one hurdle down

Well, today I met with the nutritionist at Vandy. Her name is Alice and she runs the support group meetings (there's one tomorrow- hope it's slow at work so I can scoot out early and attend) and I feel very comfortable with her. She gave me a set of measuring cups and a packet of info and we talked about the liquid diet and the importance of protein (she wants me to get 50-60 grams/day), liquid, calcium and vitamins, and exercise. No big surprises there. One Fact I got out of it is that, once I am off the full liquid phase (1 week) she really wants me to eat 3 meals a day and these meals should follow these rules: 1) no liquid during meals (45 min before and after) 2) protein first 3) eat only what I am comfortable eating (probably less than 1/4 cup at first) and stop after 30 minutes no matter what is left- just toss it. 4) only replace one meal a day with a protein shake, get at least 2 meals of food each day. 5) supplement with protein shakes as snacks as needed to make my protein goals for the day. 6) make SURE to get my fluid, an dif food/protein is getting in the way, do fluid first. I bought myself some Propel water to try. YUM: loved the grape, bought some peach and lemon, too. So, I figure if I am going to start walking (and sweating) I am REALLY going to have to monitor tmy water/fluids. I sweat a LOT when I work out. Got some Flintstone Complete vitamins, Calcium citrate w/ vit D, a pill crusher, and some liquid chldren's advil for the first days home, just in case. Got a food scale (cool shiny retro looking thing that seems pretty accurate) at Walmart and also bought a couple tiny (probably 1/4 cup at mosthaven't measured yet) condiment/prep bowls ...my own itty bitty gastric bypass tea set. Hey, at $0.56 or so...why not, right? My dad called my cell while I was at Target and asked how all the pre-op stuff was going. He is very gung-ho about my surgery. It's really hard for me to share this experience with him as I have some residual resentment for the way he has treated me because of my weight all my life. Intellectually, I know he meant no harm, but the message of conditional love based on my BMI was clearly given, and so I still am very self-protective when it comes to any discussion of my health/body with him. Well, that was pretty OT, sorry. Just what's going on for me right now, it's late....and well.....you guys understand. good night! ~Annie ps. Oh! she set my goal weight at 155. I had thought 160 would be GREAT. I'm 5'2" and the charts say ideal is 110. I almost lost it when she said 110. I had read 126...but 110???!!??

Hey Annie, I am going to run the diet thing by my nutritionist. Sorry, but in my book the three meal a day thing just doesn't fly for gastric bypass patients. Nor for "unobese" people either. How much experience does she have with wls patients? As for your dad, I agree with Mike. It is his issue not yours, do what ya gotta do girlfriend...you know where your support is! I will post after I hear what my nutrionists opinion is, she does a great deal of work with wls patients. Oh, before I forget, they set my goal weight at 156 (according to the charts my ideal weight is 130) I am 5'3". I am pleased with 145 range. I am sure I will drop after the tt and boob lift, but I am happy to be where I am at...forget those stupid charts!!!

Hey girl. I still can't get over your picture. Such gorgeous skin! I asked Earl above....you think the 3 meals is too few, is that it? She did say to keep supplementing to make sure to get all the protein, does that make a difference? And, I know my Dad is the one with the problem...but it still bugs me. I have done so much healing over this issue, and yet there will always be "something" there...like a tiny pebble in my emotional shoe or something. I'm cool, though. As far as the charts go....I gave up on those a looooooooooooong time ago....it just cracked me up. They don't take muscle into account, and I plan on having plenty. Hadn't thought about the eventual, inevitable tt (and for me: boob reduction/lift) and how that might shave a few pounds off...... even better! well, back to work! thanks everybody for all the support!

Thanks Annie!! I think 3 meals is too few. You really need to have 5-6 small meals a day, and you know, that 30 minute time limit kinda gets me too! It took me sometimes 45 minutes to get my measly little 1/4 cup of food in! At one week, you are going to still be needing some pureed/protein drinks to be sure. I would supplement definately! If you are going to weight train, there is no way you can physically get enough protein in through solid foods to support your muscle growth. Body builders who have "normal" stomachs don't even try that. They supplement like crazy. But, I have several small meals daily, that keeps your pouch intact and keeps your sugar levels nice and even. It is those hills and valleys that will get ya! I know what you mean about your dad. I have parental issues to. I know what the issues are, feel like I have come to terms with most of them, but my mom still gets completely under my skin big time. I just keep trying to tell myself that she is mentally ill to let her little comments go, but just every now and again...ooohhh I just wanna scream. That's when I grab Earl. He seems to be my saving grace. So, we will just hang out here, vent on each other and laugh about it later on down the road!

I know...Lord help us all! I swear, I keep telling my kids if I ever get like my mom to just shoot me and get it over with.