BestYet2Come

Congratulations on your surgery.
I am surprised that you are allowed Protein shakes so soon. I had to do a Clear liquids only diet for 10 days post-op (including hospital stay). During this phase, most of my Protein would come from a clear liquid called Isopure Zero Carb. One bottle has 40grams of protein, but it tastes awful (http://www.amazon.com/Natures-Best-Isopure-Alpine-12-Count/dp/B00289W2MA/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1389577590&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=isopure+zero+carb+liquid).
The following week I was able to transition to Protein Shakes. Slim Fast is not a very good choice, it has only 10g of protein. Most shakes drank by bariatric patients have at least 20g. I bought several different ones, but the two best in my opinion are Premier Protein ( http://www.amazon.com/Premier-Nutrition-Protein-Shake-Chocolate/dp/B00AINLC60/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1389577721&sr=1-1&keywords=premier+protein) and the unflavored Isopure, which I blend with milk and Peanut Butter, or half of a banana. You can also mix it in yogurt, coffee, etc. (http://www.amazon.com/Premier-Nutrition-Protein-Shake-Chocolate/dp/B00AINLC60/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1389577721&sr=1-1&keywords=premier+protein). These have 30g and 26g of protein respectively. Premier is also sold at costco.
Isopure is known for being a quality brand with excellent pure protein. Some other popular choices of Protein Shakes are:
- Atkins (better choice than Slim Fast);
- Pure Protein;
- powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury Protein;
- Muscle Milk;
- Myogenix.
Hang in there. Once you move to pureed and soft foods, the possibilities are endless!
Best of luck!

First, congratulations for recognizing early enough that you need help getting back on track. That alone is a sign that you have changed and you know your bad habits.
Think back on when you started this journey, did you keep a food journal that you could now copy?
I have a friend who had bypass five years ago. Anytime she is slipping, she goes back to Protein shakes - that's what helps her to get back on track and that is probably what I would do also.
Best of luck!

HW: 257
SW: 241
CW: 194
TPL: 63
TGL: 117
Back to journaling and exercising made a huge difference. I am feeling great about this week and I cannot wait to report a new weight into the 180s next week.

Kudos to you for posting here and being accountable. Look at your amazing progress! I lost my focus recently and just had my first full week back on track and I feel great. One day at a time...

HW: 257
SW: 241
CW: 194
TPL: 63
TGL: 117
Back to journaling and exercising made a huge difference. I am feeling great about this week and I cannot wait to report a new weight into the 180s next week.

HW 238
SW 216
CW 148
TPL 90
TGP 88
My parents were just out for a visit. First time I've seen them since surgery. They were shocked with my appearance and how little I eat, but very thrilled for me and impressed with how healthy I'm eating. My mom said it was disconcerting to look at me and my dad says I look so much more like my sister (Who's always been a skinny little twig)
I definitely ate things I would not normally eat while they were here because my mom is such a good cook.....vanilla bean ice cream with fresh strawberries, bananas foster French toast, corn on the cob, and chicken Alfredo, to name a few... But we also built an addition on my hay shed and hauled and stacked a couple truck loads of wood and went for a few little hikes, so I still managed to lose 2 pounds! It's nice to see I can have a "normal" life without sabotaging all my hard work. LOVE MY SLEEVE!

HW: 314
SW: 278
CW: 179
TPL: 135
TPG:139

Down 2 pounds this week ...

No loss again this week but I'm here to show I'm accountable. I have 40 lbs left to go and it's gotten pretty slow sooo time to reevaluate things. I've started walking 2 miles a day now and I'm looking into adding yoga. Gotta be more more faithful to MFP as I have slacked a little on that. See ya next week!

HW (High Weight) 257

SW (Surgery Weight) 241

CW (Current Weight) 196

TPL (Total Pounds Lost) 61

TGP (Total Goal Pounds) 117 (56 to go)
Here I am, I did not run away! I lost 1lb this week, I will take it! I am feeling good about re-focusing. I already exercised this morning, drank my shake for Breakfast, and had salad for lunch. Can't wait to report good numbers next week! xo to all.

I learned the hard way (I usually do) that hydration is seriously important post bariatric surgery! I am 5 months post-op and my job involves walking a lot in a big county hospital. I just recently changed my work shift from swing (day-evening) to deep nights and my workload increased significantly overnight. I did not take the time to stay hydrated and over the past month, I would go as much as 10 hours without even needing to urinate. This is not a good thing.
Segue to this past weekend as I was just discharged from the hospital on Sunday following my first, and dear lord hopefully last, episode of kidney stones. I cannot even begin to describe the pain involved with this lovely endevor but suffice it to say, I now prioritize fluids over everything! Fortunately, I was able to pass the buggers without surgery but I am here to tell you, this was not my idea of a good time! We are told to prioritize Protein as far as macronutrients, and this is still very important, but recognize that because we make this alteration to our diet, fluids take even more priority...you would think as a medical professional I would have not been such a knucklehead and remembered this little tidbit of data It took 7 liters of saline before my urine started to lighten up so I know this problem did not happen overnight.
For those of you struggling to get your fluids in very early post-op, that is normal and it will take time but continue to persevere. For those of us a bit farther out, I hope this information prevents you from dealing with this in the future!

I'm doing fantastic! I hit surgeon's goal a month ago and my personal goal last week. I started adding more fat (2% instead of skim milk, regular cottage cheese instead of nonfat, 1/2 and 1/2 in my coffee, etc) and healthy carbs (whole grain bars, sesame sticks, more fruits) to my diet after hitting surgeons goal and am still losing about 1 pound/week.
I take 2 Garden of Life Vitamin Code for women (which is 1/2 the recommended dose) daily, and B12 sublingual and D3 5000iu 3-4 times/ week. I was taking Iron and Calcium, too, but these were both high on my 6 month bloodwork so I eliminated the Calcium (I eat a lot of dairy, anyways) and only take the Iron 1x/week. The rest of my bloodwork was perfect...PCP was impressed.
For the most part, I've had a wonderful postop experience, but here are a few low points...
Stalled for a month between weeks 6 and 10. I increased my food and Fluid intake and started losing again. Had a second stall around 5 months but that only lasted 2 weeks. I didn't do anything special for that one.
Got a Clostridial infection 2 months out that resulted in almost 2 months of severe diarrhea. I went through 3 rounds of an antibiotic that made me incredibly nauseous and I could barely eat/drink. ( This was, ironically during my month long stall. ) Then another 2 rounds of a different antibiotic that didn't make me sick. But nothing could clear the infection, so I ended up getting a fecal transplant on April 10th. Instant cure and makes for an interesting story... Always a hit at any gathering !
Had a gall bladder attack a few weeks ago. Worst pain EVER. Ultrasound showed no stones but maybe some sludge. I may be needing to get my gallbladder removed, but in the meantime I'm just praying I don't have another attack.
I know this all sounds like I've had a rough time, but really it hasn't been that bad. My weight loss, drop in clothes size, and the fabulous way I feel has far outweighed any of the other things. I don't count or track or measure anything. I drink one large Protein smoothie (24-32oz/30-40g protein) everyday. Eat balanced meals of Protein and veggies and snack on protein, fruit and whole grains. I do have alcohol, Desserts, Pasta, bread and other no-no's, but these are very occasional and in moderation.
Love love love my new life and hope you all do, too.

HW (High Weight) 257

SW (Surgery Weight) 241

CW (Current Weight) 196

TPL (Total Pounds Lost) 61

TGP (Total Goal Pounds) 117 (56 to go)
Here I am, I did not run away! I lost 1lb this week, I will take it! I am feeling good about re-focusing. I already exercised this morning, drank my shake for Breakfast, and had salad for lunch. Can't wait to report good numbers next week! xo to all.

Welcome back! I look forward to learning from you.

Serious kudos for posting this! It sounds like you're in a very good place, recognizing the bad habits and working out the plan to correct them (keeping a log). That self evaluation is key. Keep it up, and hope to see you around on here! It definitely helps me with accountability and inspiration. Same with my local support group.

Date of Surgery: 12/16 Dr Ariel Ortiz
HW 280
SW 262
CW 188
TPL 92
TGP 130
This is quite an interesting journey! The thing that has surprised me most is the energy I have. I'm doing 2.5 hours zumba, 2 hours of strength training per week and I just started C25K (3 half hour running sessions per week). I'd like to do a 5K in October. I used to be quite fond of coming home from work and spending the evening in the recliner. Not any more, I can't sit still for that long! My eating is pretty good, but it is not perfect. I would say I'm "behaved" but not deprived 95% of the time and throw caution to the wind the other 5% usually on a weekend day. This past weekend I had cake AND about 10 skittles. The cake nauseated me a little because frankly the piece I had was probably too much. It had whip cream in the frosting and foods that have air in them tend to bother me, anyone else have that problem? I'm also back to having some dizzy spells when I stand. I've increased my Water and my Protein to try to figure out why that is. I've also stopped taking a bariatric Vitamin and moved to a whole foods based vitamin with Iron.
So fun to watch everyone's progress!

When someone goes MIA from this group, you know it cannot be a good sign, right? Here I am. Same weight since May 27th.
The bad news:
1) This is not a stall;
2) This is completely my fault;
3) I was careless and in denial thinking that I had it all under control;
4) I missed a whole month of precious post-op friendly hormones time.
The good news:
1) I learned a great deal about my eating habits these past few weeks (i.e: I have the meals under control, but snacking - grazing - is my biggest problem);
2) I take full responsibility for my actions;
3) Seeing everyone's results on this board, week after week, has helped me stay honest and finally snap out of this phase (as I comparatively believe that I should be 20lbs lighter had I stayed the course);
4) I was able to maintain the weight;
5) One of the reasons I didn't follow plan was that I was travelling for a couple of weeks on vacation. So yes, I had a lot of fun;
6) I realized how keeping a diary is essential for me.
I want to congratulate all of you for staying strong and inspiring me to come back. I look forward to being more active on the board and feel free to scold me if I go MIA again (I get all updates via email).
HW 257
SW 241
CW 197
TPL 60
TPG 117
Best,

When someone goes MIA from this group, you know it cannot be a good sign, right? Here I am. Same weight since May 27th.
The bad news:
1) This is not a stall;
2) This is completely my fault;
3) I was careless and in denial thinking that I had it all under control;
4) I missed a whole month of precious post-op friendly hormones time.
The good news:
1) I learned a great deal about my eating habits these past few weeks (i.e: I have the meals under control, but snacking - grazing - is my biggest problem);
2) I take full responsibility for my actions;
3) Seeing everyone's results on this board, week after week, has helped me stay honest and finally snap out of this phase (as I comparatively believe that I should be 20lbs lighter had I stayed the course);
4) I was able to maintain the weight;
5) One of the reasons I didn't follow plan was that I was travelling for a couple of weeks on vacation. So yes, I had a lot of fun;
6) I realized how keeping a diary is essential for me.
I want to congratulate all of you for staying strong and inspiring me to come back. I look forward to being more active on the board and feel free to scold me if I go MIA again (I get all updates via email).
HW 257
SW 241
CW 197
TPL 60
TPG 117
Best,

This must be "come clean Monday". Thanks so much to BestYet2Come for sharing her last month's results. I had a similar experience and most certainly take full responsibility for it. I did find also that I was able to maintain my weight loss and was actually able to lose 3 pounds through my month of living dangerously.
I got myself back on the beam on July 1 and am very grateful for the 4 pounds I have lost since then. I still have a long way to go and the posts you all share each week are very inspiring and motivating to me. Thank you so much.
HW 285
SW 266
CW 222
TPL 63
TPG 145
Rock on!

HW 257
SW 241
CW 197
Solid size 14. Large 12s.

HW 257
SW 241
CW 197
Solid size 14. Large 12s.

HW 257
SW 241
CW 197
Solid size 14. Large 12s.

HW 257
SW 241
CW 197
Solid size 14. Large 12s.

HW 257
SW 241
CW 197
Solid size 14. Large 12s.

Just weighed again and I am actually down 2lbs down from last week, I might be breaking another stall.
HW 257
SW 241
CW 197
))))
Total loss from highest: 60
Total loss from surgery: 44

HW 257
SW 241
CW 199
Stuck, but haaaaaappy!