Inner Surfer Girl

Here is a good video that explains it all:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xR0VM3mnsgM

Some basic nutrition facts:
food is how we sustain our bodies and maintain our health. food is not just for the pleasure it gives our taste buds or to medicate our feelings with.
Every calorie is not equal to other calories. Protein calories are the most important ones we take in.
Protein is the form of food that rebuilds our bodies when they're injured (like the injuries you will sustain during the surgery you're about to go through!) and that get exhausted and "used up" in daily exercise and activity.
And if your body doesn't get that much protein a day, it will literally eat your muscles.
At your body weight, you need at least 80 grams of protein a day (maybe even more) to sustain your body's muscles--including the muscle tissue of your heart, lungs, intestines and other body organs. The last thing you need to do to your body just before major surgery is to weaken your vital body organs by having your body devour its muscle tissue.
So that's why you need protein now. And that's why you will always have to eat protein for the rest of your life, post-op.

That's what my issues with the caves was as well. That and I have eyesight issues, it takes me a long time for my eyes to adjust to light and I'm walking(or trying to) walk with a cane. I'm hoping this surgery relieves my back issues some(big chest, big stomach takes a toll.)
Il have to check out keeneland.

The use of the word "control" only pertains to my food choices and portion sizes. I get that it's a buzzword and gets some folks' attention, but it's only used in that context, as in, before my surgery I had zero self-control over anything I ate. Now that I have complete control over it, I feel like I can be successful. It's about controlling myself. Nobody else.
I know where that line of thought is going. Let me say, I am not, nor have I ever been, a control freak by any stretch of the imagination. Believe me, I wouldn't still be married if that were the case.
I used to do a great deal of cooking before, in fact I enjoyed it very much. However, it was largely very unhealthy things and in massive portions (lasagna, chinese dishes, etc...) I want to be able to handle what's on my own plate first before I try to tackle cooking for everybody (much less her) again.
Thank you for your input!

OK...my favorite thing is the shaker bottle for the Protein Powder. Until I found out about that handy little gadget, I would stir and stir and stir and still have to break up the clumps.

Keeneland (in Lexington,KY) in April and October.
One of my goals is to be able to spend time at Keeneland again with my camera. My lack of mobility gets in the way now.

People dealing with significant obesity (who are pre- or post-bariatric surgery) are often challenged with a battle against emotional eating. We mistakenly feel (usually a short-term emotion) that eating will lighten the load, lessen the bad news, cure a sad feeling or be more fun than being bored.
New research has found a quick and simple way to help offset these cravings many of us face. It's so simple.
And it works.


New research might provide insight into a simple way you can fight the urge to eat something fatty or sugary:
Think about the future.
Researchers at the University of Delaware looked at how people’s emotions affect their food choices. In the first study, researchers found people rated healthy foods as being more favorable than indulgent foods when they were in a good mood (as opposed to a neutral one).
In a second study, researchers found people are more likely to prefer indulgent foods when they’re in a bad mood.
In the final two studies, researchers found that asking participants to focus on the future resulted in them choosing healthier food options while thinking only about the present caused participants to pick the less-healthy choice. This held true regardless of what mood participants were in when the study was conducted.
When you’re thinking long-term, you’re more likely to consider future health and overall quality of life benefits (better chances for finding a partner, better job options, expanded wardrobe options). But when you’re thinking now, it’s easier to get caught up in how tasty your food is—and forget about the consequences down the road.
The next time you’re ready to head to Wawa and get the mega Icy with a side of Wing Dings, make yourself stop ─ dead in your tracks ─ and think about how you’ll feel tomorrow about the decision you made. Will you feel empowered because you overcame the need to eat, or proud that you kept your “eye on the prize” and focused on losing weight?
Like every decision you make in your weight-loss journey, it’s your call.

What a self absorbed asshole.

I was 150% against the surgery. I knew several people who had had it. Some were successful and some were not. I was afraid I would be in the not category. I also had old info (the bypass scared me to death).
I was in relapse in OA, and half-heartedly attending group therapy through insurance that included some wls prospects and patients.
My family brought the idea of surgery up. I dug in my heals and really resented their bringing it up.
I finally did hit bottom. Time had passed. My doctor (I had moved and had a new doctor) suggested I at least talk to a bariatric surgeon. I signed up for a seminar (I did it online). That is when I learned about the sleeve and that it was laproscopic. I became willing to learn more. I took the next step and signed up for the intake (nutitionist, psych eval, etc.)
Long story short, the more I learned the more it made sense. It also helped that I was referred to an outstanding surgeon/program.
Things have changed. I wasn't ready a few years ago but am now eagerly waiting for my surgery date. I am self pay since my insurance doesn't cover it so am going through voc rehab. I have completed all the testing (paying as I go -- insurance has payed for some but not all). I have also renewed my commitment to OA.
That said, you can't make this decision for someone else. But, you can educate yourself and love and support your husband in what works for him. Best of luck to both of you.

I didn't have to ask because my surgeon openly shared in a group meeting:
Track record,
Complication rates,
What to expect, and
Process.
He described the surgical procedure in great detail.
But most importantly he taled about what leads to best outcomes/success for patients and why. He was very frank about possible complications and how to prevent them.
He spent a great deal of time explaining the prep,surgery and follow up and what patients needed to do to be successful.
I think the only thing I asked that he didn't bring up first was about his education, mostly because. I am in higher ed and that interests me.

This photo says it all.

UGH me too!! My puree phase still continues until I see the doctor in SEPTEMBER!!! I just want to cry. I've been trying to get creative and some of my new things are now:
(mind you I proportion these as needed, Im not eating the whole can, etc...)
1 can chicken
some low fat shred chedder cheese
some franks red hot
low fat ranch dressing
Blend that baby up, give it a min or two in the microwave and its almost like a puree version of buffalo chicken dip. Satisifies my craving for a spicier food and isn't as boring and bland as tuna
I also puree a can of Hormel chili

I will happily answer any questions and try to help you the best that I can in your journey. 40 year old female, 3 kids, 143 pounds gone. It is a hard and trying process but the best decision I ever made!!!

A while back some one posted a "what things weigh" list and for some reason I latched on to a cinder block weighing 33 pounds. I have always found cinder blocks hard to manage -- we have 16 acres, a farmette, and I've had to deal with a few of those in my time. So I was delighted when I shedded something that heavy. Imagine carrying around a cinder block all day, all night. Well, you have reminded me that at 66 pounds I will have put down two of those! No wonder I am so happy and full of energy these days. Geez. And now I have my next little goal, yippee!

I posted earlier that I am working on remembering how far I've come to help motivate me to where I want to be... I've lost a total of 76lbs (gained some back). So I had a coworker take my picture with two 35lb Water jugs.

How much have you lost? Is there an item that weighs that amount that you can pick up to show yourself how much you're NOT carrying around any more?

My surgeon's office submitted my paperwork to my insurance company on Tuesday. I just got off the phone with the lady from the insurance company - I've been approved for surgery! TWO DAYS FOR APPROVAL!
I'm so glad - and now I'm nervous. Naturally.
Info:
Humana for KY state employees, BMI 41.3, age 46.

Reached a mini goal



BMI is now 29 - from morbidly obese to officially OVERWEIGHT!

Hey ya'll my name is Tamicia and this is my very first forum topic post. I'm from Louisiana and I'm participating in a study offered by the Office of Group Benefits called Heads Up that's administered through Pennington Biomedical Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The purpose of the study is to see if weight loss surgery should be covered by our insurance and to see if it will save them on medical expenses in the long hall. I have just been approved by the program to have Gastric Sleeve and my first surgeon appointment is September 29th I'm so excited I need to ask a favor if you to give me some important questions I should bring up for my visits. I have a few in mind but I want to ask everything I possibly can. Thanks in advance.

Today was my 9 month bandiversary. I've had many NSV's along the way but none as good as the one I experienced today. You see, 1 year ago this weekend, I participated in my very first 5K race. My teenage son talked me into doing it. I reluctantly agreed. I walked the entire race and it took me almost an hour to finish it. And I was walking as fast as I could. The race is held annually so we decided after last year's race that we would return this year. So today, we did the same race that took me almost an hour to finish and I was able to finish it in about 31 minutes. Not only that, I placed 3rd in my age division! I've been doing 5K races about once a month since spring and I run 3-4 days a week but I've never been able to finish a 5k in 31 minutes and I've never placed in any of them. Needless to say, I got all teary-eyed when I was walking up to get my medal! I have an appt. with my surgeon on Wednesday and I intend to take my medal with me so I can show him what he's done for me and thank him for helping me to get my life back

FYI, I was deadset against the bypass myself. I'd literally never even heard of the gastric sleeve / VSG until the introductory lecture. Once I understood how it differed (significantly from the bypass surgery and lifestyle) I instantly had hope.
I was sleeved 34 days ago. I'm doing great so far. With pre-op diets and post-op recovery, I've lost 33 pounds. Yea, me! Only 52 more to go.
And then a lifetime of maintenance to learn and work.

I was 150% against the surgery. I knew several people who had had it. Some were successful and some were not. I was afraid I would be in the not category. I also had old info (the bypass scared me to death).
I was in relapse in OA, and half-heartedly attending group therapy through insurance that included some wls prospects and patients.
My family brought the idea of surgery up. I dug in my heals and really resented their bringing it up.
I finally did hit bottom. Time had passed. My doctor (I had moved and had a new doctor) suggested I at least talk to a bariatric surgeon. I signed up for a seminar (I did it online). That is when I learned about the sleeve and that it was laproscopic. I became willing to learn more. I took the next step and signed up for the intake (nutitionist, psych eval, etc.)
Long story short, the more I learned the more it made sense. It also helped that I was referred to an outstanding surgeon/program.
Things have changed. I wasn't ready a few years ago but am now eagerly waiting for my surgery date. I am self pay since my insurance doesn't cover it so am going through voc rehab. I have completed all the testing (paying as I go -- insurance has payed for some but not all). I have also renewed my commitment to OA.
That said, you can't make this decision for someone else. But, you can educate yourself and love and support your husband in what works for him. Best of luck to both of you.

gummies aren't digested very well with sleeves and they aren't considered a high potency Vitamin. I figure that since we have these spendy little tummies, we might as well put the best stuff possible into them. My nut said that it is kind of like putting bad gas/oil or not maintaining a Bentley.

Alex, what is the best thing that I've ever done for myself?

Perhaps it's a gift of my age, but I just don't care if some people in program object to my WLS. I'm a food addict--well more specifically a sugar addict and a compulsive eater. I was that at 200lbs and I'm still that at 130lbs. I need support if I am to maintain my food plan and stay healthy. For me that's OA right now.
There will always be someone in program who objects to something I do. They may object to the fact that I take antidepressants, they may object to my understanding of HP, they may object to my WLS, they may object to my nutritionist's progress-not-perfection food plan. The thing is: they're not me. They don't necessarily understand my past, my reasons. I understand those things and I'm doing what I believe is best. What I do in the future may change based on my evolving understanding, but the best I can do now is seek the truth through prayer and meditation and follow the leadings I'm given.
This is much easier for me because of a wonderful and supportive nutritionist. I can only afford to see her monthly but she keeps me on track. I'm eating better and not gaining, so I feel pretty successful. Would I like to lose 10lbs and be at my 1year post surgery weight? Sure, but I'm 5'3" and healthy at 130, so it's OK if I stay here.
Glad this forum exists.
Thanks.

WLS, OA and my Higher Power... Ain't nobody's business but my own. The fact that so many WLSers don't avail themselves of the 12 Steps, and vice versa, is their business. I can't imagine not having both to even have a chance at stopping the weight gain that was killing me.