Inner Surfer Girl

I do not have a goal size because I have ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA what size/sizes will fit me when I get to goal. As you said, sizes are pretty meaningless. I just want to be able to wear clothes that fit me and that are well made and comfortable. What aggravates me as I start to be able buy more clothes off-the-rack is how hard it is to find clothes that are practical fans well made. Everything seems to be made of synthetics and cut for teenagers (sheer, flimsy, skinny straps, too short, no pockets, etc).

Watching My 600 Pound life was an important step for me to be brutally honest with myself about my weight and health. Unfortunately, I was just one diet away if being eligible to be on that show. Much of what the people on the show experienced due to their weight is not unfamiliar to me. Now, each time I see an episode, what stands out to me changes depending on where I am in my own journey. With all of its flaws, watching My 600 Pound Life has been a very important part of my journey. My Big Fat Fabulous Life, although infuriating, has also been enlightening.

Have you talked to a therapist about your relationship with food? I too started at an extremely high weight and am on disability. We don't get to be super morbidly obese and disabled due to a healthy relationship with food. Years of dieting can really do a number on our heads. I highly recommend that you talk with a good counselor or therapist who works with bariatric patients. Your surgeon may have someone on staff or be able to refer you to someone. There are some good books you may want to read. One is called Eat it Up! by Connie Stapleton. She posts on this site periodically. Have you considered going to some Overeaters Anonymous meetings? You can find meeting lists (in-person and phone), as well as podcasts and other resources online at OA.org. Best of luck. You can go slow in introducing foods but you may find you are happier and healthier in the long run if you learn to eat a variety of fresh, while, "real" foods.

By the way, if your energy is low, take a look at what you are eating. Are you getting at least 64 oz of Fluid (more once you start exercising significantly)? What is your Protein target? Are you reaching your protein target every day? Are you avoiding added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), starches, and fried foods? Are you taking your Vitamins and supplements as directed? Are you eating enough? Have you talked to your NUT lately?

I didn't do any significant exercise except for a little walking until I was cleared to get into the pool at about 4 weeks post-op.

Everything you listed should be ok, but just try one new food at a time to see how it goes. Some people have difficulty with eggs early out. Try to make sure they are soft/runny and not dry. When I was on soft foods I ate a lot of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, tuna, soft fish, refried Beans, etc. I still eat a lot of these! Wendy's chili is good. I eat oatmeal but usually add Protein to it. You can add Protein powder.

Pre-op, my NUT suggested adding a bag of frozen vegetables (like broccoli) to a Lean Cuisine (or similar) to bulk it up without a lot of extra calories. I ate a lot of broccoli, cauliflower (cruciferous vegetables).

I like: Premier GNC Lean 25 Syntrax nectar unjury ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates

I guess it depends on whether or not you have someone to carry your bag for you. What does your surgeon say?

What do you mean "what about baby food"? To me, regular grown-up, adult, real food is much better nutritionally and flavor-wise than baby food.

Oh right thank you I'm just really confused about all this the doctors seems not to be helpful but I'll try and ask again. Sent from my SM-N910F using the BariatricPal App Were you provided with a written lost-op food plan?

fruit juice is pure sugar. What does your NUT advise?

Even if you are vegetarian your body still needs protein.

Wow! My protein target is 100 grams and the lowest my surgeon recommends is 80 grams.

I am so sorry to hear that you had to go through this again. Any idea why you were not able to lose weight with the first sleeve? What are you doing differently now?

You have just had major surgery, we're pumped full of IV fluids in the hospital, and are swollen. I highly recommend that you stay off the scale for a while. Just focus on getting in all of your Protein and fluids.

In addition to BariatricPal, you might want to look into Overeaters anonymous. You can find meeting lists, podcasts, and other resources online at OA.org.

Are you able to reach your protein target this early out by doing this? As long as you are able to get in all of your protein this would be ok. The problem would be if you are filling up on vegetables and don't have enough room to get in enough protein.

I haven't read through all the responses, but have you tried different temperatures? Have you tried adding Water enhancers or infusions to your plain water? Plain water was the hardest thing for me to drink for quite a while. Adding crystal light, Mio drops, or other infusions really helped. Have you tried ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates? I started using them (undiluted over crushed ice) in the hospital.

My mom noticed I was "jigglier" as I was walking into my first post-op follow-up appointment and the office staff noticed. I got a new drivers license photo after I lost 200 pounds but probably should have gotten one much sooner. (I don't know the legal requirements, but think your driver's license photo is supposed to look at least like an approximation of what you actually look like now.) I fully anticipate needing to get a new license at least a couple of more times along this journey.

Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

ImageUploadedByBariatricPal1470848154.337654.jpg Can you see it (inside photo) Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Looks a bit mauve.

Well, there is always Penny! Don't be Penny.

I don't know. Have you called your surgeon's office to ask what they think?