Inner Surfer Girl

Congratulations! I understand that not tracking seems to be working well for you, but how do you know whether or not you are getting enough Protein? Just curious.

I started eating quinoa pre-op. I made it in my rice cooker and used it in place of rice. Try Pinterest for some recipe ideas. I haven't made any yet post-op but there is quinoa in the Mr. Cheese O's snack that I like.

There is a serving size? Who knew!

How far along are you? Can you eat meatballs?

Yes, it was my first surgery ever so I had no idea what it would be like. It turned out great. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

Congratulations!

Contact your surgeon. I didn't experience nausea but I did wear a patch for a few days post op which probably helped.

Best of luck!

I certainly understand what you are going through. Right after surgery plain water was the hardest thing for me to drink, too. You need to keep trying different things to see what works. Try different temperatures: ice cold, room temperature, warm, and hot. Try water enhancers. Try herb or decaf teas. Try infusing water with something like cucumber or ginger. Try sugar-free Popsicles and sugar-free Jello. Try crushed ice. Staying hydrated is critical. So is getting in enough Protein. Fortunately, most surgeon's allow you to count all liquids, including Protein shakes toward the Fluid total. Keep sipping. You will get there.

[rquote name=Hannahb3997" post="4091431" timestamp="1456787884]Thank you everyone for the advice and comments. I have been doing a ton of research and I do think WLS is the best choice for me. I believe that I can commit to the changes necessary for this to work. I want to be able to enjoy my life and be healthy while doing so. This is great to hear. Keep us posted on how you are doing and let us know how we can help.

I have seen many posts from WLS folks who are struggling with seeing their weight loss objectively. For instance, when they look in the mirror, they still see themselves as overweight or obese. I just ran across this article and thought it might be helpful: http://www.mysouthernhealth.com/phantom-fat-still-feel-oversized-even-losing-weight/

Maybe they could come up with Girl Scout-branded protein shakes!

I agree with you. But, my rule is that the Girl Scout has to sell them to me (over the phone is fine). I bought some from my niece this year and they are being donated to their local children's home so I don't even have to take possession!

OK. You are crazy! This is awesome and inspiring. You go girl!

Yes, it is normal. None of us lose at a constant or steady rates. Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process. You will experience stalls and most people experience their first stall at about three weeks after surgery. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

What does your pre-op diet say? If you are unclear about what is allowed or not why not contact your surgeon's office and ask?

Congratulations!

I am a bit confused. When they say some examples of exercise are walking around the house during commercials you poo-poo it, but then say they don't give real world examples. Walking around the house during commercials is a real world example. Exercise to me means moving. Whether it is a formal exercise class or exercise routine, or working exercise into my regular activities, it all counts as exercise. I happen to like to swim so I swim laps, take Water aerobics classes, and use water weights. I also am trying to add more movement throughout the day. Walking around the house is a great way to exercise, especially post-op while you are still healing, That is all I did until I was cleared to get in the pool. You might want to consider getting an exercise tracker. I got a Misfit Shine for Christmas and it is great for tracking my laps because I can swim with it. It also is great so I can see how my other activities contribute to my daily exercise goals (or not depending on what I am doing).

Whether you are extremely active pre-op or sedentary, walking and moving around after surgery is helpful. After my incisions healed and I was cleared to get in the Water almost all of my exercise is in the pool: swimming laps, water aerobics, water weights, etc.

I don't know because I weigh infrequently. Initially, soon after surgery, I only weighed at my doctors appointments. We all stall. None of us lose at a constant or steady rate and stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process. Just follow your program. Make sure you are getting in all of your Protein and Vitamins, taking your vitamins and supplements as directed, avoiding starches and added sugars, and exercising. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Just two words: swimming pool.

I think you would love it. I know I do. Swimming lessons are great. When I get a bit farther along I plan to schedule some private lessons to work on technique. In the meantime, the pool director who is also the swim coach gives me tips and lots of encouragement.

Quest chips are ok in a pinch. My favorite "chip" is Mr. cheese O's. I eat them as my post-swim snack. I get mine from Amazion. They aren't cheap. I also like some of the Kay's Naturals Protein bites.

It sounds like lymphedema to me. I wasn't sure what superficial thrombosis was so I had to look it up. Since it is similar to varicose veins and varicose veins are common with pregnancy, maybe that is what it is. According to this article, there really isn't a test for superficial thrombosis. http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/heart-and-blood-vessel-disorders/venous-disorders/superficial-venous-thrombosis

When I eat Chiniese I usually get something like chicken and broccoli or beef and broccoli and forego the rice. When I ate at a Japanese hibachi restaurant Ingot shrimp and scallops.