therapist to recommend?