mnbsleeve

I just tried and like boots above, it won't open. Yesterday I had trouble with the photos page too! Maybe there's some udating going on. I'm not very knowledgable with technology LOL Today the photos open so maybe the chat will be back on line soon! :-)

I'm glad I found this thread. I generally have low blood pressure, but a few days ago I felt very dizzy and weak. My husband thought to take my blood pressure and it was 90/62! I realize now though that because I have been struggling to get my proteins in, my fluids have also suffered. It's been at least a week now that I barely make 50 proteins, if that, and only about 32 oz. of fluids! I got some tips on this board yesterday to help with the proteins. I'm acutally on soft foods but I don't seem to be able to eat anything. I get so full and nothing goes down. I've been doing beyond great before this week. I'm not sure what's going on. I see my surgeon wed. But now at least I know that the fluids and protein are what's affecting my blood pressure etc.

Well said! You really summarized this well. I am sad to say I have definitely had these experiences throughout the years. BTW, it cracked me up when you were told you "didn't carry yourself like a fat person!" What?!?!? LOL In terms of the "talking fancy" that's what I mean. People assume that being fat means you must not have a good vocabulary! (among other things) Does "talking fancy" only happen when you're thin?! I experience those remarks as condescending, as being talked down to. Like Julie said, these things are sad but they do happen. It's harder when you're alone with it and no one wants to acknowledge it.

Thank you so much guys! Kelly, you described it PERFECTLY!!! I appreciate your tips on the protein drinks too. I will give them a try. You may be right. I may just be intollerant to them, not just the "milk." It really helps to hear you went through this and was able to move on. I'll keep working on this. Thanks again. I really appreciate it!!!

Congratulations Leila!!!! I can hardly wait to join you in wonderland!!! Enjoy the fruits of your hard work!!!!

I wanted to add something to my post above. A really healing moment for me was during my psych eval when the psychologist, without me brining this up, validated this experience. He gently let me know that I should be prepared for folks to react negatively to my weightloss (professionally speaking) since it was possible that those folks may have been dismissing me or my ideas because of my weigth and now would possibly feel threatened. He floored me with this because it's one of those things I've always kept inside (feeling dismissed) for fear of "sounding paranoid." But, I was sure was happening!

Yes, yes, yes! I can tell when people right me off or assume I'm an idiot because I am fat! I feel invisible most of the time and when people find out or figure out I'm a Ph.D candidate it feels like they're still trying to figure out how that could happen. Like there must must be something fishy about my job and my studies rathen than I have brains, and motivation, after all. It's one of my pet peeves and one of the BIGGEST reasons I did this surgery.

I have this one too but I always seem to be a couple of lbs. lighter on it than the docs. As others posted above, I tend to monitor the fluctuations more than the actual weight, figuring it will vary by a couple of lbs. from scale to scale.

I need some help from you vets out there! I'm about 4 1/2 weeks out. I am struggling with food. I am in the soft food phase. Protein shakes are still disgusting. I get them down as best I can. I still need them to meet my minimum protein- which I have been not meeting the last week or so. When I eat, I can just tolerate a few bites. The thing is, no matter what, shakes or food, my stomach is constantly in a state of turmoil! I often get the runs right after. I seemed to be doing really well before this phase. Is it because of the soft foods? Now I don't seem to even tolerate the mushies! Like I took a step back. I see my surgeon next week and of course I will check in about this. But, I was wondering if anyone else went through this and or if they have any ideas. I am hoping it's an adjustment phase but I am feeling a little scared. Thanks for any help or suggestions!!!

Thanks for these ideas guys!!!!! I've been struggling with Protein intake!!!!

Irene, I will eco what others have already said here: you are such an inspiration on this board and you're doing it again! You have such a positive and realistic attitude. I think that where you're at is where a lot of us want to be: healthy, confident, active. It's not about having unrealistc expectations. I think looking at the entire picture of health, not just a scale, is what makes sense. You are so active and you seem to have learned so much about a healthy life style, I just can't see you doing anything but great!!! BTW, regardinn BMIs, a friend got hers measured accurately by doing those underwater tests! I think she only paid $50!!! And it tells a very different story. Her BMI was MUCH lower than the tables calculate by just height, age, weight etc. It truly measures the proportion of fat/muscle etc. I was planning on doing one when I get close to goal. I'm a lot like you. When younger and lighter, I was always thought of as weighin much less than I did, at least by 50 or 60 lbs. My surgeon wants me to go down to 115 to 120 at 5' 3 1/2 but I did not weigh that since I was about 15 and I was a rail! So we'll see. Another reason you are trailblazing here for me!!! LOL Thanks again for your posts and CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!

Wow! Great link. Thanks for posting Jackie!!!

Good luck Spivey!!! Sending lots of good thoughts your way!!!!!!!

Nancy, sounds like you got this!!! Thinking things through and pre-planning always seems to keep us on track. I like how you thought of possible obstacles too! and a way around them! You'll do GREAT. Sending lots of good thoughts your way!!!!

I believe that taking care of your health, physical and emotional IS taking care of your son!!! When you are healthy and feel well emotionally you exude happiness and you reach for life. You have the energy to do what you need to do and want to do. You are both a role model and a support for your child. Money comes and goes. You are fortunate to be able to have it to do this with. You will save up again and you will take good care of him ... starting by taking care of yourself first. BTW, I commend you for your courage and strength. Being a parent is no easy thing and it's even harder as a single parent and it takes a great deal of courage to do what is right for oneself and one's family. In my experience, settling always has led me to regret. Reach for your dreams!!! Good luck on your journey!!!!

You look INCREDIBLE!!!!!! Like a different person!!! CONGRATULATIONS on your progress!!!! You look just beautiful!

Sending good thoughts your way! and wishes for a super speedy recovery!!!!

Congratulations ASBGirl!!! I have the same experience with the sweetness of the shakes. I wish I could say it gets better! :-( But I do alternate between a bunch of them and flavors too! That seems to help. Welcome to the loosers bench!!!! I'm glad you're doing so well!!!!

Sorry Leah, I would agree with Penpen above. For me it would have been very difficult. Of course, I'm not a camper in general. But I had the runs from the shakes and it was unexpected. I ended up having to locate and try different protein shakes also at different temperatures to get them down. Same with the liquids. I had to stay on top of approximately one ounce of liquide every 8 to 10 minutes to meet my goals. It is a bit of a job. It does get better daily. I'm sure other's will chime in. As Penpen said, some are ready to go in a couple of days. I guess it just depends on each person. The thing is, you don't know what your experience may be. I hope this is hepful. Congratulations and best of luck on your journey!!!!

So glad you're home safe and sound! I can't wait to hear more about your new journey! Oh please tell us there's a book in you about about all this!!!!

I'm so glad I came accros this post! It is so moving and inspiring. It made me laugh and cry touched my heart. I never made a list but I will I now. You all said so many things I've felt and feel. Thank you so much for putting them out there!!!

Congratulatons to you both Kelly and Nancy!!! You can totally do this!! It does get easier. Just the first couple of days the body seems to wonder what's going on LOL. Don't forget lots of fluids, SF popsicles, SF jello (of course, if you are allowed, most people are). They really help get through those moments of craving... it's weird but after a while they pass. Good luck to you both!!! You totally got this!!! Happy 4th!

Hi ItalianLady! Congratulations on your upcoming surgery! People here already gave such great tips and advise. I just wanted to chime in on a couple of things. For me taking in the Protein was/is an ordeal. It comes and goes still. At times just the thought of those stinkin drinks makes me gag! I think others have this experience too. So, for me, having a few options helped. I just want to caution you on overstocking too soon since your tummy and taste seem to go through a change. I'm six weeks out today and my taste is pretty much "back to normal." But in the beginning I could not stand the taste of Water. I went through 6 different Proteins types and also several flavors. I did all kind of things to get them down. I mixed the vanilla with crystal light, I made the chocolate flavor hot and cold etc. I got unflavored, I got premade soup mixes. I won't lie, it's been an ordeal. Some I can't stand the site of, others I can still take. I have a small fortune in protein drinks LOL! So just the heads up. You may be one of the lucky ones and just this one will work for you. From what I read on these boards I know many end up settling on one two favorites eventually. Also, I want to add to what has already been explained so well above: my NUT also said that the protein powder must have 20 grams of protein minimum, preferrably over, under 5 carbs, and no more than 130 calories, preferrable 100 to 110 per serving. These are some guidelines. It looked like your protein more than meets all the requirements. Best of luck to you! I know the extra 3 day wait stinks but it will be over before you know it!!!! Looking forward to reading about your progress!!!! MB

Thank you Bookleen! Sending you well wishes wherever home is!!!

YellowRose, you are brave and so funny. I'm so glad you are doing well. I hope your flight is comfortable. I am looking forward to reading more of your story and of course, your progress. Wishing you a super speedy recovery!!!!!!