Inner Surfer Girl

I am late to the part: "You better shop around." "I thank God for unanswered prayers."

My guess: anesthesia, pain meds, dehydration...

Mine were stitched inside with super glue on the outside. I didn't have a drain.

Based on what I have learned in this process, especially based on my surgeon's advice, I make it a practice to specifically avoid high fructose corn syrup and fake butter whenever possible. What foods do you avoid? http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/food/50-foods-you-should-never-eat

Once you are cleared for solid foods they should be fine. Different bars have different textures. Quest are denser/chewier. Power Crunch are more wafer-like.

Congratulations!

Early out I found savory options really helped. I liked ProtiDiet tomato basil and creamy chicken soups (recommended by my surgeon) and V8 when I got to full liquids.

I was cleared to swim when my incisions had healed over with no holes at about four weeks. I don't use anything special, just body oil (Palmer's Cocoa oil or Neutogena sesame oil), or Palmer's cocoa butter, or a goats milk belly balm. I choose based on what feels and smells good! I am over a year out and almost all of mine are mostly or completely faded. I can still see the largest two but they aren't very noticeable.

I like Quest (smores and double chocolate are my favorites) and power crunch.

LOL -- that is the whole point of protein supplements: to help us get enough protein until we can eat "real" food!

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing significant amount of weight. Other than the third week stall, there isn't a predictable timetable. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Frankly, if you want to be as healthy as possible going into surgery with the least chance of complications, especially due to an enlarged liver, I would forego the booze. Will it absolutely cause problems? Probably not. But, it may. Why risk it? I would got for a Virgin Mary and enjoy the party, but that is me.

Texture.

It gets better. Fluids and protein will go a long way in helping you bounce back. You will get through this.

This does sound complicated. You may have to make a schedule. For me, all of my fluids (Protein shakes, Popsicles, etc.) counted towards my Fluid total. For me, the bottom line is: 100 grams protein, 64 oz fluid. Sip, sip, sip.

And my point is until you are able to get in all of your Protein and fluids, then the numbers on the scale mean NOTHING. Seriously, stay off the scale, eat protein, and drink fluids. All of the carbs you are eating are going to restore what was depleted from your liver. You NEED protein to heal and to lose weight. Healing is your primary goal, or should be, right now. The weight loss will come.

Yes, just keep sipping. It gets easier, especially as the swelling goes down. Just focus on getting all of your protein and fluids.

You can get premier at Walmart, Costco, etc. Try GNC or anyplace that sells GNC for the GNC Lean Shake. I get it from Drugstore.com online. You may be able to order sample packs of the different Syntrax nectar's by phone from the manufacturer. I was able to do that over a year ago. They may also have it at GNC or a store like The Vitamin Shoppe. You can also order tubs of it online from places like Drugstore.com or Amazon. The Batiatric Pal store has a variety. Bariatric Choice also has things like the ProtiDiet brand. I like their hot chocolate, too. You can get Unjury only from their website and so also believe you can get it from the BariatricPal store. Some drugstores have protein shakes. Just make sure you read labels and try samples before you purchase large quantities to make sure you like them and they are bariatric appropriate (look at the carb to protein ratio). GNC will let you try samples and even return things I believe.

None of us lose at a constant or steady rate. We all experience stalls and slow downs. Almost everyone experiences a stall about three weeks after surgery. Since you already started at a very low weight/BMI you probably won't see a dramatic initial weight loss. Nowhere in your post do you mention Fluid or Protein. It sounds like you have mostly been eating carbs. What is your protein target? Until you are able to get enough fluid and protein you probably will have low energy. Both are absolutely critical for healing and weight loss. The number of calories is less important than the soy cow of those calories. 1000 calories of mashed potatoes, toast, and jam, have absolutely no protein. You just had major surgery and your body needs time and nutrition, mostly protein, to heal. You need to follow your program. Track your food. Focus on getting at least 64 oz of fluid. Make sure you are reaching your protein target. Mine is 100 grams a day. Try to aim for at least 80 grams if possible based on my surgeon's guidelines for someone at your starting BMI. Avoid starches, added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), and fried foods. Take your Vitamins and supplements as directed. Exercise when cleared. Stay off the scale if you are going to let the numbers drive you crazy. And, Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I like premier ready to drink, GNC Lean 25, Syntrax nectar, unjury, ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates, and even carnation instant breakfast essentials.

It sounds like you need to call your surgeon's office for clarification. A food log isn't going to do you any good unless it is the actual, current food log. It is for your benefit.

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. Everyone stalls and just about everyone experiences a stall about three weeks after surgery. Just follow your program. Track your food. Focus on getting in all of your Protein and at least 64 oz of Fluid. Avoid added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), starches, and fried foods. Take your Vitamins and supplements as directed. Exercise when cleared. Stay off the scale. And, Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Love, love, love. I was in WV last weekend and was only able to donate some bottled Water when I stopped for gas. My mom was heading there this past weekend so I sent some cleaning supplies. She was able to drop them off for me and came home in tears from seeing the devastation. The need is so great that it is hard not to feel completely defeated by not being able to do more. I have been feeling bad because I am still not physically able to help. I am so glad you to hear about your efforts and hard work. Bless you!

Overeaters Anonymous also has some great resources. There are meeting lists, podcasts, etc. online at OA.org. Edited: because autocorrect.

Getting in enough protein and Fluid is critical. What is her protein target? That is the most important number to keep track of. For me it is 100 grams of protein. She also needs at least 64 oz of fluid. I could count the fluid from my Protein Shakes towards my fluid total. What helped me early out were protein shakes and also having some savory options. I liked: Premier Protein GNC lean 25 (orange cream is my favorite) Syntrax nectar (fuzzy navel is my favorite) ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates