Inner Surfer Girl

As a side note, I just saw a notice in my church's newsletter that said the church has medical equipment to lend (like walkers, scooters, etc.). That is something I wouldn't have thought of before, but obviously someone had. You never know what kind of resources are out there until you start looking!

That sounds like an awful lot of sugar! Where is your Protein? What does your program/NUT say for the stage you are on? For the first several months or so I didn't try anything new without being very clear about whether or not it was on my plan. For me that meant looking at my program guide. If it still wasn't clear, I gave my NUT a call. I wouldn't have had something like that then or now (at almost 9 months). I am surprised it didn't make you sick. (Edited because I posted too soon.)

At two weeks post op I was on full liquids so Peanut Butter would have been a "no" but PB2 in a shake or pudding would have been ok. By the time I was on soft foods, peanut butter (in small amounts) was allowed. What does your program materials or NUT say?

It never ceases to amaze me how childish, immature, and ignorant some "adults" can be! It makes me so thankful for those that aren't.

Adding: Can you get in the pool? It's a great way to exercise that is easy on the joints.

Stalls are a natural part of the weight loss process. The only thing predictable is that your first one usually occurs about three weeks after surgery. Just follow your program and make sure you are getting in all of your Protein, fluids, and Vitamins. Consider trying some exercise that you can do with your injury. Search chair exercises. Pre-op I couldn't get around very well so I got an exercise peddler and some resistance bands and Dumbbells that I used while watching tv. Just see if you can find a way to move. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

You could have the quest! Skip the tortilla's and chips. Refried Beans are my go to at a Mexican restaurant. I also sometimes get a taco and put the insides on my beans. Just think Protein and texture.

I took belly dancing class when I was pretty close to my highest weight and loved it. Almost all of my exercise is in the pool right now (I have thrown in some belly dance moves into my stretching), but am really looking forward to when I can start taking dance classes again!

It's funny how that happens!

I don't know how it works with WLS, but I do know that if you want to test for celiacs disease don't go off of gluten before talking to your doctor first. If you go off of gluten first the tests won't work. That said, since my post-op "diet" is Protein rich and avoids starches for the most part, it should work well with what you are trying to do. Have you talked to your NUT about your goals? That would be where I would start.

I think we were all afraid of failure before surgery. I know I was. Why not? I had "failed" at every diet I had ever been on. What I didn't realize, and my surgeon helped me understand, was that the deck was stacked against me and my body was fighting me every step of the way. Evolution and our modern culture were conspiring to make me fat and keep me fat. Now, after surgery, I am learning to work with my body and not against it. It's not a battle but more working to keep a finely tuned machine running smoothly. It takes effort and is not necessarily easy, but post-op life is fairly simple: Water, Protein, Vitamins, exercise. Since you are still pre-op, your body is fighting back so it is a struggle. Post-op, if you are anything like me, all of the work you have done and are doing with your therapist and through OA will pay off big time. You can do this!

Thanks for the clarification. I was confused.

This is how I understand it to work: Our bodies need Protein to survive and are finely tuned so that if we don't get enough protein it will shut down to preserve energy (basically going into a famine or starvation mode). We do not store protein so if we do not consume protein, our bodies will use the protein already in our bodies, mostly muscle (including muscle in our organs like our heart). Also, if we don't get enough protein we will stay hungry until we do and beyond. (For example, when you are truly hungry but only eat donuts your body will keep telling you to eat even if you ate the whole box because you didn't feed it protein). Not only will it keep looking for protein, it signals that protein is scarce and will store everything we consume as fat because it thinks there is a famine. We are very efficient at storing carbohydrates and fat so as obese individuals, we have a lot of stored energy. We can go a long time without consuming carbohydrates and fats, but in order to convert our stored fat into energy we have to have enough protein (and enough carbohydrates and fats to make the process work). According to my surgeon, I need 100 grams of protein a day for life so that my body can run efficiently and not think there is a famine. Also, since protein is critical for healing, and building muscle, skin, hair, etc. it is especially important to get in all of your protein every day as soon as possible after surgery. My surgeon stressed that there is no physical reason for anyone not to be able to drink 3 Premier Protein shakes the day after surgery (which totals 90 grams of protein). The bottom line: if you want to heal properly, lose weight, preserve muscle, not have heart problems, not lose as much hair, and for your skin to be in good shape then get in your protein. Protein shakes are recommended because in the first weeks after surgery they are the easiest and most efficient way to get enough protein and fluids as you heal. (You can count them as both protein and Fluid.) Staying hydrated is just as critical. So, to lose weight and heal properly: Follow your program. Focus on getting in ALL of your protein and fluids every day. Take your Vitamins as directed. And exercise when cleared. I know it is hard, but the sooner you can get enough protein and fluid, the sooner you will feel better and the more efficiently your body will lose weight.

I agree with others. Walk and move around. Most of mine was in my shoulder so a heating pad was helpful, too.

Thanks for the heads up. I've set my DVR for this one and the new episodes of My 600 Pound Life.

I've never heard of it. Why does she recommend it? What research is there on it? I wouldn't agree or disagree with her recommendation out of hand without finding out more. Here is a link to some info on the procedure from the Mayo Clinic site: http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/home/ovc-20163795

I've never heard of it. Why does she recommend it? What research is there on it? I wouldn't agree or disagree with her recommendation out of hand without finding out more.

Almond milk was allowed during my full liquids phase.

Why aren't you tracking what you eat? Without tracking I'd never reach my Protein goals since I can't remember what I did 10 minutes ago. Tracking protein (at the very least) is a major success factor as far as I am concerned. Getting back to basics may help you get back on track. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall I am so sorry to hear you are having such a difficult time. As someone who has a lot of experience with depression, may I suggest that you give your therapist a call and make an appointment if you don't have one already scheduled. Do you attend any support groups?

Welcome, Sarah! I don't have a Fitbit but wanted to say "hello". This is a great site for information, encouragement, and inspiration. Best of luck with your surgery and keep us posted on how you are doing.

Early out I only weighed at my Doctor's appointments. Now I try to weigh no more than once a week (if I can remember what day it is I aim for Monday). Like Inner Surfer Girl, I initially thought I would just weigh in at doctors visits. Personally, I'm still not comfortable with weighing myself every day as of yet due to not seeing the losses, discouragement, etc. Nevertheless, I have started weighing myself once a week also just to keep tabs on progress. My family is very supportive of my choice and wants to see me succeed. Initially (when I started the pre-op diet) I was getting asked how much weight I've lost. After surgery my mother is asking almost daily. At first I was annoyed but now I know it's because she just wants to be excited with me. To each their own. I told my mom right after my first follow-up visit that I wouldn't be sharing numbers. Now, when anyone asks I can truthfully tell them that I don't even share that number with my mom.

As to liquids and Protein shakes, it depends on your surgeon's program. Mine included premier Protein Shakes and ProtiDiet tomato basil and creamy chicken Soups as options during my clear liquid phase. I also used ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates during Clear Liquids. I consider most Syntrax Nectars clear. Isopure also has clear Liquid Protein in a variety of flavors. In addition, you may want to have on hand: decaf tea, Herb "teas", bone broth, Water enhancers, crushed ice, and sugar-free Popsicles. Staying hydrated and getting in all of your protein are critical for healing.

The best way to lessen blood clots and complications are to follow your surgeon's post-op instructions. That means: taking the prescribed medications (blood thinners, actigal, etc.); using your incentive spirometer (I had that an another device for my lungs I just don't remember what it's called. I had to use both of them before and after surgery to help avoid pneumonia), DVT leg compressors (or whatever they are called) and other devices; getting up and walking frequently; staying hydrated; getting enough protein; following your pre- and post-op food plan; etc. Basically, do everything you are asked to do. Your surgeon's primary goal is for you to have a safe and healthy surgery and recovery.

I am still early in my program and losing, but based on many posts I have read, my guess is that some reasons some people gain weight back is that: 1) they think the surgery itself is sufficient and don't ever deal with the underlying issues that led to their obesity, 2) never learn new, healthy coping skills for dealing with stress, 3) don't use the resources available to help them such as their bariatric team and/or 4) just quit following their program. I am sure there are others.

Early out I only weighed at my Doctor's appointments. Now I try to weigh no more than once a week (if I can remember what day it is I aim for Monday).