Inner Surfer Girl

I think I have more condiments and seasonings in my refrigerator and pantry than actual food. What have you discovered or do you use to add flavor to your meals? Any basics or gourmet spices, seasonings, herbs, or condiments that you can't live without? I love browsing specialty food stores and our local Amish markets looking for different flavorings. I am still trying to learn how to use many of them. I just opened a jar of this mustard that I bought before Christmas from Southern Seasons. I added a dab to the plain sliced deli turkey and green onion cheese that I ate for lunch and it has quite a kick. I also happen to like the idea that it comes packaged in a nice glass. Braswell's Smoky Chipotle Mustard What are some of your favorites?

Wow!

I am so sorry to hear you are miserable. I wasn't sick right after surgery, so I cannot even imagine. Being sick sucks as it is. All I can suggest is to do your very best to stay hydrated and get in your Protein. Bone broth, chicken Soup (without the noodles), and hot decaf or herbal tea might help. I recently had a really bad cold-like illness and Lliquid Tylenol Multisymptom (day and night versions) really seemed to help. A heating pad may help. Be gentle with yourself and get lots of rest.

Who is this? Can you provide some background for your question?

Here is a good blog post about Mindful Eating. Since starting to prepare for WLS and since surgery, I have tried to eat more mindfully and slowly. I have found that by slowing down, taking smaller bites, chewing thoroughly, and really paying attention to what I am eating, I can really savor and enjoy the food I am eating. I also find that I am satisfied with smaller amounts of quality, fresh, nutritious, and delicious foods when I am practicing eating mindfully. Do you practice mindful eating? How has your approach to eating changed since WLS? http://www.mindful.org/how-to-set-up-a-daily-mindful-eating-practice/

Best: that I actually see results from eating well and exercising, instead of the frustration I experienced pre-op where everything I did seemed futile. Worst: when I have worked hard and done everything I can and an off-hand comment/implied criticism from a family member gets under my skin.

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

I agree, feeling frustrated does not help. Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. We all stall periodically, and almost everyone stalls about three weeks post-op. Just follow your program. Track your food. Focus on getting in all of your Protein and fluids. Avoid starches and added sugars. Take your Vitamins and supplements as instructed. Exercise when cleared. And, stay off the scale. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Here is a good article about foods and cholesterol: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/cholesterol/art-20045192

Someone else mentioned needing help with cholesterol. Here is another good article: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/cholesterol/art-20045192

I got a Misfit Shine for Christmas. I like it because I swim and it is great for tracking laps. It also ties into MyFitnessPal.

Be careful with the orange juice. If you like that flavor you might like the GNC Lean 25 Orange Cream. It's one of my favorites.

Here is an interesting article about some research into obesity as it relates to poverty. I don't think the results are definitive, but definitely interesting. http://www.psmag.com/business-economics/how-inequality-creates-obesity

I know its easy to get off track, especially if you stop tracking food and doing other basics. Why have you been eating all the wrong food? Are you buying the wrong food? Are you planning your meals and Snacks? Have you talked to your NUT lately? Try focusing on what you CAN have instead of what you can't. Going back to basics helps: Track your food starting with the last bite you took (and everything you can remember for the last day or two). Don't wait until the next meal or snack. Eat Protein first. Practice mindful eating. Sit down. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly. Get in all of your protein and fluids for the day. Take your Vitamins and supplements as directed. Exercise. Use the resources you have available to you: your NUT, bariatric support group, therapist, and/or a 12-step support group like OA. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Every time I see the title of this post come up in my feed I start fantasizing about my next trip to a Mediterranean restaurant. It's my favorite food but the two closest restaurants are thirty miles away in opposite directions.

I met with the PT before surgery and we decided to wait until after surgery to start treatment after I had lost some weight. I have been doing it about a month. Yes, I sleep with the wrappings. Yes, those are my sheets.

The 3 week stall is different than stalls that come along months after surgery. Here's why:http://www.dsfacts.com/weight-loss-stall-or-plateau.html#.UqP7uBLn-Uk Yes, but stalls are still a natural part of the process. They are going to happen.

Right now I go to my PT three times a week. She puts my legs in these big boots that massage my legs. Then she wraps my legs (my calves right now) with compression bandages. We are trying this compression contraption on my left thigh right now to see how it goes. If it helps we will probably get one for my right thigh (they aren't cheap). It's complicated because I also swim. So, I schedule my PT so I can take off my bandages, swim, then get them rewrapped.

I opened a jar of Olive Press artichoke and lemon tapenade this evening and mixed a tablespoon into my cottage cheese with some tomato this evening. Tastes pretty darn good.

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

So, let me see if I understand your question? You feel you may have gained a few pounds so you want to have more surgery? First, you either have or haven't gained weight. What does the scale say? What does your doctor say? Are you still in a healthy range? Second, are you following your food plan? What does your NUT advise?

It would help if I attached the photos. Left leg. Right leg.

Just part of my current lymphedema treatment. I may be dressing as a mummy for Halloween this year. It looks really strange, but my treatments have really been helping. I've lost a total of over 9" in my legs since starting treatment.

If you don't start soft foods until Wednesday, then don't start soft foods until Wednesday. Why take the risk? You would probably be alright, but to me a couple of days wouldn't kill you. By the way, when I had my first follow-up post-surgery nutrition class, everyone who was following their plan was doing great and everyone who wasn't following it were miserable. Coincidence? Maybe. But it made an impression on me.