kndoster

i am doing the following

-weighing every day
-tracking everything in myfitnesspal
-eating less than 50g carb and NO sugar
-moderate Protein. around 50-60g
-fat to satiety. i don’t count it.
-eating only 2 meals a day most days (and a snack that is basically a pickle / piece of cheese)
-using intermittent (18:6) fasting and alternate day fasting (basically on one day i eat 2 meals in a 6 or 8 hour window and then when i finish dinner i don’t eat until dinner the next day, then repeat. not counting my morning coffee with heavy whipping cream. i live for it!
it works out that i eat one meal a day or two meals a day alternating. only Snacks consist of a dill pickles with ounce cheese or tea, coffee or broth in between meals if they are even needed. hunger much less with Low carb healthy fat so not really need much snacking. this sounds hard and the first couple days are but then it becomes normal. i do not do long fasts. those require electrolytes etc and need to be careful if on meds though i am not)

i had been grazing and eating carbs to gain the 65lbs over time. i used “never binge again” to give up sugar and my nightly Peanut Butter sandwich. i also used it to give up snacking. once i got used to 2 meals a day and cut out carbs my hunger and cravings went away.
insulin drives cravings and by reducing number of feedings it gets lowered and hunger goes away.

this is not for everyone but working for me and for some it is a way to jump start getting back on track. once i get back to my goal i will experiment with how often i need to do the one meal a day thing in order to maintain. i may only need to do it after a party or holiday etc.

i am not full Keto (that’s under 20g carbs) but essentially that is style i am doing. and intermittent aka “time restricted eating”

besides reading jason fung, look him up on youtube.

i recommend easing into it gradually over time:

-give up sugar then
-give up eating after dinner then
-give up 1 snack then
-give up another snack then
-no eating between meals the
-give up Breakfast (or one meal of your choice)

and you don’t even need to go to one meal a day alternatively. the above may already be enough for you. the key is giving your body a break from making insulin. when insulin is secreted your fat cells are told to not burn fat.

but read the book, or youtube and do your own research and what works for you.

Long story but i originally lost 140 lbs in about 2 years overall. Sleeve did 100 of it and lots of cardio etc did the rest.
then gradually weight crept back, very slowly at first, grazing, life happened, stopped the extreme exercise, let carbs back in. So 3 months shy of my 5 year surgiversary I had gained 65 back.
I knew I had to fix this or i’d be right back to 315 in no time.
I used the concepts in “Never Binge Again” book (free on kindle) and also Jason Fungs 2016 Obesity Code starting on Jan 1, 2018.
I am now down 22 lbs and know I can get the rest off.
I never “fixed” my insulin problem. I ate too much Protein. and so when the extreme exercise ended the weight crept back, the protein and “healthy carbs” encouraged the insulin and thus the cravings that the normal exercise couldn’t burn off.
I am back on track. My sleeve is bigger now but still gets fuller than a regular stomach so it hurts if I eat too much. Reduced ghrelin only helped me for 3 months after surgery.
I am thankful to the sleeve for the first 100 lbs but now it’s all on me and the right choices i make.
I recommend those books if you need to get back on track or even if you are in the euphoric losing stages because eventually you will need to make the right choices without all the early benefits of the surgery.

Definitely didn't mean to offend by telling anyone not to say anything. I am just searching for a far more complex explanation to something that so many make seem so simplistic. I love when people who have issues with a post respond anyway.

Weight Loss Surgery has changed me and how I approach my life. Here are a couple of significant things I notice I'm no longer available for -- how about you?
1) I am no longer a supporting actress, always putting some one else's needs above my own. Choosing myself first means every one else benefits but that's not the point. The point is I am showing up in my own life with my own needs at the top of the list. I wish I had done this twenty years ago!
2) I am not a human garbage can, lol. It's okay to throw out broken crackers instead of eating them. There are no more clean-plate awards for me. Now I love leaving food on my plate.
3) I am not down-playing my talents, features, personality, etc. and hiding out anymore. I wear makeup and have fun clothes now. I'm out there, out in my life.

@@kndoster, Sorry to hear you are disappointed…but you shouldn’t be! You’ve been losing 3 lbs per week. At that rate, you’ll hit your goal weight of 130 in 6 months. That would be incredible! How long have you struggled with obesity? And to possibly hit goal weight in six months?? You’d look back at this post and laugh at yourself!
You can’t compare your own weight loss speed to others’. Everyone’s body is different. Plus, you’re smaller than a lot of other WLS patients, so your weight may come off more slowly. The only thing you can do is be super honest with yourself when you count calories and do your exercise. Don’t worry about low-fat versus low-carb as long as you’re getting in your Protein. As long as the calories are low, you’ll lose weight…like you are.
As for your mom, don’t let her “disappointment” affect you. You’re doing great!

Thank you so much, Wynnie. I think the reason I feel so disappointed and conflicted is that my surgeon says low fat. I haven't been eating a ton of carbs simply because I have been trying to get in Protein first and I am just now moving from purees to soft foods. But I also feel like with the amount of calories I am getting in, 500-700 daily, I should be losing, even if I'm eating carbs.
I really appreciate your kindness and encouragement.

Thank you so much, Wynnie. I think the reason I feel so disappointed and conflicted is that my surgeon says low fat. I haven't been eating a ton of carbs simply because I have been trying to get in Protein first and I am just now moving from purees to soft foods. But I also feel like with the amount of calories I am getting in, 500-700 daily, I should be losing, even if I'm eating carbs.
I really appreciate your kindness and encouragement.

Told only my immediate family and a handful of very close friends. All of whom only want the best for me. No one at work knows and I didn't tell my in-laws. I tell my husband all the time, my surgery wasn't and isn't a "secret"-- it's private. There is a difference. Congrats on your success.
Shorty54, I am interested to know though-- What do you tell people about how you lost the weight? I'm only a couple weeks out so I haven't had to cross that bridge yet!

Thanks for your support @Chrystee. It truly was and is confusing. Just trying to find my way in this brand new world. Appreciate your kindness .

I wonder if you switched to going very low carb you would see bigger results...my dr has us avoid all carbs for 2 months...I can only have proteins...no veggies, no fruit, no grains..after 2 months I can go to 50 carbs...and this is for ever.

@@kndoster you are doing an AMAZING JOB! Think of it this way, when was the last time you lost 14 pounds in a little over a month? Also, low carb may be your best bet. I eat no processed carbs, I.e. Breads, crackers, and no rice, potatoes, etc. I eat 2 servings of fruit and 2 servings of low carb veggies, I.e. No corn, potatoes, etc and no sugar. I concentrate on high Protein, I.e. At least 20 grams per meal, and I don't count calories or fat, of course I'm not binging on fried foods, bacon, etc. Also fluids, are you getting in no less than 64 ounces per day? I don't care for plain Water so I use the berry flavor dasani drops which has no sugar, and Decaf herbal teas which I sweeten with stevia in the raw. You are new on this journey, and the weight you have lost between your pre op diet and since your sleeve is impressive. Go step by step and be confident that u are doing wonderfully!

First, anytime you are referring to weight from here on out, remove the word "only" from your vocabulary. ANY weight lost is a victory and success. Celebrate it! Second, you shouldn't listen or care what other people think. Even your mom. Easier said than done, I know. But this is YOUR journey and you cannot make your body lose faster than it already is as long as you are following the rules. Third, you will hit multiple stalls and you need to be mentally prepared for that. I'm 4 1/2 months post op and I just had my first week where I GAINED weight. I didn't cry. I didn't freak out. Why? I had been out of town all week and did a horrible job of getting my fluids in.
Also, at your stage I was still battling extreme fatigue, depression and figuring out how to get calories in. The few calories you're eating combined with the level of working out you're doing could cause slower weight loss. I would recommend going back to your team and asking about your diet and exercise. I personally did very low carb the first 3 months then my doctor had me add some healthy carbs in.
Keep your chin up and take it day by day. You'll make it to your goal. But it won't happen over just one month.

Thanks for your support @Chrystee. It truly was and is confusing. Just trying to find my way in this brand new world. Appreciate your kindness .

I went back to work on the 7th day post-op as an RN in a busy unit for a 12 hour shift! and guess what... I was totally fine! Obvious no one can predict a serious complication, but barring anything like that. You will be fine. I honestly believe that my recovery was so great because I got back to "normal life" shortly after. Good luck to you!

Thanks for your support @Chrystee. It truly was and is confusing. Just trying to find my way in this brand new world. Appreciate your kindness .

HI SueHowie
Thanks for your response and for sharing your experience. I work in the health industry and Marijuana is being widely used to treat many ailments. It is actually being looked as very promising for those looking to other options rather than the use of opioids. Many patients find that it eases their nausea and does help them sleep. I also think the prompt of hunger does vary depending on the individual, but as you suggested, perhaps the use of it should wait until the bariatric patient has had a firm hold on their new sleeve and adapting to their new way of life.
This is great, I am hoping more will continue to share their experiences.

Oh, boy.
Guys, you're forgetting that marijuana is used medically in many states, and is used to treat many chronic pain problems as well as an assortment of medical issues/diseases.
Please educate yourselves and get out of the dark ages.
Many, many people who you never would suspect use marijuana do. I'm one of them. I've got two degrees, run two of my own businesses, and have debilitating chronic pain issues that I *might* wish on my worst enemy but certainly not anyone else. I've been a stoner for many years, and have been using it to treat chronic pain issues (metal rod fused in my spine) for several years. I'm grateful it's an option. You don't just have to smoke it-you can vape, do edibles, use a tincture drop under your tongue.
I'm 7 years out with my LapBand, and don't have much of an appetite these days. It actually helps me eat. It helps me sleep. It helps with so many things, and I wish people would stop being so closed minded about it because they're not educated about it.
I'm not sure I would recommend it on a regular basis as a new bariatric patient, because of munchies, that I will agree on. You're trying to learn new habits over years of developed bad habits, and I could see that as being detrimental in some cases, but certainly not all.
Once a week is not a frequent user. Not a bit.
If it helps you relax, and you can retain control over the munchies, you go right ahead.

I do use it ....... has helped with pain , nausia , helps me relax ....... the munchie not so much and your tummy tells you no so i havent had any issues ............

Interesting topic
Glad to see an open discussion about a very prevalent herb that not only has been around for centuries, but seems to be making legal inroads in the us. Seems like some tolerate it and others are anti ..
I would think appetite stimulation is not cohesive with WLS. Others report it is useful at bedtime to sleep
I'm not here to judge anyone's preference on how to enjoy life on their own terms ( ok. I will judge how I really dislike methamphetamine and it's culture and poisons used)
I Just like open discussions.
That is why I like this forum so much

Hi. Congrats to everyone! I was 232 at the beginning of my journey, 222 DOS on 2/24/15, and currently 207. Trying not to be disappointed in only a 15 pound loss in almost four weeks, but it is difficult. Anyone else sleeved in February losing slowly?

I'm not trying to tell anyone what to say-- I also said in my post that I would like to hear the medical explanations others' surgeons have given, hoping to hear something other than that. If that's what everyone surgeons have told them, than it is a sufficient answer for me. I'm sure everyone can understand why it would be confusing to leave the doctor after he told me "stalls don't truly exist"
Truly just searching for answers...

Hi, all! So, I had my two week follow up today at 2 weeks and 2 days post-op. I am down 12.5 lbs since surgery and 22 lbs total since beginning my journey. I lost 11 lbs in my first week post-op and only 1.5 the second. So, I asked my surgeon today if I should expect stalls-- Now, let me preface this by saying that while I have total faith in my surgeon's ability to manage my care and he truly is an excellent physician, he has a horrible bedside manner. This is something I was made aware of before ever meeting him the first time. So, when I asked him about the stalls, he said there is no such thing as a "stall" and that the word is something people made up for periods of non-loss when they aren't eating and/or exercising as they should.
Now, I know there are people on here who haven't lost weight, despite doing everything by the book, and maybe he meant that that wasn't a "stall" but that that is just how weight loss ebbs and flows. I'm not sure, but I left the office feeling so disappointed in myself because I only lost 1.5 last week even though I know I did everything right. Just wondering, has anyone else heard this from their physician? If so, what did they say about periods of non-losing? If not, what exactly did they medically attribute "stalls" to?
***Please refrain from generic comments such as "it has to do with glucose and your body catching up and adjusting to your weight loss"
thank you!!!

Losing slowly. Sleeved 2/9
SW 253 DOS 211 current 193 Only 18 pounds lost. About 40 to go.
About 800 calories a day. Exercising 45 minutes 5-6 times per week.
12 days after sleeved I had a 17 day stall.

I was worried about this as well, being a faithful stomach sleeper. I will be 4 weeks post-op on Tuesday and I have been sleeping on my stomach for at least two weeks. You will be a little sore at first, but it will happen quicker and more easily than you think!

Have I become a picky eater??? YOU BET!!! And I am loving every minute of it!
Before Lap band surgery, I was a disgusting fat gluttonous pig with one foot in the grave...diabetic, one heart attack resulting in cardiac surgery....I would eat anything and everything put before me, then finish whatever was left on my wife's plate
But after Lap band surgery, I have NO hunger, NO cravings...I have NO interest in food or eating in general....I have gone full days and have forgotten to sit down AND EAT....
At times, I can stare at a menu and not find anything that interests me. I can wander around a grocery store and not find anything to bring home for dinner.
My Tastes have changed dramatically...things I used to crave have no flavor anymore.
Because of the band, there are foods I had to give up...I don't eat meat, things made from flour such as breads and Pasta, no longer eat rice, nothing deep fried....
Not only is my hunger and cravings limited, but My portion sizes are very small because of the band.
So when I do eat, I have to make the best of what I can...the most nutritious, healthiest choices I can make...don't want to blow that opportunity on something bad.
So I have become a very "picky health nut" Always looking for the most nutritious,healthiest, all natural, organic, non processed and high Protein foods I can
Am I Picky??? YOU BET!
I go to the gym every chance I get....usually at 5-6am where I run 5 miles, then do weights.
I have NO BODY FAT left! (or very little)...It is not my goal, but my bodies decision to stop where it is the most healthiest - normal.
I have not felt better, been healthier, in over 35 years...all because being very "Picky" thanks to this WLS...
I have friends, read magazine articles, advertisements etc, where people find this lifestyle very "Chic" and they work hard to try to live it everyday....for me, it all became easy and fell into place because of my Lap Band surgery...
As a disclaimer.....on top of it all, since I am no longer dieting or have fear of gaining any weight back...I still enjoy life's little pleasures....we will go out and get a Ice Cream Sundae with all the toppings at least twice a week....I do not hold back on alcohol....I enjoy a good beer with my friends from time to time....
In other words...food does not scare me....
I Love this new life! Call me picky...I LOVE IT! It beats the alternative....