Inner Surfer Girl

I don't know your organizational culture, but any organization where HR folks are afraid to take sufficient time off to recover from any surgery or any personal issue, is a huge red flag for me. You may not know it, but whatever you do is setting an example for other people in your organization. I had a former boss recently pass away at a very young age (from something that was very treatable), but he was one of these people who felt it was some sort of moral failing (or at least professional failing) to take time for sick days or even vacation days. Accumulated sick and vacation time does not help you if you are dead. I don't know your organizational culture, but any organization where HR folks are afraid to take sufficient time off to recover from any surgery or any personal issue, is a huge red flag for me. You may not know it, but whatever you do is setting an example for other people in your organization. I had a former boss recently pass away at a very young age (from something that was very treatable), but he was one of these people who felt it was some sort of moral failing (or at least professional failing) to take time for sick days or even vacation days. Accumulated sick and vacation time does not help you if you are dead. I don't know your organizational culture, but any organization where HR folks are afraid to take sufficient time off to recover from any surgery or any personal issue, is a huge red flag for me. You may not know it, but whatever you do is setting an example for other people in your organization. I had a former boss recently pass away at a very young age (from something that was very treatable), but he was one of these people who felt it was some sort of moral failing (or at least professional failing) to take time for sick days or even vacation days. Accumulated sick and vacation time does not help you if you are dead. I don't know your organizational culture, but any organization where HR folks are afraid to take sufficient time off to recover from any surgery or any personal issue, is a huge red flag for me. You may not know it, but whatever you do is setting an example for other people in your organization. I had a former boss recently pass away at a very young age (from something that was very treatable), but he was one of these people who felt it was some sort of moral failing (or at least professional failing) to take time for sick days or even vacation days. Accumulated sick and vacation time does not help you if you are dead.

I was fortunate that I wasn't working so didn't have to worry about rushing back to work. I had a great recovery, no complications, and no real issues, but I would suggest you take at least 2 weeks. The first couple of weeks getting in all of the Protein and fluids can be a full time job. The only real issue that I had was a bit of mental fogginess that lasted for a good while (probably due to the low carbs). I don't see any upside to rushing back to work if you have the option to take some time.

In reading through the responses I see nothing but positive feedback. I am confused.

It sounds like you are going in the right direction. Have you talked to your surgeon and your NUT about your concerns? Are you on track based on their expectations? We all lose at different rates: some of it based on starting weight, activity level, age, other medical issues, metabolism, etc. What exactly are you doing? Are you tracking your food? Are you getting AT LEAST 64 oz of Fluid every day? Are you getting in all of your Protein every day? What is your protein target? (Mine is 100 grams a day.) Are you taking your Vitamins and supplements as directed? Are you avoiding starches, added sugars, and fried foods? Are you exercising? (Are you eating enough to support your exercise intensity?) Are you getting enough restful sleep every night? Have you measured yourself lately --- are you losing inches? Without more detail it is hard to give feedback/suggestions that might be helpful for you. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

The parameter is "under 5 minutes" so maybe that applies in your case?

If you approach this process seriously, which it sounds like you are doing, you will learn and grow in so many areas that can't help but benefit you in whatever you choose to do in life. The WLS process is like a boot camp on self development. Make the most of it!

My surgeon didn't have any restrictions on the color of Clear liquids. If your surgeon or NUT give you an instruction you don't understand, it is perfectly ok to ask why or for clarification until you understand.

Adding: I found this website that has a list of laughing yoga ideas http://www.laughteronlineuniversity.com/150-laughter-exercises/

Guac isn't bad.....lots of good fats and flavor that will keep you satisfied for hours. Fritos........kick those bishes to the curb. Fried anything........again, kick that crap. Admittedly, I haven't gone back and read other replies...you most likely have already read better advice and applied it. I hope you kick some arse. Guacamole isn't bad if you aren't on your pre-op diet like the OP did not mention in the initial post. Context is everything!

Actually, this sounds like a great idea. It sounds like he just wants to make sure you are doing this for you and not because of outside pressure. A pro and con list will not only help you clarify your decision, it is something you can refer to when times are tough. I also recommend you write about what you want your life to be like. A bucket list of things you want to: see, do, accomplish, experience, etc. will also be helpful.

Congratulations! This is great to hear.

Well, if your mushy phase is about three weeks post-op then it is right on schedule. The first stall isn't related to the food phase/texture but on your bodies need to replenish the glycogen in your liver, among other things.

I couldn't resist.

When food is Love by Geneen Roth (actually, anything by Geneen Roth) Eat it Up! by Connie Stapleton Overeater's Anonymous literature (OA.org) Alcoholic's Anonymous Big Book (replace alcohol and alcoholic with food and compulsive eater and it applies) Not food related, but very helpful: The One Life Solution by Dr. Henry Cloud Anything by Brene Brown The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie

Are you seeing a counselor or therapist? You might want to consider a 12-step recovery meeting like OA (www.oa.org). Willpower alone cannot help me overcome compulsive eating. I need help.

Exactly!

I loved my heating pad. Plus, post-op I was freezing so the heating pad helped keep me warm

None of us lose at a constant or steady rate. We all experience fluctuations and periodic stall. It is a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. We all stall and almost everyone experiences a stall about three weeks after surgery. Follow your program. Focus on getting in ALL of your Protein and AT LEAST 64 oz of Fluid. It also sounds like you need more calories. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Just focus on getting in your Protein and fluids. If you feel like you must eat mashed potatoes, then try adding some protein (unflavored Protein powder, chicken Soup protein powder, or even grated/melted cheese would add protein).

Try unjury chicken soup or ProtiDiet creamy chicken or tomato basil. These really helped when I was tired of sweet shakes. You can also drink bone broth or add unflavored protein to soups or broths. V8 is also good when I am tired of sweets.

I am confused. What phase are you on? Why would you feel guilty for eating if you are hungry? We are actually supposed to eat in order to live and be healthy. Mashed potatoes may not have been a great choice, especially if you are still on liquids, but self-hatred, disgust, and guilt are not helpful. Do you have a counselor or therapist you can talk to about your feelings?

My NUT made a suggestion that you might consider. Take your vitamin list to your pharmacy at a time when they aren't busy and they should be able to help you find what you need.

I went back to Target to get another suit because I need one for our pool at home (so I can keep my other suit in my locker at the wellness center). The first time I went I looked in the swimwear section first but then found that the plus size suits were in the plus size clothing section. This time, I went straight to the plus size section, no suits. They had moved them to the regular swim suit section. I cannot wait to fit in "regular" clothes so I don't have to feel like I am on a scavenger hunt for clothes. I also had a coupon for our local sporting goods store. I stopped in to see if they possibly has anything I might fit in. I got swim goggles and a hot pink under armour XL sports bra. I tried it on when I got home. My boobs are a bit squished, but it fit around my ribcage!

I used a generic (like centrum) Multivitamin. I got the b-1, b-12, d+k dots, and d3 from drugstore.com. I can't remember the brands off the top of my head. I like Bariatric Advantage calcium chews (chocolate, caramel, raspberry, and lemon). Protein: ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates and Syntrax nectar fizzy navel (especially when I was on clears). Premier Protein, GNC lean 25 (orange cream), Quest salted caramel, unjury, unjury chicken Soup, ProtiDiet creamy chicken and tomato basil Soups, etc. I highly recommend you start with samples before investing in large tubs.

I like ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates, Syntrax nectar, v8, GNC lean shake 25, ProtiDiet tomato basil and creamy chicken soups, and premier protein shakes when I was on liquids. Just keep trying.