Carlotta1

Soft foods..ground turkey f is probably too hard on your stomach at this point. the seasoning may also be too harsh also.

GREAT JOB! Look at you becoming your own problem-solver! Fatigue is terrible for pushing us towards self-destruction. But you hit the nail on the head when you said that "nothing I ate satisfied me". Which meant you were craving something ELSE - a great night's sleep! Bravo, sister! You did it.
Now I'm going to make a nice warm Protein cappucino so I don't steal the bread & butter out of my 4 year old's hands while he eats!

Yay so glad to hear this!! You can do it Carlotta, you are worth it!

Congratulations for getting back on track. You are your own best advocate. My trigger that has the most potential to trip me up in pain. When the sciatica acts up, a potato or potato Soup is all I can think of. My go to however is scrambled eggs...yum.

Yesterday I posted a new post stating that I had a bad day with food . Your posts of encouragement helped me to plan a better day today..which I had. This a.m, I sat down and wrote down why I was on this journey. ..health, esteem, energy, etc. I also tried to figure out what triggered my emotional eating..I knew I was not hungry but nothing I ate felt satisfied me. I figured it was mostly due to tiredness. I had been traveling for two weeks and went to a training class on an accounting system. I was exhausted yesterday.. So far me...tiredness is a trigger for me to go to food. I was also anxious to start a new part time job. But I have to put things in perspective. I am more important than job and I need to take care of myself first. I also must plan to rest during my busy schedule. Thanks to those who posted on my "help" topic. It really helped me last evening and today to refocus on my weight loss journey.

Jean, this one hit home with me. I am 4 mos out, and down 40 lbs, but SO impatient with myself! I am walking 3 to 4 miles 4x a week...when I have been a couch potato for 30 yrs!
This is a process, not a in a blink miracle....and I need to remember that!! Being off all type II diabetes meds is a huge nonscale victory, and I need to focus on the positive!!

While most of us knew all about the physical side of Weight Loss Surgery, many people have no idea about the emotional ride they're about to face. This article discusses all aspects of the "emotional roller coaster" from the moment you first decide on having bariatric surgery all the way up to the maintenance phase of your weight loss. It's a wild ride baby!


When was the last time you were on a roller coaster? If you’re like me, it’s been a while. In fact, the last time I was on a roller coaster I was 310 lbs and could barely fit into the seat. The restraint almost didn't go around my tummy. I was squeezed in like Cinderella’s step-sister’s foot must have tried to squeeze into that tiny shoe. Yep. I was Drizella’s foot and the coaster seat was the glass slipper. I’m sure it was a comical, if not sad and pathetic site, for those around me. It was embarrassing to me, to say the very least. But I laughed it off and went on, as I tended to do.
That roller coaster was a wild ride. It had huge climbs, steep drops, loop-de-loops, sharp turns, and at one point it feels like you’re lying on your side. Honestly, it’s a wonder I stayed in the coaster even with the restraint!! The end of the ride was abrupt - it felt like my insides were coming out of my mouth when it stopped short back at the beginning of the track. When it was over, I felt accomplished, in a way. I’d survived that coaster ride, wild and uncomfortable as it was.
Many people don’t realize that life before, during, and after weight loss surgery becomes a roller-coaster ride of it’s own. It has the huge climbs of elation and joy and excitement, the steep drops into anxiety and depression, and the loop-de-loops, sharp turns, and lying on your side moments of uncertainty, worry, and fear. Here are some of the emotional dealings that will occur before, during, and after surgery that you might not know.
1. Pre-Surgery Elation. This happens when you are finally approved for surgery. It’s going to be a reality! You are going to get a brand new lease on life! The period of life where you are having to go through diet after diet is finally coming to an end! You might tell everyone you know or you might decide to keep your secret to yourself. Regardless, you are excited and ready to go!
2. Pre-Surgery Blues. This is when you realize that you are going to have to say good-bye to one of your best friends ... food. You come to the realization that there are some favorites that you are just not going to be able to eat anymore. Depression sets in slightly, and you might even go on a food bender - similar to what an addict might do. At this point you might even question your decision to go through surgery.
3. Day of Surgery. You’re going to be going through a myriad of emotions during this time. You’ll feel excitement, anxiety, apprehension, and impatience all at the same time. You’ll be worried because, after all, it is a major surgery you’re about to go through. But at the same time, you’ll be excited at what’s about to happen. When you wake up from anesthesia, you might be scared, especially if you’re having a rough transition out of anesthesia. You might be a little confused, wondering where you are. When your body settles down a bit and you remember where you are and what just happened, you might feel a little concerned. "Did everything go okay?" "Is this going to work?" "Did I just make the biggest mistake in my life?" On the other hand, you might wake up beautifully, singing the praises of your surgeon and his/her team, excited to begin your new life. These feelings and emotions will likely cycle throughout the day as you’re getting used to the idea of what just happened and your body relaxes and comes out of shock from surgery.
4. Going Home. When you’re finally released to go home, you’ll either be excited or scared. Thoughts might rush your brain like “will I be able to do this on my own?” and anxiety might set in again. You might, again, question your decision to undergo surgery, especially once the monotony of the liquid diet phases set in. The first few days might be easy, and the next might be excruciating. You’ll be in some discomfort because of incisions and if the surgeon inflated your abdomen with gas prior to surgery (commonly done in laparoscopic surgeries), and this might heighten your doubts and anxieties. You might begin to worry about issues such as leaks, slippage, or staples coming loose.
5.The first few months. You will be going through a mourning period at some point, and for some that occurs during the first few months after surgery. You no longer are able to lean on food for emotional support, so you might feel sad. You might even go through a type of “withdraw” from food, similar to what an addict might be going through their first few days in rehab. You’ll be able to eat more some days than others, and that will lead you to worry if your surgery is working or if there’s something wrong. Some days you’ll be jealous of watching everyone around you eat foods that you once loved. Others, you’ll be glad you can’t/don’t eat those things anymore. By the time you've finished all of your phases and are on to real food, you’ll be relieved and excited, and likely worried and anxious as well. Whereas before, you were relying on liquids for sustenance, now you’re on your own and have to rely on figuring your food choices out for yourself.
6. The losing phase. From the moment you leave the hospital until you reach your goal you are considered to be in the losing phase of surgery. For the purposes of this article, we’re going to call the losing phase the time period from month 3 (about the time you transition into full solids) to the point where you reach your goal. There will be many frustrations, joys, and concerns in the months ahead. Some days you’ll forget everything you were taught about nutrition and make yourself sick on something you shouldn't have eaten. Other days you’ll be 100% on track. You’ll have moments of pride and joy, and moments of shame and weakness. You’ll revel in finding out you can eat something as simple as asparagus and despair over not being able to eat rice pilaf. You’ll finally reach your “groove” point sometime during month four or five, and things begin to go well. You’ll reach a stall or two (or five ...) and wonder if you’re doing something wrong or if you've messed up your new tummy. You’ll marvel over losing 10 lbs in one week. You’ll wonder why you only lost 2 lbs the next week. When your loss starts to slow down, you’ll worry that you’re not exercising enough, that you’re eating too much or too little, or worry that your surgery is beginning to fail. You’ll relax more when you are consistently losing, even if it has gone down to 1-2 lbs a week.
7. The maintenance phase. When you reach your goal weight, you will have reached what is called “maintenance”. This is the final stage that you will likely be in for the rest of your life. Here, you will change your diet slightly in order to not lose or gain any more weight. You will get frustrated a time or two - especially the first time you gain a few pounds. You will marvel at what you've lost, but are concerned with the way your body looks now. You will have loose skin, which may cause body image issues. If you’re single, you might notice more possible suitors paying more attention to you. You might fall from one addiction (food) into another (sex). You might also be tempted into other addictive substances or habits such as alcohol, cigarettes, shopping, or pornography. Alternatively, you may look back at your loss, as meaningful and inspirational. You might revel in the way your life has changed and be happier than you have ever been and be ready to branch out and help others succeed in their bariatric surgery journeys.
Tips on Riding the Roller Coaster
Knowing that these emotions are possible doesn't mean they will happen for everyone, and doesn't mean you can’t get through them. The following tips will help you stay on the road to success and prevent you from falling off the wagon and into an abyss of self-doubt and depression:
1. Support. This is the number one most important thing for WLS patients. Even more important than food is support. Support can be found at home, through friends and family, in a hospital or surgery center support group, or even online forums such as Bariatric Pal.
2. Stick to the plan. As tempting as it might be to veer off and eat something you’re not supposed to, stick with your doctor or nutritionist’s eating plan as closely as possible. This will ensure that you continue to lose steadily, decrease the length and amount of stalls you’ll experience, and will speed up the healing process.
3. Vitamins.< /strong> It sounds very cliche, but remember to take your vitamins! Focus on Iron and B Complex vitamins especially.A Vitamin deficiency can result in depression, physical weakness, and poor sleep habits.
4. Speaking of sleep ... Make sure you’re getting plenty of it! At least 8 hours a day for an adult! Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and (you guessed it!) depression!
5. Remember that “this too shall pass” ... These stages of emotional turmoil certainly won’t last forever. You’ll get over them as quickly as they overcame you. And keep in mind that each stage after surgery only lasts a short time in the grand scheme of things. Most eating phases last, at most, a month. After which you’re on to the next phase.
6. Keep a plan handy. Know that you will likely feel some unpleasant emotions or feelings and plan for them. Know what you’re going to do when you get upset, depressed, feel head hunger, or even feel physical pain from surgery. Have a list of friends to call at the drop of a hat, have a bottle of Water ready to sip on at all times, or have your doctor’s phone number on speed dial. Know that these feelings will likely happen at some point in time, and be ready to deal with them when they do.
7. Remember that everything you’re going through is completely normal and OKAY. It’s important and helpful to know that everyone goes through a stall at some point. Everyone has pain during the first couple of weeks after surgery. Everyone eats something they shouldn't at some point. Whatever it is you’re going through - someone else has likely gone through it!
8. Finally, DON’T GIVE UP! Remember that this is a journey. As the old saying goes, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” There will be ups and downs on this wild roller-coaster ride. There will be twists and turns and loop-de-loops and there will be many moments when you feel like you’re laying over on your side. But, in the end, it will all be worth it. Your health, your life, and YOU ARE WORTH IT!!

R u sure u can drink a shake the day of surgery .? Why fast the night before if u can have a shake that morning. I would call the dr to make sure. They will ask you if u had anything to drink or eat that a.m. I def was told no liquid or solids the day of surgery. Just check to make sure. Don't want doc to say you can't have surgery .on your scheduled surgery day.

I would limit myself a bit, at least... like only one alcoholic beverage (wasted calories and carbs!!!) and then switch to Water... and no chips with salsa ... just the meal... you want to Celebrate, but don't think this is your last hurrah, you just have to be careful and consider what you are putting in to your mouth... if you had a pre-op diet and your liver is not small enough, the Dr will not operate, or will give you a full gastric instead of just a sleeve... so you want to be careful. Mexican food has a lot of salt, so that can also bloat you...and we all know alcohol goes right to the liver...you may want to check with your doctor, they may have menu selections for you... or steer you in the right direction... remember we can have fun without stuffing our faces
That being said...enjoy

I set my goal weight what I think is ideal for me . ...140pounds at 5 feet 1.5 , 60 years old. To me that is a reasonable goal weight that I can maintain rather going to what my dr recommended, 115 pounds. I would look sick weighing 115 pounds. I was 142 lbs several years ago and was a size 4-6. That be just fine for me. . I have 35 pounds to lose. I have larger goals than just what the scale indicates, I.e. Discontinue Bp meds, reduce bad cholesterol, and eliminate sleep apnea. I have berm monitoring my Bp without taking the meds and it is normal. I need to go to my primary doc and discuss Bp readings so that we can make a decision if she agrees I should stay off of Bp meds. I take a new blood test next on Monday..so hopefully my cholesterol has reduced. One month after surgery it went from 205 to 166.. But my LDL needs to be lowered.

I set my goal weight what I think is ideal for me . ...140pounds at 5 feet 1.5 , 60 years old. To me that is a reasonable goal weight that I can maintain rather going to what my dr recommended, 115 pounds. I would look sick weighing 115 pounds. I was 142 lbs several years ago and was a size 4-6. That be just fine for me. . I have 35 pounds to lose. I have larger goals than just what the scale indicates, I.e. Discontinue Bp meds, reduce bad cholesterol, and eliminate sleep apnea. I have berm monitoring my Bp without taking the meds and it is normal. I need to go to my primary doc and discuss Bp readings so that we can make a decision if she agrees I should stay off of Bp meds. I take a new blood test next on Monday..so hopefully my cholesterol has reduced. One month after surgery it went from 205 to 166.. But my LDL needs to be lowered.

Yes, what Ziggy said. Write today off and start anew tomorrow. There will be bad days and I think that's okay as long as they are not the norm.

DON'T PANIC! You are frustrated and beating yourself up over ONE DAY!! This journey doesn't happen in a day, or even a week. Look how far you've come. You're not the same person you were pre-surgery. Don't put yourself back in that box.
I have decided to take a one or two meal "break" once a week, no more, and not worry about what I eat during that time. Very few people can eat perfectly 100% of the time. I'm not going to eat to the point of discomfort - this sleeve keeps me on course, but I can plan special treats. Two weeks ago Sunday I ate French fries - just a few, with this amazing Belgian sauce. This past Monday I had a Krispy Kreme. And part of a cheeseburger, later for dinner. Yesterday and today I ate beautifully both days, and hit the gym yesterday. It believe this can be okay. Serious bodybuilders actually plan to eat extra calories some days in order to keep their fat-burning and muscle-building in high gear, and not slow down their metabolism. They may be on to something.
I don't

I felt like I have stalled recently and just wound up in the hospital with vertigo, most likely from dehydration, so I have been frustrated and ate a few things I shouldn't have. But I get right back into my routine. I did hear the dehydration could be masking my losing while while my body is reshaping. I don't know that I said that right but whoever responded to me last night made it make sense.

The way to change a problem is to ADMIT you have a problem. You did that, now stop this very second at this very meal and get back on track. Dont let a few days lead into weeks of guilt and beating yourself up. Also try drinking a big ole glass of Water before you even think about eatting, and while your doing that plan what you will eat after. Hang in there.
Also at the risk of helping others you need to take a break from your auditing and make sure your taking care of yourself.
Unless your making the really big bucks, then tell them you need to have an hour and half lunch and fit in a workout during that time. Remember your worth this investment you made to yourself!!

It might be the moon or something. I went to PF Changs yesterday. Can you say 'sodium, soy sauce and, ths morning, 2.5 pounds up?"
Don't bum yourself out. You said in your post what to do. Try to start your plan again tomorrow.

From Houston...

Wha hooooo. Congrats. U look healthy and amazing ! !

Sassy pants..u look sassy. Congrats on your weight loss. U look awesome. I am only 8 weeks out and people r noticing my weight loss. I am almost at midpoint of my weight loss goal.

You r not too old to start living a healthily life.. I was so scared like u. I vacillated back and forth..whether it is for me or not, After one month post op......I am not in the food the way I was before the surgery. I have to remind myself to eat for nutritional reason, not to just stuff my face like I did before., food is not on my mind all the time, I am not hungry. So if this appeals to u..go for it. I had no complications. However, u do have to be patient as u go through the eating staging. It takes time for stomach to.heal.

U look so wonderful.. What a success. !!!!!!!

Congrats on your surgery date.

Caring about your appearance is not necessarily a selfish thing. You show compassion to others by sparing their eyes from hard things to look at.
Walmart after midnight makes the point.

Glad you're getting it done!
Happily, many of the things that make us look better are also good for us. For example, skin. A healthy diet with abundant hydration changes the color and consistency of skin, making one more attractive. Proper exercise and rest has a major effect on appearance. Once the foundation of healthy living is established, the cosmetics needed are much less.

People are just trying to be nice. Instead of concentrating on the words that YOU might have chosen, think about the intent in which the message was sent.
I hear you (I promise I do as most people p!ss me off on a daily basis with their ignorance) but I do think your (totally natural) stress and anxiety is working you up about nothing.