Inner Surfer Girl

Taunia - Bette Middler Jean - cowgirl

Why do you feel like you need to stay under 1000 calories? What is your protein target? Mine is 100 grams so 1000 calories is unrealistic and unsustainable. What does your NUT advise?

I am probably not in your target demographic, but feel free to PM me if you want.

I think the logo would be okay but not the whole name (unless it is in tiny type).

I was allowed Greek yogurt during my full liquid phase. What does your NUT say?

I guess it depends on what you have tried. Premier

When I went to a Plano session at the beginning of the month they talked about beverages of choice (caffeine, alcohol, etc.). I was like: water, tea, and crystal light!

What does it say?

If you are choosing foods with sugar then you are actively eating it. Eating sugar will make you crave sugar.

Drink your water! Especially if you are working out intensely, you need AT LEAST 64 oz of Fluid (more if you are exercising a lot). How are you doing at getting in all of your Protein? Are you tracking your food? What is your protein target? When you graze, what are you eating? Are you eating protein? There is a huge difference between eating protein frequently and grazing on carbs, starches, and sugars. Are you eating enough to support your exercise level? Have you talked to your NUT lately? Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I guess it depends on what is in your hot chocolate. Have you tried the ProtiDiet hot chocolate?

What are your instructions? Did you get a written pre-op plan from your surgeon or NUT?

Following because as much as I HATE wearing hose, I am going to need some for compression in the future.

Congratulations! The program does work. Great job. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I had an extremely high BMI so didn't have a requirement to lose weight. It was a challenge for me just to maintain my weight. Also, I carry most of my weight on my lower body so my abdomen wasn't quite as far as my BMI might indicate. It can make a difference where you carry your fat. That said, if you work with your NUT and start making small changes now you should see some weight loss. Just drinking more Water is a great first step. I weaned myself off of carbonation and caffeine and focused on upping my water. I added more non-starchy vegetables and fresh fruit, and started focusing on Protein. I tracked my food. I had been following Weight Watchers online pre-op so my NUT had me continue doing so, but I switched to MyFitnessPal post-op because it does a much better job of helping me track my protein. Plus, it's free! I started exercising more. I was practically immobile and got an exercise peddler and pedaled it with my hands while watching tv. I worked up to at least an hour a day. Most surgeon's have some sort of a two week (or so) required pre-op diet to shrink your liver. You may lose some weight with that. Best of luck with your journey. My surgeon was outstanding and was part of a Bariatric Center of Excellence with a great staff. I highly recommend you make sure that whoever you choose is also at a Bariatric Center of Excellence. These seem to have the best support services. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Welcome! I can't answer your question about cancer other than to say that by following my post-op nutrition program, staying hydrated, taking my Vitamins and supplements, exercising, and eating healthier I am as healthy as I have been in years. My sleep apnea has improved tremendously. I would think that a general improvement in health and sleep may help with cancer risks but that would be an assumption on my part. Definitely talk to your surgeon about steroid use. My surgeon was pretty clear that steroids would inhibit healing of my sleeve. As to emotional eating, surgery will not cure you of emotional eating. It will help but you will still need to address those issues with a good counselor or therapist. Especially because right after surgery, when you physically can't eat much, and you no longer have food to manage your stress and emotions, and your hormones are wacky from fat loss, it can be a very difficult time. You may want to consider something like Overeaters Anonymous. You can find meeting lists and other resources, like podcasts, online at OA.org. Best of luck and keep us posted on your journey.

It depends on what is on your post-op program and what stage you are on. What stage are you? What are you allowed?

Yes, it gets better and easier as you lose weight especially if you exercise and stay active. Focus on improving your: strength, cardio/aerobic capacity, endurance, and flexibility and the sky is the limit!

This looks great. I need to check on the pinto beans though. I took a nutrition class at our county extensions office and was told not to make pinto beans in the crockpot. It may just apply to dried pinto beans so I need to check. Edited to add: I think I found an answer to my question. I assume canned pinto beans have been pre-cooked. Otherwise, if you use dried beans, read this: http://www.choosingvoluntarysimplicity.com/crockpots-slow-cooking-dried-beans-phytohaemagglutinin/ before cooking dried beans in the slow cooker, especially pinto beans.

I transitioned to solid foods like I did at each other stage: one new food at a time. Just look at what is allowed on your program and choose something that looks good to you. Weigh and/or measure your portions. Continue to eat mindfully: eat slowly, take small bites, and chew thoroughly. Listen to your body and see how it goes. Continue to track your food and have fun trying new things. You may find that you like completely different foods than you ate pre-op and that your old standbys no longer appeal to you. It is an adventure.

Have you tried Premier Protein, injury, Quest, Syntrax nectar, or any of the other supplements? Why force down something you can't stand? How far out are you that you aren't eating food? Have you talked to your NUT about your challenges?

I agree. Getting enough protein is critical. And, stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. Why do you feel you have to drink protein shakes to get in enough protein? I am over a year out and I drink an occasional shake for convenience, but can meet all of my protein needs with food if I need it. It sounds to me like you are looking for a magic bullet rather than avoiding the apple pie in the first place. You can do this! It may not be exciting and easy, but it is fairly simple: focus on getting in all your protein and fluids; take your Vitamins and supplements as directed; avoid starches, added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup) and fried foods; exercise; and Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall.

This is so great!

I liked the ProtiDiet creamy chicken and tomato basil because they tasted pretty good and have protein.