nibble

@RHCD. I love to cook and bake, too. Are you experimenting in your kitchen laoratory to redo recipes to make them "approved" for your new lifestyle? I have been adding collagen hydrolysate protein to most things, subbing applesauce for all or part of the oil required in recipes, and using less sugar and my own version of Zing - 1 cup sugar + 2T Sweetleaf stevia gives the equivalent of 2 c sweetness. 1/2 t = 8 calories. Also working with cottage cheese in recipes, too, blended smooth. Really adds a lot of protein, about the same as using greek yogurt. It's an adventure!

@CashmereAndBones. I'm 70, and 14-15 weeks post-op. I wasn't ready for this surgery five years ago - felt I would be losing control, would be forced into a cage where I could no longer have what I wanted when I wanted. The thoughts left me angry and rebellious. I wanted to have my coffee, and I love to cook and bake, and I wanted to make the rules for my life. I was in denial Big Time, and unable to see food was in control of me; I was not in control at all !!! At a seminar I learned that obesity is a disease, and that changed my thinking entirely. Being fat was no longer all my fault. If I had some other disease, wouldn't I seek treatment? Well, yes! So why wouldn't I seek help for this disease, too? And all the things I'd have to give up -- well, I learned that would be temporary. Temporary I can live with, I said. So, 100 days post-op I can have coffee, and enjoy it, but don't need to drink it all day long. The first month I had cravings, like pizza. Recently I had pizza and it was a disappointment! My tastes have changed, and that's OK, and I don't miss the things I thought I would. I have fun redoing recipes so they are low cals/carbs and higher protein. I add protein to everything I eat or drink. This new system is working. Amazing! I also know that if you aren't happy with what you're doing you won't continue doing it. That applies to whatever your decision is - to stay with your current situation, or the decision to have surgery and carve out a healthier lifestyle. I have maybe 10-15 years left, but they will be the best years ever. Keep thinking and talking and reading. You will know when you're ready.

no driving restrictions beyond waiting til you are off the narcotic pain meds

I had no help before or after surgery except transportation to and from hospital. Stock up on supplies and meds beforehand while you can still drive. Post-surgery the nix on driving is just because of your pain meds, which you may only need 2-3 days. I did not NEED or want any help. It sounds like the relationship may not have been built on a solid foundation in the first place, so celebrate YOU and your FREEDOM. It's an exciting time in your life, Mousecat88 !!!

You are so correct about that, and each time you say NO to someone it will get easier and easier. You are putting boundaries around you and teaching others how you expect to be treated. You walk, and you journal, girl. If others have a problem with your focus on attending to YOUR needs, then the problem is THEIRS, not yours. You are not responsible for their reaction. Coping with the feelings is another issue, and the strategy will be different for everyone. For me, I journal, look at the charts I keep about my progress so far and congratulate myself. Under extreme stress, I do scream therapy: take a pillow and scream as loud as you can into it. I usually end up laughing at how ridiculous I must look, but it works!

More thoughts: we all are benefiting from marvelous medical progress -- 20 years ago all these surgeries you have had might have taken an even greater toll on your system; are you self-employed, Andy? Your hospital stays must have impacted your job quite a bit. And most importantly, I'm so relieved your double surgery went so well and you seem to be doing just fine. You are due for some better days, friend! Big hugs to you!! We are truly living in a "treat 'em & street 'em" world these days...

Andy, your courage and stamina are beyond comprehension. A lesser person might have just surrendered and given up. I respect your candid and unvarnished story, and feel privileged that you would share it with this group. I hope you stay in the group as we go along, this motley group of strangers-turned-friends by a common cause, finding solice and support and periodic ass-kicking when needed. You are AWESOME. Since you invited Qs, I'm wondering how the foods you can eat will impact the WLS surgery and life going forward.

Gotta print that one and put it on the fridge!

I am so reassured to hear you say that -- I have been stalled 15 days now and going nuts. I wonder what the longest stall is...

@Frustr8 So happy your BIG DAY finally, FINALLY arrived, and hoping you and SueSaBelle are doing well. Check in with us when you're able!

My highest wt was 368, consult wt 350, and 8 weeks post-op have been stalled at 314 for two weeks. Very demoralizing. In some respects I still feel I'm at 368. Stalls create feeling of O boy, here it comes -- another Epic Fail at losing weight, like its something in my DNA I can never overcome. But I don't feel ashamed anymore after learning obesity is a disease -- a chronic disease -- a chronic, deadly disease. And we don't know a singular cause of it. Yet. I am working on this, and realize it is very much a mental game element we must overcome. My best self tells me to look at the NSVs (non-scale victories), to look how far I've come, look for small goals in terms of more exercise, and journal. I do track protein, and get 60-90g per day, but it's not enough to quell cravings and there's not enough variety to provide the satisfactin of a tasty meal. I'll try to make tomorrow a better day. I really need my body to end this stall. I am glad for this site, and glad we can lean on one another and share our journey with others who understand.

Me, too! At 5'2" my HW was 368 in 2017. At Surgery Consult I was 350 and today at 316. I struggle to remember when I last weighed that - many years ago, so it takes on a surreal feeling, one of disbelief and "can't quite get my head around that." 52 pounds is a 40# box of kitty litter and a 12# jug of it. I just lift one of each and marvel what my joints and bones and feet were having to lug around.

I am on Omeprazole (Nexium) for 3 months. Is that what you're referring to?

...PPI ? I don't know what this is.

I just dealt with this with my surgical PA appt; she had WLS 4 years ago so she fully understands the stages and pitfalls and emotions. I said "I never feel full, never feel satisfied, am always hungry and have cravings. Was it a false expectation to think surgery would eliminate cravings? The anxiety from seeking a sense of satisfaction has led me to prematurely eat foods in the next stage. Also, (33 days out) I have had 2 weight stalls, which I expected, but then I gained a pound! I am depressed and feel I am careening toward yet another, AGAIN, dieting Epic Fail, even knowing it is illogical due to the surgery factor. Her replys: 1. Forgeddaboutit - don't look toward food for any sense of satisfaction, ever. Seek other kinds of satisfaction in your life. 2. For most people, cravings disappear after 5-6 weeks. 3. No! You are not failing. Your body needs time to catch up, and it balks like a toddler. 4. Everything you are going through and feeling is all normal. This is HARD WORK and it is more mental than physical. Her words were reassuring, eased much of the anxiety, and the next day I included her in my will (!),I then lost a pound and another pound today. But a discussion with my brother has me confused, so I turn to the rest of you for input. What is your definition of satiety? Do you find any enjoyment from a good meal, either now or before? Do you feel satisfied after a tasty meal where you are not overly full. Do you EXPECT to feel satisfied from a flavorful, healthy meal? Do you now eat only for fuel - eat to live? Isn't it possible to enjoy what you eat any more - to eat for Balance, Moderation, and Variety? Maybe it's just semantics and different interpretations of the words. Why have all these bari-cookbooks if not to enjoy meals? Why not just eat the same things forever and use protein drinks? What are YOUR expectations once you can have regular food again - meats, fruits with skins, celery, etc?