winning_by_losing

Assuming they're a reputable health care professional they wouldn't clear you to go back if you aren't physically ready. Not sure what you do, but if possible it may actually help you to start back. I know getting back into my routine quickly was a huge boost for me and really helped me. Of course I have a desk job so while it isn't physically demanding, I do work a minimum of 18 hours every day with the only breaks being my commute (where I'm on conference calls the entire team), so I know about the long shifts with no breaks part.

At that point in my journey, most of my meals consisted of instant mashed potatoes made with powdered milk, GENEPRO (unflavored Protein powder), a little melted cheese and cayenne pepper. It wasn't a ton of protein, but with the 2TBSP meals nothing was going to be anyway. Not sure if you've tried any RTD (Ready to Drink) shakes or not, but they've been my saving grace since well before surgery and even today at 7 months out and past my goal. I love the Premier Protein strawberry flavor with Pure Protein banana a runner-up. Premier has 30g of protein in 11oz and Pure has 35g in the same 11oz. As MsUjima mentioned, Isopure is another option. I tolerated them before surgery, but afterwards they were too sweet and I couldn't choke them down. I ended up giving away the extra case I'd ordered because I couldn't deal with it. They're 40g of protein but in a 20oz bottle. If you're struggling to drink Fluid, the shakes give you more protein per ounce than the Isopure, but both are worth a try as it sounds like you just need something that works. Beyond that, it may be worth a call to your bariatric team as well. You could potentially have some other issue going on that they would have better questions to ask and advice to give depending on the answers.

Wow. Congrats. I won't ever be able to say that, but I'll blame that on having a 32" inseam. I have heard that same statement from a few folks. I've always questioned whether they truly feel that way or whether they're thinking of it as a compliment. I know none of these folks can see what I truly see and how much is really still there to lose, so regardless of their motivation, I try to take it as a compliment and typically respond with something like "thank you but my body will stop me when I'm at the right point". I doubt anyone would say anything like that to be rude, especially if they knew us before the surgery, but I guess there could be a bad apple somewhere.

Looks delicious, but at only 9 grams of Protein there's no way I could eat a 12oz portion to get enough protein for a meal.

I appreciate the kind words. I am happy to share my experience if it can provide help, encouragement, motivation or just a positive attitude for anyone else who is choosing to embark on this journey along with us.

Yeah, from what I heard the program we have to go through is much more robust than many others. But I will say that all of the great information I learned in the months leading up to surgery through these classes, the support groups, the friends and family meetings and all of the medical appointments really prepared me for what to expect after surgery. I attribute most of my success to the details they armed me with, so all I have had to do so far was stick to the program.

I have almost enjoyed traveling now post-surgery. I do pack enough Protein bars to make sure lunch and dinner are covered for the entire trip (just in case). I try to get a room with a fridge now so I can buy some RTD Protein shakes as well. Most of the time this works, but when it doesn't, I've found that filling an ice bucket around a Protein shake will chill it enough overnight that it is fine for Breakfast in the morning. I've never been a bit coffee/tea guy so I never pay attention to the options but I would try asking the front desk for some tea bags. I can't imagine any major hotel chain that wouldn't give them to you.

I did. I started out at 419. I know the feeling though, as I often saw these goals of people wanting to lose 70 or 100 pounds thinking to myself that wouldn't even make a dent in what I need to do. When I sat down and thought about things I thought to myself if there was any way I could lose 200 pounds I'd be ecstatic. Unfortunately the more I read, the more I started doubting that it was possible. So I then convinced myself I'd be "happy" if I could lose 150 or more. Luckily, as I progressed, I got to that point and realized there was no reason for the pessimism. I finally was able to reaffirm that my original goal was legit and as long as I stuck to the plan it would be achievable. Fast forward to last week (9/24) I actually hit that goal, weighing in at 218.6 that morning. I've since lost a few more pounds, though I'm not trying to alter my goal, nor am I really doing anything to push myself any further, just continuing to eat the same way I have, keeping up the exercise routines and living this MUCH happier life. Eventually my body will settle into whatever the new me is supposed to weigh, but as long as I don't slip up and start going back up, I'm more than happy where I'm at right now.

It looks like you had the sleeve, so I can't offer much advice there as I had Bypass (like most who will respond here in the Bypass forum) but... I felt the same way in the beginning. I even started to question whether they just poked a few holes, stuck in some stitches and took my life savings. Luckily, once I got to what I call "real food" stages, I definitely noticed the difference. I still don't have issues like I read/hear about people not being able to drink more than a sip every few minutes. I can drink 3 or 4 good gulps at a time and when really thirsty can polish off an entire glass in 3 or 4 minutes. I always felt like I ate too much when I had soup so after the first few days I gave up on it and moved into other foods. I still avoid soup most of the time for the same reason, though chili is a good emergency go-to when I'm out or can't find a good option in a restaurant. I just make sure to really limit myself to a small cup.

I couldn't find the actual study, but here is an October 2012 article about it that mentions a November issue of "Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery" http://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/past-press-releases/2012-archives/body-contouring-brings-lasting-improvement-in-quality-of-life-after-weight-loss-surgery.html

I lost enough weight during my 6 weeks of classes that I wasn't required to go on the 2 week liver-shrinking diet that many of my classmates did. For those 2 weeks if I'd have had to do it, we'd have been required to have 2 meals that consist of an 11oz Protein shake and one meal that was 4oz of lean protein with no starches or carbs. Since I got to skip that part I only had to partake in the 3 day clear liquid diet for the 3 days pre-op. In that we were allowed one bottle of Isopure (clear protein drink) and only sugar-free, calorie-free, caffeine-free drinks for 3 full days. This is the same diet we had for the first week post-op so it really just got me into the practice. As for how I felt - I went into it planning on being a grouchy, irritable mess. Luckily it wasn't bad at all and I was so pumped up for the surgery getting closer that it was more about counting down the hours than dealing with the diet. I don't even recall the mask going on though. I'm pretty sure the IV they started while I was waiting had something in it to help me relax as I barely remember walking back to the OR and hopping up on the table.

In my opinion, you wouldn't be doing any extra harm by having them now, you just aren't making the best choice (the same bad choices most of us have made for years and years). I'd consider it a better option than some of the food funerals some folks mention where they binge on terrible things before making the big life change.

Yes, they are MUCH better cold. I can't stand the EAS shakes, but even so, I've had them in a pinch while traveling and my fave (Premier Protein) or runner-up (Pure Protein) weren't available. As for post-surgery, we're all different but I've had zero problems with cold or Hot drinks. I drink an ice cold Premier Protein almost every morning for Breakfast (except those times I've been traveling or some occasion I feel like eggs).

Just like Amy mentioned, I wouldn't worry about 2 pounds. In addition to those items she already mentioned, if you haven't had a BM in a while, that could add up, any slips lately in your nutrition plan, not enough Fluid, not enough Protein, etc... Heck, I even noticed a slight gain after getting a new tattoo while my body is healing. Stick with your program, keep getting all of your fluids, all of your protein, all of your exercise and you'll start losing again. If you are really impatient and stubborn like I have been, any time I hit a stall I changed up my exercise routine to shake things up a bit and confuse my body and that usually worked well to jump start the losing process again.

I'd recommend making it chicken and chicken soup instead of the noodles. Since we need the added Protein, making it super meaty would be good for the journey and you'd still get the taste and comfort as if it were chicken noodle from the past. Not sure how something like zucchini noodles would hold up in soup, but that may be an option too.

Mine came back at about 2 months. I still wonder whether it is head hunger or actual hunger, but regardless of which it is, I just try to keep myself super busy and drinking fluids so I can get through it and stick to my plan. As to whether it is as strong - that is a tough one. I don't think I had much for willpower before surgery, which is likely a big factor in what got me to where I was. I imagine it is the exact same now, but I have now seen the positive by fighting through it and the willpower to keep with my program so I don't let it drive me any more.

Almonds was the most surprising to me. I knew nuts in general were high, but for some reason I had been tricked into thinking Almonds weren't that bad. After seeing that each one is 7 calories (that is of course the raw, unflavored ones), my jaw hit the floor. Luckily I noticed after eating 3 of them, but even if you were to get the little tiny airplane size bag those have to be getting close to 300 calories. Yikes.

As with just about everything, each bariatric program and frequently each surgeon has differing opinions on just about every aspect of the post-surgery journey. For me personally, I don't think I'd have made it to where I am today without my Premier Protein shakes. I hit my goal right at 7 months post-op and owe much of it to my shake for Breakfast. Unlike some others, they keep me full for a good 5-7 hours until lunchtime so the huge protein boost with very low calories allows me to know I have a huge head start on the rest of the day. I have no idea how long I will continue to make a Protein Shake my breakfast of choice, but as of right now I don't see an end in the very near future. Bottom line - I'd go with the program that your bariatric team recommends. If for some reason you find that it doesn't work for you over time, there are tons of other programs that others follow and as you can see we're all more than willing to share details if they can help others. Best of luck with the journey regardless.

I'm far from an expert, so I'd recommend asking the professionals, but.... Low thyroid levels would surely make it harder to lose, though I would imagine it wouldn't stop things completely, just make it slower. High Glucose - not sure if you were/are diabetic, but if not, could whatever you're eating have more sugar in it than you realize? As for the Vitamin D, that is quite common for us after surgery. Did they increase the amount they recommend you take via vitamin supplement? That was the only number somewhat out of whack when I had my bloodwork done, so I increased my Vitamin D dosage to compensate. The way I understand homocysteine is that it is used to diagnose higher risk for heart disease, but not something that would affect weight loss.

I've been taking the Bariatric Advantage chewables since March and am quite happy with them. The Multi Formula includes Vitamin D, B-complex and tastes pretty good. I'd say berry is best, followed by Orange then vanilla. Then as for Calcium goes, they also have calcium citrate chews that look and taste like starburst candy.

I took 1 week off and worked from home for 2 weeks. The first day I only worked a short 12 hour day to ease back into it but day 2 was back to the typical 18 hour day. I wish I'd have started working sooner though as it really helped me get into a rhythm and i didn't notice being tired or weak.

I took 1 week off and worked from home for 2 weeks. The first day I only worked a short 12 hour day to ease back into it but day 2 was back to the typical 18 hour day. I wish I'd have started working sooner though as it really helped me get into a rhythm and i didn't notice being tired or weak.

I wouldn't recommend the juice part as juice has so much sugar in it, but if they're chewable Vitamins, I can't see any harm in crushing them.

I started immediately after my 1 week checkup, but I also went with the chewables from Bariatric Advantage. Made things much easier than trying to swallow pills.

Yep, red patchy and most prevalent on the apples of my cheeks so of course very obvious which is bothersome. Pcp is probably the right call, but of course I have been too stubborn. If you get any answers please let us know.