Inner Surfer Girl

I was told to use Hibiclens from the neck down and to gargle with Listerine.

Blacking out is not good. That is plenty of reason not to drink in my opinion. I highly recommend that you talk to your PCP and maybe even consider visiting some AA meetings.

I hope they also provided treatment for his PTSD? If that was the only thing keeping him from surgery it seems like rather than turning him down they would provide treatment and then reevaluate.

He was a wife-beating, homophobic, US citizen, who used an automatic weapon. What does this have to do with keeping people out of this country?

I have heard that pedialyte may help, but definitely call your doctor for advise.

My protein goal is 100 grams a day but I started at a much higher weight than you. My surgeon's protein guidelines are: 100 grams for all men and anyone with a starting BMI of over 50, and 80 grams for everyone else. As far out as you are you should be able to get more protein from food. What are you eating? Are you getting in all of your fluids? Are you taking all of your Vitamins and supplements as directed? Are you exercising? What does your NUT advise?

Some ideas: Nothing (plain tuna or get the flavored tuna packets) Avocado A dab of real Mayo Aioli (I have some flavored aioli from Stonewall Kitchen that is really good.) Lowfat gravy Tzatziki sauce Pesto Salsa Bruschetta sauce

It may seem like the insurance hoops are burdensome and pointless, but there really is some method to the madness. The intent is that you will go into this surgery as well prepared and healthy as possible. They really do want you to succeed. Every pre-op test, clearance, class, and appointments is for your benefit. Best of luck in your journey.

I understand the uncertainty. All I can tell you that the surgery was the absolute easiest part of this whole process and the recovery was really easy compared to what I imagined. I assume that if you have gotten this far then you have chosen a skilled and experienced surgeon that you believe will do a good job. Chances are pretty darn good that you are going to be just fine. Keep us updated on how you are doing.

Did you check with Syntrax? I know last year that offered a sample pack of a variety of their Nectars for a reasonable price.

Congratulations on your surgery and best of luck in your journey.

Just not until you are cleared for hard cheese and/or pickles.

It made my day!

You got the best medicine: the chance to do something for someone else and hugs. I am so glad you are reaching out for help. It will get so much better!

I started from a higher BMI, but my scars are very small. At a year out, most of the smaller scars are almost completely faded.

Now for something completely different. The Swedish Tourism office is running a campaign right now that is very cool. If you call the Swedish Number (011-46-771-793-336), you will be randomly connected to a Swedish person who has volunteered to take calls. It is in effect for a couple of more weeks. I just called it and had a really nice chat with a Swedish woman. I needed a little cheering up today and this looked like it would fit the bill. It sure did!

I just turned on the tv and saw this. AWFUL.

Yes, you are going to be drinking something all day long for a while. At least until most of the swelling goes down. I like cucumber mint!

I love to hear of more women surgeon's. I hate it that we tend to refer to surgeon's has he and NUTS as she by default. (I am guilty of this.)

This may fit the bill but I am in need of a recommendation for a book based on a fairy tale for my 2016 reading challenge. Does anyone have any ideas off the top of your head?

My surgeon recommended the ProtiDiet tomato basil and creamy chicken soups. They were lifesavers during my liquid phases.

I just reread your post and see that you went to Mexico for surgery. I suggest that you talk to your PCP about helping you find a referral to a therapist. See if there are any local Bariatric Centers of excellence. They will have support groups. They may also be able to help you find a therapist and/or a NUT. You may not have a built-in support network like you might have if you had had surgery in the US, but that doesn't mean you can't build one.

What you are dealing with sounds so much deeper than some simple erratic hormones. Yes, you no longer have food and drugs to cope with life. You have got to address the underlying issues if you want to be healthy: mentally and physically. It isn't about the food. It may be uncomfortable, but it sounds like you definitely NEED to talk to a professional. Even healers need help. The most hurtful thing you can do is to not take advantage of the many resources available to you: make an appointment with your surgeon, your NUT, a therapist, and your PCP TOMORROW. Attend some bariatric support group meetings, some OA meetings, and even some NA or AA meetings (especially if you are at risk of using through this). Call a minister or pastor. You do not need to do this alone, we can listen, but we are not equipped the way a professional is to give you some effective help. You deserve to be happy, joyous, and free. It is possible, but it is going to take some work and discomfort. Asking for help is the biggest step and you are doing that. Please keep us posted on how you are doing.

If you are educated and trained in mental health, then you may be open to talking to a professional. If you don't have a therapist already, especially someone who works with bariatric patients, then see if you can find someone to talk to. The person who did your psych clearance may became to see you or may be able to refer you to someone. You can also talk to your PCP about options. Another thing you may want to consider is attending some Overeaters Anonymous meetings. You can find meetings, podcasts, and other resources online at OA.org. A book you may want to check out is Eat it Up! by Connie Stapleton.

What about the basics? I think it is critical that right now you need to make sure you are getting enough Protein and Fluid. What is your protein target? Are you able to reach that target every day? Are you able to get in at least 64 oz of fluid? Are you taking all of your Vitamins and supplements as directed? -- From everything I know this should be your primary focus. I did find this: http://www.m.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1005/branched-chain+amino+acids