Inner Surfer Girl

If you are six months out why aren't you getting all of your protein and all of your water? Are you avoiding starches, added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), and fried foods? Are you eating healthy carbs? Are you eating healthy fats? Are you taking your Vitamins and supplements as directed? Are you exercising? Are you practicing mindful eating: eating slowly, taking small bites, and chewing thoroughly? Have you talked to your NUT and/or a therapist? Without more information it is really hard to help you. You might actually be hungry. You might be thirsty. You might be bored. Who knows?

It really depends on your situation and your surgeon's requirements. My pre-op diet's sole goal was to shrink my liver. Weight loss was not a requirement (although it may have been a by-product -- I don't know since I didn't weigh during that time).

Frankly, I didn't have any issue taking my meds starting the day after surgery. I know everyone has a different experience, but for me it wasn't a big deal.

What phase are you on at 4 weeks? At 4 weeks I was still eating a lot if Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, tuna, turkey, fish, refried Beans, etc. I was cleared to get in the pool once my incisions had healed over at about 4 weeks post-op. Swimming is my favorite exercise and I have been in the pool ever since!

I agree with the other posters. It does get better once you are able to eat more solid foods. Also, right now, due to the fact that you are healing from major surgery and that your hormones are in flux from rapid fat loss, your hormones are wacky. A good therapist can be invaluable, especially if you are in the habit of using food to manage your stress, feelings, and emotions. Another great resource is a recovery group like Overeaters Anonymous. You can find meeting lists and other resources like podcasts online at OA.org. There are also many books you may find helpful. One I like that was recommended to me by my therapist is Eat it Up! by Connie Stapleton. She works with WLS patients.

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. We all experience stalls and almost everyone has a stall about three weeks post-op. Just follow your program. Make sure you are getting at least 64 oz of Fluid. Make sure you are reaching your Protein target every day. What is your protein target? Mine is 100 grams a day. Take your Vitamins and supplements as directed. Avoid starches, added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), and fried foods. Exercise. Stay off the scale. And, Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I have had no problem with either since surgery.

Take him to the grocery store and show him what 20 pounds of lard or butter looks like.

Congratulations on the courageous act of posting your photos. I understand your feelings completely. I spent the weekend at a conference so was in a hotel room that had a lot of mirrors. I spent some time looking at parts of myself I have avoided looking at for decades. I have cone a long way and still have a long way to go. It is so hard to compare how I feel inside to what I look like outside.

Excellent!

I am currently taking a chewable multi I got at Trader Joes. I like Bariatric Advantage calcium chews.

I agree. If you are throwing up every day you need to see your surgeon.

What does your NUT suggest? You may need SOME complex carbs, especially if you are exercising a lot.

Neither. I base it on my high weight. I wasn't even weighed at the hospital.

Why in the world would you refuse IV fluids if you are so dehydrated? You NEED 64 oz of fluid just to stay even. If you are severely dehydrated it is going to be almost impossible to drink enough to catch up (hence the IV fluid). Dehydration is life threatening. You are already experiencing health repercussions. If you are making this decision based on the numbers on the scale then please, please get rid of your scale.

Lately, a cup of Water (usually free) gets me through a movie. I am a year out so sometimes I take a Quest Protein bar. Since you are on puréed you may need to eat something before you go in the movie or take something discreetly in a cup (maybe yogurt or refried beans). A Protein shake would work, too. The only thing I could think of that would be puréed on a traditional concession stand menu is nacho cheese sauce without chips. I am sure that isn't very healthy but it might do in a pinch. Let us know what you come up with.

Welcome! I am so glad to hear your mom is on board. Having her support will be very helpful. As to point 7 about the nutritionist. You may want to think carefully about whether or not to stay with your current NUT if they are not supportive. You definitely need someone with Bariatric/WLS experience. It may seem like there are too many post-op requirements, but they really designed to help you succeed and to have the safest experience possible. The time goes fast and you can make the most of it to help you succeed long-term. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

This quote was on Facebook today. I think it certainly applies to WLS and stalls. "The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire; the size of your dream; and how you handle disappointment along the way." — Robert Kiyosaki

Congratulations! Be sure and walk and sip. The sooner you can get in your Protein and fluids, the better you will feel.

I think finding healthy ways to relieve stress can be very helpful. Our last support group meeting was all about ways to relieve stress in 5 minutes or less. Exercise, meditation, focused breathing, creativity (try coloring), practicing a hobby, talking to another person, journaling, etc. can all be ways to help relieve stress without turning to food.

Congratulations! This is awesome!

My hospital had those.

I would consider Chick-fil-a fast food. They do have good choices but it wouldn't be my recommendation if you were specifically looking for non-fast food restaurants.

Personally, I love local (non-chain) restaurants. What exactly are you looking for?

Clean underwear to wear home (I wore the clothes that I wore to the hospital home).Chapstick Biotene spray A pillow for the ride home Phone/charger. My mom went to the hospital with me so I gave her my phone with strict instructions not to give it back to me until I was no longer loopy. She used it to keep my friends in the loop via text since a few wanted updates. A hot pad. The best thing I took was my mom!