Inner Surfer Girl

No, why do you ask?

I am so sorry you are experiencing such difficulties. I don't consider what I do a "diet" either. Do you have a NUT? Were you given a Protein target by your surgeon or NUT? That is important to know (mine is 100 grams a day). Are you tracking your food? The few times I experienced some sort of dumpling seemed to be related to high fat foods. One in particular was a Gorton grilled fish that had a really oily sauce. I focus on protein and fluids and avoid starches, added sugars, and fried foods for the most part. I try to eat healthy, whole foods as much as possible.

Take it one day, one meal at a time.

I agree. The range of maturity levels for anyone, let alone 20-somethings can be staggeringly broad. If you don't go into this process with some maturity, self-awareness, autonomy, optimism, perseverance, etc,., or at the very least the capacity to develop those qualities, then this experience will be even more difficult. I think that is what the psych eval is ultimately designed to determine.

Oh dear thank for the info. I'll defiantly try and find another brand. It doesn't seem to be easy to find what I want where I live so I might resort to ordering online.Let's say if down the line I can manage to eat a full chicken breast per day. Would that be enough and there will be no need for the protein shake? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App A single full chicken breast will not give you enough protein for the day, but yes, eventually, you should be able to get all or most of your protein from food. I am a year out and I get most of my 100 grams of protein a day from food. I still use Protein shakes, bars, etc., but mostly for convenience.

Oh dear thank for the info. I'll defiantly try and find another brand. It doesn't seem to be easy to find what I want where I live so I might resort to ordering online.Let's say if down the line I can manage to eat a full chicken breast per day. Would that be enough and there will be no need for the Protein shake? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Do you have carnation Breakfast essentials no sugar added at your local stores?No .. I live in a different continent btw.. But we do have GNC ! Is that good enough? Ordering online will take some time so until then can I use something from GNC instead? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Try the GNC Lean 25. I like the orange cream flavor. The mixed berry is pretty good, too. If you go in to GNC, you should be able to sample some different flavors.

We get to meet such lovely people!

This is so great to hear. I am looking forward to the day I can get on the floor to take a yoga class.

Great point. It is up to us to be educated and smart consumers. Whether it's food (figuring out whether something is worth a premium -- whether it's for packaging, taste, convenience, quality, etc., or if a generic or commodity is the best choice is a constant challenge. The same goes for clothes. I tend to be willing to spend more for clothes that are classic, durable, etc. than for fads, or things that I will get little wear out of.

What is normal? I certainly don't know. You just had major surgery, you are swollen and full of IV fluids, you aren't eating, etc. Any number on the scale in the first few weeks after surgery is basically meaningless. Just focus on following your post -op instructions and getting in all of your Protein and fluids. Stay off the scale. Early out I only weighed at my doctors appointments. It makes for a much more peaceful existence.

Congratulations! This is awesome!

Congratulations! I wear a bathing suit all the time, but not shorts. You have good reason to be doing a happy dance. This is awesome!

I don't necessarily suggest this for everyone, but it worked for me. I used to keep a unopened pint of Ben and Jerry's in the freezer so I knew it was there. So, if I was at the store and thought I just had to buy something sweet, I could truthfully tell myself I already have some at home. I am sure it was inedible it was in there so long. I finally got rid of it when I moved. I don't recommend this for everyone.

It varies. I spent a lot around the time of surgery, so I have a lot that I have been using up. I looked for sales (costco and Sam's club put premier on sale occasionally and stock up). Since I am further out I don't use as many supplements (vitamins or protein) so I don't spend much at all on those. (I bought most of my vitamins when they were on sale, too so won't need to buy any more for a while). Currently, my biggest bariatric expense is for Snacks. I buy Quest bars and me. cheese O's by the case -- neither of which are cheap. I generally buy the quest bars from drugstore.com and/or Amazon and mr cheese o's from Amazon. I recommend that you try samples of everything before you spend any major money. Get sample packs of unjury, Syntrax nectar, and quest. Stop by a GNC or Vitamin Shoppe and see what samples they have. I like the GNC Lean shake 25 in orange cream. If you like GNC, it is probably worth it to buy a membership. Also, carnation instant Breakfast essentials are relatively inexpensive. I used them a lot pre-op. I still have a few and add them to oatmeal, etc.

Great advice. I am a huge believer that willpower is a lie. Sometimes, just saying "not right now" is better than "never again". I am also a big believer in HALT: trying not to get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired, and realizing when I am in that state that food may not be the right solution (except for the hungry, in which case, healthy food is the solution). One huge revelation for me, that I am still working through, is that I don't have to buy everything at the store at once. I can just buy a few things (mostly fresh food). I don't have to buy enough for an army every time. (I grew up in a family of six people but have been single and living alone for many, many years and still tend to want to shop for an army). I try to visualize myself as a Parisienne who markets frequently. Sometimes that works!

Sip, sip, sip, and get up and walk periodically.

Thank you so much for the update. Glad to hear your are able to fly!

Just follow your program and focus on protein and fluids. 1000 calories is not unreasonable. You are more likely to not lose with too few calories, especially if you aren't getting enough protein.

I just knew your spice drawer would be more of a pantry!

I was watching a documentary about the Holocaust last night. There was one thing I found really interesting that I hadn't heard before and it brought this thread to mind. After the camps were liberated and the prisoners were able to get food, water, shelter, and their other basic needs addressed, it was getting to pick out and wear "real clothes" that made them feel human again. That was a very profound observation to me.

If you are following your program and getting in all of your protein and fluids then you aren't doing anything wrong, except possibly having unrealistic expectations.

I've been thinking about placing an order with Braswell's, but every time I look at their site I can't decide: I will eventually either wind up ordering one thing, or everything they sell. I may be giving mustard for Christmas this year!

Can you add protein to some of your water? Try Syntrax nectar and ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates. They are lighter than "protein shakes" so are a bit more refreshing.

Oh dear thank for the info. I'll defiantly try and find another brand. It doesn't seem to be easy to find what I want where I live so I might resort to ordering online.Let's say if down the line I can manage to eat a full chicken breast per day. Would that be enough and there will be no need for the Protein shake? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Do you have carnation Breakfast essentials no sugar added at your local stores?