Inner Surfer Girl

Thank you for the advice! I don't know, but didn't the heating pad hurt your incisions? And I just remembered I need to check my ice pack situation! Thanks! I used my heating pad for my shoulder/gas pain and because I was freezing!

This is a tough question. I am not a mom, but I am a daughter and I know first hand what a mine field food and body image issues can be between mothers and daughters as well as fathers and daughters. As a former college student and also someone who has worked with a lot of college students here are some of my initial thoughts. College is the time when she really does need to learn what works for her. Trying new things and making mistakes is part of the process. Some of the danger areas related to weight gain as well as other risks that I see in college are: excessive drinking, lack of sleep, learning disordered eating behavior (dorms and sororities can be really dangerous places for anyone who is susceptible to eating disorder behavior), freedom to eat or not eat whatever or whenever you want, and lack of money/scarce funds. College is a time where she is learning to be independent. A parents role shifts from that of close supervision to trusted advisor. (That shift can be smooth or rocky depending on a lot of variables.) Good habits like a regular exercise routine, time management, and nutrition skills and knowledge can be helpful. What she has learned up to now and what she is learning in school both formally and informally will come into play. In my opinion, many of the key success skills related to succeeding in college are time/life management/balance issues. What can you do? I think the best thing you can do is love her, and be supportive in a nonjudgmental way. Instead of focusing on what you think she should do, work on developing an open and honest dialogue with her. Be honest about what you are going through: struggles and successes. Listen carefully to what she is concerned about but instead of telling her how to handle something, help her to explore solutions. Some recovery phrases come to mind: Your role as mother is shifting more to that of trusted advisor, so sharing your experience, strength, and hope is what is important. Hopefully, as she sees the changes you have been making and the results from those changes, she may be interested to learn more about what is working for you. Be open and honest but try to resist the urge to tell her what she should do. I know how hard it is to refrain from advice giving and try not to do so unless asked. But, look for openings when she is genuinely interested to talk about what you have learned along the way, whether it is related to nutrition tips or even sharing an easy recipe that you found that might be easy to make in the dorm, etc. I know this is disjointed. After thinking about this more I may have more thoughts. I would love to hear what others have to say.

Yep. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Not really. I started mine 2 weeks post-op. I was pumped with so many vitamins in the hospital that I was good to go for a few weeks Cool. Could you post a picture?

When I was smaller I like to get suits from Lands End. I am looking forward to getting suits from them again.

One of my favorite clear and calorie free beverages is Harney & Sons hot cinnamon spice decaf tea. If you don't have that brand available you might want to look for a good herb tea.

It's not that it's coffee per se (unless coffee messes with your stomach) as much as it is caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic, so any Fluid in caffeinated coffee won't help you meet your fluid needs and may require you to need more fluid. I agree with others. Fifty pounds is great. But, if you are unhappy with your progress, consider going back to basics and make sure you are getting in ALL of your Protein and fluids. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Love it!

I am so sorry to hear that you are struggling. I don't have any specific experience so all I can really suggest is that you talk to your NUT. Best of luck.

Congratulations on the weight loss. You look great! I am nowhere near my "goal" weight so take this with a grain of salt. In choosing my "goal" weight, I pretty much pulled a number out of the air. I have NEVER been anywhere near that number so I have no idea if it's a good one or not. As I get closer to that number I am sure I will have to come up with something more REALISTIC (either higher or lower) based on input from a variety of professionals. I know that some of the variables that go into that number will be: 1) muscle/fat ratio, 2) how much excess skin I have, 3) how I feel, 4) where my body wants to be, and 5) how I look. Height, frame, muscle mass, etc. seem to me to be better measurements than just the number on the scale.

I would look for one that works with bariatric/weight loss surgery patients.

The key for me is not to go for feeling "full", but to feel satisfied. Try practicing eating mindfully: eat slowly, take small bites, chew thoroughly, and put your utensil down between bites. This is really helpful for me.

Welcome and congratulations on deciding to take such a big step. That was the hardest part of the whole process for me. I was sleeved April 20, 2015 and couldn't be happier with my decision, my surgery, my recovery, and my progress so far.

So, the trick to traveling with Deviled Eggs is don't assemble them till you get there. Put all the egg white "cups" in a big zippie bag, and mix your filling up and put it in another zippie. When you get where you are going, arrange the cups on a plate, cut the corner of the filling bag, and pipe the filling into the cups. Takes like 30 seconds and takes a ton of hassle out of Deviled Eggs. Thanks! I learned something new today.

Being healthy is so much more than the numbers on the scale. You might want to talk to your doctor or a therapist about health strategies. Some critical success factors, that I am continuing to learn and refine over the years: Following my post-op program, which means: getting at least 64 oz of Fluid, 100 grams Protein, taking all of my Vitamins and supplements and doing some sort of exercise, every day in addition to avoiding starches and added sugars, eating mindfully, and choosing healthy, nutritious foods as often as possible. Getting enough restful sleep. Avoiding carbonation and caffeine. A spiritual practice. Journaling, praying, meditating, reading, sharing, etc. Expressing and practicing my creativity. Staying connected to other people. Spending time alone to recharge. (I am an introvert with extrovert skills). Treating myself with kindness. Forgiving myself and others. Gratitude. Some important things I have found I have to make time for are: swimming, massages, creativity, and restful sleep. Another area that I think is critical is finding a healthy job/career. After years of working, I am currently on disability. When I return to work I absolutely must be careful to find a healthy workplace. No more toxic, soul-sucking jobs for me!

... And, how much your stomach has stretched throughout the years.

There is a difference between complex carbs and simple carbs. It's the starches (simple carbs) and added sugar that we as a society eat way too much of because they are cheap and filling (at least in the short term).

It's probably acid. Were you prescribed a PPI?

Since the fundus is removed (the stretchy part of the stomach), then the percentage is relative to the size of your stomach. Ultimately, what is left for the sleeve is about the size of a banana. Since everyone's anatomy is different it does vary and the amount that is removed is less important than what you do with what is left.

I don't know if any of us can give you information about averages since so many variables can influence the rate of weight loss. None of us lose at a constant or steady rate. That said, 60 grams of Protein seems really low. Is that the protein target you were given? Frankly, you MAY not be eating enough. Definitely talk with your NUT about your goals.

Congratulations!

My understanding is that biotin may help with regrowth but won't do anything to prevent hair loss which is an after effect of the trauma of surgery/anesthesia, and the result of low Protein. Are you getting in all of your protein every day and taking your vitamins and supplements as instructed (not just biotin)?

Congratulations on deciding to put in some work in dealing with the internal/head issues. Even though you don't have plans to see a counselor or therapist right now, there are some other tools and resources I would recommend that you consider. There are many good books available related to eating issues and/or weight loss surgery. One I recommend frequently is Eat it Up! by Dr. Connie Stapleton. She just posted an article on this site and is a therapist who works with WLS patients. I believe there is a companion workbook, too. OA meetings and literature. Go to OA.org and you will find lots of information, podcasts, meeting lists (both in person and virtual), etc. Just about anything by Geneen Roth. I like When food is Love especially. Anything by Melodie Beaty. I frequently recommend The Language of Letting Go. I am currently reading Brene Brown's The Gifts of Imperfection. Even though it's not a book about eating issues, it hasn't taken long for eating and body issues to come up. Even though you currently don't have plans to find a therapy st or counselor, I hope you don't discard the idea completely. A good therapist can be a tremendous asset. Best of luck in your journey.

This is a great question to ask your surgeon and/or NUT.

You don't mention Protein at all. Right now (and every day from here on out) your primary focus should be on getting enough protein and fluids. Are you following your post-op food program? What is your protein target? Are you getting AT LEAST that amount of protein every day? Are you getting AT LEAST 64 oz. of Fluid? Are you tracking your food so you know the answers to these questions? Are you avoiding starches and added sugars? Are you taking your Vitamins and supplements as directed? Are you cleared for exercise? Walking is great until you are cleared for me strenuous exercise. It is very important that you follow your program. If you are unclear about what you need to do, then ask your NUT. Even though it can be helpful to get an idea about what other people are doing, ultimately you need to follow your program.