Inner Surfer Girl

Thanks for the advice! One of my short term goals is to write every day. Just getting back to writing at least 300-500 words daily is a baby step I need to commit to. Maybe posting here can count toward that! I have collected many of my posts in Scrivener, so I do have a start. Let me know how I can encourage you as you write your novel! I am so much better with helping others write than actually doing it myself...I need to work on that.

It's not either or. You should be trying for both. Fortunately, all of your fluids count so drinking a protein shake counts as a fluid. My surgeon was emphatic about the importance of both.

I didn't notice any. I did cut my hair short soon after surgery after wearing it really long for decades so maybe I just didn't notice.

Happy New Year everyone! 2015 has been an exciting and tremendous year of changes for me since I was sleeved April 20, 2015. Once I decided that surgery was for me, I still had to wait over a year for it due to financing issues. So, I have been on this journey for quite a while. One of the things I like to do is write. I took a hiatus from writing my novel this year so plan to get back to it soon. I signed up for a writing workshop in a nearby city that starts this month. A year ago I couldn't have even considered attending due to my disability and lack of mobility. As long as the weather participates I am now able to get out more although I am still not 100%. Another thing I want to do this year is write a book about weight loss surgery. Any suggestions, advice, or encouragement is welcome. I don't yet know what the finished product will be, but I was inspired by reading @@Alex Brecher and @@Queen of Crop 's books. What big goals do you have for 2016?

Try sugar free-Popsicles, Water enhancers (like crystal light, Mio drops, etc.), decaf tea, Herb infusions (like mint "tea"), clear broths/soup, etc. Try room temperature, try warm, try ice cold. Just keep trying and working at it. Plain water was the hardest thing for me to drink I initially. It took a while for me to be able to drink it in significant amounts.

Actually, according to my NUT, with the sleeve there shouldn't be a problem with sipping liquid with food since we still have our pyloric valve. I wouldn't drink a large glass of Water, but sipping should be fine. You might also want to try a bit of gravy with dryer foods/meats. Also, make sure you are taking small bites and chewing really well. The not drinking restriction is for bypass patients who do not have a pyloric valve.

I no longer take mine and don't have any issues. I don't really remember how long it was after surgery that I stopped, but it was less than six months (maybe even three).

Congratulations! That sounds so cold but very fun!

This is so awesome! Congratulations and mad Haply New Year!

Isn't it great to regain your hope and optimism? Have a very Happy New Year!

I would say both are important. The good thing is that all of your liquid protein supplements count towards your fluid totals. If you HAVE to choose one over the other go for hydration, but you really shouldn't have to choose.

I am so glad you were able to get hydration. Dehydration is no joke.

Happy New Year, @@Alex Brecher. Thank you so much for this forum. It has been invaluable to me. 2016 is going to be a great year!

One thing I truly don't understand is how many people come here to get something answered that they should really be asking their medical providers. I would always suggest anyone to keep asking questions of your doctor until you 1) understand, and more importantly, 2) are very clear about what you are supposed to do. I know many people are intimidated by medical folks, especially after the way many of us have been treated due to our obesity, but there is really no excuse for a doctor not to take time to make things clear.

It's nice that your husband didn't inherit his family's miserable-personality gene. You don't have to tell them anything. When they start commenting on your weight loss, simply tell them that you've been eating differently and have begun an exercise routine. It's the truth and nothing but the truth and, even better, it will make them crazy. Wouldn't it be a kick if they surprise you? Don't count on it, though, because the obese among them will probably add a jealousy component to their already miserable outlooks. @@Inner Surfer Girl's suggestion of a book written for WLS people brought to mind a different kind of book someone who used to be on sparkpeople.com mentioned often in the depression "team" (you can find affinity groups for everything imaginable there or you can start one). I don't know the book myself, but you may want to look at a copy in a bookstore or at least read an online description. The title is "Boundaries," by Cloud and Townsend. I just googled it to be sure of the title (had forgotten about it some time ago); it turns out to be one of a series of "Boundaries" books. Here's a link to the publisher's (HarperCollins) material; it has some topics that you may find interesting -- including one on setting boundaries with mothers. Your husband might to take a look, too. http://www.boundariesbooks.com/ As to your friend's "lucky" comment: Am I the only one who doesn't see it as necessarily negative? It seems vague enough to consider asking her to say more. Back to the in-laws. My advice for the week for dealing with miserable thwarters is taking shape: "Punch their lights out." Congratulations on a beautiful start. I haven't read this one but I recommend The One Life Solution by Dr. Henry Cloud all the time. It also talks a lot about boundaries. I highly recommend it! The One-Life Solution: Reclaim Your Personal Life While Achieving Greater Professional Success https://www.amazon.com/dp/0061466433/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_W8xHwb95BSRKQ Here is another good one: Mojo: How to Get It, How to Keep It, How to Get It Back If You Lose It https://www.amazon.com/dp/1401323278/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_T.xHwbS8ECEVT

I agree. I didn't want to be dealing with caffeine withdrawal while also recovering from surgery, so I weaned myself off of caffeine gradually in the months leading up to surgery.

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the weight loss process. Everyone stalls, and most people experience their first stall about three weeks post op. Also, keep in mind that weighing on different scales at different times can give you completely different readings. Embrace the Stall! http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

This is a great question for your NUT. I believe it is POSSIBLE to get too much Protein, but if you aren't reaching your daily target then one shake isn't going to put you in a danger zone by a long shot. Of course, this is just my opinion. I treat my protein target as a minimum and not a maximum, especially if my protein is coming from lean/healthy sources.

Protein! I don't know if you can necessarily easily gain muscle while in the losing stage, but you can certainly increase your muscle/fat ratio. Have you talked to your NUT about your goals?

I think you look great and very happy! What is a bit of loose skin when you can live life to the fullest?

I am so glad!

Go slow and sip. You need to get more than 20 oz in as soon as possible. For me that meant sip, sip, sipping all day. Try taking tiny sips (almost drips). Try sugar free Popsicles, crushed ice, decaf tea, etc. Try different temperatures. One thing that helped me early post op was to put ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrate over a little bit of crushed ice and eat it with a spoon. You could try a toddler spoon or appetizer sized spoon or the tip of a teaspoon. Just keep at it. You don't want to wind up in the ER with dehydration. The sooner you can get in all of your fluids and Protein, the better you will feel.

I agree. Rather than slim fast, try premier. I also like GNC Lean shake 25 (made with water). The only shake I would make with milk is the carnation Breakfast essentials no sugar added. The rest I make with Water. You might also want to try Syntrax nectar.

That is a good question to ask your NUT and bariatric team since they will be submitting the data.

That anxiety and fear is why I think it is absolutely critical that you use professional help. I am glad you are seeing professionals about this. We can be encouraging and cheer you on, but we do not have the professional skills and training that will be most helpful for you.