Inner Surfer Girl

Congratulations on your weight loss! Sounds like you have done great to me.

I generally look at serving size, Protein, and sugar. I look for a high protein to sugar/carb ratio. I try to keep sugar low and under 10 grams (one digit). I also read the ingredient list. I look for a few natural ingredients (vs. a long list of additives) and avoid anything that lists high fructose corn syrup.

Sounds like a good idea.

It sounds like you need to make an appointment with your NUT to talk about your program. Did you have any nutrition classes before or right after surgery?

Adults learn best when we break things down into small chunks. 12-15 minute chunks of time over a long period can really add up.

I think that was when I started taking vitamins. You will get so many vitamins in your IV at the hospital, you should be good to go for a while.

That reminds me. I went to CVS the other day and had to wait on a prescription. I 1) was able to browse around the store and 2) was able to fit in their waiting area chairs. I have only been using the drive-thru for prescriptions for the last couple of years because I couldn't fit in their chairs or stand very long.

The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie is a book I recommend often. Today's entry on Detachment seems like it might be helpful to some folks on BariatricPal who struggle with letting go. I know I need the reminder. The Language of Letting Go February 16th, 2016 Detachment The concept of letting go can be confusing to many of us. When are we doing too much or trying too hard to control people and outcomes? When are we doing too little? When is what we're doing an appropriate part of taking care of ourselves? What is our responsibility, and what isn't? These issues can challenge us whether we've been in recovery ten days or ten years. Sometimes, we may let go so much that we neglect responsibility to others or ourselves. Other times, we may cross the line from taking care of ourselves to controlling others and outcomes. There is no rulebook. But we don't have to make ourselves crazy; we don't have to be so afraid. We don't have to do recovery perfectly. If it feels like we need to do a particular action, we can do it. If no action feels timely or inspired, don't act on it. Having and setting healthy limits - healthy boundaries - isn't a tidy process. We can give ourselves permission to experiment, to make mistakes, to learn, to grow. We can talk to people, ask questions, and question ourselves. If there's something we need to do or learn, it will become apparent. Lessons don't go away. If we're not taking care of ourselves enough, we'll see that. If we are being too controlling, we'll grow to understand that too. Things will work out. The way will become clear. Today, I will take actions that appear appropriate. I will let go of the rest. I will strive for the balance between self-responsibility, responsibility to others, and letting go.

It could be a combination of fluctuating hormones and/or dehydration. Make sure you are staying hydrated.

Have you talked to him about alternatives since you don't fit in the machine? If he absolutely requires an MRI is there a facility that he knows of that has a larger machine? I know I had an MRI at over 500 pounds but it may also depend on how you are shaped. If he requires it and you can't find a facility that can accommodate you, you may be required to lose weight so the tests can be run. Don't give up. Keep asking questions until you can find a solution.

Welcome, @orelonsmom. It sounds like even though you haven't decided for sure whether you want the surgery that you are really hoping that it is covered by your insurance. That sounds like a good indication that this may be the right thing for you. Until you know for sure, learn as much as you can and ask lots if questions. In the meantime, you might want to consider finding one or two healthy habits to work on. These are some things that can help you prepare for surgery: Are you drinking enough Water? If not, aim for increasing your water consumption to 64 oz a day? Do you take Vitamins regularly? If not, work on taking a daily Multivitamin and an extra D3 at the very least. Do you exercise regularly? See if you can find a way to exercise more and aim for 60 minutes a day. Do you weigh, measure and track your food? It sounds like you have some great reasons to keep you motivated. Best of luck with your journey and keep us posted on how you are doing.

Wow, you THINK you are getting 40 grams of Protein a day? No wonder you are losing your hair. I agree, you definitely need to track your food to make sure you get in enough protein. What is your target? Mine is 100 grams a day. 60 grams would be a bare minimum. Most of us have a target of at least 80 grams. Getting only half of your protein would lead to hair loss, slow healing, and slow or no weight loss. Talk to your NUT as soon as possible about strategies for getting more protein in addition to finding Vitamins that you can tolerate. Are you at the very least getting 64 oz of Fluid a day?

I definitely have to be careful or would eat them all the time! It helps that they aren't cheap.

Start by getting a variety of samples since everyone's tastes are different, and your tastes may change post-op. You can get samples directly from unjury. Try the chicken Soup and the unflavored. Also, get a sampler from Syntrax. I really like the Syntrax Nectars, especially Fuzzy Navel. Premier Protein ready to drink are my favorite. I like all three flavors but chocolate is my favorite. I also like GNC Lean shake 25 in Orange Cream. If you have a nearby GNC store you can usually get samples. Quest has some new protein powders and I got some samples from their site recently. In addition to shakes, I really like the ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates the first few weeks. That is what they gave me in the hospital and they really helped me to reach my protein target for the first weeks. My surgeon also allowed the ProtiDiet Soups in tomato basil and creamy chicken which were a great alternative to sweet shakes.

Absolutely.

Great article. I did a lot of this pre-op when I was preparing for surgery. I focused on things like increasing Water consumption, exercise, and weaning myself off of carbonation and caffeine.

My first week was clear liquids (with a couple of exceptions) and my second week was full liquids. Try some Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or cream soup. Even when I was on soft foods, eggs were a challenge. They wouldn't be my first choice before I tried some other things.

Also, be sure you keep up with your blood tests. Your PCP may be able to order them for you as long as he or she knows what to look for in a bariatric patient.

I love Mr. Cheese O's. They are my favorite post-swim snack.

There isn't much difference between April and June, especially if it is early June. Go with your gut. Yes, some people bounce back fast but for some it can take some time to get back into the swing especially energy-wise. Best of luck with whatever you choose.

Her comment gave me an idea. Maybe next time I'll try them with cottage cheese.I can picture LipstickLady dry heaving as we speak.... Me, too. Not my intent but, yeah, it could happen.

Catherine Deneuve was born October 22, 1943. I don't think we have charts for France during the occupation, but in the US, the number one song was Sunday, Monday, and Always by Bing Crosby. I couldn't resist so googled "Catherine Deneuve surfing" and wasn't disappointed. Surfing On the beach And, a more recent photo. If I could have just a tiny bit of her class, style, and beauty when I get to goal I will be very, very happy.

Oh, and definitely take all your supplements. Vitamin deficiency is the kind of thing that isn't a problem until it is and then can be very serious. Once you establish the habit then it becomes really easy.

Based on what you shared I would highly recommend you track everything. That way you KNOW how much Protein you are getting. And aim for 80 grams every day. I bet just those two changes will really help.

Ha! Ha! Ha!