CloverBlue

I am a little over 3 months past surgery, and it sure has been an experience.I believe there isn't a prescriptive amount of carbs for anyone, even us who have PCOS. So far, after much testing no sign of insulin resiliency has been found, thought I have all the other symptoms.
I started out my journey after surgery limiting carbs to 50 mg and under because that is what I was told, and also I read that it was good for PCOS.
I eventually went through the inevitable 3 week stall, then was stalling much more than I thought I should/would. My NUT said to increase calories, so I did that. I had been having issues meeting my Protein levels- I also have an issue with a blanket range of Protein being prescribed for everyone because our bodies are all different...but I digress.
Over the past few weeks, for other reasons, I had to increase the amount of non-fruit/veggie carbs, and wondrously my weight started decreasing. This occurred simultaneously with hormone fluctuations due to my oncoming menstruation.
We all have to pay attention to what our bodies want/need. We aren't all the same. I've find that menstrual hormones cause periods of low weight loss, especially two weeks or so before menstruation. I also discovered that during that time a slightly higher level of carbs will help me continue my weight loss. I'm not sure why as I haven't researched it, but it worked.
Naturally I typically stay between 50-100mg of carbs because of my eating levels. I eat a whole food diet, with whole grains, and at times I do eat a cracker or two or have toast. I needed to be on the B.R.A.T diet when I had intestinal issues due to virus/bacteria/who knows, but I lost weight on that too even with toast and rice. My NUT is fully supportive of how I eat because we found it works for me and my specific issues. I don't feel bad about "playing around" with my nutrition only because I need to find out what my body wants and when it wants it, in addition to finding out what I need to do to support my weight loss. Good luck with yours!

You have a nice start. You recognized what is hindering you and are looking for solutions to change your behaviors! Keep going!

I was sleeved on 1/5 and I'm doing fine! I typically do not compare my weightloss to others because no one else is me or has my biology!
I had to add some carbs back into my diet because I had some gastro issues, but what I've learned is I have to follow eating habits my body wants, not what others tell me to do or what I want to do in my head (when I know it really isn't useful for my body.
I try to get Protein in, however it is based on what my body needs to lose weight, not an arbitrary range given to everyone by my NUT. I have other health issues that sometimes preclude me from eating the amount of Protein needed. If I am unable to get what we believe is my minimum one day, I may overachieve the next. Our bodies don't particularly know a day as a measure, so it has worked for me.
I am down 68 lbs (and am female & 5'2"- because height and gender places weight loss in perspective).
I've learned that I need to vary the foods I eat. The more I eat the same foods over and over, the less I lose and will stall. I don't beat myself up if I eat a food that is not as nutritious as others. I make sure that 95% of what I eat is good for my body and needed for life processes. I continue listening and learning about my body. It definitely has a story to tel.

Honestly, I think like an overachiever and hoped to lose more weight faster. But as long as I am learning to exist in my new life, the way I want to, I am happy.
I am proud of myself that I decided to work with a CBT psychologist on weight loss issues since way before I even decided on having surgery. This has helped me throughout the body-mind-spirit issues of losing weight. I believe this is a key piece of what is missing in most programs. Seeing a therapist to actively work on mind issues that contributed to the gain are crucial for success, and performing thoughtful activities to address these issues and become more cognitively aware is key.
I became disenchanted with my program because they only require visiting the NUT 1 month, two months and then 9 months out. This is ridiculous. I found my own NUT outside of the program who focuses on whole foods and does not vilify natural sugars used sparingly. I am losing weight for my health, but I also want to be able to enjoy life to its fullest and that is what I am doing.
Overall, I am happy. If you asked me what I was disappointed in most, it's sagging skin under my chin where I don't have stretch marks. How?!?!?! Who knew I was vain!
CleoSays

@@Smye Thank you for your recipes. At my house we eat whole food, no artificial sugar and our diet varies from meat to vegetarian...
After surgery, I was shocked at how my bariatric center's nutrition guidance included so many low quality and artificial foods. My other awakening was that they only had three follow-up nutrition appointments in 9 months (1 month, 2 months, and then 9 months which I haven't reached yet)...but I digress.
Since my surgery, we've used and perfected cauliflower pizza crust, coconut flour biscuits (which would go oh so good with your BBQ), and our own coconut chicken tenders recipes in addition to revising other non-healthy recipes to not only fit my new eating style but my family's needs.
However, due to my lifestyle I am always searching for recipes made by others that do not include artificial sweeteners or processed foods for nights when I want to just make a recipe and be done without conversions and thinking about end results of the product. I want to thank you for posting your recipes, as it has made my life a lot easier.
Also, If you create a blog, I'd be willing to send you some of my recipes as a guest blogger. I just don't have time to create one on my own (and have wanted to!), but I can really see that there is a strong need for those of us who have had the surgery to have access to appropriate and healthy whole food recipes, and I'd support you any way I could. THANK YOU!!!!!
CleoSays

@@Smye Thank you for your recipes. At my house we eat whole food, no artificial sugar and our diet varies from meat to vegetarian...
After surgery, I was shocked at how my bariatric center's nutrition guidance included so many low quality and artificial foods. My other awakening was that they only had three follow-up nutrition appointments in 9 months (1 month, 2 months, and then 9 months which I haven't reached yet)...but I digress.
Since my surgery, we've used and perfected cauliflower pizza crust, coconut flour biscuits (which would go oh so good with your BBQ), and our own coconut chicken tenders recipes in addition to revising other non-healthy recipes to not only fit my new eating style but my family's needs.
However, due to my lifestyle I am always searching for recipes made by others that do not include artificial sweeteners or processed foods for nights when I want to just make a recipe and be done without conversions and thinking about end results of the product. I want to thank you for posting your recipes, as it has made my life a lot easier.
Also, If you create a blog, I'd be willing to send you some of my recipes as a guest blogger. I just don't have time to create one on my own (and have wanted to!), but I can really see that there is a strong need for those of us who have had the surgery to have access to appropriate and healthy whole food recipes, and I'd support you any way I could. THANK YOU!!!!!
CleoSays

@@Smye Thank you for your recipes. At my house we eat whole food, no artificial sugar and our diet varies from meat to vegetarian...
After surgery, I was shocked at how my bariatric center's nutrition guidance included so many low quality and artificial foods. My other awakening was that they only had three follow-up nutrition appointments in 9 months (1 month, 2 months, and then 9 months which I haven't reached yet)...but I digress.
Since my surgery, we've used and perfected cauliflower pizza crust, coconut flour biscuits (which would go oh so good with your BBQ), and our own coconut chicken tenders recipes in addition to revising other non-healthy recipes to not only fit my new eating style but my family's needs.
However, due to my lifestyle I am always searching for recipes made by others that do not include artificial sweeteners or processed foods for nights when I want to just make a recipe and be done without conversions and thinking about end results of the product. I want to thank you for posting your recipes, as it has made my life a lot easier.
Also, If you create a blog, I'd be willing to send you some of my recipes as a guest blogger. I just don't have time to create one on my own (and have wanted to!), but I can really see that there is a strong need for those of us who have had the surgery to have access to appropriate and healthy whole food recipes, and I'd support you any way I could. THANK YOU!!!!!
CleoSays

@@Smye Thank you for your recipes. At my house we eat whole food, no artificial sugar and our diet varies from meat to vegetarian...
After surgery, I was shocked at how my bariatric center's nutrition guidance included so many low quality and artificial foods. My other awakening was that they only had three follow-up nutrition appointments in 9 months (1 month, 2 months, and then 9 months which I haven't reached yet)...but I digress.
Since my surgery, we've used and perfected cauliflower pizza crust, coconut flour biscuits (which would go oh so good with your BBQ), and our own coconut chicken tenders recipes in addition to revising other non-healthy recipes to not only fit my new eating style but my family's needs.
However, due to my lifestyle I am always searching for recipes made by others that do not include artificial sweeteners or processed foods for nights when I want to just make a recipe and be done without conversions and thinking about end results of the product. I want to thank you for posting your recipes, as it has made my life a lot easier.
Also, If you create a blog, I'd be willing to send you some of my recipes as a guest blogger. I just don't have time to create one on my own (and have wanted to!), but I can really see that there is a strong need for those of us who have had the surgery to have access to appropriate and healthy whole food recipes, and I'd support you any way I could. THANK YOU!!!!!
CleoSays

@@Smye Thank you for your recipes. At my house we eat whole food, no artificial sugar and our diet varies from meat to vegetarian...
After surgery, I was shocked at how my bariatric center's nutrition guidance included so many low quality and artificial foods. My other awakening was that they only had three follow-up nutrition appointments in 9 months (1 month, 2 months, and then 9 months which I haven't reached yet)...but I digress.
Since my surgery, we've used and perfected cauliflower pizza crust, coconut flour biscuits (which would go oh so good with your BBQ), and our own coconut chicken tenders recipes in addition to revising other non-healthy recipes to not only fit my new eating style but my family's needs.
However, due to my lifestyle I am always searching for recipes made by others that do not include artificial sweeteners or processed foods for nights when I want to just make a recipe and be done without conversions and thinking about end results of the product. I want to thank you for posting your recipes, as it has made my life a lot easier.
Also, If you create a blog, I'd be willing to send you some of my recipes as a guest blogger. I just don't have time to create one on my own (and have wanted to!), but I can really see that there is a strong need for those of us who have had the surgery to have access to appropriate and healthy whole food recipes, and I'd support you any way I could. THANK YOU!!!!!
CleoSays

@@Smye Thank you for your recipes. At my house we eat whole food, no artificial sugar and our diet varies from meat to vegetarian...
After surgery, I was shocked at how my bariatric center's nutrition guidance included so many low quality and artificial foods. My other awakening was that they only had three follow-up nutrition appointments in 9 months (1 month, 2 months, and then 9 months which I haven't reached yet)...but I digress.
Since my surgery, we've used and perfected cauliflower pizza crust, coconut flour biscuits (which would go oh so good with your BBQ), and our own coconut chicken tenders recipes in addition to revising other non-healthy recipes to not only fit my new eating style but my family's needs.
However, due to my lifestyle I am always searching for recipes made by others that do not include artificial sweeteners or processed foods for nights when I want to just make a recipe and be done without conversions and thinking about end results of the product. I want to thank you for posting your recipes, as it has made my life a lot easier.
Also, If you create a blog, I'd be willing to send you some of my recipes as a guest blogger. I just don't have time to create one on my own (and have wanted to!), but I can really see that there is a strong need for those of us who have had the surgery to have access to appropriate and healthy whole food recipes, and I'd support you any way I could. THANK YOU!!!!!
CleoSays

@@Smye Thank you for your recipes. At my house we eat whole food, no artificial sugar and our diet varies from meat to vegetarian...
After surgery, I was shocked at how my bariatric center's nutrition guidance included so many low quality and artificial foods. My other awakening was that they only had three follow-up nutrition appointments in 9 months (1 month, 2 months, and then 9 months which I haven't reached yet)...but I digress.
Since my surgery, we've used and perfected cauliflower pizza crust, coconut flour biscuits (which would go oh so good with your BBQ), and our own coconut chicken tenders recipes in addition to revising other non-healthy recipes to not only fit my new eating style but my family's needs.
However, due to my lifestyle I am always searching for recipes made by others that do not include artificial sweeteners or processed foods for nights when I want to just make a recipe and be done without conversions and thinking about end results of the product. I want to thank you for posting your recipes, as it has made my life a lot easier.
Also, If you create a blog, I'd be willing to send you some of my recipes as a guest blogger. I just don't have time to create one on my own (and have wanted to!), but I can really see that there is a strong need for those of us who have had the surgery to have access to appropriate and healthy whole food recipes, and I'd support you any way I could. THANK YOU!!!!!
CleoSays

With your other health concerns, I certainly understand your nut's suggestion to limit fruit. But as for chemical laden Protein supplements, whey and milk Protein concentrates certainly are not. whey is simply the liquid part of milk that floats to the top when making cheese. Then it's dehydrated and becomes whey Protein Powder. No chemicals involved. The solid part is curd, which contains mostly casein protein.
As for man made, GENEPRO definitely is. They take 100% whey protein, pass it through a gel electrophoresis process in order to strip the hydrogen atoms from it. Then they filter it some more and add on another molecule to stabilize it. As far as I'm concerned, this is no longer protein. It's like removing hydrogen molecules from Water....now it becomes oxygen, and the two are not interchangeable.
Until I see actual clinic studies involving not only pre and post serum levels, but also urine and fecal protein levels, I am not convinced that this molecule is something the body's cells recognizes and utilizes as protein. So far the only "research" on GENEPRO is coming directly from the manufacturer. No 3rd party support or verification whatsoever.
I'm not saying it's bad, I'm just saying there isn't enough scientific evidence to convince me it's good. I'll stick with real protein for now.

I eat at least 3 servings of fruit a day. I do get my Protein first, but Greek yogurt and an apple after a workout is the best! I also eat a lot of dried fruit--peaches, apricots, figs, plums.
My weight-loss has not stalled since surgery this past August. Eight months out and going strong!

I eat fruit, apples oranges grapes strawberries pineapple peaches. I lose on them, they are filling also. I do make sure to get in my Protein. But really if we are to lead normal lives after surgery we need to eat normally. There is nothing wrong with sugar in fruit. I stay away from bananas because I can eat a lot of them (for me anyway). And they have always made me hungry.

My surgery was Jan 5th, and I hit my stall last week. I upped my Protein a bit, freaked out a second and moved on. This week I saw some downward movement. I've decided to use each stall as a reflection moment of what has happened over the last few weeks and how happy I am. I know some find it hokey, but it helps me to reframe my goal- to be able to hike without pain again! It's so frustrating because at first we like and have instant gratification from the fast weightloss, but then it slows. I guess that 8 week mindfulness course I took a year ago helps, LOL.

As someone who used to weight 420lbs and has won the battle against obesity I can tell you that a large part of that battle has been numerical for me.


At the beginning of my journey, I counted everything. Every calorie I ate, ever calorie I burned. I paid attention to my heart rate, the distance that I covered, the duration of time that I exercised and since the beginning, one of the biggest discrepancies I saw in numbers was in the amount of total calories burned that cardio machines reported.
Today I spent 65 minutes on an elliptical doing a cross country program that varied the resistance from anywhere from level 3 to level 18 during my workout. When I was done, the elliptical reported a total calorie burn of 907 calories. The machine is taking into consideration my age, weight, time, and pace when determining my calorie burn.
The Fitbit Surge on my wrist calculated that same workout at 66 Minutes, 5596 steps, and with an average heart rate of 130BMP during my workout calculated the same workout at 595 calories.
My target heart rate zone as a 38-year-old female is between 93 and 157 beats per minute. So I’m pretty okay with working out at that intensity for 60 minutes. My heart rate is typically in the 140s during harder parts of my workout and drops as low as 125 during the recovery stages after my intervals.
So the same workout according to the cardio machine burned 312 calories more than my fitness tracker. That is an outstanding 41% difference. We’re not talking about 20 calories here, we’re talking about the same amount of calories as the 6 inch turkey and provolone on wheat with some of the bread scooped out that I’m eating for lunch today.
As a weight loss and wellness coach, I am constantly encouraging my clients to keep food and exercise journals. Studies have proven that those that keep food diaries are 50% more successful in weight loss than those that don’t.
I usually recommend my clients keep a separate exercise journal so that they are tracking numbers that are more relevant to their exercise routine. Mainly we want to insure that we are seeing the progression and that the routine is indeed getting your heart rate into your target heart rate zone.
This also helps insure that there is no confusion when using applications such as MyFitnessPal – where the application will add the calories burned in a day as I am often asked by clients if they should eat those extra calories.
Understanding how we create caloric deficits and what sort of deficits you need to produce at the end of the day is an important part of the weight loss journey. Currently in the fitness industry we recommend that the average person trying to achieve weight loss attempt to create caloric deficits of 500-1000 calories a day through proper nutrition, activity, and exercise.
Basic cardio recommendation for someone trying to lose weight is 60 minutes of moderate cardiovascular activity 5 days a week for a grand total of 300 minutes a week.
I teach my clients that something as simple as adding one glass of wine (an average of 123 calories per 5oz serving) per evening without adding exercise and activity that counters it can add up to 3,690 calories a month, a total of 44,280 calories or – 12.6 pounds a year.
If I was tracking calories and activity and depending on a cardio machine to get my caloric burn information and it was off by 300 calories a day on average – that’s an error of 9,000 calories or – 2.5 pounds a month. This could make an awfully big difference in my calculations and expectations if I’m not careful.
This can have a big impact on weight maintenance as well. If I think I am burning 300 extra calories a day than I might eat more thus hindering my weight maintenance by causing unexpected gain.
Everyone is different; each person’s body has a unique base metabolic rate and their metabolism burns differently. Each of us has our own fitness level as well as our own level of cardiovascular endurance. The fitter you become the lower your resting heart rate goes and the harder you have to work to get your heart rate up.
As an example, last Monday in my weight loss boot camp class one of my clients and I wore a fitness tracker that tracked our heart rates and calorie burn during the workout. My calorie burn during the class was close to 250 while hers was nearly 600. Why is she getting so much more out of the workout than I am? Because the workout is a lot harder for her at her fitness level than it is for me at mine and thus, since her body is working harder, she is burning more calories than I am.
So should you trust the calorie burn indicated on your cardio machine as part of your calorie deficit for the day? In my professional opinion, survey says EHH.
Even though the makers of cardio equipment will tell you that they are constantly improving the technology behind the calculations you see on the machines you are likely seeing a 20-40% calculation discrepancy.
While the most accurate way to measure the amount of calories burned during a workout would be to measure oxygen consumption during exercise using a machine that measures ventilation and the carbon dioxide concentration of inhaled and exhaled air to calculate V02 max. These tests can be time-consuming, require appointments and can be costly.
Fitness professionals are trained to be able to estimate V02 Max in a field setting using a 1.5 mile run, 12 minute run or 1 mile walk test.
If you don’t have access to these tests or a personal trainer and calculating your calories burned against your calories in is important to you I’d recommend investing in a reliable heart rate monitor or activity monitor that has a heart rate monitor built into it to get a more accurate number and insure that your time and calorie expenditure journaling effort is as helpful to your overall goals as it can be.

Wishfullthinking: So I did it! I managed to keep a steady weight for all of my appointments. I played the insurance game while following my nutritionist and stayed exactly at a 40 BMI at 240 lbs. They submitted to my insurance and I have a date of May 26th! It seams so far!! Lol. I will be on my liquid diet for Memorial Day . But whatever, this is worth it! I am worth it! Which leads me to my little rant part. I don't post much but lurk often. While lurking I see a lot of "I cheated" "I can't stomach Protein shakes" "I can't drink water" "will I ever eat real food again" (after only a few weeks) I'm am not sorry to say this but it drives me absolutely INSANE! You are cheating yourself. No one else. I worked so hard to get here that seeing this makes me feel like this is all ungrateful unprepared fairly land crap! I just want to scream at them Did you do ANY research? Why even get the surgery if you won't keep working to make yourself a success? This is your health. You did it for your health. And by no means is a quick fix. If you don't like Protein shakes oh well buttercup suck it up! You can't drink Water find a way to do it. Figure it out. I guess I just get mad that people don't love themselves enough to work at being a success but had the surgery anyway.
That's a mouthful of a "rant" for someone who is pre-op.

I 'll look forward to reading more from you once you've gone through the process.

Holy judgmental lol. Congrats on your success, first of all. But I can't help but think the rant part of this post was completely pointless and inappropriate. Maybe the people who come here and post about their struggles and failures don't have a strong support system at home to talk to. Maybe they were under the impression that this was a safe and supportive place to come to discuss the hard times. Maybe they are feeling alone in this journey and just want to connect with someone and feel like they're not alone. Why do so many people on this forum have to knock other people down rather than lift them up?
I hate Protein shakes. 90% of them taste like crap. Does having that opinion and coming here to ask for advice on others to try, make me not love myself and want to succeed? No. And I don't even know how you arrived at that conclusion. Until you have seen one of these posters truly fail at losing or maintaining post-op, you have no right to assume they will fail.
I make mistakes and I will likely make mistakes after I've had surgery. But that doesn't mean I don't love myself or that I want to fail. I'm human. We all are. We all have strengths and weaknesses. I want to see everyone succeed with this surgery. I wish this forum could be a safe place to come and vent, rant, cry, share accomplishments and seek advice. Not be torn apart. Sometimes i think that maybe this isn't the right place for me. Most people are supportive and understanding but there are a few holier than thou types who are like a dark cloud on certain threads. And this post makes me believe that you're joining that club.
I guess I had a rant of my own.

I know it is hard. I did my pre-op diet over the last two weeks of the year and went through both holidays. I gave myself permission to eat a little off schedule only one one holiday, but went right back to my plan the next day. Also, my pre-VSG nutrition counting was based on weekly, not daily so I had more flexibility as long as I still ate healthy. We humans like to place so many restrictions that aren't based on our own specific metabolism/lifestyle, just because someone somewhere said it would work! (sorry for the side rant!)
One thing I notice about most posters that write they aren't sticking to their plan, is that they haven't taken ownership of it and realize it is THEIR plan, meaning, yeah the doctor wants you on it to lower the fat in your liver, but you have chose to take this road, their plan is now YOUR plan. You have decided to do this, so as the NIKE slogan, "Just Do It!"
I guess I am lucky because for a year, before I even knew about VSG surgery, I was in CBT therapy for weight loss to redirect my eating habits and thoughts. I too suggest you find a therapist that deals with eating habits. I found cognitive behavior therapy very helpful. There is a book called "Beck Diet Solutions," for me the cognitive exercises help a lot and it may help you to figure out why you aren't sticking to your plan! Judith Beck, the author is the daughter of Dr. Aaron Beck, who created/discovered Cognitive Behavior Therapy. They have a website and you can even find doctors that were trained in CBT weightloss through them. Good luck!

Oh, I love flounce posts. I haven't seen one in any forum in awhile. This made my day.

Oh, I love flounce posts. I haven't seen one in any forum in awhile. This made my day.

Oh, I love flounce posts. I haven't seen one in any forum in awhile. This made my day.

Oh, I love flounce posts. I haven't seen one in any forum in awhile. This made my day.

Whatever floats your boat. Seem like an enormous waste of space and time. But heaven forbid you not exercise your right to flounce.

I am just an observer...but maybe all the testing, and regulations, and visits, and psych consults manage to weed out the crazies, the qiuck fix seekers, and the mentally ill-prepared...and obviously, on occasion, an internet troll. .... 2¢

I know it is hard. I did my pre-op diet over the last two weeks of the year and went through both holidays. I gave myself permission to eat a little off schedule only one one holiday, but went right back to my plan the next day. Also, my pre-VSG nutrition counting was based on weekly, not daily so I had more flexibility as long as I still ate healthy. We humans like to place so many restrictions that aren't based on our own specific metabolism/lifestyle, just because someone somewhere said it would work! (sorry for the side rant!)
One thing I notice about most posters that write they aren't sticking to their plan, is that they haven't taken ownership of it and realize it is THEIR plan, meaning, yeah the doctor wants you on it to lower the fat in your liver, but you have chose to take this road, their plan is now YOUR plan. You have decided to do this, so as the NIKE slogan, "Just Do It!"
I guess I am lucky because for a year, before I even knew about VSG surgery, I was in CBT therapy for weight loss to redirect my eating habits and thoughts. I too suggest you find a therapist that deals with eating habits. I found cognitive behavior therapy very helpful. There is a book called "Beck Diet Solutions," for me the cognitive exercises help a lot and it may help you to figure out why you aren't sticking to your plan! Judith Beck, the author is the daughter of Dr. Aaron Beck, who created/discovered Cognitive Behavior Therapy. They have a website and you can even find doctors that were trained in CBT weightloss through them. Good luck!