Inner Surfer Girl

I agree. I think that setting goals around actions I control rather than things I can't (like the numbers on the scale) is much more effective.

Best of luck with your decision.

I stay motivated by setting short term goals (not related to the numbers on the scale) and celebrating milestones with rewards. Short term goals are usually events: art or writing classes, concerts, plays, trips, etc. My rewards tend to be massages and mani-pedis.

For me, exercise is more about being healthy, feeling good, and keeping my metabolism revved than anything. Plus, I enjoy it. I was very immobile pre-op. I got an exercise peddler and worked my way up to peddling it with my hands for an hour a day. Post-op, I walked some until I was cleared to get in the pool. I have been doing most of my exercise in the pool ever since: Water aerobics, lap swimming, water weights/calisthenics, etc. It helps to find something you enjoy doing.

One of my major goals is to be able to walk on the beach again, to be able to walk through the loose sand on the dunes, and to be able to easily get up after sitting on a beach towel without help. Ultimately, I want to be able to get up on a surf board and learn to surf. I am getting closer!

Are you kidding? Hawaii is paradise for fresh protein: seafood, seafood, and more seafood! I am jealous. Have a wonderful trip!

I agree with this one. I have found that things I used to love (like French fries) smell so much better than they taste now. If you are on soft foods and feel you must have macaroni salad, make sure you are still getting in some Protein. I bet you will find it won't taste nearly good as you think it will though.

There is really no way to predict how long it will last. I HIGHLY recommend you stay off the scale. Especially until you are able to reliably reach your Fluid and protein targets. Your primary goal right now is healing. The weight loss will come. You need enough protein and fluids for both healing and weight loss. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

That doesn't sound like a stall: which is a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. That sounds like a binge to me. Glad you had fun. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Stalls are a normal, natural and necessary part of the process of losing weight. If you intend to lose a lot of weight, you will experience stalls. Unfortunately, hair loss after surgery/anesthesia is not uncommon. Not everyone loses a noticeable amount of hair, but some people do. It will grow back. The best thing you can do is make sure you are getting in all of your Protein and taking your Vitamins and supplements as directed. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

My surgeon uses a robot. I actually had the choice of having my surgery performed at one of two hospitals where my surgeon performs surgery. The one I planned to use had a robot, but he wasn't using it there because his team hadn't yet been trained on it and the other hospital he used it because they had been. I asked him what the difference would be for me and he said there was really no difference. I chose the non-robot route because 1) I liked the hospital and 2) I could be scheduled sooner. All things being equal, the most important thing is the skill of the surgeon and surgical team. The tools they use are really not that big a deal to me. I just want a safe, effective, successful surgery.

My program focuses on protein, not number of meals or even calories. My goal is to get at least 100 grams of protein a day. That would be impossible without eating small meals and snacks.

Without more information it is hard to tell. Have you talked to your NUT? Have you talked to your surgeon? What do they advise? Are you tracking your food? What is your protein target? How much protein are you eating? How much Fluid are you drinking? Are you getting at least 64 oz? Are you taking your Vitamins and supplements as directed? Are you avoiding added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), starches, and fried foods? Are you avoiding alcohol and carbonated drinks? Are you practicing mindful eating? Eating slowly, taking small bites, and chewing thoroughly? Are you exercising? How far are you from your goal weight? We need more information in order to help. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Sending hugs to you, Kindle. I saw the same documentary and have read some of the book. It was very moving. I am glad you found inspiration and solace from it.

At 9 days out I was still on liquids. Why not order Soup? That can be a good choice at most restaurants. You can also call ahead to see what they have if you are unsure.

As others mentioned, a good therapist and a good bariatric nutritionist can be invaluable. Also, there a variety of other resources you can use. Support Groups: if your bariatric program has support groups then attend those. You may also want to consider going to some Overeaters Anonymous meetings. OA.org has meeting lists and other resources like podcasts. books -- there are some outstanding books related to weight loss surgery, food addiction, depression, wellness, nutrition, and even just life. Some I recommend often are: Eat It Up! by Connie Stapleton When Food is Love by Geneen Roth The One Life Solution by Henry Cloud I am sure others can share some of their favorites, too. Just being open to taking one small step to do something different can make a world of difference. Change is scary but you have to be willing to change if you want to have the life you want.

It looks like it would be soft phase based on my program. It looks like it would be soft phase based on my program.

My program never gave limits on size of meals. My sleeve does that. My guidelines have always been Protein based. I need at least 100 grams of protein a day. That means I have to eat frequent small meals and Snacks. It is a physical impossibility to get 100 grams of protein in 3 meals no matter what size (1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, or 1/2 cup). Plus, the size depends on the density of what I am eating. I can eat more Greek yogurt or cottage cheese than chicken or steak.

If you are as far out as you are and only getting 100 calories a day you are probably hungry and maybe even thirsty. It doesn't sound like you are eating or drinking enough. You have got to get in all of your protein and fluids as soon as you can. What is your protein target? Mine was 100 grams. That would mean drinking at the very least 3 1/2 premier Protein shakes a day. Calories are less important right now than protein, but 100 calories is extremely low. Edited: because typos and to add. I didn't do a lot of exercise other than some walking until I was cleared to get in the pool at about 4 weeks. I do about 95% of my exercise in the Water.

If you could have skim milk could you not have premier protein? It is about the same consistency and has much more protein than milk.

Jumping in here. LOOOVE your photo of you in the dress. You are beautiful in it and the dress itself is gorgeous, too. I take Wellbutrin and like it. I have taken Paxil and Prozac in the past -- not together!

For me, plain water was the hardest thing for me to drink post-op. Try using water enhancers (like Mio drops or crystal light), Herb infusions, decaf tea, etc. You may also want to try different temperatures: warm, room temp, cold, etc.

Who told you sugary drinks are allowed?

You should still be able to get in your protein with clear liquids. There are clear protein sources: Isopure, ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates, bone broth, to name a few.

How are you doing in getting in your Protein? What is your protein target? How close are you to 64 oz Fluid. You just had major surgery and so will be tired, but the sooner you can reach your protein and fluid targets the better you will feel.