Caribear

I have fibromyalgia as well, although mine seems to be fairly mild. You are definitely doing the right thing by taking baby steps. I also recommend pool exercises, and then a soak in a hot tub afterwards if at all possible. Get some rest and keep up with your fluids. Gentle hugs!

I feel like a lot of your traditions, you could probably still do with just a little modification. Halloween stuff all sounds good as long as you have the energy to do these things. On Thanksgiving, you can still do the snack food, but just make sure you have some cheese cubes and things that you can snack on. You can still play games and watch Christmas movies, and get your tree the way you normally would. Maybe you could make a garland with the popcorn this year instead of eating it, or mix it with some Peanut Butter and feed it to the birds. Also maybe look up some recipes that could be enjoyed by both you and your husband (I love theworldaccordingtoeggface.com for recipe ideas). Christmas Eve, go get your Chinese food, with egg drop or wonton Soup for you. The taco cups might be a bit more challenging, but I would still make them and maybe just eat what you can from them. Maybe you could add some activities like visiting Christmas light displays, holiday bazaars, etc. There are lots of fun things to do that don't involve food. Let us know what you come up with!

Are you lactose intolerant? Maybe try switching to a non-dairy protein shake and see if that helps.

If you go to your news feed, you should have a tab that says "groups" on the left hand side of your screen. If you click that, you should be able to see all the groups you belong to. Hopefully you will see it there.

I have known people to keep their scale in the trunk of their car if the temptation is too great to weigh every day.

I am a certified personal trainer, and I completely agree with you. It upsets me when "professionals" step outside their scope of practice like that. I also have strong feelings toward Planet Fitness that I will spare you, lol. The problem with personal trainers is that their certifications run the gamut from organizations like AFAA and ACE, which are extensive and comprehensive programs, to weekend certifications that allow anybody with a credit card to become a trainer. But please believe that some of us do understand what you are going through, and that we are not all meathead idiots. I promise.

That's a good way to make a bad situation good I would try stretching your neck when you can, and try a different protein drink. It can't hurt. I also always recommend a good massage therapist, as long as you have clearance from your surgeon.

Sounds like a tension headache. Are you back to work?

Where is your headache? Is it across your forehead, at the back of your head, or all over? Are you having any other symptoms?

Yes, my weight fluctuates quite a bit throughout the day. But I also suggest checking the batteries in your scale just to be safe.

I am still pre-op, so take from this what you will, but are you getting enough water? I have discovered that usually when I feel that deep, from the soles of my feet type of "hunger" that I am really just getting dehydrated. In any case, I hope you find some answers!

Comfortable, no. But I did fit. I would imagine you will be fine at that size. The arms of the seats on all the airlines I have used lift up so that you can get settled. I suggest a window seat, they give you a little more "wiggle room". The last time I flew, I sat next to a very nice, petite woman who proceeded to use me as a pillow throughout the whole flight.

Can I ask what airline, and what pants size you are in? I have flown several times in the last few years at 300+ pounds and a size 26, and was not required to buy a second ticket. I did have to ask for a seatbelt extender on some of the smaller planes.

I would imagine that you will be fine, but if you have any doubts, call your surgeon. Also make sure you are taking your pain medication as directed. Your stomach muscles are still recovering from surgery, and all that laughing just gave them a workout. What an awesome reason to be in pain, though. So glad you have a funny hubby to help you recover!

For those who are concerned about portion sizes, you can also freeze things in ice cube trays and then transfer them to freezer bags for storage. That way you have a few spoonfuls of broth or chicken or what have you that is easy to thaw and/or heat up when you need it.

@@cbonet I take two tablespoons of chia seeds and mix them with 1/4 cup of a premier protein shake (whatever flavor you like) and let it sit in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. That has 11 carbs, 14 grams of protein, and 160 calories (it is my dessert ) Adding 2 tablespoons of chocolate PB2 adds 6 carbs, 45 calories, and 4 grams of protein.

It is delicious, but it does have a decent amount of sugar in it. You can buy plain powdered peanut butter that is a little more nutritionally sound, but really for the amount that you are eating, it's fine. I have some of the chocolate PB2 in my pantry, I use it to make chia pudding. (I am pre-op)

I am currently stockpiling homemade broth for my post op period. I also tend to cook a big pot of soup and freeze half of it anyway, so I have some things set aside for that. Plus there are several bags of homemade applesauce in my freezer that I can use. I say if you have the freezer space, do it.

I also use the free version, it gets easier as you use it more. I like it, seems to work well.

I would use the entry for summer squash, it seems to be the closest. Allrecipes has a nice collection of recipes for the delicata squash: http://allrecipes.com/recipes/16676/fruits-and-vegetables/vegetables/squash/winter-squash/delicata-squash/

I am still pre-op, but I have had rapid and dramatic weight loss in the past and I went through a period of time where I didn't recognize myself. I have never been "normal" size, and at my smallest, when I looked in a mirror, for a brief moment my brain would freak out because that couldn't be me looking back at me! I have no idea what it will be like getting down to goal weight. So I am right there with you, we can go bonkers together!

Do you have a gym near you that offers classes? I would suggest finding one and sampling several different types of classes. You may find something that you really love, or at the very least, figure out what type of exercise appeals to you the most. For people with knee issues, I usually suggest aquatics classes, fwiw.

Oh my! I would definitely be surprised at that as well! It's probably just a paperwork error, like you said, but I would call for sure for clarification. In the meantime, I hope you are recovering well!

I know you are freaking out, but I am super excited for you! I agree with KristenLe, go for some slider foods and see how it goes. Is Pasta a slider for you? Crackers?

I agree with this completely. Are you sure that she's telling you the truth about not being with him physically, or is she just telling you what you want to hear so that you will stick around? I have a friend like this, and I have watched her play games with so many people. In my friend's case I think it is a power thing. She needs to feel like she is in control, so she uses relationships and lies to keep people attached to her. I don't know if this is what your ex is doing, but if I were you I wouldn't mess with her anymore. You are worth much more than these head games she appears to be playing with you.