Inner Surfer Girl

Yes. I was super morbidly off-the-charts obese. I was sleeved April 20, 2015 and couldn't be happier with my choice.

It is understandable, but you have got to find a way to get your fluids in. You need at least 64 oz. You DO NOT want to have to deal with dehydration. Plus, fluids are critical for healing and weight loss. Try sugar free Popsicles.

Mine is 100 grams of Protein a day. My surgeon's guidelines are: At least 100 grams for all men and anyone with a starting BMI of over 50. All women under a starting BMI of 50 have a goal of at least 80 grams.

I was sleeved April 20, 2015. It took a while, but I was eventually able to drink plain water again. It took a while. In the meantime, try adding water enhancers, herb tea, infusions (like berries, cucumbers, fruit, herbs, etc.), and different temperatures.

One of the (many) reasons to get enough Protein is because of your set point. That is why my surgeon bases protein requirements for life on starting BMI. My biggest question is whether or not you are getting enough protein. Minimizing calories, only eating plant-based, or whole foods, etc. won't really make that big of an impact if you aren't getting enough protein. I have come to believe this is true whether or not you choose to have surgery. On retrospect, this is probably one of the main reasons I got so large in the first place.

This. Even though my dad offered to help, I have moved heaven and earth to find alternate funding. He means well, but he can be a micromanager when it comes to my weight. Maybe consider talking to a counselor together and make sure you have a written agreement in place with expectations and boundaries spelled out. Is this a gift? A bribe? A tool for control? You may want to explore these questions.

These are great suggestions. Also, if the skin causes you issues (mobility, chafing, etc.), be sure and talk about it with your PCP. Having a documented history may help you if you do eventually decide to have skin removal surgery.

I am not convinced that the people on the show go through insurance. I assume that the production pays for their surgeries as an inducement to let cameras follow them around and film them in the bathroom, etc.

Carnation no-sugar added breakfast essentials are relatively reasonably priced (except you make them with milk so you need to include the cost of milk). When you talk to your surgeon's office see if they are on the approved list.

I got some small bottles to try pre-op to see if I liked them. I didn't think they were that great. I like Syntrax nectar and ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates better when it comes to clear protein supplements. I would recommend you get some small bottles to try before you make an investment in them.

You aren't finished losing. Just make sure you follow your program and get in all of your Protein and Fluid so. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

We can only digest about 20-30 grams of protein an hour. Doubling or tripling up on protein for one meal is not doing you any good. You would be much better off spreading your protein out throughout the day. To the OP, focus on getting in all of your protein and fluids and the calories should fall into place. You need protein for healing and weight loss. The calories are secondary. As someone else mentioned, you probably won't want to do any intense exercise until you are able to get you calories up to about the 1000 calorie range.

This sounds like a great question for your surgeon. They should be able to provide you the name of your required medication in English. Meds are too dangerous to take based on what someone else may have been prescribed.

None of us lose at a constant or steady rate. We all experience stalls and slow downs. Almost everyone experiences a stall about three weeks after surgery. Just follow your program. Focus on getting in all of your fluids and Protein, and stay off the scale. Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall

I was sleeved April 20, 2015. I am on disability, was almost 600 pounds and almost completely immobile. I was probably one fall away from being bedridden. My metabolism was so broken that it was a battle to not gain weight. I knew I was one more diet away from being over 600 pounds. The difference so far for me is that with the initial weight loss (I am down over 200 pounds) I am regaining my mobility and can actually exercise. I am able to eat more nutritiously than I have been my whole life. Because of the sleeve, I can focus on maximizing nutrition and be satisfied with small amounts of food. Pre-op, it was a battle to minimize calories while maximizing volume to feel satisfied. My body was fighting back every step of the way. Now, I work hard and can see results. Pre-op, I worked hard for little or no result. It is night and day difference. I fully intend to lose as much as my body wants to lose. IF I never lose another pound, it is still worth it for me in quality of life improvement.

Some of the skin removal seems to be legitimate masses and other barriers to mobility. He seems to be more willing to do surgery sooner rather than later if it is something that will help them move forward. If, like Marla, where it is for vanity, then it sounds like he wants them much closer to goal weight (plus the fact that if she wasn't walking at all surgery is much more life threatening). I could understand his willingness to remove that mass for Laura. I can't imagine being able to walk with where it was located. At least she was trying.

I felt so bad for Laura when her husband was being so unsupportive. I get that for so long he was her caretaker and that its hard for him to get used to the change. However he should be proud of his wife for the strength she has to change her life. Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App Laura! Thanks. I felt bad that I couldn't remember her name. She seemed really grounded for someone who has gone through so much. I am so glad they started seeing a marriage counselor. Her husband is 180 degrees different from the horrible Gareth. He did seem really at sea about how his role was changing. The thing that annoyed me from both Marla and Laura was the obsession with getting skin surgery long before they had gotten to a stable weight. I wonder if the production put that in their heads? Adding: I think the theme for this episode was: protein, protein, protein and walk, walk, walk.

Congratulations! Your post is inspirational and educational. I can't help but grin when reading it your enthusiasm is so infectious. I can't wait to hear about your adventures in the coming year.

Thanks for sharing. Unfortunately, not everyone gets adequate nutrition education (or understands what they are given). This is a very clear explanation.

Last night's episode was another interesting follow-up. Both delusional in their own ways. Marla was back. Poor, self-deluded, and self-sabotaging Marla. She and Penny really need to be roommates. If you want to see the results of not following your surgeon's instructions, then Marla is an excellent case study. Even though she eventually started to come around, she wasted more than two years of her life (post-op) on just sheer stubbornness. Finally, we get to hear Dr. Now talk about the importance of Protein and nutrition! I can't remember the second woman's name off the top of my head, but I really hope she figured out the protein thing.

Yes, yes, and yes. And when we figure this out as a society/culture, then who knows what people will actually be able to accomplish?

I weigh my Gatorade too. Not that I drink it often, since I don't want to drink my calories. But when I do long runs for my marathon training, I have to drink G2 to replenish my electrolytes and I do weigh it so I can accurately track it. This seems redundant for me. I track Fluid ounces for liquids.

I just read this excellent essay and it brought to mind some of the posts I see on here, especially related to taking time off for surgery and when to return to work. I know for me, I didn't really get serious about exploring surgery until my obesity had an even more negative impact on my professional life than usual. One thing I am learning throughout this process is the importance of balance. Although addressed to academics, I find this relevant to just about everyone. https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2016/05/11/how-avoid-overinvestment-your-job-essay?utm_source=Inside+Higher+Ed&utm_campaign=bc70753926-DNU20160511&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1fcbc04421-bc70753926-198485901 What do you think?

Oatmeal with chocolate protein powder and pb2. Greek yogurt. Cottage cheese. Leftovers. Egg mcmuffin with an extra egg and half or none of the muffin.

In addition to Syntrax Nectars, you might also want to try ProtiDiet liquid beverage concentrates. They aren't meal replacements, but are a good way to get in extra protein, especially when you are on clear liquids. PS, I like the GNC Lean 25 in orange cream.