Inner Surfer Girl

I was sleeved April 20, 2015 and have my one year follow-up appointment today, This year has flown by. I am over half-way to goal. I am regaining my mobility. A year ago I needed my mom to drive me and a step to get into her SUV (I couldn't get into her sedan). I couldn't do my own grocery shopping, and couldn't walk or stand very long. Today, I am driving myself, and will probably stop and shop after my appointment. I am swimming laps 3-4+ times a week (since starting to use a fitness tracker a few months ago, I have swum over 150 miles in laps). I sleep well and don't oversleep much anymore. I am starting to be able to participate in life again. If I don't get at least an "ata girl" at my appointment I am going to be disappointed!

Silly me, but if I were to go into that much detail I would just say I had surgery. It seems much easier.

I am so, so sorry for your loss. Words cannot express how sorry I am yet I cannot even begin to imagine what you and your family must be going through. This is just awful. Of course you are an emotional wreck. That is so understandable. Thank you for sharing your struggles with us. If I were there in person I would put my arms around you and give you a big hug. Not that you are necessarily ready to hear advice from someone who has absolutely no idea what you are going through but I would like to throw out some suggestions. Hopefully something will be helpful, Do you belong to a church or have a faith community? If so, please see if your pastor can provide some grief counseling or refer you somewhere. Since your granddaughter is seeing a therapist (which is great) you might also want to see if you can find individual counseling and/or family counseling. As in any crisis where other people depend on you, you have got to put on your oxygen mask first. Until you get the support you need, you won't be in a position to provide support to anyone else. Although eating junk food may provide you some immediate pleasure, it will not make you stronger or bring your son back or change the situation. This is when you need to be your healthiest. Treat your body with kindness. Exercise would be a great way to help channel your emotions and express them in a healthy way. I heard a story lately about a group of grieving mother's who started a boxing club -- boxing helped them to deal with the grief, anger, etc. Again, I am so glad you reached out to us. Marshaling all of your resources is what will help you the most in my opinion. There is nothing wrong with asking for and accepting help. You and your family are in my prayers. Let me know what I can do to help.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll have to check it out and see if anything I need is for sale.

I am grateful that you are laughing again and that I could help a little bit!

Just follow your program. Are you tracking your food? Are you getting AT LEAST 64 oz of Fluid a day? Are you reaching your Protein target every day? What is your protein target? Are you avoiding starches, added sugars, and fried foods? Are you taking your Vitamins and supplements as directed? Are you exercising? Have you talked to your NUT about your concerns? What did he only she advise? Without more information it is hard for us to offer suggestions. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Welcome. My psych eval consisted of a pen and paper evaluation (a pretty standard instrument used by psychologists) and a discussion with the psychologist to see if you understand what you are getting into and if you might need support or resources. Just relax and be open and honest. Like any of your appointments, evaluations, and consultations, don't be afraid to ask questions if you don't understand something. Best of luck and keep us posted on how it goes.

I think that there is an upper limit, but doubt very seriously that any of us right after surgery could approach that limit. For me it is better to overshoot my target than to undershoot it. My protein target is 100 grams a day.

I am fortunate because I seem to have very supportive family and friends. I also happen to not be working right now. I haven't gone public on social media but I have been pretty open with my family and friends. I try not to bring up the subject but if asked I am pretty open. I did decide early out not to share numbers with anyone (not even my family). I have not done so except in a medical context, on here (since it is anonymous), and in a couple of instances where I thought being open about the numbers would benefit someone else. There is a difference to me between lying and privacy. We are not obligated to tell everyone everything about our personal business. And, we are allowed to change our minds (like you did with first sharing with family and then deciding to keep things private). It is up to you how you tell your story. I hope you find peace with whatever you decide.

I was able to count all liquids toward my Fluid total.

I agree. In addition to Protein shakes, cottage cheese, and yogurt you could pack tuna packets, turkey, etc. If you must eat at fast food restaurants, go for lean Proteins like turkey, tuna, chicken, egg, etc. You can get turkey sandwiches or similar, without bread at Arby's, Subway, etc. Wendy's chili is a great choice. You can get chicken or eggs at McDonald's. Once you are cleared for more solid foods you will have more options.

I snack. I just make sure I record everything and plan for snacks. Without snacks I'd never be able to reach my protein target.

This is very normal. None of us lose at a constant rate. We all experience periodic stalls, and most of us experience one about three weeks after surgery. Just follow your program. Focus on getting in all of your Protein and fluids. Take your Vitamins and supplements as directed. Exercise when cleared. Stay off the scale. And, Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Welcome. I was sleeved April 20, 2015 and couldn't be happier with my experience, my surgeon, my recovery, and my progress so far. I am getting my life back. You posted this in the bypass forum. Have you already decided on bypass or is this just the only procedure you know about? I ask because a lot has changed in the last few years and you may want to explore all your options, Best of luck with your surgery and keep us posted on how you are doing,

What is a funnel diet? If you mean you are on liquids then you won't feel "full" on liquids. You probably won't feel "full" on solid foods either -- at least not like pre-op. What you want to look for is satisfied. Just focus on getting in all of your Protein and fluids while you are on liquids.

$425 a month? That is INSANE. No wonder insurance wouldn't pay for it.

I take sublingual tabs.

Ultimately, it is your decision. But, I know that my surgeon doesn't do bands anymore and that many people have problems with it. Yes, there are folks who are very happy with theirs and it works well for them.

We all stall. It is part of the process. There is even a whole subforum on this site related to stalls. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall Edited: because I copied the wrong link.

Yes.

People who are up to I good are usually pretty good at hiding it.

If you live in a state that does not require obesity services then it can be impossible to buy a defined benefit policy that covers WLS. I had a defined benefit and WLS was specifically excluded. That is the case for both my former employer's policies (whether HMO, PPO, or defined benefit) or what I had to buy as an individual.

My surgeon gave me a list of vitamins and dosage amounts. He doesn't require a specific brand. I take a regular multi in addition to individual supplements (c, iron, b12, b1, d3, d+k). I look for sales.

Have you talked to your surgeon? I didn't have to start taking vitamins right away. I know some bariatric vitamins can make you nauseous. Definitely give your NUT and/or surgeon's office a call for guidance. Getting in enough protein and fluids is critical.

This is awful.