Inner Surfer Girl

I have been at goal since Feb 2013 so please keep that perspective.
I went to an 80s theme dance party tonight. I didn't have time to shop so had to raid my closet. It's all about how you combine, accessorize and style that gives a "look". Since I have naturally big glam metal rock hair.... I went that route. So many compliments... hair like the lead singer of Poison, dressed like Pat Benatar... and a guy walked up and said I was channelling Leta Ford... and she was so hot! I would have never had the confidence to do this before. But so much good fun!

OK! OK! I just placed a jockey order....size 5 modern micro boy shorts, microfiber French cut and even two bras. And all at 25% off!

If I had to do it all over again, I would have chucked the scale on Day 1. Weighing every day is bad for your soul. I did better when my husband hid the scale and brought it out once per week.
Stay the course - find other ways to monitor your progress...take pictures and take your measurements.

I can't recall where I found this quote but it sure fits you and I mean this respectfully:
"The jealous competitor. – Don’t be jealous of others. Jealousy is the art of counting someone else’s blessings instead of your own. Stop comparing your journey with everyone else’s. Your journey is YOUR journey, NOT a competition. You are in competition with one person and one person only – yourself. You are competing to be the best you can be. If you want to measure your progress, compare yourself to who you were yesterday"

I'm over 5 weeks post op. I was eating some Light & Fit vanilla Greek yogurt, when I had one of those forehead slapper moments.
If I can only eat a cup or two of food per day, I am not going to waste it on anything I don't enjoy. Ever again. The yogurt went into the trash. So will most of the Protein powders and shakes taking up room in my kitchen. No more EGG BEATERS, nasty stuff. I want to savor my food and not just get my protein grams. I've spent much of my life eating things because they were supposed to be better for me. No more.
So...now what? I'm gonna have to put some thought into this. I go grocery shopping on Saturdays. We shall see.

My surgeon said. 10 days. I think it depends on how well the incisions have healed.

“Transformation is not a future event. It is a present activity…That is why you must bring everything that you have to give in every moment…And it doesn’t have to be perfect, it’s not about perfect, it’s about effort. When you bring that effort every single day, that’s where transformation happens, that’s how change occurs.”
– Jillian Michaels
I really embrace the idea of transformation as a present activity. I focused heavily on the physical condition and now a bit on other aspects of my life needing some transformation.

My favorite came from @@Cupcake 's Mom: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/315012-my-surgeon-after-approving-me-denied-me-a-year-later/?hl=%2Bmonkey#entry3555054
"no monkey doesn't stop no show"
Hilarious!

So about 9 months ago I found myself looking to my local hospital's surgical weight loss center for some help as I had reached my highest weight ever 315. I was moderately familiar with Bariatric surgery as my brother had a gastric bypass performed about three years ago. I wanted more information because I knew there were options but I wasn't sure what was right for me. So I attended a surgical weight loss seminar at Reading Health System located in Reading, Pa. There I learned more about the Gastric Bypass and also the Lap Band, but more importantly I heard, for the first time about the Gastric Sleeve Surgery. The minute I learned about it I felt like it was the right procedure for me. Then, before I knew it my visit to the seminar to just "check it out" turned into my first official meeting which began the chain of events leading up to my procedure.
From there, the SWL (surgical weight loss) team evaluated my insurance, scheduled me for a consultation visit & set up the appointments necessary to access my blood work and over-all physical condition, aside from visual obesity (one does not qualify for a SWL procedure based on that alone) I had a thorough physical with a great deal of blood work completed, I was currently under care for sleep apnea and my blood pressure had been slowly rising into the pre hyper-tension zone.
Before I knew it my insurance was accepted, my psychological evaluation was scheduled, my nutrition classes had begun and I had been given an approximate date for surgery. It was now actually happening and all I could think was, "what if" - "how can" - "what about after." It all seemed surreal as I wondered what life would be like after permanently altering one of my organs.
My surgery was a week away and it was time for the "liquid Diet!!!" The thought of full liquids for 4+ days was terrifying and I couldn't imagine how I was going to make it. Well, I did & it wasn't so bad at all after the third day. Not to mention, what I learned about not taking this part seriously made it seem like a small price to pay. The liquid diet, I'm told shrinks the size of your liver and this was very important to give the doctor room to "work." Say no more, help the doctor to help me.... I'm in!!
The day of surgery came and it was simple, show up, check in, lay down and get rolled to the operating room. Just a few hours later I was in the recovery room. I elected to have the robotic daVinci procedure performed by Doctor Stephan Meyers of Reading Health System. I did not need a long time after the operation (maybe an hour) to wake up and take a few laps around the hospital floor of my wing. There was a bit of shoulder pain and gas pains as I recall, but easily controlled with IV pain relievers.
I went home in 48 hours and pretty much hung out in bed for another 48 hours, getting up to walk as often as I could till I felt better. Three days later I accompanied my 10 year old daughter to the annual father daughter dance, we took some pictures and I felt fine at the dance. I stood and sat for most of the time, but we did squeeze in a couple slow dances together.
I followed the directions of the doctors office and their website. I walked more and more and within a few weeks even began to jog very lightly. As I began to tolerate regular food again I was CERTAIN to eat just enough visually to become satiated. It's been three months now & I now eat more slowly, I separate my eating and drinking (this is a must) & I keep as active as possible by parking farther & taking the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator whenever at all possible.
I have also actually increased my level of exercise by desire, I've been walking/jogging 3-4 times per week, riding my bike 10 plus miles once per week and just this month I began swimming. We are a boating family and I am fortunate to be able to use our local lake for my first few long distance swims. Just this Sunday I swam 1.2 miles on Blue Marsh lake.
I would do this surgery again if I had it to do all over - I consider myself lucky that the actual procedure was a success physically & I feel like I've been given a second chance to do it right and appreciate the opportunity to be ACTIVE!!
I do not, at this time, feel hunger - in place of hunger I feel emptiness inside and I eat what makes sense to fuel my body. I take all of my suggested Vitamins and chewable Calcium too. We (big people) got too large for a reason and if you are looking at having one of these procedures so you can keep eating poorly, but less of a quantity, then I suggest not wasting your time - if you get the opportunity to choose and undergo a procedure that's best for you I implore you to make it count on every level and WORK hard to follow the directions you'll be given. Most importantly get ACTIVE!!! My BP is now normal, my sleep apnea is gone and I have lost over 60 lbs. I eat approximately 1 cup of food about 5 times a day. I am very careful of what I eat because I can only eat such a small amount. My caloric intake is currently only about 1100 per day so it is imperative that I get the right amounts of Protein, potassium, Iron, and other vitamins to remain healthy.
Because of this I use "My Fitness Pal" and "Pacer" for tracking food intake my daily steps taken. My Fitness Pal tracks the nutrient content of the food I eat which is essential to make sure your eating properly. I also use Strava for walking, jogging, cycling and swimming tracking. All of my activities sync with My Fitness Pal, so I am sure to know my nutrition intake and the app tells me how much to increase on days where I am more active than others.
All in all, I'd say my operation was a success and it's up to me individually to make it last forever. I ended up in the position I was in, three months ago, because of the choices I made, now I have the physical help to make better choices. I wish anyone taking this journey Godspeed & may you find it deep within to stay the course !

Thanks everyone so far for your and input and also for the tips. Jello is a great idea. The good trend I see so far is that no one changed their opinion of Isopure after the surgery. You either kind of liked it or hated it from the beginning. That makes me feel better that I should be able to tolerate it after surgery. I did notice that as it warmed up it tasted much worse so for me keeping it on ice is probably the solution providing that my stomach will be able to handle cold liquids.< /p>
Right now I'm envisioning a chilled ice bucket full of Isopure long necks with Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville playing in the background. Party On!

So.... I am obviously in the minority here, but I *personally* prefer to eat real foods, especially because I can eat so little. I got fat from years of eating only "fat free", "sugar free", "diet". Now I prefer to eat real butter, real dressing, real sugar (the little I eat) and my favorite, REAL cheese. Why? They taste better. I can only eat a few ounces at a sitting so in order to feel satisfied, I want FLAVOR, plus, the fat content keeps me satisfied longer.

If it's carb free, sugar free, fat free, what the holy hockey sticks is it? Sounds like a chemical bath for your tummy to me.

You have a choice with your every behavior. It is in your control to succeed and make the choice that leads to success. With every bite you have a choice. With every food purchase you have a choice. Even after you buy it you have a choice whether to eat it. No one else makes that choice for you. The choice does not make you a bad, good, smart, or weak person. It is simply a choice. Guilt or regrets never got anyone anywhere. That is the past which can not change. Stay in the moment and do not worry about the future. The only thing to be concerned about is the choice you make right now and the future will take care of itself. Every success will build up and lead to more. A walk of a thousand miles or 20 lbs begins with a single step or more properly the choice to take that first step.

Huevos rancheros minus the tortilla...refried Beans, egg, cheese and green chili. Favorite at ANY stage! (Except liquids)
The only problem that I had with Tomato Soup was that it tasted too sweet to me (really!). I puréed it with Italian sausage to cut the sweet.

I have been reading through your threads and it is making me very sad. I am pre-op and have only recently come to the decision to have the surgery. I am doing a lot of research because I know that surgery is not a "magic bullet".
I am not where you are in your journey but I have worked with college students in helping them succeed in school. How are you doing in school? My guess from your posts is that you are having struggles in most areas of your life.
May I offer some unsolicited advice and give you a bit of homework?
First, be completely honest with yourself, your surgeon and your therapist.
Write out why you had the surgery in the first place and what you hoped the surgery would help you accomplish. What do you want your life to be like?
Print out your threads on this discussion board and share them with your surgeon and therapist.
Go through these posts and write down everwhere you said you CANT do something.
Change each of these statements to a positive statement.
Make a list of the advice that others have shared wirh you. (It probably matches your surgeons instructions in the first place -- pull out your surgery manual if you received one and reread it).
Once you have done this you probably have a very clear list of things to do every day. -- get back to basics.
Pull out your calendar and make a schedule include your classes, study time, activities, sleep, etc. Fill in the activities you need to get back on track -- be detailed. Schedule time to drink Protein shakes, take Vitamins, drink Water, exercise, etc. Get your nutritionist to help you with this.
I think if you try these suggestions, you may not feel so overwhelmed.
You have already had the surgery. With the help of professionals and support from resources like this board, you can succeed. But, you have to do the work one day at a time.
Keep your chin up!

I have been reading through your threads and it is making me very sad. I am pre-op and have only recently come to the decision to have the surgery. I am doing a lot of research because I know that surgery is not a "magic bullet".
I am not where you are in your journey but I have worked with college students in helping them succeed in school. How are you doing in school? My guess from your posts is that you are having struggles in most areas of your life.
May I offer some unsolicited advice and give you a bit of homework?
First, be completely honest with yourself, your surgeon and your therapist.
Write out why you had the surgery in the first place and what you hoped the surgery would help you accomplish. What do you want your life to be like?
Print out your threads on this discussion board and share them with your surgeon and therapist.
Go through these posts and write down everwhere you said you CANT do something.
Change each of these statements to a positive statement.
Make a list of the advice that others have shared wirh you. (It probably matches your surgeons instructions in the first place -- pull out your surgery manual if you received one and reread it).
Once you have done this you probably have a very clear list of things to do every day. -- get back to basics.
Pull out your calendar and make a schedule include your classes, study time, activities, sleep, etc. Fill in the activities you need to get back on track -- be detailed. Schedule time to drink Protein shakes, take Vitamins, drink Water, exercise, etc. Get your nutritionist to help you with this.
I think if you try these suggestions, you may not feel so overwhelmed.
You have already had the surgery. With the help of professionals and support from resources like this board, you can succeed. But, you have to do the work one day at a time.
Keep your chin up!

I have been reading through your threads and it is making me very sad. I am pre-op and have only recently come to the decision to have the surgery. I am doing a lot of research because I know that surgery is not a "magic bullet".
I am not where you are in your journey but I have worked with college students in helping them succeed in school. How are you doing in school? My guess from your posts is that you are having struggles in most areas of your life.
May I offer some unsolicited advice and give you a bit of homework?
First, be completely honest with yourself, your surgeon and your therapist.
Write out why you had the surgery in the first place and what you hoped the surgery would help you accomplish. What do you want your life to be like?
Print out your threads on this discussion board and share them with your surgeon and therapist.
Go through these posts and write down everwhere you said you CANT do something.
Change each of these statements to a positive statement.
Make a list of the advice that others have shared wirh you. (It probably matches your surgeons instructions in the first place -- pull out your surgery manual if you received one and reread it).
Once you have done this you probably have a very clear list of things to do every day. -- get back to basics.
Pull out your calendar and make a schedule include your classes, study time, activities, sleep, etc. Fill in the activities you need to get back on track -- be detailed. Schedule time to drink Protein shakes, take Vitamins, drink Water, exercise, etc. Get your nutritionist to help you with this.
I think if you try these suggestions, you may not feel so overwhelmed.
You have already had the surgery. With the help of professionals and support from resources like this board, you can succeed. But, you have to do the work one day at a time.
Keep your chin up!

I feel for you, I really do. You aren't the only one who struggles. I am in an intense nursing program where I don't have any free time. I have to schedule every last minute in order to be successful. With nobody to help me with my kids and a husband who works at night, I feel very alone at times. Eating healthy is often put on the back burner. But I have to put myself in check or I too will gain weight and throw away all of my hard work.
It sounds like professional help could really be beneficial to you. 600 calories sounds a little extreme to me as well but what if you made small changes at a time. Like giving up the sodas, eat 3 meals and two Snacks only, don't graze. Schedule your meals. It's hard, I know, but you can do this. Maybe drop down to 1600-2000 calories a day instead. Find an activity you like. Watch documentaries or find info online about fitness and health (it usually motivates me). Find what motivates you and learn to believe in yourself. Even if you don't believe you can do it now keep telling yourself you can until you believe it!!
Good luck to you, I'm rooting for you!

Have you taken any of our advice yet? As in DONE anything differently yet?
If not, what else would you like us to do?

I have been reading through your threads and it is making me very sad. I am pre-op and have only recently come to the decision to have the surgery. I am doing a lot of research because I know that surgery is not a "magic bullet".
I am not where you are in your journey but I have worked with college students in helping them succeed in school. How are you doing in school? My guess from your posts is that you are having struggles in most areas of your life.
May I offer some unsolicited advice and give you a bit of homework?
First, be completely honest with yourself, your surgeon and your therapist.
Write out why you had the surgery in the first place and what you hoped the surgery would help you accomplish. What do you want your life to be like?
Print out your threads on this discussion board and share them with your surgeon and therapist.
Go through these posts and write down everwhere you said you CANT do something.
Change each of these statements to a positive statement.
Make a list of the advice that others have shared wirh you. (It probably matches your surgeons instructions in the first place -- pull out your surgery manual if you received one and reread it).
Once you have done this you probably have a very clear list of things to do every day. -- get back to basics.
Pull out your calendar and make a schedule include your classes, study time, activities, sleep, etc. Fill in the activities you need to get back on track -- be detailed. Schedule time to drink Protein shakes, take Vitamins, drink Water, exercise, etc. Get your nutritionist to help you with this.
I think if you try these suggestions, you may not feel so overwhelmed.
You have already had the surgery. With the help of professionals and support from resources like this board, you can succeed. But, you have to do the work one day at a time.
Keep your chin up!

Ok, the saddle passed the fit test and a bucking test! Had a great ride with a slight fiasco that resulted in a 4 horse pileup while trying to traverse a decrepit bridge across a boggy area. The lead horse fell through a rotten spot, freaked out, spun and head back down the three foot wide bridge, shoving me and another horse off the bridge into the bog. My horse managed to get back up on the bridge and she decided that bucking, jumping and double barrel kicking was the most effective way to get back to terra firma. We slammed into the 4th horse who fortunately, stood her ground. And I stayed in the saddle! Meanwhile, the second horse had sunk to his belly up the boggy slope. We ended up rolling him back down towards the bridge, where he was able to get back to his feet. Everyone came out unscathed.
Other than that, it was an awesome ride to a beautiful waterfall. I'm still fine tuning the rigging, but as for the drink holder, I had a Water bottle sleeve that hooks onto your belt for hiking that worked great attached to the breast collar! I sipped my Syntrax nectar Apple Ecstasy all the way up the trail.
And since I'm such a geek, here's a picture of the saddle and a shot of me and my horse after the bog incident...those are splotches of mud on my shirt.
 

VSGAnn, honestly? No. But I was going to go either today or tomorrow and go to costco and get the Protein shakes and live off of those for a week....Have 4 or so a day...or try.
Well failing IS an option because I am doing it. But its not the right option, the right option would be to go get those Protein Shakes and follow the doctors orders and live off of them for a bit.

This doesn't relate directly to weight loss, but they are words that I've held dear for a long time. They are words that got me through my divorce and all of it's aftermath. Words that got me through a lot of bad times.
"Courage does not always roar. Sometimes, it's the quiet voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow."

What words, phrases, cliches have you heard that resonated with your weight loss journey?
"Words are units of energy" is something I heard once. I started using that phrase when I have struggled with journalling. The more I write about and talk about my feelings and what is going on with me, the more energy is expended.
"Tears weigh more than fat." I heard this on a weight loss reality show recently. Being able to feel my feelings and shed some tears is also critical for me.
Anyone else have something that works for them?

Love yourself first
I'm definitely guilty of putting everyone else first but I'm trying to learn that I am of more value to everyone else, if I take care of and love myself first.

I have no idea what all that meant but congratulations on having a much smaller @ss!!