Inner Surfer Girl

I think it is very normal. We store a lot of hormones in our fat and when we rapidly lose weight our hormones can be a little whacky for a while. I have battled depression for years and am taking Wellbutrin, but I was already on it before surgery. If you are concerned or think you need extra help, definitely talk to your therapist and/or your PCP about your options. You don't have to go through this without using all your resources.

It is going to depend on both insurance requirements and your surgeon's requirements. Your surgeon's office would be the place to ask.

Congratulations!

I am attempting to link to @@Babbs description of the mechanics of the third week stall. This should be required reading. No Weightloss by week 3! "A "stall" a few weeks after surgery is not uncommon, and here's why. Our bodies use glycogen for short term energy storage. Glycogen is not very soluble, but it is stored in our muscles for quick energy -- one pound of glycogen requires 4 lbs. of Water to keep it soluble, and the average glycogen storage capacity is about 2 lbs. So, when a patient is not getting in enough food, the body turns first to stored glycogen, which is easy to break down for energy. Then when 2 lbs. of glycogen is used a patient will also lose 8 lbs. of water that was used to store it -- voila -- the "easy" 10 lbs. that most people lose in the first week of a diet. However, when the body stays in a caloric deficit state the body starts to realize that this is not a short-term problem. Then the body starts mobilizing fat from adipose tissue and burning fat for energy. But the body also realizes that fat can't be used for short bursts of energy. So, it starts converting some of the fat into glycogen, and rebuilding the glycogen stores. As it puts back the 2 lbs. of glycogen into the muscle, 8 lbs. of water has to be stored with it to keep it soluble. So, even though the patient might still be losing energy content to their body, the weight will not go down or it might even gain for a while as the retention of water dissolves the glycogen that is being reformed and stored." http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/369656-No-Weightloss-by-week-3%21/page__view__findpost__p__4179849

This should be required reading. I am going to try to link it to my stall thread.

It sounds like any appointments you have 90 days before and 90 days after surgery are covered if they are at a Center of Excellence. If in doubt, you can always call and ask for clarification.

I have had so many, but the big one this week was that I was able to ride comfortably in my mom's car, my nephew's SUV, and a friend's car. A year ago I didn't have confidence I could fit in most cars.

I made an executive decision early out to have a policy of not sharing numbers with anyone, even my mom. If someone asks, I just say a lot. If they press I tell them I do not share that information with anyone. 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

Stalls are a normal, natural, and necessary part of the process of losing weight. None of us lose at a constant or steady rate. We all experience stalls and slow downs and just about everyone experiences a stall about three weeks post-op. If you intend to lose a significant amount of weight then you will experience stalls. Just follow your program. Track your food. Make sure you get at least 64 oz of Fluid a day. Eat Protein first and make sure you reach your protein target every day. 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.

You could always add in some high-Protein snacks: Greek yogurt, string cheese, turkey, tuna, Peanut Butter, etc. make good options.

You aren't necessarily doing anything wrong. But, without knowing what you are doing it is hard to tell. Are you tracking your food? What is your protein target? Are you reaching your protein target every day? Are you drinking at least 64 oz of Fluid? Are you taking your Vitamins and supplements as directed? Remember, none of us lose at a constant or steady rate. We all experience stalls and slow downs and just about everyone stalls about three weeks after surgery. Have you talked to your NUT about your concerns? What does he or she say? Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I am a fan of taking classes. Can you find a Water aerobics class or dance class that looks fun? For me, having a set date and time to attend is more motivating than just exercising whenever when I am in a slump. Whether you decide to take a class or not, it really helps me to schedule time on my calendar. You can also set a short term goal related to exercise. Is there a fun run or other activity you can sign up for that will give you something to prepare/train for? Our community has a fitness challenge this summer with weekly prizes/drawings, t-shirts, etc. for participating. If you like loot, something like that can be motivating.

I don't know. I never had to crush anything and took my meds normally starting the day after surgery. I would suggest you give your surgeon's office a call and ask.

Adding, pre-op is also a good time to do some journaling. Make a pros and cons list for having and not having surgery. Write about what you want your new life to be like. Make a vision board.

If you haven't already, start taking any required pre-op Vitamins. At least a Multivitamin. I found it really helpful to slowly wean myself off of carbonation and the caffeine. You really don't want to have to deal with withdrawal and caffeine headaches post-op. Practice eating mindfully. Eat slowly, take small bites, and chew thoroughly. Make sure you stay hydrated. Aim for at least 64 oz of non-carbonated, non-caffeinated Fluid a day. Start tracking your food. Even if you don't change your diet substantially, it helps to get in the habit of tracking. I use MyFitnessPal (it's a free, easy to use, phone app). Move more. If you aren't already exercising, do what you can to add more exercise and movement into your day.

Try ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates.

http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/another-way-to-boil-eggs/?_r=0

http://www.foodandwine.com/video/jacques-p%C3%A9pin-hard-cooked-eggs

I have an egg cooker. Part of the directions for using it are to put a pin hole in the shell before cooking. It helps with peeling. I also saw something similar on a cooking show. I'll see if I can find directions online.

You just had major surgery. Rest and take care of yourself. The best thing you can do to increase your energy is get in at least 64 oz of Fluid, reach your Protein target, and take your Vitamins and supplements.

My surgeon had everyone start taking D3 from the beginning. Apparently, Vitamin D deficiency is epidemic.

Yes, smoking can cause ulcers and irritate ulcers. My surgeon will not perform surgery on anyone who has not quit smoking and is committed to remaining smoke free.

I agree. Every culture has staple carbs. Just focus on the Protein and minimize or completely avoid the starches.