Inner Surfer Girl

You won't be able to lift for the first few weeks after surgery as your abdomens heals. This is a great question to talk through with your surgeon. I am also sure there are some folks on here who can give you more specifics. Best of luck with your surgery.

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

I used the pre-op time to start practicing you new habits. For instance use this as a great opportunity to start tracking your food if you aren't doing so already. Get in the habit of taking your Vitamins and supplements (even if it is just a Multivitamin for now.) Pre-op, I was told to take a multivitamin, Iron, and extra D3. I also used the time to wean myself from carbonation and caffeine, and to practice learning to eat mindfully (eating slowly, taking small bites, and chewing thoroughly). I also suggest that if you are having difficulties or have questions, give your NUT a call. You don't have to do this in a vacuum.

Yes. At the ER she was referred to a cardiologist. She decided to go skiing instead.

Make sure you are getting enough protein and fluids and the carbs should fall into place.

By the way: Syntrax nectar, Isopure, and ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates are all clear and have Protein. None broth has more protein than regular broth (read labels). Even though you are on clears, you still need to be getting enough protein. Protein is critical for healing and weight loss.

Are you taking a PPI? Stomach acid can mimic hunger.Are you getting in at least 64 oz of Fluid? Dehydration can seem like hunger. Are you reaching your Protein target? If not, you may actually be hungry. Are you bored? Under stress? You may be experiencing head hunger. Actually I'm taking everything I'm allowed to take. Only clear fluids. Like clear soup, chicken broth, no sugar apple juice, decaf tea... but still HUNGRYThank you Are you taking a PPI? Stomach acid can mimic hunger.Are you getting in at least 64 oz of fluid? Dehydration can seem like hunger. Are you reaching your protein target? If not, you may actually be hungry. Are you bored? Under stress? You may be experiencing head hunger. Actually I'm taking everything I'm allowed to take. Only clear fluids. Like clear soup, chicken broth, no sugar apple juice, decaf tea... but still HUNGRYThank you How much protein are you getting? What is your target? How much fluid? Are you getting at least 64 oz?

Are you taking a PPI? Stomach acid can mimic hunger.Are you getting in at least 64 oz of fluid? Dehydration can seem like hunger. Are you reaching your protein target? If not, you may actually be hungry. Are you bored? Under stress? You may be experiencing head hunger.

You have just had major surgery. You are swollen and full of IV fluids. You have not had time to have a stall. Your primary focus right now is healing. Until you are able to get in ALL of your fluids and Protein reliably, then it may be a very good idea to stay off the scale. You need to focus on healing, rest, Fluid, protein, walking, taking your Vitamins and supplements, and being gentle with yourself. STAY OFF THE SCALE. The weight loss will come. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I am squarely in the camp of using every resource available to help me. Personally, I have found the years of attending support groups, recovery groups, individual, and group therapy, grief therapy, church, professional development training, personal development training, reading, journaling, and other supports extremely helpful and have directly influenced my success with WLS and with life. With a bit of openness and effort on your part you can make the most of any experience. As to there never being anything to talk about in therapy, maybe that is a clue of something you could work on: finding ways to open up be honest with yourself and others. Another thing you might want to work on, based on your post, is setting boundaries and learning how to say "no" when it is appropriate. Any time and effort devoted to personal growth is never wasted in my opinion. WLS surgery is extremely stressful and since for many of us, using food has been how we have coped with stress, a good therapist can help you learn healthy ways to cope with and relieve stress. A couple of books I have found helpful, one of which was recommended by my former therapist are: Eat it Up! by Connie Stapelton (a book written specifically for those of us who have undergone WLS) and The One Life Solution by Henry Cloud. Best of luck with your journey and keep us posted on how you are doing.

Congratulations!

Yes, the fact that you are not reaching your protein target can influence your stall. But, you are right on schedule for a normal stall. Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. Everyone stalls periodically, and almost everyone stalls at three weeks post-op. Just follow your program. Focus on getting in at least 64 oz of Fluid and all of your protein. Take your Vitamins and supplements as directed. Avoid added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), starches, and fried foods. Exercise when cleared. Stay off the scale. And, Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

How much Protein are you eating? What is your protein target? Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Protein is critical for healing and weight loss. Until you are able to get in all of your protein and fluids. I would recommend just staying off the scale until you are able to get in enough nutrition. I would normally say follow your surgeon's instructions, but his instructions are diametrically opposed to what I was told by my surgeon and I a had a great recovery, I would recommend that you talk with your surgeon to make sure you understand his instructions. I was required to get in 100 grams of protein a day starting the day after surgery Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

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

I eat mostly real foods, but do still eat some bariatric products, mostly for convenience. I am on a road trip this weekend so I brought some Protein shakes and bars mostly because I was uncertain about what food options were available. I also like things like bariwise oatmeal because it is easy, convenient, and portable.

I haven't. My understanding is that the hair loss is due to the shock of surgery and the anesthesia so it would seem to be a possibility.

I have never done the pouch test but know that some people on here have and could give you more insight. My suggestion? Go back to basics. Have you talked to your NUT about your challenges and your goals? Are you tracking your food, Are you drinking at least 64 oz of Fluid a day? Are you not drinking with your meals? Are you avoiding carbonation? What is your Protein target? Are you tracking that target every day? Are you avoiding added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), starches, and fried foods? Are you taking your Vitamins and supplements as instructed? Are you exercising? Whether or not you do the 5 day pouch test, it seems to me that it isn't too late to get back on track. It may be difficult and more of a mental than physical challenge, but you can do it. I also highly recommend that you talk with a therapist and attend support group meetings. You may also want to consider attending sone OA meetings (OA.org). Keep us posted on how you are doing. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I agree. Also, based on observation and some things she has said, it sounds like a lot of her weight gain is due to alcohol and other liquid calories.

I didn't have any until after a year out. My issue is more the sodium than anything so I rarely eat it.

Cooking for one is "soul destroying"? I don't cook a lot, but the thought of having to cook three meals a day for a large family like my mother and grandmother's had to do doesn't remotely appeal to me. I get to decide what I make, when. Fortunately, I don't find that soul destroying. I am learning how to "cook" and am finding it fun to roast or grill a protein and some vegetables. I still eat a lot of yogurt, cottage cheese, tuna, turkey, etc. that don't need to be "cooked".

I don't specifically do "low fat". I lean toward low-fat dairy products (because they are made low fat by removing fat and not by adding other things), and avoid fried foods. I tend to choose leaner meats like turkey, chicken, fish, etc. (most of the time). I DO NOT eat artificially/processed "low fat" foods. Read labels. For instance, reduced fat Peanut Butter usually has high fructose corn syrup and has more calories than regular. For processed foods, when fat is reduced/removed, something else is added: usually sugar and/or salt. On my surgeon's recommendation I avoid high fructose corn syrup like the plague.

I like Palmet's cocoa butter and cocoa oil.

Why doesn't she like premier? My surgeon specifically recommended premier.

Yes. The pre-op diet is designed to shrink your liver. You still need to make sure you are healthy as possible for surgery.