Orchids&Dragons

Great articles! http://diet.mayoclinic.org/diet/eat/hunger-versus-craving?xid=nl_MayoClinicDiet_20180702 http://diet.mayoclinic.org/diet/eat/beat-your-cravings?xid=nl_MayoClinicDiet_20180702

Sounds like your head is definitely in the right place! You've got this!

The Devil!

Hope you feel better soon.

You lucky dog! If you overeat (and it can be that one extra bite) your mouth starts to fill up with foamy spit. And fill up and fill up, etc. It makes you very nauseous, but you can't throw up, you just have to wait for it to stop. It can go on for an hour or two. Absolutely gross.

Sadly, it could be your new normal. It's too early to say. At only 11 days post-op, your stomach is still swollen and angry. It could be that as the swelling goes down, you get some relief.

How many days has it been? My instructions were to call the doctor's office if it lasted 5 days or more. Otherwise you can get dehydrated.

Wow, so sorry to hear that! Hope you get some relief soon!

I'm glad to hear that your surgery went well and that you are progressing nicely. Keep up the good work! Congrats!

Snap out of this, woman! You've been doing great, you have a doctor you like who will do your surgery. You're finishing the final requirements to be a go! Stop looking at that glass half empty and look at the one right next to it that is overflowing with possibilities!

Wow, that's fantastic! Congrats!

In my experience, there was nothing that made me swallow more air than concentrating on not swallowing more air!

That's a shame that you don't have a pool handy. Where I live, pool water is already bath-temperature. Not particularly refreshing!

I've pretty much settled into a reasonable routine. I wish I were better with the exercise though. I just don't go to the gym unless my bowels have behaved for at least 2 days straight so that I don't humiliate myself! I do walk, especially at work. But I need more strenuous exercise. I am hoping to cross into One-derland next week. That would be awesome. Body-wise that's like going back 20+ years!

Yes, the shakes are very sweet. The protein waters are not quite so bad and still have 15-20g of protein per bottle. Broths or decaf coffee or tea are other, non-sweet options. You can use the protein shakes to make lattes. You can also dilute the shakes with either milk or water so lower the sweetness level. Good luck!

It would be a shame if you left, Creekimp. Your advice is usually spot on and everyone has to understand that we all have different docs, different meal plans, etc. You've said many times that there is more than one way to get there in the end.

@Frustr8 I don't understand the concept of not doing the surgery on anyone over 60. Maybe there are just so many candidates out there that they can cherry-pick? People, overall, are living so much longer now and for those who do, the surgery is a cost-effetive option compared to the long-term costs of Type II diabetes, heart disease, strokes, even joint replacements. And, hopefully, it will dramatically affect the quality of life. You know I'm 100% supportive of you girl!

It is a major life-change. The benefits are enormous, but there is a price to pay and a lot of work to do. It's normal to have cold feet at this point, most of us did. But think of it this way: Where will I be in 2 years with the surgery? vs. Where will I be in 2 years without surgery? Your choice.

Definitely start with ground meats, imo. Something like a mild chili, so there is plenty of moisture with the meat. For each tablespoon of food, break it up into about 6 bites, then chew well. Let one mouthful (I know, amusing term at this stage) settle before you start the next.

Congrats on your surgeries and best wishes for a speedy recovery!

My fave is the salted caramel - to die for. Enough so, that even being high protein, I don't think I want them in the house again until I reach maintenance. They just kept calling my name!

One of the biggest differences is the surgery performed. The requirements for sleeve and bypass are pretty distinct.

I just ordered a couple dozen protein shots from the BP store. 2.5 oz/15g protein. For when it's almost bedtime and I still need more protein. I don't even care if I like the taste. Just a way to get the protein down. UGH! I'm not saying I don't like them, this is the first time I've ordered them, so we'll see. "PROTEIN50" gets them for 1/2 price, just through tonight.

I liked it, but I'm trying to get all shakes out of my life!

That's dreadful, but at least they're taking care of you now. (hugs)