Inner Surfer Girl

I had an extremely high BMI so didn't have a requirement to lose weight. It was a challenge for me just to maintain my weight. Also, I carry most of my weight on my lower body so my abdomen wasn't quite as far as my BMI might indicate. It can make a difference where you carry your fat. That said, if you work with your NUT and start making small changes now you should see some weight loss. Just drinking more Water is a great first step. I weaned myself off of carbonation and caffeine and focused on upping my water. I added more non-starchy vegetables and fresh fruit, and started focusing on Protein. I tracked my food. I had been following Weight Watchers online pre-op so my NUT had me continue doing so, but I switched to MyFitnessPal post-op because it does a much better job of helping me track my protein. Plus, it's free! I started exercising more. I was practically immobile and got an exercise peddler and pedaled it with my hands while watching tv. I worked up to at least an hour a day. Most surgeon's have some sort of a two week (or so) required pre-op diet to shrink your liver. You may lose some weight with that. Best of luck with your journey. My surgeon was outstanding and was part of a Bariatric Center of Excellence with a great staff. I highly recommend you make sure that whoever you choose is also at a Bariatric Center of Excellence. These seem to have the best support services. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Welcome! I can't answer your question about cancer other than to say that by following my post-op nutrition program, staying hydrated, taking my Vitamins and supplements, exercising, and eating healthier I am as healthy as I have been in years. My sleep apnea has improved tremendously. I would think that a general improvement in health and sleep may help with cancer risks but that would be an assumption on my part. Definitely talk to your surgeon about steroid use. My surgeon was pretty clear that steroids would inhibit healing of my sleeve. As to emotional eating, surgery will not cure you of emotional eating. It will help but you will still need to address those issues with a good counselor or therapist. Especially because right after surgery, when you physically can't eat much, and you no longer have food to manage your stress and emotions, and your hormones are wacky from fat loss, it can be a very difficult time. You may want to consider something like Overeaters Anonymous. You can find meeting lists and other resources, like podcasts, online at OA.org. Best of luck and keep us posted on your journey.

It depends on what is on your post-op program and what stage you are on. What stage are you? What are you allowed?

Yes, it gets better and easier as you lose weight especially if you exercise and stay active. Focus on improving your: strength, cardio/aerobic capacity, endurance, and flexibility and the sky is the limit!

This looks great. I need to check on the pinto beans though. I took a nutrition class at our county extensions office and was told not to make pinto beans in the crockpot. It may just apply to dried pinto beans so I need to check. Edited to add: I think I found an answer to my question. I assume canned pinto beans have been pre-cooked. Otherwise, if you use dried beans, read this: http://www.choosingvoluntarysimplicity.com/crockpots-slow-cooking-dried-beans-phytohaemagglutinin/ before cooking dried beans in the slow cooker, especially pinto beans.

I transitioned to solid foods like I did at each other stage: one new food at a time. Just look at what is allowed on your program and choose something that looks good to you. Weigh and/or measure your portions. Continue to eat mindfully: eat slowly, take small bites, and chew thoroughly. Listen to your body and see how it goes. Continue to track your food and have fun trying new things. You may find that you like completely different foods than you ate pre-op and that your old standbys no longer appeal to you. It is an adventure.

Have you tried Premier Protein, injury, Quest, Syntrax nectar, or any of the other supplements? Why force down something you can't stand? How far out are you that you aren't eating food? Have you talked to your NUT about your challenges?

I agree. Getting enough protein is critical. And, stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. Why do you feel you have to drink protein shakes to get in enough protein? I am over a year out and I drink an occasional shake for convenience, but can meet all of my protein needs with food if I need it. It sounds to me like you are looking for a magic bullet rather than avoiding the apple pie in the first place. You can do this! It may not be exciting and easy, but it is fairly simple: focus on getting in all your protein and fluids; take your Vitamins and supplements as directed; avoid starches, added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup) and fried foods; exercise; and Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall.

This is so great!

I liked the ProtiDiet creamy chicken and tomato basil because they tasted pretty good and have protein.

This might make a good option if you had time to order it or had a local source. Another option might be a Protein powder mug cake.

Welcome!

Why do you live with someone you can't trust?

Depending on where you are in your program there are lots of options. Off the top of my head: protein pudding, protein shakes, protein bars, fresh fruit/berries, protein hot chocolate, Greek yogurt, etc.

I didn't have a puréed phase but when so was on soft foods I was able to eat melted cheese in addition to cottage and ricotta cheese. I would think cream cheese is also soft enough. If in doubt about what is allowed on your program, you could always give your NUT a call and ask.

In addition to protein shakes, I also had during the full liquid phase: Greek yogurt ProtiDiet creamy chicken and tomato basil soups ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates V8 decaf or herbal tea ProtiDiet hot chocolate

3 premier Protein shakes is 90 grams of protein and 33 oz of Fluid.

Good observations. One thing I have been thinking about lately, especially with many of the issues that are being brought to the surface because of the US political campaign is sexual abuse. I know a large part of my obesity is the result of me building a literal wall against unwanted attention/pain. Even though I never experienced overt sexual abuse, the memories of bullying, ostracism, ridicule, unwanted comments, catcalls, rejection, harassment, and discrimination are very vivid. Much of it because I am female, but more so because I am a fat female.

Many of you may know that when I started my WLS journey I was on disability. After losing over 200 pounds (with a ways to go), I am starting the process of returning to work. Up to now, I have been making do with my existing wardrobe with a few cheap additions here and there. Before I moved to Kentucky I had a friend who sewed and made me skirts. I am harder to fit on the bottom off-the-rack and via catalogs due to my bottom-heaviness and lymphedema. My top is smaller than my bottom so even dresses are hard to fit. But, I can generally find tops online and now in stores. I finally found someone here who can alter some of my skirts. I am going to see how she does and possibly see if she can make some new ones for me, too. My biggest challenge right now is to come up with some basic pieces, especially for interviews, and shoes (absolutely no heels). I don't know that I have any specific questions, I just wanted to put this out to the universe because it is on my mind right now. Part of me really wants to be able to buy some nice clothes off the rack and have them fit perfectly! That probably will never happen but I do want to have the option of having a bigger selection. The good thing is that even in our small town I have been able to find tops off-the-rack at several stores. I have been to a thrift store but may need to visit some consignment shops in Lexington. Whatever I do, getting some basic skirts made to fit me properly, even as I transition sizes, will be my best strategy for a while. I am looking forward to building a good basic, chic wardrobe when I get to goal and s stable weight. In the meantime it is going to be an adventure!

I agree. Focus on the protein, take a shake or something similar just in case, drink lots of water, and skip the alcohol.

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

It might be too early to go back. I recommend you talk to someone in your disability services/dean of Students office or similar about possible accommodations: whether it is needing extra time out of class, or something else. One thing I found challenging soon after surgery was mental focus/fuzziness. You may experience some of that which could impact your school work.

I can't remember how long I used mine. Why not call and ask how long they want you to use them?

I am so jealous! The special was interesting because it went behind the scenes of writing the show.