Orchids&Dragons

Try a thin soup like tomato or strained chicken & veggies. After it's heated, add 1/2 scoop of unflavored protein powder. That might help. Don't add the protein powder before you heat the soup; it will get all clumpy. Hope that helps.

Good luck to both of you! In a few months, you'll wonder what you were worried about!

Hey, take a NSV wherever you can get one! Hope you feel better soon!

My surgery was Feb. 26th, so nearly 4 months out. But I've always been a big drinker and fortunately didn't have any trouble even within a couple of days of hitting the 64 oz. I'm also still using Protein water to help get my protein in, so that's 20 oz right off the bat while I'm driving to work. If you're good with the 64, stay there. Just don't feel like you can't have more if you're thirsty. Hmmm, you just made me realize I'm 50g short on my protein today. UGH! Gotta go drink a shake.

Not one to mince words, are you? LOL!

I am so very sorry for your loss. As other posters have said, let people help you if they can. There is only so much you can do. ((Hugs))

Will do!

I am so glad he finally came around, albeit pretty late in the game. At least he's not still harping on all the money spent, not necessary, doesn't make a diff, etc. Because you're really always going to want him in your corner.

What do you mean that you started protein too early? Are you still supposed to be on clear liquids?

That's ok, hon. We all think you're a little off-beat, but we love ya anyway! Or maybe because of it?

Just want to wish all you Dads out there a Happy Father's Day!

Anything beyond 64 oz. is your preference. If you're thirsty, drink. Listen to your body. I'm usually in the 100 oz. range, but it's hot where I live. If you're exercising, you will probably get thirstier.

I take 2 Flintstones chewables/day and my vitamin levels were good at my 3-month checkup. But, likely, your doctor's office or your Nutritionist will give you recommendations.

Good luck with your surgery. It is really hard (and a shame) when family isn't supportive. Suggestions for the liquid diet: If it's full liquids: In addition to the shakes, add some puree-texture soups like tomato, butternut squash, etc. I found that my brain reacted much better to savory flavors. It wouldn't recognize shakes as a meal, but a pureed potato soup? Yes, it was ok with calling that a meal. For clear liquids: Eat sugar-free jello. Don't chew it well. The pieces are slippery enough to get down to your stomach ok, but it takes a while for your stomach to break down the pieces, so you feel "full" for a while. This really is the hardest part. You just have to keep focused on that carrot at the end of the stick. Good luck!

It's really hard when family isn't supportive. Imho, tell him you've done your research and made a decision. However, you'll be happy to consider his side when he shows you his research. In my experience, the minute you ask someone to do some work, they just move on. Afterwards, if he brings up his opinions, just say "I'm really interested in the research you found." He'll shut up.

Congrats that your surgery is over. Sorry you're feeling so ill. Hope you feel better soon!

If you're struggling with the water, try some warm (not hot) herbal tea with a little honey in it to sooth your throat. Don't worry about the little bit of sugar right now, your highest priority is the fluids. btw, I'm another non-burper. Never could. My mom said I was a horrible baby!

A friend at work asked me what I was doing with my old clothes. She knew a woman at her church whose husband had just left her and their 3 kids. Showed up at their apartment one day when she wasn't there and cleaned it out. Only thing he left was the sofa; probably couldn't fit it in the moving truck. What an sh!t. Anyway, she was a stay-at-home mom, had to find a job pronto, and had not much more than the clothes on their backs. Yes, he took it all. Anyway, my co-worker's church has donated furniture and lots of clothing for the kids because that's all the mom asked for. But my friend realized that the mom had nothing, especially to wear to work. And she was about my "old" size 2X-3X. Point of the story-I had this pile of clothes in the corner of my closet that I was procrastinating taking to Goodwill that have now found a new home. While I was packing them up, I went through and pulled maybe another 15 tops off the hangers and added them to the pile. I ended up sending her about 30-35 tops, 4 pairs of slacks, misc yoga pants for sleeping in, and a gorgeous winter coat. I was really feeling bad about donating the coat to Goodwill. I bought it about a year ago on clearance for around $80 - London Fog, royal blue wool coat with a hood. I didn't often buy "treat" clothes for myself. However, last winter was so mild I never wore it. I felt so happy to send this beautiful coat to someone who really needs it. Still has the $220 price tag on it! It brings joy to my heart that this woman's church was so overwhelmingly loving to her at her time of need, and that I could be a little part of it.

I agree that one meeting with a psychologist isn't likely to produce any true benefit, more like a rubber stamp. My insurance required a minimum of 3 visits, and more if the therapist wasn't ready to sign off on you. I honestly didn't feel that, in my case, there was any fat-shaming. Most other elective surgeries are "magic wand" procedures. You don't have to follow a forever lifestyle change for them to work. WLS is different. Clearly from some of the posts in these forums, some folks could have used a lot more time in preparation for such a major change. Just my 2 cents worth.

So sorry, hope you feel better soon!

Local Support group meetings: I know of 2 but would love to find more. I want all the support I can get! Mansfield Methodist Hospital - 1st Tuesday every month @6pm USMD Arlington - 2nd Tuesday every month @ 6pm They are both open to anyone. Doesn't matter where you had your surgery. Do you guys know of any others?

OK, wish i could edit my last post! My twins are 22, my other 2 "kids" are 24 and nearly 26.

God smiled on me! I just got home from the grocery store where I found ground chicken and ground lamb for 50% off. Yee-ha! Even picked up some of each for the freezer. For the chicken, I'll make the chicken/white bean chili again. It was delicious. And I'm thinking a Moroccan lamb soup with the lamb. I may have to eat soft foods, but they don't have to be boring! I almost can't wait, except that I'm still working on last night's minestrone!

22! My other two are 22 and nearly 26!

I'll call on Monday to see about a referral. Thanks!