Inner Surfer Girl

To use a cliche: this is a marathon and not a sprint. You just had major surgery. Your primary goal right now should be healing and health. The weight loss will come. Rest, walk some, sip, sip, and sip. The best thing you can do right now is focus on getting in all of your Fluid and Protein. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I was freezing in the hospital but they didn't have any problem bringing me extra blankets. They even sent one home with me so I could use it in the car.

I liked the ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates when I was in Clear liquids. It is what I was given in the hospital. You might want to include some decaf teas, herb teas, and Water enhancers.

800 calories seems really low, especially if you are eating more protein. Are you exercising? 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. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I found it was helpful to listen carefully and ask questions if you don't understand something. Keep asking until you understand. If it is an experienced surgery practice then he or she should be pretty thorough. Oh, and write everything down.

I was able to shower in the hospital. My incisions were superglued so was just told not to rub them.

If you have a family member who is supportive, it can be very helpful for them to attend so they can be educated on the nutrition requirements, etc. first-hand. Just be prepared to take notes and ask questions. Good luck!

I avoid for the most part added sugars, especially high fructose corn syrup.

Congratulations!

I just saw your response after what I posted. What she said!

I can't answer your specific questions but a couple of things you may want to think about. When I was sleeved, even though I had a very easy recovery with no complications, I did notice a good amount of mental fuzziness and short-term memory issues for a while (maybe a month) post-op. Even though you may feel physically ready to go back, the low calories, anesthesia, low carbs, pain meds, etc. may take a toll on your ability to focus and concentrate. As someone who used to work in higher Ed admin, I highly recommend you talk to someone in disability services (probably through the dean of students). Your school may be able to help you, especially academically, as you recover. Best of luck with your surgery and keep us posted on how you are doing.

Someone mentioned a relaxing cd to me pre-op. I tucked one in my bag but never played it. My room did have a CD player to gouge so I could have if I wanted to. One thing I took that I liked was a small spray can of Avene Water. I have also used Evian before on long flights. It is basically just water you spritz on your face but it feels really good.

I forget about the ProtiDiet hot chocolate. Thanks for the reminder.

Have you been engaged three years?

PS, I am intrigued with the 10-item wardrobe. http://dailyconnoisseur.blogspot.com/2015/10/ten-item-wardrobe-fall-winter-2015.html?m=1

I am looking forward to being where you are! I am not working but am starting the process of returning to work (am currently on disability). Interviewing and finding something to wear is my biggest area of anxiety right now. I am in a place where I can buy some clothes off the rack. My top is straddling the line between straight sizes and plus sizes but my bottom is still plus size. For now, I am supplementing with sale/inexpensive clothes. What I am looking forward to is being able to start over with a new wardrobe. I want to build a classic wardrobe with pieces I LOVE. I want to possibly use a personal shopper at a nicer department store to get me started but that is a ways down the road. Best of luck with your new job!

Have you considered couples therapy?

One thing I wish I had known was how important protein is for health and weight loss. I might have never needed WLS. There are many sources of protein: supplements Meat (beef, poultry, fish, pork, lamb/mutton, goat, frog, shellfish, etc., etc,) Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt) Nuts, Beans, and legumes (nuts, nut butters, beans, hummus, etc) Vegetables In my program guide there is a whole list of protein sources. Have you met with a nutritionist or had any nutrition education, yet? You mention a couple of times how you don't like chicken. There is no law that says you have to eat chicken. You don't have to eat chicken, it just happens to be easy to find, especially at restaurants. You don't have to eat bland food. You can use herbs and spices to flavor your food.

Why isn't protein required now? It is critical for healing. Plus, you are hungry. Your body NEEDS protein to heal.

I was able to count all fluids toward my total, so if you are able to drink 96 oz of water you can get in your protein. You can add protein to water (try something like ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates, Syntrax nectar, or similar) or even just drinking Protein shakes (like premier). 3 Premier Protein shakes would be 90 grams protein and 33 oz of Fluid.

I am not aware of any reason you can't eat sashimi (or even sushi) once you are cleared for all foods.

Based on some of the posts on this site, I know that more than a few folks find a need to make new friends after surgery. Sometimes it is because of a long period of social isolation due to obesity and for others it is because their lifestyle is changing and want to be able to add new people to their life. Here is an article for some good suggestions for making new friends as an adult: http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-science-of-making-friends-1460992572?mod=e2fb

Welcome, George. I am so sorry to hear you have been having such a rough time. I am glad to hear that you were able to get some relief after seeing your doctor and that you are on the mend. As you are able to have an easier time getting in your fluids and Protein it will really help with healing. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

I have been pretty open about my surgery. I haven't announced it on social media but other than that I haven't kept it a secret.

It is powdered Peanut Butter. For me, the benefits are taste and Protein with minimal calories. I have added it to pudding, Greek yogurt, and oatmeal.