Inner Surfer Girl

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. None of us lose at a constant or steady rate. Our bodies are complex systems, not simple machines. If you intend to lose a significant amount of weight, you will experience stalls. Just follow your program. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

One thing that may help, in addition to avoiding starches, added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup) and fried foods, is to wean yourself off of carbonation and caffeine and drink LOTS of water (64 oz at the very least).

Congratulations!

I am so sorry you are having such difficulties and that the ER was so very unhelpful last night (as a non medical professional to give them the benefit of the doubt, maybe they were slammed with trauma patients...) Anyway, as to your Protein and fluids. It sounds like you could benefit from at least one more Protein shake. When I was early out, if I was short, I took a Premier Protein to bed with me (30 grams protein and 11 oz fluid), and didn't turn out the lights to go to sleep until I had finished it. If you can't find a protein shake that works for you, you may have to keep looking for a protein rich snack or drink. Have you tried the ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates? They come in light, fruity flavors and are a great way to add Water to your protein. Also, if you are in the habit of forgetting your water you may need to get in the habit of carrying spare change and buying water when you are out. Bottled water can be expensive. I run through drive throughs all the time and just order iced water. Some of them give you a small complimentary water, some charge a small amount, and some charge full drink prices, so just pay attention.

The effects of alcohol on weight loss? Negative. Alcohol has no nutritional benefit for weight loss. It is empty calories. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Calories are relative to protein. What is your protein target? At your stage (and even now), I don't focus on calories but on protein. My protein target is at least 100 grams.

According to my surgeon we have an epidemic of cirrhosis of the liver in the US due to overconsumption of high fructose corn syrup.

Tylenol cold

I had mine at age 50. All the cool people are in their 50s and older!

I know people who have moved for good schools but no one I have known up to now has moved for insurance coverage. I would bet it has happened though. Before taking such a big step, you will want to explore all of your options and weigh the pros and cons. I do know there are many people on BariatricPal who have travelled to Mexico from the US, Canada, and even Japan for their surgery. People in Europe and the Middle East also sometimes travel to another country for surgery.

I doubt seriously you ate enough to gain that amount of weight in one week. It could be Water retention, constipation, or something else. Not knowing what your illness is, if you are concerned, you may want to run this by your doctor.

At three weeks I was on soft foods so lots of Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, tuna, turkey, etc.

Here is the interview I heard: http://www.npr.org/2016/08/18/490432969/eating-yogurt-is-not-enough-rebalancing-the-ecosystem-of-the-microbes-within-us

Here is an article, still looking for the podcast: http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/08/09/489171611/how-the-microbes-inside-us-went-from-enemies-to-purported-superhealers

I heard a good talk on NPR this weekend that argued that commercial probiotics weren't very effective of at all. I'll see if I can find a link to the show.

They don't remove anything. But, I believe the pre-op and post-op diets can alter/influence it.

I met someone similar in one of the support group meetings I attended. He works a couple of jobs and was talking about not going to bed but staying up trying to get more steps in for his activity tracker. He was complaining about falling asleep behind the wheel -- he doesn't sleep much either. I couldn't stress enough how dangerous that is. Enough sleep is vital. I made a point of waiting a very long time after he left to get on the road.

I think it is going to depend on how you feel. My surgery was outpatient but that included a night in the hospital.

Yeah!

If and when they offer you beverages on the flight, plain water and tomato juice are both good options. Take some crystal light to go packets of you want to flavor your water.

I wouldn't worry too much about him wasting away. He can always have more (volume) than you and can have extra carbs/sugars (if you can stand having them in the house).

Congratulations!

I swim and have done so at my highest weight. I really don't care what other people think about the way I look in a bathing suit. I am there for my benefit, not theirs.

Here is an interesting article about the relationship between exercise addiction and eating disorders. It also has a nice look at the difference in diagnoses and treatment between an addiction and a compulsion. http://m.nautil.us/blog/when-exercise-becomes-too-much-of-a-good-thing

How many grams of protein did your NUT or surgeon recommend? The amount shouldn't change at 5 weeks, it should just be easier to reach that goal? My surgeon's goal for me is 100 grams. His guidelines are 80 grams for women who start with a BMI under 40 (maybe 50, I don't remember), and 100 grams for everyone else.