Inner Surfer Girl

Welcome! I didn't have a drain. Not all surgeon's use one. My follow-up appointments (off the top of my head) were: One week One month Three months Six months Nine months (we skipped this one because of the weather -- they sent me an order for my blood work so I got than done locally) My one year is coming up this month. Personally, I would recommend you putting your needs first. The last time I put off something at the request of my supervisor I was layer off. No one will look out for your needs better than you.

Welcome aboard! I didn't cook much, especially pre-op so it wasn't an issue for me. If it's something you are making anyway and want to freeze some then by all means do so. But, I think you will be surprised at how far things stretch immediately post-op when your portion size is so small. I know that some people have mentioned freezing Soups and broths in ice cube trays.

Interesting. My surgeon was adamant that I do everything I could to get in all of my Protein as soon as possible. He said that there was no physical reason any of us couldn't get down three Premier Protein shakes (90 grams protein), the day after surgery. I am convinced that getting in all of my protein and fluids has been a major critical success factor in healing and weight loss. Interesting. My surgeon was adamant that I do everything I could to get in all of my protein as soon as possible. He said that there was no physical reason any of us couldn't get down three premier protein shakes (90 grams protein), the day after surgery. I am convinced that getting in all of my protein and fluids has been a major critical success factor in healing and weight loss.

Your protein seems low. What is your protein target?

This sounds like a great question for your NUT. I would certainly wait until you are cleared for seeds before trying them.

What is stage 2 for you? Mine was full liquids. Calories are relative and secondary to Protein. What is your protein target? Are you reaching it every day?

It doesn't sound like you are getting enough Protein or eating often enough. Are you tracking your food? Are you reaching your protein target every day? (What is your protein target?) Are you getting AT LEAST 64 oz of Fluid a day (more of you are exercising)? Are you avoiding starches, added sugars, and fried foods? Are you taking your Vitamins and supplements as directed? Have you talked to your NUT lately about your concerns?

I've lost 200+ pounds so far and am still afraid to even get down on the floor because I am not confident I will be able to get up (with or without help). The last time I fell was pre-op. I fell in a gravel parking lot and had to call EMS to help me get up. Not fun. It sounds to me like you are doing great. Just imagine what you will be able to do in the next 12 weeks let alone the next 12 months.

Congratulations!

My surgeon will not perform the surgery for anyone who isn't smoke free and is not committed to remaining smoke free. I am not sure how long before surgery folks have to quit smoking, but I know he requires a pre-op nicotine test. The reasoning is that smoking inhibits healing and can damage your stomach as far as I remember. Best of luck quitting smoking. You CAN do it!

I am so sorry to hear this. I am praying for your friend and you as well. There are no guarantees in this life but I know for me the surgery has already given me back more quality of life than I had hoped for before surgery. My obesity was (and still is) a ticking time bomb. I wish you all the best. Keep us updated on how you are doing.

Best of luck with your surgery. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Why are you only eating one meal a day? On what planet is that healthy? How do you get in all of your protein?

I can't even imagine trying to see if I could.

Buck up and put your big girl panties on your bum, you beautiful woman!

After an appointment today I stopped at Trader Joe's to pick up groceries. One of the miracles of my surgery is that I can now do my own shopping. I had gotten so immobile pre-op that I had to have someone else buy my groceries. Trader Joe's is so smart. They put their flowers and plants right by the front door. I bought with abandon: cut tulips, cut iris, a succulent, and a pot of hyacinths. It occurred to me that pre-op, most of my cart would have been full of pre-packaged foods and starches. Today, it was full of flowers, fresh berries, yogurt, and other healthy, fresh whole foods. One of my favorite poems: How do you feed your soul at the grocery store?

I have it. I haven't cooked anything from it but it gave me some ideas.

This is great news. How is the swelling in your feet and legs? I have lymphedema and Fluid retention is no joke. This is great news. How is the swelling in your feet and legs? I have lymphedema and fluid retention is no joke.

I think you bring up some very good points. One thing I have observed just on BariatricPal is that for those of us who are not really drinkers to begin with, the idea of possibly never drinking again is not a big deal. But, for those who are drinkers (from regular social drinkers all the way to full-blown practicing alcoholics), just the idea of never drinking again will often lead to very strong negative reactions, I would guess that the "medical community" recognizes that if these people are going to be helped and will even listen to health advice, they will be more effective with a less restrictive message. Alcohol use is a HUGE hit button issue on this forum. I encourage you to read some of the alcohol-related threads.

You might want to start a new thread to ask this question. You may get more responses.

If it's at a restaurant you can always check with the restaurant ahead of time or talk to the host about your food limitations. If you are on soft foods and have been cleared for ground meats you should be ok. Soft fish, meatballs, and even Soup can be good choices. If it is at an Italian restaurant you could get a side of meatballs, or other Pasta topping without the pasta. It may sound daunting, but you will get the hang of adapting to your new food guidelines.

I am so glad to hear that your persistence and patience is paying off. Thanks for the update.

It sounds you know what has led to your weight gain. I recommend that you go back to basics and make an appointment with your NUT. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I am taking it and really like it. I have battled depression for years and have taken various meds. I haven't noticed any side-effects. I did start taking it pre-op and there was an initial weight loss, but I don't think it is continuous. I hope it helps. I know how difficult it can be to address any serious issue when I am also depressed. It sounds like you have a good therapist helping you address some very significant things. Sending hugs.

I am a huge fan of using positive affirmations to improve my self talk. What are some of your favorite affirmations? One of mine is: I am a precious child of God.