Inner Surfer Girl

I am a fan of taking classes. Can you find a Water aerobics class or dance class that looks fun? For me, having a set date and time to attend is more motivating than just exercising whenever when I am in a slump. Whether you decide to take a class or not, it really helps me to schedule time on my calendar. You can also set a short term goal related to exercise. Is there a fun run or other activity you can sign up for that will give you something to prepare/train for? Our community has a fitness challenge this summer with weekly prizes/drawings, t-shirts, etc. for participating. If you like loot, something like that can be motivating.

I don't know. I never had to crush anything and took my meds normally starting the day after surgery. I would suggest you give your surgeon's office a call and ask.

Adding, pre-op is also a good time to do some journaling. Make a pros and cons list for having and not having surgery. Write about what you want your new life to be like. Make a vision board.

If you haven't already, start taking any required pre-op Vitamins. At least a Multivitamin. I found it really helpful to slowly wean myself off of carbonation and the caffeine. You really don't want to have to deal with withdrawal and caffeine headaches post-op. Practice eating mindfully. Eat slowly, take small bites, and chew thoroughly. Make sure you stay hydrated. Aim for at least 64 oz of non-carbonated, non-caffeinated Fluid a day. Start tracking your food. Even if you don't change your diet substantially, it helps to get in the habit of tracking. I use MyFitnessPal (it's a free, easy to use, phone app). Move more. If you aren't already exercising, do what you can to add more exercise and movement into your day.

Try ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates.

http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/another-way-to-boil-eggs/?_r=0

http://www.foodandwine.com/video/jacques-p%C3%A9pin-hard-cooked-eggs

I have an egg cooker. Part of the directions for using it are to put a pin hole in the shell before cooking. It helps with peeling. I also saw something similar on a cooking show. I'll see if I can find directions online.

You just had major surgery. Rest and take care of yourself. The best thing you can do to increase your energy is get in at least 64 oz of Fluid, reach your Protein target, and take your Vitamins and supplements.

My surgeon had everyone start taking D3 from the beginning. Apparently, Vitamin D deficiency is epidemic.

Yes, smoking can cause ulcers and irritate ulcers. My surgeon will not perform surgery on anyone who has not quit smoking and is committed to remaining smoke free.

I agree. Every culture has staple carbs. Just focus on the Protein and minimize or completely avoid the starches.

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

Unfortunately, he is a "he" and you are female. As a female, we store a lot of hormones in our fat and as we lose weight, we get to deal with wacky hormone fluctuations when we are rapidly losing weight. Believe me, things are not as dire as they may seem now. Please talk to your PCP and/or your surgeon's office about your concerns. If you do not have a therapist, see if the person who did your psych clearance can see you or recommend someone. Counseling can be invaluable for helping you learn to manage your feelings and emotions in a healthy way.

I personally think 800 calories is extremely low, especially if your activity level is high. My priority is protein (at least 100 grams a day) and fluids. I avoid, for the most part, added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), starches, and fried foods. Eating too little can keep your metabolism artificially low.

I am over a year post-op and starting to eat more salads. I tried a half size of their new Mediterranean Chicken power salad and it was quite tasty.

600 calories may be too low. Have you talked to your NUT? One thing that can prolong stalls is not getting enough calories to support your activity level. What is your protein target? Are you reaching your protein target every day?

A stall at three weeks after surgery is very common. None of us lose at a constant or steady rate. Everyone stalls, and just about everyone stalls about three weeks after surgery. Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. If you intend to lose a significant amount of weight, you will experience stalls. Just follow your program. Make sure you are getting at least 64 oz of Fluid and reaching your Protein target every day. 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.

Who knows? A true stall can last several weeks. (Not losing for a few days is not really a stall.) Just follow your program. Focus on getting at least 64 oz of Fluid and ALL of your Protein. 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.

I carry most of my weight in my lower body and have severe lymph edema/lipoedema in my legs. I was surprised to see that I did start losing fat in my legs right away. I figured it would be the last to go. I have lost over 200 pounds and I definitely look like a melting snowman but I do continue to see changes in my butt, hips, thighs/legs. I also started physical therapy for my lymphedema after surgery which makes a big difference. @innersurfergirl thank you so much for your response. I had just recently read an article about lipodemea and wondered if I may have had this for some time and was just never diagnosed. I wonder if I may be able to send you a message to pick your brain about some things, I would love to get your direct input since it sounds like you know exactly where I am coming from. Thank you again! Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App Sure. I'd be glad to help. PM me anytime.

Congratulations on making the decision to change your life. You MAY be over optimistic about being able to have surgery this summer, but it MAY be possible. Are you using insurance? The biggest things that will influence your surgery date are: 1) insurance requirements, 2) pre-op clearances, and 3) your surgeon's program/availability. Some insurance companies require a pre-op supervised diet that can range from 3-months, to 6-months, or even more. Clearances can take time, especially if it takes time to schedule testing. You may also be required to take nutrition classes, etc. Be prepared to practice patience, polite persistence, and positivity.

I carry most of my weight in my lower body and have severe lymph edema/lipoedema in my legs. I was surprised to see that I did start losing fat in my legs right away. I figured it would be the last to go. I have lost over 200 pounds and I definitely look like a melting snowman but I do continue to see changes in my butt, hips, thighs/legs. I also started physical therapy for my lymphedema after surgery which makes a big difference.

What was your starting weight? 18 pounds could be great relative to how much you have to lose? What is your Protein target? 600 calories does not seem like enough, but again, it is relative to your protein target. Mine is 100 grams so 600 calories is extremely low. Just follow your program. Focus on getting at least 64 oz of Fluid and reaching your protein target every day. Take your Vitamins and supplements as directed. Exercise when cleared. And, Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall.

Yes.

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. If you plan to lose a significant amount of weight, you will experience stalls. It's what you do when you experience a stall that makes a difference. If you let it derail you or send you into a tail spin, then stay off the scale. Just about everyone experiences a stall about three weeks after surgery. After that, they are less predictable. You may find you experience significant stalls around weights that you have maintained for a while pre-op. Just follow your program. Focus on getting in all of your Protein and fluids. 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.