Healthy_life2

Sorry you are struggling,

Thank you for your honesty. The work does not end after goal. Things may come up that people don't expect. No shame in asking for help. Look into therapy and support in NY (goggle it) Keep us updated and share how you are taking control of the situation.

Anything we can do to support you...let us know.

On 2/1/2020 at 12:16 PM, AngieBear said:

This is excellent, especially the second link you referenced. I’ve been struggling, but I think I’m just over anxious to start long distance running again (I used to before surgery). However, I just don’t have the calories to support it right now, so I keep crashing. I have 10 pounds left, then I’ll start focusing on fitness goals more, because I can up my calories.

I think I have also been too all or nothing about this - a 30 minute run a day is just fine right now, until I can build it up.

Anyway, thanks for the helpful links, I’ve been getting frustrated.

@AngieBear

Your transformation has been phenomenal. Its been great watching you int the OOTD. Can you believe how fast your weight loss has been?

Fitness goals are a great way to transition into maintenance. Any races on your bucket list?

What I wish I knew before I had surgery five years ago.

When vets told me you will be able to eat more as you progress was so true.

Working on the mental battles of weight loss was not easy. Overcoming my behaviors was one of the best gifts out of surgery. They are not 100% gone. I manage them much better.

I'm older 45 day of surgery - 51 now. All the stress over vanity was a bit ridiculous for me. Honestly, I look better not obese. My loose skin is livable and I have gained muscle weight lifting. It has filled out the skin a bit. I looked into plastics twice. I backed out both times. I am happy with my body and rock my old fart self.

Transitioning to maintenance was not what I had expected.

14 hours ago, Je$$ica36 said:

I had RNY bypass last May. I’m currently 114 pounds and seems to still be dropping. I want to be like 135. For my height of 5’1 it says my weight is normal but I look scary. Not sure what to do. I also exercise 6 days a week I really don’t want to stop doing that. What else can I do???

You are not alone - Join the maintenance thread. Lots of support and information to stop your weight loss.

The only reason you are still losing weight is you are eating weight loss calories and carbs.

It's time to transition into your maintenance diet. Many of us have a hard time getting in our maintenance calories at first. You may need to graze your maintenance diet (eating several small meals) It may feel like you are eating all day. It gets easier to get them in as your restriction becomes less with time.

Many of us lose muscle with rapid weight loss. Exercise on low calories can cause muscle catabolisim.

Catabolism -- or the wasting of lean muscle tissue -- should be avoided at all costs. Not only do you get weaker and more prone to injury, your metabolism will slow, decreasing how many calories you burn at rest

It's not a healthy look. Back off on exercise until you can get your maintenance calories and macros in. If you have a advanced fitness level, you may want to hire a sports medicine dietitian to fuel your body to support your calorie burn.

Training for a race in April. Brooks running shirt is my favorite.

Sent from my SM-G930T using BariatricPal mobile app

On 1/15/2020 at 10:29 AM, ms.sss said:

How are the other maintainers out there (new and old) doing? Would love to hear from you guys ❤️

I'm in a strange place five years out and maintaining.

I'm not focused on being a bariatric patient. I no longer obsess about the"bariatric rules" It's because I live a healthy life out of habit. I identify more with the fitness community.

I am ready to move on and hopefully continue to maintain in the years to come. I know I can always come back if I need to.

Trust your professionals and follow your own plan. Enough said.

Calories are not created equal. A junk food diet in weight loss calories vs healthy foods in weight loss calories. Google it.

Sent from my SM-G930T using BariatricPal mobile app

4 hours ago, ms.sss said:

<! -- Begin Random Brain Dump -->

So....there was a post on another thread that brought up the existence of studies that proposed that WLS patients who have plastic surgery to remove excess skin after massive weight loss are more likely to keep the weight off further down the road than those who didn't. I remember reading something to that effect a while back, so I did a little digging, and yep, there are studies that suggest this idea.

Here is is just two that were on the first page of my search results:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131001104541.htm
https://www.soard.org/article/S1550-7289(15)00850-3/fulltext

So as I often do, I went down the research rabbit hole. I wanted see what other theories were out there that isolate certain behaviours or circumstances that increase the likelihood of long term weight control after bariatric surgery.

The regular stuff that we already know came up about the positive co-relation of the following with short & long term success in weight loss:

• daily weighing (of body, not food, LOL)
• logging/tracking food intake
• weight training to maintain or increase lean muscle mass
• the above-mentioned body contouring

Then there was one that sort of resonated with me, for some reason. That the likelihood of long term success is related to the amount of (or lack of) sedentary activities a person participates in. Those who spend less time watching TV, sitting at a desk, or spend time on their devices are more likely than their sedentary counterparts to keep the weight off longer term. And that this was the bigger indicator of "success" than the 4 points made above.

Since the PS, I have been pretty sedentary. I looked at my steps and I averaged less than 1000 steps a day the first 10 days post op. I felt ick and lazy and tired and really just didn't want to move (mind you, I was in recovery so there's that). Then I purposefully made the effort to walk around every couple of hours and felt better. Then I started going outside for longer and longer walks and started to feel normal. After yesterday's 2+ hours outside and this morning's 1 hour (with more to come throughout the day) I feel aaaalmost awesome. The more I moved, the more I wanted to move; and on the flip side of that I realized that the more I stayed still the more I didn't want to move. Funny cuz this is probably obvious to some/most of you, but it was like a light-bulb moment for me, duh. 🙄

So moral of the story: Keep moving, people.

<! -- End Random Brain Dump -->

I agree with you, If people invest in plastics they don't want to waste the money. They are more likely to maintain.

I have an issue with ALL the statics on long term success rates. My surgeons office is a gold standard of excellence, They are required to follow patient five years and report to a national data base. Per my office, many patients stop showing up for yearly check ups after two years. The statistics reported are not accurate. This includes people with skin removal.

51 minutes ago, Kris77 said:

I keep hearing from an person that had the sleeve as well that “oh once you get to three years out, it’ll get harder and you will be really hungry all the time”.
I know this isn’t true for everyone. I’m determined to not have that happen but it def sticks in your head hearing that. Esp since pre surgery that was me...lose weight only to regain...repeat repeat etc.
Anyone more than three years out that can share with how their journey stayed the same or how it changed after three years?

Sorry for the long response.

Pre surgery, I don't think I had a sensation of full. Hunger and cravings were intense. Post surgery - Many of us experience times of real and head hunger. I'm not " really hungry all the time" Five years out, My hunger is manageable.

It normal to have less sleeve restriction years out, ( my sleeve is not stretched or back to full size) I can fill the extra space with real whole foods, stay within my maintenance calories, and feel satisfied. There is no reason to eat weight gain calories just because I can hold more food.

Only my experience, (you most likely have herd these things before)

Real hunger happens when I skip meals, eat the wrong food, eat under my calories, and working out. Head hunger happens when I'm bored, around temptation or stressed/emotional. I know theses things about myself. I learned how to satisfy hunger when it happens.

If I deny cravings, I just want them more. I keep healthy low calorie options for sweet and salty on hand. In weight loss mode, I avoid certain things. I cant stop at a small amount of chocolate or a bag of chips. *laughing* I know myself. My husband hides them from me.

Life should be lived in maintenance. I have times I indulge, take vacations, and carb load for sports. Afterward, I have cravings and hunger. I eat my bariatric plan and carvings/ hunger go away.

I eat dense Protein, veggies and other items on my plan. (They stay in my sleeve longer than slider/soft stage foods)

peppermint tea calms my sleeve

I spread my meals out five/six a day, Schedule a protein snack before bed.

Head hunger and night snacking -I keep a veggie tray and fruit in the fridge, I allow my self to eat as much until full. If I try to bargain for other items I know its head hunger.

6 hours ago, Callalily said:

I am 4 months out of surgery. I am at a 3 week stand still. Back and forth from 1 lb. up and then 1 lb. down. This has been going on for 3 weeks as I said. The problem is I am unable to walk anywhere except the house. I do make it to doctor appointments but the every day exercise is lacking. I have an eliptical machine I'm afraid to get on because I have unsupportive knees and a fused hip. SO.......what to do? I have to exercise. Yes I can walk around the house with my walker but it's not doing the trick. Any suggestions will be very helpful. Thanks for reading this.

Stalls and plateaus will happen. See embrace the stall link below. Read through the posts. Know that you are not alone. Exercise will compliment your health and weight loss. Exercise is a choice. Weight loss is more dependent on diet if you don't exercise.(I'm not encouraging sedation for those of us that have the ability to move)

You are asking what you can do as exercise, Below are some options

Do what is in your ability level. Walk in the house. physical therapy, They can help set up exercises for your limitations and avoiding injury. Chair stretching, chair cardio, chair light weight lifting, chair HIIT.

I love Pahla B Fittness - If interested, Subscribe to her page. Look for her seated workouts.

Wishing you all the best.

Thanks for sharing your story and fabulous results,

Your primary care physician is not the deciding factor for plastics. You can also get a second opinion by another Dr. You may want to call your insurance provider to see if they changed their stance on plastics.

Most insurance companies don't cover plastics. Many people have to self pay if they choose skin removal.

4 minutes ago, GreenTealael said:

2 yrs post WLS (VSG to RNY), not a VET but chiming in:

no GERD prior to VSG but developed along with strictures late in the journey. Lost all the weight I needed to but needed RNY for quality of life. Did it despite being super weary of more (non cosmetic) surgery 🤣

Turned out just fine with a few minor hiccups sorted. Enjoying life, Maintaining, Vigorously thinking about and plotting the future 🏆

What? You are a vet. Thanks for all your help over the years.

Happy 2020!🍾

I'm five years post op. Starting weight was 254 Lowest 125.

I maintained pretty easy in my first two years. My honeymoon ended when I had a regain in my third year. It was an emotional freak out moment. I came back to this site for support and worked the weight off. I maintain in the 130's. I give myself a ten pound bounce range to work up and down the scale. So far so good. We will see how I do in the years to come.

I identify as a weight loss patient but, life is normal and mundane this far out. People no longer comment about weight loss. Most have no Idea that I was obese. I am vigilant about my weight. I indulge and take diet/exercise breaks. When the scale moves up, I go back to bariatric weight loss diet.

I looked into plastics my first and fifth year out. I backed out both times. I'm done with people judging my body at any size. I'm comfortable in my loose skin *wink* I will never be a bikini model with the damage I did being obese. *I was not a bikini model before surgery.*

Before and after.

Prohibition 1920's theme party last night. Loose skin showing and I didn't care *smile* Back on track after all the holiday indulging.

Happy 2020 all. Lets do this!

Glad you found a long term sustainable way to eat. The work continues after goal, right?

Keep us updated.😀

1 hour ago, fallonl said:

Hello everyone!

I am almost five years past my gastric bypass surgery, but at this point, I have gained back almost half my weight (30 pounds). I'm feeling frustrated, as it seems like all of the problems that I had before surgery are all returning, most specifically, the inability to lose weight due to PCOS. I am getting ready to restart, as much of the weight gain is my own fault. What I'm wondering though is what have you guys done that has worked? Only interested in those who are as far out from the surgery as I am. Ultimate goal is to be able to trigger weight loss again. Not looking to lose 30 pounds, but would love to drop 10.

Thank you all in advance!

New year and new ten pound goal.

Glad you came here for support. The work never ends, right? I'm five years and worked down a gain in my third year.

Some threads on this site that may help you get back on track.

We have a monthly group weight loss challenge. December is below. They will post the January challenge soon

Doing the head work. May help get your mind back in the game.

Intermittent fasting

food before and after photos (some are in maintenance mode)

Experiment with other carbohydrate foods that wont trigger old behaviors.

Bagels trip me up. When I have them I crave them . They whisper sweet nothings to me *smile* I cant have just one. Its my addiction food.

Carbs that don't trip me up are sweet potato. I add brown rice in stir fry ( a small amount won't bloat me) I eat flat out bread for pizza or sandwiches. (high Fiber, low carb added protein)

Hope you find what works for you

Wow, fantastic weight loss

Stalls are frustrating. Keep working your plan and the scale will move again. The link below "embrace the stall" may help answer your questions.

https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/351046-embrace-the-stall/

workout gear

Stability shoes work best for me. I invest in my shoes but I don't go crazy with price. Asics, Brooks, Hoka one one. I can find sales at REI, dicks sporting goods or Amazon.

Types of Running Shoes

Neutral shoes: They can work for mild pronators, but are best for neutral runners or people who supinate (tent to roll outward). These shoes provide some shock absorption and some medial (arch-side) support.

Some super-cushioned shoes provide as much as 50% more cushioning than traditional shoes for even greater shock absorption.

Stability shoes: Good for runners who exhibit mild to moderate overpronation. They often include a firm "post” to reinforce the arch side of each midsole, an area highly impacted by overpronation.

Motion control shoes: Best for runners who exhibit moderate to severe overpronation, they offer features such as stiffer heels or a design built on straighter lasts to counter overpronation.

Barefoot shoes: Soles provide the bare minimum in protection from potential hazards on the ground. Many have no cushion in the heel pad and a very thin layer—as little as 3–4mm—of shoe between your skin and the ground.

All barefoot shoes feature a “zero drop” from heel to toe. (“Drop” is the difference between the height of the heel and the height of the toe.) This encourages a mid-foot or forefoot strike. Traditional running shoes, by contrast, feature a 10–12mm drop from the heel to the toe and offer more heel cushioning.

Minimalist shoes: These feature extremely lightweight construction, little to no arch support and a heel drop of about 4–8mm to encourage a natural running motion and a midfoot strike, yet still offer cushioning and flex.

Some minimalist styles may offer stability posting to help the overpronating runner transition to a barefoot running motion.

Minimalist shoes should last you roughly 300 to 400 miles.

Maintenance weight loss mode – down two pounds.

Calories 1023 – 95 Protein – 65 carbs- 25 fiber- 46 fat

Breakfast

• 8 oz Egg white
• 1 oz Baby spinach
• 3 Grape tomatoes
• 2 cups coffee
• 2 packets Splenda with Fiber

lunch

3 oz Hummus and 3 oz sugar snap peas

dinner

• 3.2 50/50 salad spring mix
• 2 oz Pomegranate seed
• 7.2 chicken
• 1 oz Sliced almonds
• .5 oz Hemp seed
• 1 oz Skinny girl raspberry vinaigrette

snack

Dannon light n fit cherry Greek yogurt 1 tablespoon chia seed

@Purplepaige70

there are no dumb questions *smile*

Not sure what you mean by sick? Stomach is upset as you heal from surgery? Flu bug? Complications? GERD? You can always call your dietitian for advice on what to eat and let them know you are not able to tolerate Protein or hit your protein goal for the day.

Most of us have a hard time getting food in as you heal. It takes time. Personally, I would follow my plan If its not a complication/medical issue.

3 hours ago, Girlwithadream said:

Thanks guys for all the support its just that i am 22 and worried about my sexual life in the future and. How it might be affected. But its a risk i gotta take i guess

Its great you are having this done at 22, Your skin may recover better than some of us that are older. Being comfortable and confident in your own skin is important. After goal decide what you want to do,

I have backed out of plastics. My skin is not that bad and its livable.