Inner Surfer Girl

Last night's episode about Sean was another crazy one. Another young person who was weighed almost 1000 pounds by his mid 20-'s and the "diet" pushed him over 1000 pounds. Why haven't we figured out that we can't just send a patient that heavy home to the same disfunctional situation with a piece of paper for instructions to "prove how committed they are."? Neither he or his mom have the emotional, mental, spiritual, or physical capacity to do any of this without a massive, multi-pronged intervention. It still baffles me how we as a society let anyone get into this state (I am including myself in this) without tools and resources. If there was ever an example where intensive in-patient treatment and family therapy was needed years ago, this is it. This reminds me of my efforts to find treatment before I turned to WLS. I couldn't even get into intensive outpatient because I wasn't anorexic or bulimic. I still believe I was denied because I scared the little anorexic teenager in the waiting room by my very presence/existence. SMH. I truly hope Sean and his mom both make it. This was also another example of how his mom probably needs surgery, education, and therapy as much as he does.

How much protein are you eating? If you are exercising intensely you MAY need to up your protein and or healthy carbs. What does your NUT suggest? Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Can you have sugar free Popsicles? Herb or decaf tea? If so, then they make a great snack. Don't be afraid to eat/drink what you are allowed to help get you through.

Why not go back to basics? I would suggest you make an appointment with your NUT to talk about strategies for reaching your goals. In the meantime: Track, weigh and measure your food. Drink at least 64 oz of Water a day. Make sure you reach your protein target every day. Avoid starches, added sugars, and fried foods. Take your vitamins and supplements as directed. Exercise. You have been successful before and it sounds like you know what to do. I don't see how going on a "diet" would be more beneficial than actually following your post-op program more diligently. Best of luck and keep us posted on how you are doing.

I think it really depends on what state you are in. I would suggest looking for a Bariatric Center of Excellence near you and attending a seminar. The practice will have an insurance coordinator who can help you determine whether requirements. Best of luck.

I was listening to the story in the car this morning. One of the things I found interesting is that the monks only ate what was given as offerings. As the monks were seen as vessels by which people could send food to their ancestors, they liked to give tasty unhealthy food rather than more nutritious food.

Great ideas. Punching a pillow helps, too!

@@sassyfrass23, sending hugs and prayers. You have certainly had a rough time of it. I know anytime I have gotten "clean" from sugar/carbs, my emotions have been very raw and close to the surface. Be gentle with yourself and try not to do anything or say anything rash. It will get better. You can do this!

I agree with Kathy's suggestions. Another good one is Eat it Up! by Connie Stapleton.

Best of luck! You are going to do great. I know it.

My one year Surgiversary is April 20. This year has flown by. Best of luck with your surgery.

I know as a woman I have been socialized to only go for things I know I can do well rather than try something I think I can do. After many years I have seen so many men get jobs/promotions with less education, experience, skill, just because their egos have no problem claiming expertise in areas where they have none. Not that I want to misrepresent my skills and a abilities, but I am trying to learn to be more confident in presenting them. Being an obese woman was never a benefit. Now that I am regaining my health and fitness I intend to go for it!

Only eating two meals a day and not enough Protein leads to obese monks. http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-35812339 Protein, protein, protein!

60 grams isn't very much. My goal is at least 100 grams. The lowest I have seen from my surgeon is 80 grams.

This is excellent. I like that it has some very practical suggestions. Thanks for sharing.

Whether or not you practice self-destructive habits, I thought this article had some good insight: http://www.elephantjournal.com/2015/08/the-vicious-cycle-of-self-destruction-how-to-get-out-of-it/

Are you weighing and measuring everything? If so, and are following your program as directed, you just may need to stay off the scale. Keep following the program and keep drinking lots of Water. Depending on what you were eating before this 2 weeks, you may be on a stall, or your body may just be taking some time to adjust. I wouldn't try to outsmart your program by restricting. If in doubt, why not give your NUT a call to talk about your concerns?

If you are bored and impatient at 5 months, how are you going to react at 5 years? This is when the rubber hits the road. Why not make an appointment with your NUT? A therapist? Attend a support group meeting? Go to OA (OA.org)? I know I get repetitive on my post, but embracing the stall for me is realizing its part of the process and not something to be beaten, overcome, or outsmarted. Stalls in my previous dieting life were when I gave up or did something crazy (like double-down on the crazy dieting). I truly believe that how I learn to do deal with this anxiety and boredom when I stall is what is going to help me be successful in both the short and long run. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Check out surf wear. I wear a long-sleeved rash guard when I swim because I get cold.

Get a kitchen scale and some good measuring cups. You can also get containers (ex. ziploc) that hold small portions.

Best of luck! Let us know how you are doing when you are able, See you on the other side!

Mashed potatoes are soft but don't have any Protein. How are you getting in your protein?

Have you talked to your NUT about your concerns? Your protein seems low to me. What does your NUT advise?

Sending hugs. For what it is worth (I am single, never married): It is ok to cry and grieve over the end of your marriage. It is ok to be miserable for a while. You do not have to decide anything today. You are going through a tremendous amount of stress and change: WLS, weight loss, work, living situation, and your marriage dissolving. Rather than jumping blindly into the dating pool, why not take some time to grieve and heal (physically, emotionally, spiritually)? Do you have a good counselor or therapist? You might also want to look for a good bariatric support group and/or 12-step recovery group like OA (OA.org). When you are emotionally stronger, then you can be better able to rationally date. You are not doomed to be alone the rest of your life. You get to choose whether or not you date or seek a new, healthy relationship. In the meantime, why not find out how strong and awesome you are by yourself? Again, it is ok to cry and grieve. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Sounds like a good reason not to drink coffee.