Inner Surfer Girl

I assume that with the balloon you still have a post-op food program similar to those of us with a sleeve? For me, learning to accept that stalls and slow downs are part of the process of losing weight is critical. Just follow your program. Focus on getting at least 64 oz of Fluid and getting in all of your Protein (my target is 100 grams a day), every day. Take your Vitamins and supplements as directed. Exercise. And, Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

Why didn't you pass last time?

Best of luck. Just be open and honest.

It sounds like you know what to do: go back to basics. You didn't mention Protein, but I would guess that if you aren't tracking your food you aren't getting in your protein. Making sure you get in your protein and Water is the most important thing you can do as far as I am concerned. Protein, water, Vitamins, and exercise --- you can do it!

From all the issues people seem to have with insurance, it seems to me a case manager would be very valuable in helping to navigate the bureaucracy and red tape. A single point of contact with someone who knows your case would be helpful for both you and the insurance company.

What, blue cross and blue sheild doesnt cover the surgery? Thays really suprising. Im glad i changed from that surgery Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App It can vary wildly by state, employer, policy, etc.

Welcome. I suggest that you call your insurance company and ask if it covered.

No, even at my highest weight I don't think I remember experiencing that. But, I am pretty approachable and generally don't wait for someone else to make the first move. I usually find that a smile and a "hello" go a long way. I am sorry that you did not feel welcomed at Church.

10 Ideas for Mindfulness http://www.bupa.co.uk/Newsroom/OurViews/10-everyday-moments-for-mindfulness

My understanding of how Miralax works is that you need to take it with Water.

27 Ways to Relax in Less Than Five Minutes http://gethealthyu.com/ways-to-relax-less-than-five-minutes/

Five Minute Breathing Meditation http://www.mindful.org/a-five-minute-breathing-meditation/

TED talks for when you need 5 minutes of peace http://www.ted.com/playlists/263/talks_to_watch_when_you_need_f?utm_campaign=social&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_content=playlist&utm_term=humanities

Why are you making the unjury with milk? Have you tried just making it with water?

Thanks for the info Plus, if you go into caffeine withdrawal, the headaches can be brutal. Not something I would recommend going through while also trying to recover from surgery.

I didn't have a puree stage (I went from full liquids to soft foods). Can you just stick to simple foods like: Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, refried beans, chili, etc.? What do you mean by being a picky eater? Can't you just eat foods you like that fit in your guidelines? You don't really have to make it very complicated or am I missing something?

As is often noted, when performing surgery, our surgeon only operates on our digestive tract, not our brains. Many of us come to WLS with a long time or even a lifetime dysfunctional relationship with food and/or our bodies. One resource for making peace with food and our bodies is Overeater's Anonymous (OA). OA is a worldwide fellowship that is fashioned after Alcoholic's Anonymous. OA uses AA's 12-step model of recovery and changes the words alcohol and alcoholic to food and compulsive eater. If you are struggling with food and emotional eating or other issues around food and eating (anorexia, bulimia, compulsive eating, binge eating, body dysmorphia, food obsession, etc.), then you may want to explore OA. The website (OA.org), has information about the program, literature, meeting lists, podcasts, and other useful information. Here is a good blog post about how WLS and OA can work together: http://www.mybariatriclife.org/oa-overeaters-anonymous-after-surgery/

My sister gave me a Misfit Shine for Christmas and I love it. It is co-branded with speedo and since I swim it is great for tracking laps since I can wear it in the pool.

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

This is what works for me: Follow my program. Track my food. Get at least 64 oz. of Fluid a day. Get at least 100 grams Protein a day. Avoid added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), starches, and fried foods. Practice mindful eating: eating slowly, taking small bites, and chewing thoroughly. Take my Vitamins and supplements as directed. Exercise (I like swimming and Water exercise). Attend support group meetings. Participate on BariatricPal. Do something creative as much as possible (ideally every day). Learn as much as I can about obesity, nutrition, WLS, etc. Read and ask questions. Journal and self-reflect. Practice stress management (exercise, meditation, creativity, laughter, etc). I also recommend that if you struggle with food addiction/disordered eating that you seek a good therapist and consider attending OA (OA.org).

iPhone MyFitnessPal Misfit shine (fitness tracker) Food scale Measuring cups and spoons Small containers for food storage Small plates and bowls Appetizer spoons and forks Palmer's cocoa butter/cocoa oil Water bottles Shaker cup Ice blocks and insulated lunch bags

I would call and ask your NUT how much Protein you should be getting if that information isn't in your post-op food plan. My protein target is 100 grams. My surgeon has that target for all men and anyone with a starting BMI over 50. For everyone else it is 80 grams a day.

What worked for me was to gradually wean myself off of carbonation and then caffeine. I cut back on my diet sodas and increased my Water consumption. I also drank more alternative beverages like tea (fortunately I like unsweetened tea), and crystal light, etc. Once I had reduced my carbonation to 0, I did the same thing with caffeine -- reducing my caffeinated tea and increasing my non-caffeinated fluids.

I wouldn't worry too much if you don't feel pain, but why not call your surgeon's office it and run it by them to put your mind at rest?

It is both nature and nurture, as well as a mix of choice and chance.