Inner Surfer Girl

ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates and Syntrax nectar.

My sister lives in Chattanooga and two years ago she did the hike in for the lodge that is at the top of a mountain with a girlfriend (I can't remember the name). This past year she did it with her husband and kids. I want to be able to the hike someday.

It seems that you would have to take an awful lot of them to get enough Protein. What kind of problem are you having getting in protein? I still think the best thing to do is discuss this with your surgeon and/or NUT.

It sounds like you are having a really rough time. Do you have a therapist? You may want to consider talking to your PCP, too. To me it sounds like you may be depressed. As someone who has struggled with depression, I highly recommend that you talk to someone. There is help available.

Ditto. Everything tastes better with some melted cheese!

Thank you!!!! I have to keep reminding myself that I am closer than I was before I took the first step. At least now I do have a timeline. I am hoping for a January surgery. One of the things I am struggling with is that my patient advocate with my surgeon told me my insurance company doesn't really care if you loose (just not to loose big #'s), don't loose, or even gain. They just want a 7 month program completed. Which I guess is good because it doesn't put any pressure on me, but it also makes the process seem really pointless since there aren't any specific standards. I've set a personal goal of 20-25 lbs and to focus on establishing clean eating habits. Nothing you do between now and surgery is pointless even if the reason isn't readily apparent. I have learned so much about myself, my health, the disease of obesity, nutrition, etc. while going through the WLS process. It isn't very often we really get to do such a comprehensive review of our health.

haha I actually think that may be the whole reason I posted the original post.....I'll be 4 weeks post op on Monday and think I'm having a hormonal dump and just needed a good snarky pissy conversation...hahaha No surprise there.

Love it! I'd love to hear about what books you are going to read.

Personally, I am not a fan of diet pills, but as long as you are being supervised by your doctor you should be ok for a short time. I highly recommend that you: Wean yourself off of carbonation (including diet pop) and caffeine; Drink a ton of Water (at LEAST 64 oz. but aim for more); Take your vitamins; Focus on eating Protein and non-starchy vegetables; occasionally substitute a Protein shake for a meal; and Exercise. Best of luck. Keep us updated on how you are doing.

No, I have never heard of this. My question is if you are having trouble with Protein supplements how would this kind of supplement be any different. It sounds like a protein supplement. The best thing to do is talk to your surgeon and/or NUT about your difficulties.

I am over 40 and in the process of losing. I do have loose skin but nothing that keeps me from doing anything. Some loose skin is to be expected. Keep in mind that you will stall periodically throughout the process of losing weight. Many people get upset when they stall, treating it as something that interrupts the process. Stalls are when our bodies adjust to the weight loss and part of that adjustment includes tightening the skin. It is my understanding that you will continue to see changes after you start maintenance, too. That is why most plastic surgeon's may want you to be at a stable weight for a period of time before surgery. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall.

It really depends on your surgeon's requirements and your insurance requirements.

This is awesome. If I ever wear a bikini it will also be the first time (except for one time I wore one at home in the wooded backyard by myself to work on my tan many, many years ago).

Do you journal? Pre-op is a great time to use a journal to process your feelings and emotions, write a bucket list, envision what you want your future to look like, etc. Also, if you struggle with eating issues, emotional eating, compulsive eating, etc. you may want to find a good therapist and/or attend bariatric support groups or recovery group meetings (like Overeaters Anonymous OA.org).

Definitely check with your hospital about their policy for visitors. When it comes to young children, they may not even allow it.

Another thing you can do is drink lots of water. Make sure you are drinking AT LEAST 64 oz of water and even more if possible. Also, try to keep your sodium low. (Fast food and processed food is full of sodium.) If you are like me, my weight can fluctuate over several pounds, especially when I was pre-op, just because of water retention.

I didn't have any trouble taking my meds starting the day after surgery. Definitely talk to your surgeon about what you are taking and he or she can give you some guidance.

The best thing I took to the hospital was my mom!

I had some delays due to financing issues and even had to repeat some testing because the window had passed, so I know how frustrating it can be. In the end, everything worked out for the best. Do you know what it would take to get a surgery date? Are you required to lose a certain amount of weight? Are you working with a NUT? I know that many people have had success by going to Mexico, but if your delays have been because of health reasons then I would encourage you to resolve those before you pursue the idea of going to Mexico. You want to be as healthy as possible going into surgery whatever you decide.

This sounds like something to run by your surgeon. You may just still be swollen from surgery.

I know what you meant. I thought it was a funny Freudian slip. There was a time when a 6 foot sub sandwich sounded fun!

I didn't use either.

You could add protein to your Water. Try the ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates or Syntrax nectar. Those both have light and fruity flavors.

I use MyFitnessPal. 90% of what I eat is already in the database. I have only had to add a couple of things. The very few things that I couldn't find specifically, I have been able to find something similar enough to feel confident that it is a good estimate.

It really depends on when and where.