songsmith

I read something sobering today on the another bariatric website that this forum won't let me link to. These were a series of articles from a WLS doctor explaining various factors that cause unsuccessful outcomes in bariatric surgeries. Studies show that the average ‘dieter’ is hoping to lose around 50% of their weight – the same is probably even more true for patients seeking surgery. In reality, however, the ‘average’ medium-to-long-term weight loss with bariatric surgery is only a rather sobering 20-30% of initial weight. Please reread this last sentence very carefully! The term “average’, means that about half of all patients will actually lose LESS than 20-30% of their initial weight (the other half of course will lose more). Imagine the disappointment of the ‘average’ 300 lb patient, who, after experiencing the ‘average’ success (25% weight loss), still weighs 225 lbs! Never mind that her health has dramatically improved, she is off all their medications, and she feels better and healthier than ever before – she is still 225 lbs! From a medical and health perspective a spectacular success story – psychologically nothing but disappointment and failure. What do long-term WLS patients think about these statements? What's been your experience--both personal and that of others you know who have had WLS? I'm pre-pre-op (still waiting for my date). They're talking long-term weight loss (essentially maintenance). I know many do regain some of (and sometimes all) the weight, but I am determined not to be one of them--or at least catch myself in time to correct matters if I do start to creep up that slope. The thought of spending all this money and losing overall less weight than I would with regular dieting is disheartening. If the statements are true, I might not make it below the 200 mark. Naturally, these statements worry me!

Now I want one. Or Cthulhu slippers. Wasn't that the episode that introduced Donna? She was my favorite.

What a fun gift! That was one of my favorite episodes. Those little smiles.... You, my dear, have a great hubby.

You are far better off doing compound lifts than using any machine. Use dumb bells and do rows and curls and chest presses. Get someone to spot you and squat using a bar and wheels. Learn how to do a deadlift and a good morning. When you're up to it you can do pull-ups. They work more muscle groups, so you'll get a better workout faster than hitting the machines. Besides, many of the machines force us--especially the out of shape--into poor position. And lastly, every time you think you're lifting too heavy, remember this. 99% of women do not gain muscle. Those ladies you see in the body builder competitions are down to about 3% body fat and many of them use steroids. Women do not produce the testosterone to build big muscles. And if that still makes you turn to those cute little colored weights, ask yourself this. How much does that purse you lug around every day weigh? Sorry for the rant. It used to drive me nuts when I'd see women wasting their time or, worse, some "trainer" telling them to use the 2 pound weights when they could easily handle 10 per hand. Also, squats will give you a lovely butt. ;D (Stay away from Smith machines!)'' ETA (again): Ys vary. The one we had near us in Texas was pitiful. The one where we live now has great equipment.

I love Mexican food. During my pre-diet phase I began to use a lot of black Beans instead of refried. I seasoned them with cumin, chilis and cilantro and top them with salsa. I'd have them alone, in a wrap, sometimes with an egg on top or a bit of avocado. Funny thing, I found I didn't miss the cheese, so I was able to cut out a significant amount of calories. You can find black soy beans which are nearly as good and have far fewer carbs and more Protein. Peanut Butter, now, I had to ostracize from the house. I could eat an entire jar and my brain says, "Oh, hey, it has protein in it, so it's good to eat." Hah. Not the way I eat it! So, yes, you may need to give up some trigger foods or find ways to make the sort of meals you still enjoy but in a healthier and more sensible fashion. Oh, and look at serving sizes. I still remember the day I looked at the back of a Kraft mac & cheese meal for nutritional information and realized one box was 4 servings! Ahahahahahaha. Right.

Some businesses have deals with the Y so their employees can pay less. I just rejoined and my monthly fee was the same (without business intervention) as I was paying--and not using--at 24 Hour Fitness. The Y has instituted a new policy where they would not tell me their fee until I came in. I almost didn't rejoin because of that. Idiotic policy from a PR stance. I never felt right at the other gym. It was full of gym bunnies and people already in shape. I used the Y during my power lifting days. I was still obese, but it never made me feel out of place. I've never been to a Planet Fitness. I say go with the establishment that makes you feel the most comfortable. If you like it there, you're more likely to keep using it. ETA: All classes at my Y are free once you're a member. That wasn't the case at 24 Hour fitness. You might look into that if you want to take classes.

Mind you, I never stopped weighing even though the fluctuations drove me mad! I also do the measurements thing because that helps me a ton during stalls. Like someone else said, I gained this weight partially because I refused to weigh myself. I think weighing ourselves is important, particularly once we hit our goal and want to maintain.

I had my core approval a week before Thanksgiving. I've been on an emotional high ever since. It's a terrific feeling! Congratulations! Crossing fingers and toes for your green light.

Oh, man. I did that my last low-carb phase (I'm still pre-op). It drove me nuts because our bodies naturally fluctuate weight just a little bit. Still did it, though! It's saner to weigh in once per week, but I definitely get the compulsion to weigh in every day.

Besides the obvious (jammies, robe, slippers even if they insist on nonslip socks, and toiletries) I plan to take my phone and my kindle.

My pre-op counselor referred me to an eating disorder therapist. I've been seeing her for about a month now, and I think she's helped a lot. I know I have food issues. I always--always--fail at exactly the same weight so I think something's going on there. This is major surgery and a lot of monetary outlay, so I want to do everything possible to ensure my success. Now, I said all that just to say heck yeah, I think you're smart for seeking counseling. Besides whatever personal food-related issues you may have, you will likely have other emotional issues to face because of the rapid changes in you're experiencing.

I know the feeling! I have 4 other flavors from them and am dreading the taste test. My daughter had no sympathy. She not only laughed every time I made a face, she pointed, too! Pointing while laughing just adds insult to injury. (Okay, she didn't point, but she did snicker at the faces I made.)

I hope to find someone with similar surgery date...if the doctor ever gives me my surgery date! (early February) I think it would be fun. I have overweight/obese friends, but no one who's had the surgery and weight issues are not something we ever discuss.

Congrats on your surgery date! You've already taken a huge step in improving your diet by cutting out the fast food. Does that include sodas? I have a huge sweet tooth, so I hear ya. I have found I lose far better on a low carb diet that cuts out all the simple sugars and starches (you know, the good stuff like processed sugar, white flour and rice--that stuff). I resort to Splenda (my sweetener of choice, but I'm sure you have one that works for you). It's not quite the same thing, but it helps. You'll also find once you've given up on the sugar for awhile that sweet things begin to taste too sweet. It helped me to track my food in one of the online food diaries because it allowed me to see just how many carbs/sugars/fats/proteins/calories I was eating. Read your labels. You'd be surprised by how many nonsweet food stuffs add hidden sugars. I had 6 mos. pre-diet. The first couple I concentrated on making healthier choices. I lost weight because I mostly got rid of the simple carbs. Last month I really knuckled under and began to track what I put into my mouth and did much, much better (9 pounds in one month). Don't tell the dietitian, but that was actually only 2 1/2 weeks of serious "dieting."

I sent you some links in a PM. There's also a forum for December sleevers (or is it WLS folk in general). You can find it if you scroll way down on the list of forums where it lists years. You'll find December there.

Jerky is on the approved list with my surgeon once patients hit solid food. I'm pre-op, so afraid I can't offer any advice on incorporating it into a post-op diet. More importantly, they make bacon jerky?!!!

Hi there! I'm also new and also finished up 6 months of dietitian visits. We only have one class to attend (mine is in December). The therapist told me I could attend any of their support group meetings prior to surgery, but there were no classes. I kind of wish there had been! I've found folk at BP to be extremely friendly and helpful. You must be super excited to get the show on the road after working up to it for six months! Keep us posted, and welcome. ETA: I missed the bit about monthly groups. There is a December/January group (and also a Facebook group for them). I don't have a link handy, but if you search you should find it.

The hoops weren't too bad. I just didn't want to wait that long! I needed to meet with the dietitian for six months before they would approve surgery. Last week was my final meeting. In hind sight, I wish I had used those months to really begin adjusting my eating and exercise routine, but I was at 43 BMI and worried I might lose too much and drop the BMI to an "acceptable" amount. It wasn't until the past few weeks that I really knuckled down. I have friends who had the surgery, and their insurance company only required 2 months of dietitian visits and a psych eval, so I call BCBS of TX's procedure "hoops." (It really wasn't that bad.)

Did your surgeon or dietitian provide you with a list of acceptable foods? Mine says 1-2 days post are Clear liquids (diet crystal light, diet popsicles. They also include sugar free Jello and broth). After that it's smooth yogurt (no fruit or granola), Greek yogurt, skim or 1% milk, nonfat milk powder, low-fat cream Soup (strained) unsweetened applesauce, thinned out cooked Cereal (I'm guessing they mean Cream o'Wheat--not sure how you could thin out oats enough). After the 1st week, they let you see if you can tolerate a soft cooked egg, non-fat refried Beans, low-fat cottage cheese. Anyway, I'd check with your dietitian.

I'm in Kansas but have BCBS of Texas. They cover after you jump through the hoops. Policies vary and (from what your rep said) from state-to-state. Would it cover if you went to a neighboring state (assuming that's possible for you)?

On the bright side, when I saw the topic title I was afraid someone's sleeve was leaking! I'm glad that's not the case. That to me would be the only "failure."

Am I understanding you want high protein and low carb? If that's the case Isopure whey protein isolate (unflavored) has 110 cal, 26g protein and 0 carbs per serving. You would need to add flavorings in it if you wanted a shake. This is what I used back in my weight lifting days and definitely will be using it now. I'm not sure if the company gives samples.

Awesome! That's great news. I hope I'm able to retain my cast iron stomach, too. I'd be sad if I had to give up my spicy food.

Thanks! As soon as you mentioned it I pictured what would happen if I blended half a cup of salsa or so! Pretty hard to use as a dip. Do you find spicy things upset you? Hmm, probably different from person to person.

The only one I've ever tried was Syntrax Nectar chocolate (truffle I think). It was pretty good. I don't think it has a strong chocolate flavor, though. If you use sugar free syrups, you might want to add a touch.