Inner Surfer Girl

Hello, and welcome. I was sleeved April 20, 2015 by Dr. Weiss and couldn't be happier. He is an awesome surgeon. Take a deep breath. You will need to be patient. Everything doesn't happen overnight. This whole process will go more smoothly if you practice: patience, polite persistence, perseverance and positivity. I went through Georgetown but Bluegrass is probably similar: they will schedule you to come in for nutrition counseling, a psych clearance, etc. In addition, you will need a cardiac clearance, and a bunch of tests. They will help you et those scheduled, too. Your first visit or so, you will probably receive a notebook with lots of material and a checklist. Best of luck with your journey and keep us posted on how you are doing.

@@jintycb, very elegant. You look like a jet setter. When you sashay through the airport with your scarf and dark glasses, you should expect first class service!

Welcome! It sounds like you are well on your way to being successful. Learning as much as you can will pay huge dividends. It sounds like you have a great support team. Addressing this in your 30s is a smart move.

You look great! Congratulations!

One thing you may try while in the hospital is to let them know about your concerns of being alone. Most hospitals have social workers, chaplains, and lots of volunteers. If you communicate your needs, I bet you could have some kind folks gladly stop by to check on you. Also, I don't know whether or not you practice a religion, but if you do, let your pastor know about your concerns. There are often people who would love to help you if they only knew how they could do so.

You are right on schedule for your first stall. As to being tired, you just had major surgery and are still healing. Focus on getting in your Protein and fluids, take your Vitamins, and be gentle with yourself. You are allowed to rest!

My NUT suggested using some of the low-fat jarred gravy. It's certainly not gourmet but it's easy.

Can you have oatmeal? I occasionally make the weight control oatmeal and add Protein powder an/or PB2. My latest concoction is a packet of carnation no sugar added breakfast essentials chocolate and chocolate PB2. You probably won't be able to eat it all at once. I live on tuna, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, turkey, cheese, etc. To up calories try adding a piece of fresh fruit, berries, etc. You just may need to eat more frequently.

Yum.

Congratulations on the success you have had so far and for being willing to reach out for help. You have received lots of great advice already. Have you talked to your NUT lately about your goals? What I suggest is to go back to basics: Follow your program. Track your food. Use a fitness tracker. Focus on getting in all of your Protein and at least 64 oz of fluids, every day. (What is your protein target?) Avoid starches, added sugars, and fried foods. Eat mindfully and slowly, taking small bites and chewing thoroughly. Take your Vitamins and supplements as directed. Exercise. Maybe talk with a trainer about your fitness goals and/or try something new and different. And, Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Here is an article with some great ways to use journaling every day. http://www.wellandgood.com/good-advice/journaling-benefits-food-clutter-productivity/

Definitely sample the various Protein shakes and supplements before you invest in large quantities. Edited: because autocorrect has a mind of its own.

I started out with very thick hair and I still have very thick hair. If I experienced any thinning, it is barely noticeable. I think a few things helped: 1) I got my hair cut short not long after surgery. It was long enough that I could donate it if I went short, so I took the plunge. I love it. 2) I have worked diligently to get at least 100 grams of Protein every day. 3) I drink a lot of water/fluid (at least 64 oz a day). 4) I take all of my Vitamins and supplements as directed. 5) I try to eat clean, whole foods as much as possible and I eat good fats. I may just be lucky. Even if you experience hair loss, it should be temporary. All of these things will also help your skin. In addition, using a good moisturizer and taking care of your skin will help.

I have learned a great deal. You can learn a lot from reading this forum. Some of the things that I have identified as critical success factors for me. I: Weaned myself off of caffeine and carbonation gradually before surgery. Made up my mind to do everything my medical team asked me to do, even if I thought I couldn't do it. Committed to being rigorously honest with myself and my medical team. Learned as much as I could about the surgery process. Decided to make it my policy not to tell people how much weight I have lost when they ask. Now, if someone asks how much I have lost I tell them that I am not sharing that information with anyone. Followed my pre- and post-op program. Track my food using MyFitnessPal. Wear a fitness tracker. Focus on getting in my 100 grams of Protein and at least 64 oz of fluids, every day. Avoid added sugars, starches, and fried foods. Take my Vitamins and supplements as directed. Practice eating mindfully, slowly, chewing thoroughly and taking small bites. Exercise regularly. Weigh infrequently (early out I only weighed at doctors appointments). Participate in the forums on this site. Try to practice creativity more frequently (I try to do something creative every day). And, most importantly, learning to Embrace the Stall! Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I know it seems impossible, but you would be better off with more sleep and/or exercise than caffeine and sugar anyway. Best of luck with your finals.

Wow, your surgeon's instructions are completely counter to what my surgeon recommends. Make sure you are getting enough Protein and at least 64 ounces of fluids. My protein target is 100 grams a day. Two tiny meals and not enough protein is a recipe for disaster as far as I know. It sounds like you are experiencing fatigue because of it.

Are you seeing a counselor or therapist? Have you considered attending a 12-step recovery group like OA (OA.org)? When you get the urge to binge, look for something to do with your hands that will keep away from the food. Clean the toilet. Take a bath or shower. Take a walk. Call a friend. Write in a journal. Do needlework, knit, or crochet. Paint. Garden. Mop the floor. Have a good cry. Get a massage. Paint your nails. Prayer. Meditation. Go to a support group meeting. Go to Church. Take a class. Go to the gym. You can find help. You did the right thing by asking for help.

Also, big box stores rely on cheap (i.e., practically slave) wages. I am trying to be cognizant of where the clothes I buy come from if possible. If something is ridiculously cheap, the reason is usually not very pretty.

Are you getting enough Protein? Fluids? Carbs? Have you talked to your NUT? Maybe you are getting sick? The flu is late this year in the US.

The number one question is whether or not it is a bariatric center of excellence. If it is, it is probably posted everywhere. As you go through this process, it is a good idea to write down everything and keep a list of questions as they occur to you. Most good bariatric programs will address things like credentials, success rate, experience of the surgeon, etc. right off the bat. If you don't understand something, then ask, and keep asking until you are comfortable that you understand. Best of luck with your journey. BariatricPal is a great resource, but, your bariatric team should be your primary resource for information about your particular issues. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

I agree completely. Punctuation and formatting are our friends.

@@dcd1397, I was not trying to bash you but to address the choice of words you used. I understand completely if you did not realize that it is offensive, but now you, and anyone reading this thread is more aware.

Boost is what is usually prescribed for anorexics so they can gain weight. In the first few weeks after surgery, your primary focus should be on getting in enough protein and fluids, calories are a secondary consideration. You will have so little room early out, getting enough protein and fluids is going to be hard enough. My surgeon suggested premier protein and other lower carb/sugar options.