Inner Surfer Girl

Sleevers don't have pouches, we have sleeves. I am thankful that I was able to break my sofa addiction before surgery and have absolutely no interest in going back. I don't miss it. I know that some who have tried have been ok, but others find carbonation uncomfortable or painful. Frankly, for me, there is absolutely no nutritional value to soda.

It does sound like your surgeon is vegetarian. My plan is Protein first also, which in this case would be Beans. My surgeon is adamant that I get at least 100 grams of protein, starting the day after surgery. Protein and fluids are critical for healing and weight loss. Beans do have protein, just not as much as some other sources of protein. As to "feeling full", I go for "satisfied" instead of full.

You might also want to see if there are any OA groups in your area. They aren't exactly going to meet your WLS needs, but you are likely to find folks who are dealing with similar issues. The website, OA.org, has meeting lists and other resources.

It isn't quite panera, but ProtiDiet tomato basil soup (and ProtiDiet creamy chicken) really helped me get through the liquid phases.

I didn't start exercise until I was cleared to get in the pool at about 4 weeks (once my incisions had healed). Since then I swim laps, take water aerobics, and use water weights, etc.

What do you do? Be honest. I truly doubt that you would not be cleared because you have an eating disorder, especially if you are in treatment and recovery. What would be more likely to keep you from being cleared is dishonesty. Honesty with myself and my medical team is a major critical success factor for me. Best of luck.

When I was pre-op and newly sleeved even the pet food ads looked appetizing. Maybe it was all of that protein?

It is my understanding that you may need to be at a stable weight for a while before skin surgery, but a plastic surgeon really is the only one who can answer that question. Why can't you get a consultation?

None of us lose at a constant or steady rate. We all experience stalls and slow downs in weight loss. Stalls are a normal, natural and necessary part of the process of losing weight and almost everyone experiences a stall about three weeks after surgery. To answer your question about exercise, my preferred method of exercise is swimming. I have been in the pool since I was cleared to get in the Water after surgery. I love it. I swim laps, take water aerobics, use water weights, etc. Almost 95% of my exercise is in the pool. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Hugs. I am so sorry you experienced this awful crime but am so glad you have the love and support you need to heal. I was not sexually assaulted but definitely know I used fat as a literal wall to keep out pain. It is a very good idea to use every resource available to us as we dismantle that wall. I really appreciate your honesty and courage in sharing your story.

By the way, on another note, I was sleeved April 20, 2015. I am currently packing to go away for a week long writers workshop next week. There is no way I could have done that a year ago!

HI! And, welcome aboard. It breaks my heart to hear you talk so badly about yourself. This is a life-changing surgery/process and I truly hope one thing you gain is some peace within yourself about how awesome you really are. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Awesome!

I never had retried beans what are they exactly and where do I get some, thanks. Refried beans aren't actually fried, they are just mashed up beans. You can get them at Taco Bell (pintos and cheese), a Mexican restaurant (they have more fat), or canned in the grocery store.

Congratulations! This is awesome!

Congratulations! You are on your way!

I agree. This has been one of the biggest revelations for me after surgery. This and how important Protein is to weight loss. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall!

I was in GNC yesterday and they had the RTD lean shake 25 on sale. I didn't get any so don't remember the price but think they were buy one get one free.

Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and refried beans are pretty standard for me.

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. If you intend to lose a significant amount of weight, you will experience stalls. If you are following your program and getting in all of your fluids and protein, and exercising, then you just need to be patient. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

The best advice I can give is to focus on what you can have, not what you can't. You can do it!

I agree. That is why I have found it so very useful to reframe stalls as something normal, natural, and necessary to the process.

Congratulations and welcome to the other side!

If I had to guess, you are dehydrated and not eating enough. Try upping your water, protein and calories. All of those are low in my opinion. My Fluid goal is a minimum of 64 oz and my protein goal is 100 grams. Have you had your blood pressure checked lately?

Since I swim, I use a Misfit Shine.