Inner Surfer Girl

Just not until you are cleared for hard cheese and/or pickles.

It made my day!

Now for something completely different. The Swedish Tourism office is running a campaign right now that is very cool. If you call the Swedish Number (011-46-771-793-336), you will be randomly connected to a Swedish person who has volunteered to take calls. It is in effect for a couple of more weeks. I just called it and had a really nice chat with a Swedish woman. I needed a little cheering up today and this looked like it would fit the bill. It sure did!

You got the best medicine: the chance to do something for someone else and hugs. I am so glad you are reaching out for help. It will get so much better!

I started from a higher BMI, but my scars are very small. At a year out, most of the smaller scars are almost completely faded.

I just turned on the tv and saw this. AWFUL.

Yes, you are going to be drinking something all day long for a while. At least until most of the swelling goes down. I like cucumber mint!

I love to hear of more women surgeon's. I hate it that we tend to refer to surgeon's has he and NUTS as she by default. (I am guilty of this.)

This may fit the bill but I am in need of a recommendation for a book based on a fairy tale for my 2016 reading challenge. Does anyone have any ideas off the top of your head?

My surgeon recommended the ProtiDiet tomato basil and creamy chicken soups. They were lifesavers during my liquid phases.

I just reread your post and see that you went to Mexico for surgery. I suggest that you talk to your PCP about helping you find a referral to a therapist. See if there are any local Bariatric Centers of excellence. They will have support groups. They may also be able to help you find a therapist and/or a NUT. You may not have a built-in support network like you might have if you had had surgery in the US, but that doesn't mean you can't build one.

What you are dealing with sounds so much deeper than some simple erratic hormones. Yes, you no longer have food and drugs to cope with life. You have got to address the underlying issues if you want to be healthy: mentally and physically. It isn't about the food. It may be uncomfortable, but it sounds like you definitely NEED to talk to a professional. Even healers need help. The most hurtful thing you can do is to not take advantage of the many resources available to you: make an appointment with your surgeon, your NUT, a therapist, and your PCP TOMORROW. Attend some bariatric support group meetings, some OA meetings, and even some NA or AA meetings (especially if you are at risk of using through this). Call a minister or pastor. You do not need to do this alone, we can listen, but we are not equipped the way a professional is to give you some effective help. You deserve to be happy, joyous, and free. It is possible, but it is going to take some work and discomfort. Asking for help is the biggest step and you are doing that. Please keep us posted on how you are doing.

If you are educated and trained in mental health, then you may be open to talking to a professional. If you don't have a therapist already, especially someone who works with bariatric patients, then see if you can find someone to talk to. The person who did your psych clearance may became to see you or may be able to refer you to someone. You can also talk to your PCP about options. Another thing you may want to consider is attending some Overeaters Anonymous meetings. You can find meetings, podcasts, and other resources online at OA.org. A book you may want to check out is Eat it Up! by Connie Stapleton.

What about the basics? I think it is critical that right now you need to make sure you are getting enough Protein and Fluid. What is your protein target? Are you able to reach that target every day? Are you able to get in at least 64 oz of fluid? Are you taking all of your Vitamins and supplements as directed? -- From everything I know this should be your primary focus. I did find this: http://www.m.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1005/branched-chain+amino+acids

Have you read The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lach?

My mom used to have a copy. I haven't read it since the '70s. One of my favorites is Ann Morrow Lindberg's Gift of the Sea. I give it as a graduation gift often.

I am so sorry for your loss. I agree, be gentle with yourself. When you are able, you may want to consider some grief counseling. It can be very helpful. My old church used to have a really good grief recovery group. Sending hugs.

Me too! I just did a Trader Joes run and they have mango coconut caramel corn. I almost cried when I saw it. Yes I know this is off topic, but conflict makes me nervous and I babble when nervous. I met a family of ducks today at the University of Miami campus they weren't old enough to drink beer so I bought them a box of cereal which they really enjoyed its raining here wow thunder and lightning palm trees swaying now the dog is scared maybe a bone will help has anyone ever tried a lychee they are awesome but so expensive the guy wanted 28 bucks for a big bag so we went with the smaller one Ok.... Is it over? If not look at the duckie picture and smile smile smile! :) ImageUploadedByBariatricPal1465671082.408363.jpg Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App I was just at Trader Joe's this morning where they were giving out samples of the mango coconut popcorn. It was a little cup of magic. Oh my goodness. Bites of bliss. I didn't buy a bag of it precisely because I knew I'd be tempted to eat the whole bag. We did get the mango bar bites and the mango macarons for treats because both are fairly reasonable with their calories, fat, and carbs. The macarons have 15 carbs per serving, but that's for three pretty macarons. My favorite purchase from the TJ mango mania is a mango tangerine candle. I think it was around $3, and it smells precisely like the Blue Capri Volcano candle at Anthropologie that is $14 for the exact same size. I'm burning it right now, and it's brightening up this day of "June Gloom." I find that delighting other senses helps me to not overindulge in things that make my taste buds sing. Hmmm. I was thinking of making a thread about favorite TJ buys. Maybe I'll go do that now. I love the pic of the ducks. WHAT? There is a candle????? Running out door NOW! Ooooooo please start the TJ thread! I'm kinda afraid where to post it (gulp) because it may have been asked before. Heh. I'm. So. Just. Kidding. I wish you all love each other as much as I love you. You are the family I never really had. Some good, some a bit naughty, I learn from everyone. You make me smile. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App How did I miss this? How long is mango madness going on?

Do they have a 24-hour on call number?

A PPI is for acid. My surgeon prescribed one for me to take in the first 6 months after surgery. Did you have a hiatal hernia repair? What does your surgeon say about your symptoms?

This is great to hear!

Based on your description it is hard to figure out what you mean How far out are you? What phase? What are you eating? Are you taking small bites, chewing thoroughly and eating slowly? Are you taking a PPI?

I don't think I had any restrictions on hot sauce. At 3 months out I think you would be safe in trying a little to see how it goes.

Welcome! What a beautiful family! You definitely have a great incentive to be healthy. I am a bit older than you and was a fairly healthy fat woman until I wasn't. I was sleeved April 20, 2015 in the US and couldn't be happier with my surgery, recovery, and results so far. It has saved my life. The worst part of my experience was the pre-op anxiety of not knowing what to expect since this was my first surgery ever. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

If you can eat meat and eggs, then you are on at least soft foods Can you eat Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, tuna, other soft fish, etc?