Inner Surfer Girl

I like GNC Lean shake 25 (orange cream), Syntrax nectar (fuzzy navel), and premier Protein. I recently tried the Quest salted caramel and really liked it, too. What have you tried?

Just take the next step. The one in front of you. Pray and keep exploring, and asking questions. It is a journey. You do not have to have all the answers. For me, if I pray and seek truly seek God's will, things will work out.

Glad to hear you are feeling better. Learning to manage stress (both good and bad) is a major life skill I think that most of us have struggled with. I HIGHLY recommend getting a massage!

My Dad knows I had surgery and still asks how my "diet" is going. I tell him I'm not on a diet. Mom "gets" it but he is still confused. I try to explain but just accept that he is well meaning and move on.

I think that what you are experiencing is very common. The pre-surgery jitters and anxiety was the worst part of the whole process as far as I am concerned. You are taking a leap of faith into the unknown. As to something happening after surgery that you may be unprepared for. Life happens. Sometimes we are thrown a curve ball. These things may happen whether or not you have surgery. I would much rather have to deal with something healthy than unhealthy. Learning to deal with life on life's terms instead of relying on food is a miracle of this process. If you need help doing so (therapy, counseling, support groups, recovery groups), then be sure and look for someone to help you through it. That would be something I would advise whether or not you had surgery anyway. You can do this!

I think keeping our skin moist and staying hydrated is a good practice at any time. It may not "fix" current stretch marks, but it will help with future ones.

Thanks for sharing this. They mentioned it in the story but I hadn't yet looked it up. "Playing SuperBetter for 30 days improves mood, reduces symptoms of anxiety & depression and increases belief in the ability to successfully achieve goals." One thing I found sobering was the section on the research on violent criminals: how many of them were never allowed to play as children. Also, how important play is for all humans, even adults!

I hope you meant biotene!

Always eat your Protein first. At 5 weeks post-op that is about all you will have room for anyway. Instead of aiming to feel "full", my goal is to feel satisfied. Eat slowly, take small bites, and chew thoroughly. You will start to figure out the difference between satisfied and one bite too many. 42 grams of protein seems like an extremely low target. Mine is 100 grams, and most targets I have heard are at least 80 grams.

Chapstick, a heating pad, phone/charger, extra underwear, and a pillow for the ride home. Everything else (toiletries, no slip socks, etc. was provided by the hospital).

I agree. Just moving around periodically is fine.

I was allowed cooked (soft) vegetables in my soft phase. I held off on more fiberous and firm cooked vegetables until I was cleared for more dense foods.

I haven't been a gum chewer in decades. I do have an occasional mint.

That sounds pretty normal if you are eating more solid foods. Make sure you are still taking small small bites and chewing thoroughly.

It's funny how good healthy, simple food tastes when you haven't had real food in a while.

That is terrible that they can't get you scheduled to see a NUT and that you weren't given good nutrition counseling. My protein target is 100 grams. What was your starting BMI? My surgeon set a target of 100 grams a day for all men and any women who started at a BMI of over 50. Everyone else has a target of 80 grams. Getting enough protein is critical and may help with your need to snack. I would suggest that you try to attend a support group meeting, focus on getting enough protein and fluids, and looking for an exercise that you can enjoy doing (maybe sign up for a dance class). My favorite exercise is swimming.

You definitely need to quit. I know my surgeon would not operate on anyone who had not quit and was committed to staying smoke free. I disagree about going cold turkey on caffeine and carbonation. You have time to wean yourself off of both gradually without going through the hell of cold turkey.

I am so sorry you haven't had the results you would like. Without more information it's hard to offer suggestions. What exactly are you doing? Have you talked to your surgeon and/or your NUT about your concerns? Are you attending support group meetings? Are you following your program? Are you tracking your food? Are you getting in all of your Protein every day? What is your protein target? Are you drinking at least 64 oz of Fluid a day? Are you taking your Vitamins and supplements as directed? Are you avoiding starches, added sugars, and fried foods? Are you eating slowly and mindfully? Are you exercising? Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Congratulations! Welcome to BariatricPal. I hope you participate much more! I agree, it sounds like your health and your family were the best motivation. Fitting in the bathing suit is a bonus!

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. None of us lose at a constant or steady rate. We all stall and most of us experience our first stall about three weeks post-op. Just follow your program. Focus on getting in all of your Protein and fluids. And, stay off the scale. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I got ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates from my surgeon's office and online from Bariatric Choice. I haven't looked but Bariatric Pal might have them.

Some high potency vitamins do make me nauseous. You may need to try a different brand and/or not take all your vitamins at one time.

As a matter of practice I cannot see any benefit to being anything less than completely honest with your medical team. Withholding information or being dishonest will only hurt you.

I am currently listening to an episode of the TED Radio Hour called "Press Play." It's about the importance of play in our lives. One example is a game called "Super Better". Super Better actually sounds like a great game for anyone who is struggling. Has anyone played it? How do you incorporate play into your daily life? http://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/390249044

Isopure makes clear ready to drink protein drinks that some folks like. I like the ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates and Syntrax nectar.