Atomic*Girl

I would talk to a psychiatrist about OCD. I never considered having it because I didn't have the stereotypical behaviors, but compulsive eating is a symptom. The more I learned about it, the more my anxiety/behavior made sense. It wasn't an eating disorder, it was OCD. I currently take a combination of Zoloft and Prozac, which is unusual, but it's what works for me. Psychiatry is an imperfect science, pretty much trial and error. And I have a Valium prescription to take as needed, which isn't very often. Personally, the desire to actually binge eat is gone post op, it's just too unpleasant. But, there is a psychological and physiological void left by this. Compulsive eating was a coping mechanism for obsessive thinking, and there's a huge drop in serotonin received from feel-good foods. But, the meds help with both of these. Another way I have looked at it is that I allowed myself to mourn the loss of my relationship with food. Being a foodie and a classically trained chef, a job I no longer have, food was life. And, it was sad to have to let it go, and I deserved to acknowledge that and give myself time to deal with it.

Had Thyroid cancer and total Thyroidectomy on 11/13. First few years were rough, had adverse reactions to Synthroid and ArmourThyroid. Finally taking Tirosint, but have yet to get my TSH in range. Regardless, I've lost 70 lbs. since sleeve in December through diet alone. Weight loss was impossible before both surgeries with diet and exercise, so I am totally stoked!

I had chronic hives and angioedema after having my Thyroid removed. Saw a few allergists and an immunologist. We never really figured why, and it has pretty much resolved itself, but I carry an epipen just in case.

If fluctuations are going to bother you, don't weigh more than once a week. If you can't help yourself, don't keep a scale around...

My doc said forever...I have regular soda every once in a while, and rarely finish the can. Used to drink tons of diet, but yes the whole diet soda causing sugar cravings thing is a problem.

Great article: https://authoritynutrition.com/starvation-mode/

Your stomach won't be able to absorb B12 anymore, so you'll need to get it either by liquid (sublingual), monthly injections, patches, or vaping. I'm experimenting with vaping and can't tell yet if it feels more effective than sublingual. Also be sure to get petite calcium pills.

I know! I was a vegetarian for many years and used it then often but forgot all about it. It smells a little funky, but so does cheese... Also amazing stirred into sautéed spinach.

This was a staple in my kitchen when I was a vegetarian and tried to eat vegan as often as possible. It really is amazing stuff. Full of nutrients and has a cheesy flavor. Comes in flake form in a canister or by bulk at Whole Foods. Use it anywhere you would use Parmesan cheese, add to any creamy sauces/casseroles, or crumble into breadcrumbs.... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

The past few days I have just slept, woke up long enough to drink a shake and go back to sleep. I am taking Victoza, which is probably why no appetite, but I'm not even excited about starting purée stage. Psychologically it's a drag, but I would imagine as long as I'm taking all my supplements and getting in protein that fasting is ok...? I know, I know, ask my Doc. I haven't seen him since leaving the hospital. I think it got lost in the shuffle of the Holidays, but I don't even want to leave the house. I'm thinking, since my doc didn't require any pre-op diet, that this must be major sugar/caffeine withdrawals. I'm not a coffee drinker, got it from soda and energy drinks, but I guess I should have a cup. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Want to get into roller skating and one day, would love to be conditioned enough for roller derby ❤️ I've looked at tons of skates online and most seem to not hold 300+ Anyone have good experience with some? I like the idea of starting with the type that strap onto your shoe, seems like the most comfortable/stable... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My appetite has increased slightly, and I have started adding a shot of espresso and ice to my shake. If you can't have the caffeine yet the ice still helps the shakes go down easier. I'm not even keeping track of how much I drink. It is what it is. But, I've also been drinking G2 Gatorade and if you're like me and hate artificial sweetener, adding lemon juice to it cuts down on that overly sweet taste. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Yup! My fave now is adding it to Pacific Organic Cream of Mushroom Soup. Could easily replace Alfredo or Mornay sauce. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have my shakes over ice and add espresso to first one of the day for an iced mocha. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I make iced mochas with it. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Good feedback guys, thanks. Had some coffee for the first time. Had enough energy to take a sit-down shower. I think I'm gonna bug my mom to make me some egg salad and chicken salad and bring it over. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I wouldn't worry about scars in the long term. My lap band was 2005. I needed to hunt to find those scars. Yet my rny scars looks so obvious and angry. I know they will fade in time Not the bariatric scars, ones from any tummy tuck or body lift... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Don't forget about tattoos to cover surgery scars!! If you don't hate tattoos... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Great advice, thanks! Will visit a shop. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm using Better than Bouillon to make broth. Can't wait to blend in mushrooms and green onion. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Truffle salt and pepper or smoked salt. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I don't even have a scale in the house... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Dang, my stage two only adds pudding, yogurt and shakes. Can't wait to chew something... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

That sounds like sour stomach/excess acid. May need a generic Zantac prescription. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I suggest seeing a psychiatrist. I've seen many psychotherapists, some specializing in eating disorders and somehow we never narrowed my issues down to OCD. If you are a compulsive over-eater, I'm sure you are OCD in other ways as well, and not necessarily the stereotypical ways. It takes time to find the right dose/combination of medication. Personally, I had an aha moment when I was able to go to the candle section of a HomeGoods, pick up and smell just a few, put one in my cart and move one. When it hit me I started crying and laughing at myself. That scenario would have previously been very stressful for me. Seeing all the different options, shapes, colors, sizes, prices and scents. I had to examine each one and weight all the factors before I could decide, on a freaking candle. However, I have also found myself doing the same thing with food, more often in fact, because I have to eat everyday. Food just simply should not produce all these feelings, anxieties, or uncertainties. I'm 5 days out and have had a few moments when I had overwhelming cravings for something I cannot eat and felt that same panicky anxiety start to rise up in my chest. While I'm on slow acting meds, I am also prescribed Valium to take just 5mg as needed. And man, do I wish I had this stuff when I quit smoking. For me, it just pulls the plug on the damn record player in my brain and it's such a relief. So, not to downplay seriousness of eating disorders, but compulsive eating may just be part of a bigger condition that needs treatment. Good luck ❤️ Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App