Inner Surfer Girl

Hi Eunice, I would suggest you contact some of the Bariatric Centers of Excellence and talk to their directors and/or on-staff psychologists. They might be able to give you an idea of what kinds of needs aren't being addressed by existing programs.

I think we can't help but change. WLS is a significant life event and going through the process is going to be a catalyst for change. How we react to the change and respond to other people's reaction to the change is what is most important in my opinion. Whether our core values and personality stay the same or are radically different is up to each of us.

Are you taking your Iron with vitamin C and at a time where you aren't taking it eating calcium? Calcium can interfere with iron absorption and vitamin C helps absorption.

Makeup can help, but a genuine smile is the best enhancement. I watch Survivor and it is interesting how jarring everyone's look is to me during the finale. I don't think it is because of the extra 20+ pounds that everyone has gained as much as the fact that they are wearing makeup and have blow-dried their hair.

I agree. If you feel you must practice, then don't put something to drink within arms reach while you eat.

I would worry about the "don't like a lot of whole fruits and vegetables". Have you actually tried any lately? Once you get clean off of sugar and starches, you may find you actually like fresh, whole foods.

Congratulations! This is awesome! Do you even have any idea what kind of work your body is doing to make itself permanently smaller? As far as I can tell, stalls are when my body is reducing and rearranging. Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process. Not something to be feared or avoided. Just follow your program. Make sure you are getting in all of your Protein and Water. Take your supplements and Vitamins as directed. And, exercise. You might want to consider mixing up your exercise, trying something new, or even alternating days of intensity. If you haven't talked to your NUT in a while, this might be a good time to talk about your goals and to just check in. You may need to adjust your eating based on your exercise intensity and/or, depending on how much more you want to lose, even start planning for maintenance! Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Right now I am eating a cup of plain nonfat Greek yogurt with sugar-free raspberry preserves and PB2.

I'm not supposed to sleep in them! I was told to use them 3 times a day but my Physical Therapist said absolutely not. According to her the last person she had who did it three times a day wound up not being able to walk. Two times seems to be working well so far. I can tell it works because I have to really pee after the hour is up!

Congratulations! This is so awesome!

You are going to be tired for a while. Your body is healing from major surgery. The sooner you can get in all of your protein and fluids, the better you will feel. Be gentle with yourself, and rest if you need to. It does get better.

I agree, document everything.

Wishing you all the best. Let us know when you are on the other side!

LOL, when I was in college I used to pick a guy in every class to crush on so I would go to class!

As to haunted houses, I live in central Kentucky and know of a couple of "haunted houses" that are old but very well kept up and quite nice. I guess it depends on the nature of the "haunting"!

Awesome!

To follow up in this, I am down 200+ pounds from my highest weight (with a long way to go) and I have started to feel comfortable going places without having to worry about fitting. I went to a book signing this weekend and didn't scope out parking and seating ahead of time and did fine. There are miracles every day.

Good point. But, just to nitpick --- stroke, ALS, and cancer are natural causes. Maybe premature in the modern sense but certainly natural. Gone are the days of women dying at age 40 (or much younger) in childbirth and men dying in large numbers on the battlefield.

You definitely need to take most Vitamins with food. No wonder you have been nauseous, especially if you are taking a megadose on an empty stomach. Talk to your surgeon or PCP if you need strategies for taking vitamins successfully. My surgeon gave me a whole page with a recommended schedule, dosages, etc.

I don't drink sweetener (artificial or natural) in tea. Why not try it without anything and see if you like it. One tea that is plenty sweet without anything added is Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice. I love it and there is a decaf version that tastes great.

If you don't get enough protein you will: Slow down your healing. Slow down your weight loss. Slow down your metabolism. Lose your hair. Negatively affect your muscles, skin, and other organs like your heart. If you are young, it will stunt your growth. You can eventually die (from heart problems, etc.)

Roasted asparagus! Fresh asparagus. Break off woody ends. Place on baking sh her or tossing pan. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and or seasoning. Put in oven (I use a convection toaster oven set to about 375) until roasted. Delish.

Make sure the hospital you choose is covered by your insurance and is a Bariatric Center of Excellence.

Are you taking a PPI? Post-op, many of us take a PPI, at least for a few months because stomach acid can mimic hunger.

Congratulations! It sounds like you are doing great.