Inner Surfer Girl

It is hard to remember sometimes that we were all new once.

For me, I have truly come to see obesity as a disease. Especially in that it is not a moral failing or a defect of character. It is a physical disease.

I am so sorry that you and your mom are having to go through this but I am so glad to hear that you aren't letting it overwhelm you and sabotage your eating. It really sounds like your mom is very lucky to have your presence and capability. Being as healthy as possible will benefit both of you in this extremely stressful time. I am definitely sending good thoughts and prayers your way. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Yes, it is completely normal. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

This doesn't sound good. I agree with everything @@Bufflehead said. Call your surgeon and/or your PCP, now.

Yes. You need to do everything you can to get in your fluids and Protein. Don't hesitate to call your surgeon if you have ANY questions, especially if something doesn't feel right. I know mine gave me a 24-hour phone number to use. I'd much rather call with a simple question than wind up in the ER. Yes. You need to do everything you can to get in your fluids and protein. Don't hesitate to call your surgeon if you have ANY questions, especially if something doesn't feel right. I know mine gave me a 24-hour phone number to use. I'd much rather call with a simple question than wind up in the ER.

Happy Canada Day to our neighbor's to the north and Happy Independence Day!

At home in our pool with the family.

You have got to get in your fluids and protein. Have you tried different temperatures, different infusions (herbs, crystal light, tea, etc.), for your fluids?

Congratulations on the weight loss. My goal has been 100 grams since day one. It was hard but doable right after surgery. As far out as you are now it should be fairly easy with some planning. Keep in mind that you will need to divide it up and have no more than 25-30 grams at a time. 3 Premier Protein shakes = 90 grams. You could have 3 meals of 20-25 grams of protein and 1 Protein shake and one or 2 small protein Snacks. You could have 4-5 small protein-rich meals of about 20 grams of protein. Just make sure you record your food and plan and it is pretty easy to do.

None of us lose at a constant or steady rate. Everyone experiences periodic stalls and slow downs and just about everyone experiences a stall about three weeks after surgery. Just follow your program. Focus on getting in all of your Protein and fluids. Take your Vitamins and supplements as directed. Avoid starches, added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), and fried foods. Exercise when cleared. Stay off the scale. And, Embrace the Stall! Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I just picked a number than sounded good and reasonable that was in the healthy range. My surgeon was fine with that. I fully intend to revisit an actual goal when I get much closer than I am now.

If you are six months out why aren't you getting all of your protein and all of your water? Are you avoiding starches, added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), and fried foods? Are you eating healthy carbs? Are you eating healthy fats? Are you taking your Vitamins and supplements as directed? Are you exercising? Are you practicing mindful eating: eating slowly, taking small bites, and chewing thoroughly? Have you talked to your NUT and/or a therapist? Without more information it is really hard to help you. You might actually be hungry. You might be thirsty. You might be bored. Who knows?

It really depends on your situation and your surgeon's requirements. My pre-op diet's sole goal was to shrink my liver. Weight loss was not a requirement (although it may have been a by-product -- I don't know since I didn't weigh during that time).

Frankly, I didn't have any issue taking my meds starting the day after surgery. I know everyone has a different experience, but for me it wasn't a big deal.

What phase are you on at 4 weeks? At 4 weeks I was still eating a lot if Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, tuna, turkey, fish, refried Beans, etc. I was cleared to get in the pool once my incisions had healed over at about 4 weeks post-op. Swimming is my favorite exercise and I have been in the pool ever since!

I agree with the other posters. It does get better once you are able to eat more solid foods. Also, right now, due to the fact that you are healing from major surgery and that your hormones are in flux from rapid fat loss, your hormones are wacky. A good therapist can be invaluable, especially if you are in the habit of using food to manage your stress, feelings, and emotions. Another great resource is a recovery group like Overeaters Anonymous. You can find meeting lists and other resources like podcasts online at OA.org. There are also many books you may find helpful. One I like that was recommended to me by my therapist is Eat it Up! by Connie Stapleton. She works with WLS patients.

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. We all experience stalls and almost everyone has a stall about three weeks post-op. Just follow your program. Make sure you are getting at least 64 oz of Fluid. Make sure you are reaching your Protein target every day. What is your protein target? Mine is 100 grams a day. Take your Vitamins and supplements as directed. Avoid starches, added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), and fried foods. Exercise. Stay off the scale. And, Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I have had no problem with either since surgery.

Take him to the grocery store and show him what 20 pounds of lard or butter looks like.

Congratulations on the courageous act of posting your photos. I understand your feelings completely. I spent the weekend at a conference so was in a hotel room that had a lot of mirrors. I spent some time looking at parts of myself I have avoided looking at for decades. I have cone a long way and still have a long way to go. It is so hard to compare how I feel inside to what I look like outside.

Excellent!

I am currently taking a chewable multi I got at Trader Joes. I like Bariatric Advantage calcium chews.

I agree. If you are throwing up every day you need to see your surgeon.

What does your NUT suggest? You may need SOME complex carbs, especially if you are exercising a lot.