Invictus

I thought I had this all figured out, then I went 6 months and only lost 15 pounds. I was losing inches, but that darn scale was not moving! I met with my surgeon on March 22. He was pretty disappointed. He was also concerned about my lab work. My iron had dropped extremely low. So, I met with the NUT. He put me on a 4 protein shake a day, plus 1 meal of 3-4 ounces of meat and whatever green veggie I could get in. I hadn't been faithful with my supplements because they hurt my stomach if I didn't take them with solid food. As of this morning, I am down 3 pounds in 3 days. Hoping for a bit more lost in the morning so I'll have good news when I check in with the NUT. The shakes he had me on were not low carb, so I am convinced that thinking seriously about and logging every molecule that passed my lips is what has made the difference. Why was I so stubborn in thinking I could just wing it? Lesson learned!

Too much sweet tea, chocolate--carbs in general. Slider foods. Looking back, I was eating much of the same stuff that got me in the position to need surgery

Talked with NUT today. He was pleased with my loss of 4 pounds. He feels I have found the right balance of numbers of calories to protein to carbs. I'm excited to follow this plan with solid foods now and keep losing! I'm coming up on a year since first weigh in to start the process.

First of all, I know I haven't been 100% faithful to my plan. I let carbs and sliders sneak back in, but, that being confessed, I am not eating nearly as much, nor as poorly as before surgery. When I met with my surgeon in December, he was obviously disappointed in my 14 pounds lost since the prior appointment in October. My surgery was at the end of July. I met with the nutritionist as well as followed up over the phone. While I am disappointed in the slow loss, I am shrinking. It is so encouraging to shop in my own closet. I see my surgeon again in late March. I have only lost a few pounds since December. I added exercise to my routine this weekend in hopes to kick start something. I also plan to do a pouch test this week. So, what I am asking is, have others had stalls this long? Will I be able to start losing again? Please don't beat me up too badly for my stupid choices. This is not an easy journey, and I battle with food choices every minute of every day! Thank you in advance. Some data: Highest weight 321 April 2015 Surgery weight 306 July 2015 Current weight 260 February 2016

Not always weighing and tracking, always Protein first 60-80gems, lots of fluids, 64-96 a day, unfortunately, chocolate keeps sneaking in when stressed, just started exercising Haven't been good about supplements lately, gotta fix that ASAP NUT had me add in bran Cereal twice a day to get bowels moving, as they keep moving, I sometimes only do bran once a day, he wanted me to get more veggies and fruit, even tiny baked potato with protein on top I figure the slower the loss, the better overall, NUT agreed. I just don't like disappointing my surgeon

Rvamom, I don't want to discourage you in any way. I still feel this surgery was my only option to not follow in my moms footsteps of morbid obesity and multiple health issues, 15 prescriptions, etc. BUT, it is not an easy journey. I spent many hours on this site reading post after post how the weight just falls off without any effort. It's not like that for everyone. I am glad you will be seeing a therapist. I feel that is my next step as I still have too many unresolved food issues. I wish you all the best!

I strained/injured my back this morning. Went to urgent care due to pain and mobility issues. Doc says just muscle related, but gave me steroids along with muscle relaxant and pain meds. I talked to the pharmacist and told her about my sleeve. She said as long as I take the steroids with food and keep up with my Prilosec, everything should be fine. Has anyone else had to use steroids after surgery? It's only for 6 days with a gradual decrease in dose each day.

I've heard that fish oil is supposed to help, but I haven been good about taking it myself

I am assuming this is normal, but does anyone have random days when nothing you eat goes down well, or even plain Water hurts? I'm two and a half months out from surgery, and did fly out of town this week.

I stopped to get dog food today. The two bags weighed 56 pounds. I had to make two trips into the house to carry them. Not too long ago, I was carrying almost that much extra weight around, all day, everyday. So, when I get on the scale and am bummed because it stayed the same for a while, I will try to remember the dog food perspective and be happy for the success!

I had that pulling feeling and pain for about a month after surgery, but it's gone now. Did you possibly strain a muscle? Scar tissue sounds reasonable, and the numbness could be from the trauma to the area during surgery.

This has not been a ride down a slope, but rather several steps down a very long staircase! I have decided that the stalls are inevitable! I have been frustrated and excited at the same time. Frustrated because I thought I would lose a little faster, and the stalls are infuriating. BUT, excited because I am making progress, down 30 pounds 60 days out from surgery. I figure if I can keep the average of a half pound a day, I would be happy. BUT I am also down 18.25 inches overall. I have been "shopping" in my own closet and have started a give away pile. So my question, should I be losing faster? I know I do better when I up my Protein and Water.

@@Bufflehead, very well said! I am always comparing myself to everyone else, it's a habit I've had for the last 20 years. I need to stop it and accept my rate of loss as mine! I will step up my effort on following my plan. I see the surgeon on Tuesday and plan to check with the NUT on his protein/calorie expectations

I am so sorry things have been so difficult for you. I know this is probably not the best advice, but I had my dose of anti depressant increased. It has helped some, it was difficult for me to deal with the stress I have at school and home. Before, I would eat something stupid, I can't do that anymore. But my situation is nothing compared to what you are going through. Do you have a pastor or therapist you can call on? If my meds don't keep me on track, that will be my next option,

@@libby43, I like your perspective. I also figure the slower the better for the skin to keep up?!

Ugh. This is discouraging. I've only lost 26 pounds since 7/27! You all are doing great! I know everyone loses differently, but this is frustrating!

Ugh! Did some experimenting with some foods I used to like. Actually really glad that they made me feel crummy. I will be much more careful with my choices from now on. I've been trying to figure out why I cannot seem to get into the groove at school this year. I know it's partially still about recovering from major surgery, but a friend who knows I had the surgery Enlightened me today. I used to bury my feelings of frustration with food. Now I actually have to face them and try to deal with them, no more hiding them under stupid food choices any more.

@@cbruce125, I completely understand your dilemma. I'm already getting discouraged that I am not losing as fast as I thought I would. I keep telling myself that slower is actually better, but it's so frustrating!

Natosha I have a refund coming from the surgeon. I paid his fee of $4k before the surgery. I'll be getting most of that back. Still waiting to see if I get any more bills.

It seems strange that those fees don't go toward your deductible and out of pocket. Mine did. I had met my deductible before surgery due to various issues. My plan also required a $5000 copay for bariatric surgery, but not sure if they are still requiring it since I also had a hernia repaired. Still waiting on all the money/bills to work out.

@@jaytrain, thanks for the post. I take 20 mg Prilosec twice a day and always make sure I have food in my stomach when I take the prednisolone. So, hoping for the best!