Inner Surfer Girl

Texture.

It gets better. Fluids and protein will go a long way in helping you bounce back. You will get through this.

This does sound complicated. You may have to make a schedule. For me, all of my fluids (Protein shakes, Popsicles, etc.) counted towards my Fluid total. For me, the bottom line is: 100 grams protein, 64 oz fluid. Sip, sip, sip.

And my point is until you are able to get in all of your Protein and fluids, then the numbers on the scale mean NOTHING. Seriously, stay off the scale, eat protein, and drink fluids. All of the carbs you are eating are going to restore what was depleted from your liver. You NEED protein to heal and to lose weight. Healing is your primary goal, or should be, right now. The weight loss will come.

Yes, just keep sipping. It gets easier, especially as the swelling goes down. Just focus on getting all of your protein and fluids.

You can get premier at Walmart, Costco, etc. Try GNC or anyplace that sells GNC for the GNC Lean Shake. I get it from Drugstore.com online. You may be able to order sample packs of the different Syntrax nectar's by phone from the manufacturer. I was able to do that over a year ago. They may also have it at GNC or a store like The Vitamin Shoppe. You can also order tubs of it online from places like Drugstore.com or Amazon. The Batiatric Pal store has a variety. Bariatric Choice also has things like the ProtiDiet brand. I like their hot chocolate, too. You can get Unjury only from their website and so also believe you can get it from the BariatricPal store. Some drugstores have protein shakes. Just make sure you read labels and try samples before you purchase large quantities to make sure you like them and they are bariatric appropriate (look at the carb to protein ratio). GNC will let you try samples and even return things I believe.

None of us lose at a constant or steady rate. We all experience stalls and slow downs. Almost everyone experiences a stall about three weeks after surgery. Since you already started at a very low weight/BMI you probably won't see a dramatic initial weight loss. Nowhere in your post do you mention Fluid or Protein. It sounds like you have mostly been eating carbs. What is your protein target? Until you are able to get enough fluid and protein you probably will have low energy. Both are absolutely critical for healing and weight loss. The number of calories is less important than the soy cow of those calories. 1000 calories of mashed potatoes, toast, and jam, have absolutely no protein. You just had major surgery and your body needs time and nutrition, mostly protein, to heal. You need to follow your program. Track your food. Focus on getting at least 64 oz of fluid. Make sure you are reaching your protein target. Mine is 100 grams a day. Try to aim for at least 80 grams if possible based on my surgeon's guidelines for someone at your starting BMI. Avoid starches, added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), and fried foods. Take your Vitamins and supplements as directed. Exercise when cleared. Stay off the scale if you are going to let the numbers drive you crazy. And, Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I like premier ready to drink, GNC Lean 25, Syntrax nectar, unjury, ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates, and even carnation instant breakfast essentials.

It sounds like you need to call your surgeon's office for clarification. A food log isn't going to do you any good unless it is the actual, current food log. It is for your benefit.

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. Everyone stalls and just about everyone experiences a stall about three weeks after surgery. Just follow your program. Track your food. Focus on getting in all of your Protein and at least 64 oz of Fluid. Avoid added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), starches, and fried foods. Take your Vitamins and supplements as directed. Exercise when cleared. Stay off the scale. And, Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Love, love, love. I was in WV last weekend and was only able to donate some bottled Water when I stopped for gas. My mom was heading there this past weekend so I sent some cleaning supplies. She was able to drop them off for me and came home in tears from seeing the devastation. The need is so great that it is hard not to feel completely defeated by not being able to do more. I have been feeling bad because I am still not physically able to help. I am so glad you to hear about your efforts and hard work. Bless you!

Overeaters Anonymous also has some great resources. There are meeting lists, podcasts, etc. online at OA.org. Edited: because autocorrect.

Getting in enough protein and Fluid is critical. What is her protein target? That is the most important number to keep track of. For me it is 100 grams of protein. She also needs at least 64 oz of fluid. I could count the fluid from my Protein Shakes towards my fluid total. What helped me early out were protein shakes and also having some savory options. I liked: Premier Protein GNC lean 25 (orange cream is my favorite) Syntrax nectar (fuzzy navel is my favorite) ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates unjury chicken soup ProtiDiet tomato basil and creamy chicken soups V8 Bone broth Herb tea Decaf tea Crystal light or Mio drops WonderSlim dark chocolate protein pudding (I also like the lemon) You can get lots of recipe ideas on the World According to Eggface blog. In my personal opinion, if she wants to succeed in recovering from this surgery and in nursing school, she needs to grow up and take some responsibility for herself (let alone a family). Is she seeing a therapist? I highly recommend that she find one asap. Yes, it is an awful idea. Edited to add: see my above recommendation for a therapist.

You really need to do everything you can to get in all of your Protein and fluids. It is hard, but you can do it. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I agree 100%. It was my first surgery, too but after going through it and seeing my results so far, I'd do it again in a heartbeat. The biggest risks of surgery according to my surgeon are pneumonia and blood clots. Your surgeon is well aware of those risks and will do everything he can to minimize them. Your job is to do everything you are asked to do and follow his instructions to the letter --- even if you don't think you can do it or think it is silly. For instance, they will have you up and walking very soon after surgery. You may not think you can do it but you can, and it will really help you feel better and avoid blood clots. You can do it!

Initial weight loss is relative to a lot of things, but mostly BMI. The higher the starting BMI the more dramatic initial weight loss may seem. It really doesn't do much good to compare yourself to other people, Just follow your program. It sounds like you need to focus on getting in more fluids and protein based on the numbers you reported in your post. The sooner you can get in all of your protein and fluids, the better in my experience. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Based on my surgeon's guidelines, at your BMI, as a female your protein target would be 80 grams, and as a male it would be 100 grams. Try to get AT least 64 oz of Fluid, but even more is better. If you are exercising intensely then you probably want to be closer to 1000-1200 calories than 900. Try adding some more protein and healthy fats to up your calories.

Awesome!

Her surgeon should have provided her a detailed list of what foods she can have based on how far post-op she is. If she is on Clear liquids, then she should be able to have clear soups: bone broth, chicken noodle (without the noodle), won ton (without the won tons), etc. If she is on full liquids, then she could have light creamed smooth Soups (with chunks strained out). Definitely look at the post-op food plan given to her by her surgeon or NUT. If you have questions, then call and ask. They should have a 24 hour phone number. sugar free Popsicles should be fine.

When you go to the seminar they should give you a list of requirements. Most Bariatric surgeon's offices will have a person on staff who is familiar with your insurance requirements or can help you find out what they are. You may be required to have a pre-op diet, nutrition counseling, a psych clearance, pulmonary testing, an EGD or similar, and a cardiac clearance. Just be prepared to write everything down and ask lots of questions. You are on your way!

First, give up the coca-cola. Second, make an appointment with your NUT. Third, start tracking your food if you are not doing so already. Fourth, drink at least 64 oz non-carbonated, non-caffeinated Fluid a day. Fifth, focus on getting in all of your Protein. What is your protein target? Mine is 100 grams a day. Sixth, avoid starches, added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), and fried foods. Seventh, take your Vitamins and supplements as directed. Eighth, exercise.

I think one of the biggest mental adjustments between pre-op dieting and post-op for me has been my attitude towards stalls. Pre-op, a stall was a time to throw up my hands and give up. Now, I am much more at peace since I know that they are a necessary part of the process. The further along you get, the more you may notice that many of the physical changes associated with weight loss occur during stalls: loss of inches, tightening of skin, etc. Instead of fighting it and getting discouraged, it helps me to have faith that the process works.

I am also allowed fruit, especially while fruit. I try to eat it with protein.

Mine was: 1 week clear liquids (with a couple of exceptions) 1 week full liquids 1 week soft 1 week soft mechanical 1 week solid Etc.

What should you do? Follow your program. Track your food. Make sure you are getting at least 64 oz of Fluid. Make sure you are reaching your Protein target daily. Mine is 100 grams. Avoid starches, added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), and fried foods. Take your Vitamins and supplements as directed. Exercise. Stay off the scale. And, Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall