Inner Surfer Girl

Are you tracking your food? Were you given a Protein target? Are you reaching your protein target every day? Are you drinking at least 64 oz of Water a day? Are you avoiding starches, added sugar, and fried foods? Are you taking your Vitamins and supplements? I would definitely recommend that you find a NUT who works with weight loss surgery patients to talk about your goals.

Is this a duplicate post?

I started noticing little things that I could do that had been a struggle before. Whether anyone else tells you they notice or not really doesn't matter. Just follow your program and you will be amazed at the changes YOU see in how you move, feel, function, etc.

I am talking about the stomach (organ) not the exterior (waistline).To answer the other question re: 2 gallons of Water, yes I mix Chrystal Light in a half a gallon of water and carry it with me and have 4 of them a day = 2 gallons. But I've always been this way, even before I went on methyprednisone for 3.5 years which caused the weight gain to begin with. Please, I am just looking for input and not criticism. I suppose I feel I must hide this from my surgeon because I do not want to be a "bad patient." I do now see the flaws in my hiding this from my surgeon. I am good at asking for help and honestly taking seriously advise especially when there is a general consensus answer. Thank you for the nonjudgmental responses. I don't hear criticism, I hear concern. CALL YOUR SURGEON. Do you have a counselor or therapist? If not, see if the person who did your psych clearance can see you or refer you to someone. Have you talked to your NUT about your concerns?

We have a health food co-op in a nearby city that I have been meaning to find. There was a post on the Internet the other day that they were having a sale on fresh raspberries so it gave me an excuse to find it. Now, I have quite a few raspberries (most of which are in the freezer). They have been delicious added to my yogurt. Other than Protein shakes, what are some good, easy, healthy ways that you use fresh berries (especially raspberries)?

I've always had interests and enthusiasms, some of them could border on obsessions. Now that I am regaining my mobility it is easier to practice more of them. Swimming Reading Writing Photography Doing something creative/artistic Going to movies Gardening Decorating Cooking? (At least trying to learn) Some that could be problematic- Shopping (at least now I can actually go somewhere and shop instead of relying solely on online-shopping it is getting better) Internet/phone/social media TV Hoarding

It is perfectly normal to experience erratic emotions soon after surgery. One book I recommend is by Connie Stapleton called "Eat it Up!". She also has a website. One of the challenges with weight loss and moods and emotions is that many of us are in the habit of using food to stabilize those moods. We don't quite know what to do once we can't use food for that purpose oftentimes. A good therapist or counselor can help. So can attending a support group such as your hospital's bariatric support group and/or a 12-step recovery group like OA (OA.org).

Definitely. When you have your six-month follow-up it should include a blood test to check your Vitamin levels. What is your Protein target? Are you reaching that daily?

I know a pregnancy test was part of it for women. They may also test for nicotine. Otherwise, I don't remember.

None of us lose at a constant or steady rate. Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process. That said, 60 grams of Protein seems really low. Especially for someone who is still healing. You MAY need to up your protein. Have you talked to your NUT about your concerns? Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

You know your lifestyle best. I am not working so I have about three outfits I can wear in public (I have lost 200 pounds so far). Depending on your starting size and the cut of your clothes you may be able to wear some things for a little while. A lot of folks tend to shop at thrift stores while they are losing. Some of us who have a range of sizes in our closets can also make it a while without getting new clothes for a couple of sizes. You don't have to decide today. You might at least give away things you don't wear regularly.

I had them but don't remember how long I wore them. Why not give your surgeon's office a call and ask?

Some more:

Get a pad of paper and write the following seventy-times-seven (I don't know why, but that "biblical" amount sounds like a good number for this): I am beautiful. Look at yourself in the mirror, directly in the eye, and say, out loud: I am beautiful. Practice until it no longer feels awkward. Some other good affirmations you might find helpful:

I agree with the others. Are you tracking your food? Are you reaching your Protein goal every day? Are you drinking at least 64 oz of Fluid every day? Are you avoiding starches, added sugars, and fried foods? Are you taking your Vitamins and supplements every day? (You mention starting your vitamins back. What does that mean? Did you stop taking vitamins?) Are you exercising regularly? If you are not where you want to be, I would suggest making an appointment with your NUT to talk about your goals. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. We all experience periodic stalls and almost everyone experiences a stall about three weeks after surgery. Just follow your program. Track your food. Get in AT LEAST 64 oz of liquid a day. Focus on reaching your Protein target every day. The sooner you can get in ALL of your protein the better for both healing and weight loss. Take all of your Vitamins and supplements as instructed. Exercise when cleared. And, stay off the scale. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I have been seriously thinking of it. After reading the numbers in this article it now makes even more sense!

I have never been a big fan of matched suits. You could try to find a nice pair of pants and/or skirt and jacket/blazer. It depends on your budget and shape/size, but you might also try someplace like Talbot's.

As I contemplate writing a book for WLS patients, I found this interesting. At least I am not a doctor not do I play one on TV. books

Stay off the scale! Seriously. Our bodies are in such flux in the weeks after surgery that the scale is not the best measure of progress. Follow your program and focus on getting in all of your protein and fluids.

I have heard of apps like this but didn't use one. You could just set the timer on your phone to go off every 15 (or however many) minutes.

I go to a wellness center affiliated with a local hospital. They work daily with people of all weights, sizes, physical abilities, and ages. See if you have something similar near you. I have found the staff to be extremely knowledgeable and accommodating/adaptable, but more importantly they are very encouraging.

I forgot to mention the gas. I did have gas pain, mostly in my shoulder, but I wouldn't describe it as severe..

Welcome! To answer your question about hair. I had long, beautiful hair and cut it short (donated it) soon after surgery, so now I have short, thick beautiful hair. I haven't noticed any significant hair loss since surgery and I am almost one year post-op. I get in all of my Protein, take all my Vitamins, and don't limit good fats. I don't know if that makes a difference or if I'm just lucky. Some people do experience temporary hair loss. I didn't have a drain. I didn't experience vomiting or nausea. They did put an anti-nausea patch behind my ear while I was in the hospital. Best of luck with your surgery.

Welcome! I live in Danville and was sleeved April 20, 2015 by Dr. Weiss at Georgetown. He is an outstanding surgeon. You are in good hands. You might want to check out the new book called A Brand New Man by Don McNay. He was also sleeved by Dr. Weiss and his book about his experience was just published. Best of luck with your surgery!