Inner Surfer Girl

We all stall. It's not something to be afraid of. None of us lose at a constant or steady rate. Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. Please don't get into the mindset that your rate of loss is something to be micromanaged. Just follow your program. The rate of loss is something you need to trust to the process. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Welcome Diamond! Congratulations on deciding to take steps to get healthy. Whatever you decide to do, we are here to help you the best we can. Since your doctor didn't refer you to a surgeon, I would suggest you see if there is a Bariatric Center of Excellence in your area. Once you find one (or two), sign up for one of their free seminars. They can help you determine next steps as well as work with you and your primary Doctor. Since many insurance companies require a doctor supervised "diet" before surgery, you may be able to count what you are doing now with your primary Doctor. But, a good Bariatric surgeon's office can help you figure that out. Where are you located? There may be some folks here who ate in your area who may be able to suggest a good surgeon.

The best advice I can give you is that as long as you are staying hydrated by getting in all of your fluids and are getting in all of your Protein, I wouldn't worry about the numbers on the scale. You are undergoing a tremendous amount of fluctuations right now: fluids, swelling from surgery, healing, hormone fluctuations, etc. Just stay the course and follow your post-op program. I lost rapidly at first but I also have a lot of Fluid in my legs from lymphedema. Since you have a follow-up appointment soon they will let you know if you need to deviate from the plan.

Welcome! You will fit right in! I always said my drug of choice was chocolate chip cookie sheet. It's probably really cheese (that might have been a deal breaker for me). The hardest monkey to shake from my back turned out to be carbonation. I am so glad to be free from Diet Coke cravings for today.

Congratulations!

Congratulations! You now can say your BMI is normal but you have proof that you are extraordinarily!

I wasn't banded (I got the sleeve) but I was able to take my meds the day after surgery. Just talk to your surgeon about their guidelines.

I am not diabetic, but my advice is that if you are unsure about anything definitely call your surgeon. I assume you told your NUT and surgeon that you are diabetic. They should have experience working with diabetic patients so should be able to give you guidance.

I posted on another thread today that I am finding that for me, I am learning that my attitude during stalls is a very important determinant of my success so far. Pre-op, hitting a stall was where all of my best intentions fell apart. Now, I am learning to trust the process.

One of my favorite resources for my WLS journey is Experience Life magazine. I was looking for a sensible health and fitness magazine so subscribed to it without ever having read or seen it just based in the topic descriptions. I stumbled upon a GREAT resource. Every issue is full of helpful information and wisdom. Yes, there have been one or two articles that were a bit out there, but by in large I have found a great deal of helpful inspiration. I just received the recent issue and there are several great articles (one on exercise motivation is particularly appropriate for many of us), but wanted to share the article on Self Compassion here: https://experiencelife.com/article/cultivate-self-compassion/ If you are struggling with self compassion I encourage you to read it. I would love to hear your thoughts.

What is your Protein target? Are you getting in all of your protein and at least 64 oz fluid/water a day? Are you tracking your food? Are you avoiding starches, added sugars, and fried foods? Are you taking your Vitamins and supplements as recommended? Are you exercising? Have you talked to your NUT lately about your challenges and goals? What does he/she advise? Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I am not aware that I experienced any particularly (autocorrect read that as: reticular lay) noticeable abdominal swelling but I started at an extremely high BMI. What does your surgical team advise? I just re-read this an autocorrect really butchered it. Correcting now.

As others have mentioned, none of us lose at a constant or steady rate. Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process. Just follow your program. At four months out, it is probably a good idea to check in with your NUT to talk about your challenges and goals and to make sure you haven't started straying from your program. As long as you follow your program you are no where near finished, unless you give up. I truly believe that my attitude during my stalls is what determines my ultimate success. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Here it is: http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I haven't had too much choice in the matter up to now (hard to fit and not a very big clothing budget), but what I am looking forward to is having a wide enough selection to attempt to make more ethical clothing decisions. I really want to honor clothing companies and designers who practice fair trade and avoid those that use sweat-shop/slave labor. I haven't quite figured out how to do this but it is one of my goals.

I've always heard the boots referred to as shit kickers, not the people. But, I am citified, so what do I know!

Let's make a date to browse a Lululemon store looking fabulous in their competitor's clothes and not buying anything.

1 week clear liquids (with a couple of exceptions) 1 week full liquids 1 week soft 1 week soft mechanical 1 week solid and so on I don't remember how much I lost each week. I only weighed at doctors appointments. Frankly, until you are regularly getting in all of your Protein and fluids, which should be your primary focus from day one, staying off of the scale is a good idea.

It is very common. We are filled with IV fluids and experience swelling from the surgery. The best advice I can give you is to stay off the scale, and focus on getting in all of your water/fluids and Protein. As to the pain in your neck, thighs, and calves, you may want to ask your surgeon's office. It may have something to do with the position you were in during surgery.

Weight loss competitions have always been toxic for me. They are a HUGE set up for dysfunctional eating and food behaviors. My advice is not to participate in competitions like this. Just focus on your own health. That said, have you talked to your NUT? You probably aren't eating enough to support your level of exercise.

What is your Protein target? What do your post-op instructions say? Post-op I was on Clear liquids for seven days and then full liquids for seven days. The next week was soft foods. My clear liquids included: Syntrax nectar, Isopure clear, bone broth, ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates, Water, crystal light, sugar-free Popsicles, sugar-free Jello, etc. In addition to the clears my surgeon made an exception and also allowed Premier Protein, ProtiDiet creamy chicken and tomato basil Soups. When I was on full liquids I was able to add in other Protein shakes (like GNC Lean shake 25) and other opaque liquids like V8, creamy soups, etc. I was also able to count protein pudding and Greek yogurt as full liquid. My protein target is 100 grams a day and getting in all of my protein and at least 64 oz of water/liquid is and was my number one priority post-op.

I know it's rough but am not aware that it has actually killed anyone, yet. Nor has it resulted in anyone committing murder. Stay strong. It is only for a RELATIVELY short time. One thing that helps is to focus on what you CAN have. If that means eating sugar-free Popsicles all day then so be it. I promise that it is worth it.

I stepped down from my Diet Cole addiction with tea. I slowly weaned myself off of carbonation then slowly weaned myself off of caffeine.

Great, comprehensive post. I found it very educational. Running is not something that appeals to me but maybe when I'm closer to goal (and get a new knew) I might surprise myself and give it a try.

http://www.leesfamousrecipe.com/menu/lee%E2%80%99s-famous-sides