Inner Surfer Girl

Protein is critical for healing and weight loss. Until you are able to get in all of your protein and fluids. I would recommend just staying off the scale until you are able to get in enough nutrition. I would normally say follow your surgeon's instructions, but his instructions are diametrically opposed to what I was told by my surgeon and I a had a great recovery, I would recommend that you talk with your surgeon to make sure you understand his instructions. I was required to get in 100 grams of protein a day starting the day after surgery Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I eat mostly real foods, but do still eat some bariatric products, mostly for convenience. I am on a road trip this weekend so I brought some Protein shakes and bars mostly because I was uncertain about what food options were available. I also like things like bariwise oatmeal because it is easy, convenient, and portable.

I haven't. My understanding is that the hair loss is due to the shock of surgery and the anesthesia so it would seem to be a possibility.

I have never done the pouch test but know that some people on here have and could give you more insight. My suggestion? Go back to basics. Have you talked to your NUT about your challenges and your goals? Are you tracking your food, Are you drinking at least 64 oz of Fluid a day? Are you not drinking with your meals? Are you avoiding carbonation? What is your Protein target? Are you tracking that target every day? Are you avoiding added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), starches, and fried foods? Are you taking your Vitamins and supplements as instructed? Are you exercising? Whether or not you do the 5 day pouch test, it seems to me that it isn't too late to get back on track. It may be difficult and more of a mental than physical challenge, but you can do it. I also highly recommend that you talk with a therapist and attend support group meetings. You may also want to consider attending sone OA meetings (OA.org). Keep us posted on how you are doing. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I agree. Also, based on observation and some things she has said, it sounds like a lot of her weight gain is due to alcohol and other liquid calories.

I didn't have any until after a year out. My issue is more the sodium than anything so I rarely eat it.

Cooking for one is "soul destroying"? I don't cook a lot, but the thought of having to cook three meals a day for a large family like my mother and grandmother's had to do doesn't remotely appeal to me. I get to decide what I make, when. Fortunately, I don't find that soul destroying. I am learning how to "cook" and am finding it fun to roast or grill a protein and some vegetables. I still eat a lot of yogurt, cottage cheese, tuna, turkey, etc. that don't need to be "cooked".

I don't specifically do "low fat". I lean toward low-fat dairy products (because they are made low fat by removing fat and not by adding other things), and avoid fried foods. I tend to choose leaner meats like turkey, chicken, fish, etc. (most of the time). I DO NOT eat artificially/processed "low fat" foods. Read labels. For instance, reduced fat Peanut Butter usually has high fructose corn syrup and has more calories than regular. For processed foods, when fat is reduced/removed, something else is added: usually sugar and/or salt. On my surgeon's recommendation I avoid high fructose corn syrup like the plague.

I like Palmet's cocoa butter and cocoa oil.

Why doesn't she like premier? My surgeon specifically recommended premier.

Yes. The pre-op diet is designed to shrink your liver. You still need to make sure you are healthy as possible for surgery.

No, because then we would have to ask "which one"? For some reason, pizza seems to makes some of us lose our minds.

Does your surgeon know you were given steroids? How far out are you after surgery? My surgeon said absolutely no steroids while I was healing because steroids can dissolve the staple line.

As far as I understand, leaks and ulcers are rare. What I also understand is that you can minimize your risks by: Using a skilled surgeon. Not smoking. Not drinking. Taking medications as prescribed. Not using steroids, ESPECIALLY while your stomach is healing. Following your surgeon's pre- and post-op instructions, including your food plan. Seeking medical help if you detect anything unexpected or out of the ordinary, experience pain, or just have questions. And, learning to manage stress in healthy ways.

It is counterintuitive, but you really need to optimize nutrition and not minimize calories. Our bodies NEED enough nutrition to: 1) not think we are experiencing a famine, 2) to keep our metabolism operating properly, and 3) to do the major construction/demolition work needed to dismantle the larger structure. If we aren't getting enough nutrition for #1, then #2 and #3 are put off/severely impacted until our body has enough for its immediate needs and enough more to not be preparing for famine. (At least this is how I understand it based on my excellent surgeon and a lot of research.) That is why it is also important to make sure we are getting enough nutrition before we start exercising intensely. Intense exercise adds more burden/load to the nutritional needs.

We eliminated it because I was bloated and stalled. I was only having 3oz at a time, but it was too much for me. I was skipping meals. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the BariatricPal App Skipping meals is one of the absolute worst things you can do for your metabolism.

According to last nights episode she has gained 150 pounds since the last diet where she lost 100 pounds. I don't remember how much her excess weight is. She is relatively short and weighs about 350ish. I am taller than she is (and carry most of my weight in my lower body). After losing 200 pounds so far after being sleeved I am close to her current weight. I think I am in better physical shape than she is and I certainly know better than to attempt some of her stunts (a dance marathon, skiing -- especially right after a trip to the ER with a referral to a cardiologist!). She is in deep, deep denial.

If you aren't taking a PPI, then what you think is hunger may actually be stomach acid. If you aren't allowed Protein shakes then how are you getting enough protein?

A 35 pound weight loss is great. I have found it helpful not to have expectations around losing a certain amount by a certain date. I am not in control of that. What I can control is: Following my program. Tracking my food. Focusing on getting in all of my protein (100 grams) and fluids (64+ oz) daily. Avoiding starches, added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), and fried foods. Taking my Vitamins and supplements as directed. Practicing mindful eating: eating slowly, taking small bites, and chewing thoroughly. Exercising. And, learning to embrace the inevitable stalls. You do not mention protein. What is your protein target? Are you reaching your protein target every day? Getting enough protein is critical for healing and weight loss. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Why no snacks? What is your Protein target? Without snacks, I would never be able to reach my protein target of 100 grams a day. What does your NUT say about planning for a couple of high-protein snacks a day? If I am hungry after about three hours then I can safely assume I may actually be hungry. If I have eaten recently then it is more likely that I am thirsty (or bored, or stressed). The good thing about eating three meals and one or two snacks is that I don't really have to wait too long until it is time to eat. I can survive an hour or two being hungry. Staying hydrated helps, too. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Crushed ice is also an option if you want something crunchy. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Your "high protein" desert seems to have an awful lot of Protein. It is my understanding that we can only process about 20-25 grams (no more than 30 grams) at a time. If you split it in half you would be better off in my opinion. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall