JennsJourney

So, I'm almost 5 months post-op and down 92 lbs.
Generally my caloric intake is around 800 calories. For about a month now my weight loss has slowed down quite a bit...around 2 lbs a week. I know that slow down is normal so I wasn't concerned.
But what I have noticed is that when I get closer to 1000 calories a day, I see the scale move! That seems odd to me that if I get more calories, I can lose weight, but that has been happening for at least 3 weeks now.
Now, I still make sure I get Protein first, then veggies and very little carbs. However, when I do splurge a little, the weight comes off faster! Anyone else experience this crazy phenomenon?
And I did start doing Zumba classes about 3-4 times a week around the same time, so maybe that has some correlation to the amount of calories I need.
(And I do realize that I can't use this as an excuse to eat poorly or go crazy on high caloric food...I just was a little surprised.)

My hair loss didn't start till month 3.5 and now I'm almost 5 months and still losing some hair. But they say that is normal until about month 6.
I had very little pain. I was able to get in and out of bed right after surgery. However, I was EXTREMELY nauseous for about 1.5 weeks. My plan was to go back to work after a week off but I was too nauseous for that. I did a few half days the 2nd week but didn't really feel like myself until week 3.
However, healing and recovery time is so individualized. Some people go back to work after a few days and others can't move or walk for a couple of weeks. So, it really depends.

LOL...you should patent your terminology! Love it!

LOL...thanks for sharing! I am almost positive that I will at least need to get my arms done but my tummy and thighs may be a necessity too.

So, I'm almost 5 months post-op and down 92 lbs.
Generally my caloric intake is around 800 calories. For about a month now my weight loss has slowed down quite a bit...around 2 lbs a week. I know that slow down is normal so I wasn't concerned.
But what I have noticed is that when I get closer to 1000 calories a day, I see the scale move! That seems odd to me that if I get more calories, I can lose weight, but that has been happening for at least 3 weeks now.
Now, I still make sure I get Protein first, then veggies and very little carbs. However, when I do splurge a little, the weight comes off faster! Anyone else experience this crazy phenomenon?
And I did start doing Zumba classes about 3-4 times a week around the same time, so maybe that has some correlation to the amount of calories I need.
(And I do realize that I can't use this as an excuse to eat poorly or go crazy on high caloric food...I just was a little surprised.)

Most programs that are actually well ran and monitored have you up your calories as the months go by.
It seems like most people can't keeping losing long term on starvation calories, eventually your body says nope.
Long term it is better to increase your calories so you don't destroy your metabolism.
You should do some research on this beyond this forum and talk to a nutritionist if you so choose.

yes, it's happening to me. My weight loss slowed almost to a halt. My Nut. recommended increasing my calories from 800-900 to 1100--1150.
It has kicked my weight loss forward again. This is a sustainable diet for my lifetime. Still Protein first, but adding small amounts of all of the food groups.--Still no junk. I haven't come this far to eat junk again.
I am heading for skin surgery soon and plastics want me on a "more balanced" diet.
Doing as Plastic requested AND kick starting my weight loss is a win/win, I think.

It is counterintuitive, but you really need to optimize nutrition and not minimize calories. Our bodies NEED enough nutrition to: 1) not think we are experiencing a famine, 2) to keep our metabolism operating properly, and 3) to do the major construction/demolition work needed to dismantle the larger structure.
If we aren't getting enough nutrition for #1, then #2 and #3 are put off/severely impacted until our body has enough for its immediate needs and enough more to not be preparing for famine.
(At least this is how I understand it based on my excellent surgeon and a lot of research.)
That is why it is also important to make sure we are getting enough nutrition before we start exercising intensely. Intense exercise adds more burden/load to the nutritional needs.

So, I'm almost 5 months post-op and down 92 lbs.
Generally my caloric intake is around 800 calories. For about a month now my weight loss has slowed down quite a bit...around 2 lbs a week. I know that slow down is normal so I wasn't concerned.
But what I have noticed is that when I get closer to 1000 calories a day, I see the scale move! That seems odd to me that if I get more calories, I can lose weight, but that has been happening for at least 3 weeks now.
Now, I still make sure I get Protein first, then veggies and very little carbs. However, when I do splurge a little, the weight comes off faster! Anyone else experience this crazy phenomenon?
And I did start doing Zumba classes about 3-4 times a week around the same time, so maybe that has some correlation to the amount of calories I need.
(And I do realize that I can't use this as an excuse to eat poorly or go crazy on high caloric food...I just was a little surprised.)

So, I'm almost 5 months post-op and down 92 lbs.
Generally my caloric intake is around 800 calories. For about a month now my weight loss has slowed down quite a bit...around 2 lbs a week. I know that slow down is normal so I wasn't concerned.
But what I have noticed is that when I get closer to 1000 calories a day, I see the scale move! That seems odd to me that if I get more calories, I can lose weight, but that has been happening for at least 3 weeks now.
Now, I still make sure I get Protein first, then veggies and very little carbs. However, when I do splurge a little, the weight comes off faster! Anyone else experience this crazy phenomenon?
And I did start doing Zumba classes about 3-4 times a week around the same time, so maybe that has some correlation to the amount of calories I need.
(And I do realize that I can't use this as an excuse to eat poorly or go crazy on high caloric food...I just was a little surprised.)

LOL!!!
Thank you @@JennsJourney! I looked at the reviews and will give it a try!
RealityKrys
VSG 6/17/2016

I have been using Nivea Skin Toning and Firming Gel. I have a link below but I got mine at Walmart. It really seems to help. I also use it on my neck and have seen a big difference in my double chin! PRIASE JESUS FOR THAT! LOL
https://www.amazon.com/NIVEA-Firming-Toning-Cream-Ounce/dp/B003CJP13W/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1466711484&sr=8-1&keywords=nivea+skin+toning+and+firming+gel+cream

It does pass! I promise. But the best thing to do is to walk as much as possible. I also used chewable gas x too.

This happened to me too after starting Zumba classes. But after a week, I started losing weight faster than before! So, keep your head up...YOU'RE DOING GREAT!

I'm still a relative newbie at 4.5 months out but in that short amount of time, I've learned a lot. (And will learn a ton more in the future.)
Here is what I have learned:
1. I can only drink Water if it is ice cold! My Yeti and Thermos bottles have saved my Water intake!
2. Some days, my tummy is just not "happy" and I have to go back to liquids.
3. I get frustrated because I have to eat so slow and my food gets cold...then it tastes nasty and I don't want to eat it.
4. Heartburn has been my nemesis. (It is this strange burning sensation in my tummy and chest.) I have found that if it gets bad, if I drink 1/4 of a cup of half and half and it helps it tremendously.
5. One of my biggest issues was pychological. One night a few months post-op, I had a really rough day and I just wanted a "comforting meal" and I realized for the first time...I couldn't eat it even if I wanted to. I had a small panic attack! But since then, I'm learning how to use healthy coping mechanisms for stress instead of eating.
6. Surgery doesn't mean you can eat anything you want! I still watch my carbs and make sure I eat healthy (and clean).
7. Never eat kid's meals! I used to think that was the way to go because the portion size was smaller but kid's meals are crappy food with little Protein and lots of fried things. Now, I just order one meal (and maybe an appetizer) and split it with my husband.
8. Losing weight has given me my LIFE back! I actually want to go out and do things now. It truly gives me FREEDOM!
9. My tailbone is sooooo sore! I never would have guessed losing some of my "padding" would affect me this way.
10. I actually enjoy working out!! WHAT?! lol
That's all I can think of for now. And I love these forums! They have helped me so much the last 4 months.

I can't stand Protein bars that tastes like protein...I know that is kinda silly but true. I also don't like the chewy ones. I feel like it takes me forever to eat one.
But I have found that I love Power Crunch bars! I actually like all the flavors but my favorite is chocolate mint. You can buy individual ones at Walmart and Kroger to try them out.

I can't stand Protein bars that tastes like protein...I know that is kinda silly but true. I also don't like the chewy ones. I feel like it takes me forever to eat one.
But I have found that I love Power Crunch bars! I actually like all the flavors but my favorite is chocolate mint. You can buy individual ones at Walmart and Kroger to try them out.

This happened to me too after starting Zumba classes. But after a week, I started losing weight faster than before! So, keep your head up...YOU'RE DOING GREAT!

I'm still a relative newbie at 4.5 months out but in that short amount of time, I've learned a lot. (And will learn a ton more in the future.)
Here is what I have learned:
1. I can only drink Water if it is ice cold! My Yeti and Thermos bottles have saved my Water intake!
2. Some days, my tummy is just not "happy" and I have to go back to liquids.
3. I get frustrated because I have to eat so slow and my food gets cold...then it tastes nasty and I don't want to eat it.
4. Heartburn has been my nemesis. (It is this strange burning sensation in my tummy and chest.) I have found that if it gets bad, if I drink 1/4 of a cup of half and half and it helps it tremendously.
5. One of my biggest issues was pychological. One night a few months post-op, I had a really rough day and I just wanted a "comforting meal" and I realized for the first time...I couldn't eat it even if I wanted to. I had a small panic attack! But since then, I'm learning how to use healthy coping mechanisms for stress instead of eating.
6. Surgery doesn't mean you can eat anything you want! I still watch my carbs and make sure I eat healthy (and clean).
7. Never eat kid's meals! I used to think that was the way to go because the portion size was smaller but kid's meals are crappy food with little Protein and lots of fried things. Now, I just order one meal (and maybe an appetizer) and split it with my husband.
8. Losing weight has given me my LIFE back! I actually want to go out and do things now. It truly gives me FREEDOM!
9. My tailbone is sooooo sore! I never would have guessed losing some of my "padding" would affect me this way.
10. I actually enjoy working out!! WHAT?! lol
That's all I can think of for now. And I love these forums! They have helped me so much the last 4 months.

You have to learn to sit differently... My chiropractor and PT advised we need to learn to reclaim the natural lumbar arch. We've become used to sitting in a way that accommodates our fat. Sit backwards more on the back of your thighs (your sitz bones as my yoga teacher calls them) and yes arch your back. That is good posture and will relieve the pressure on your bones.

See post above re tailbone issues

THIS ONE. I have a bariatric card from my surgeon requesting that I be able to order half portions. I wasn't using it at first, but I've started using it a lot in the last few months. Kids meals = hot dogs, mac and cheese, chicken nuggets. No thanks!

Extremely helpful! Thanks for sharing.

I'm still a relative newbie at 4.5 months out but in that short amount of time, I've learned a lot. (And will learn a ton more in the future.)
Here is what I have learned:
1. I can only drink Water if it is ice cold! My Yeti and Thermos bottles have saved my Water intake!
2. Some days, my tummy is just not "happy" and I have to go back to liquids.
3. I get frustrated because I have to eat so slow and my food gets cold...then it tastes nasty and I don't want to eat it.
4. Heartburn has been my nemesis. (It is this strange burning sensation in my tummy and chest.) I have found that if it gets bad, if I drink 1/4 of a cup of half and half and it helps it tremendously.
5. One of my biggest issues was pychological. One night a few months post-op, I had a really rough day and I just wanted a "comforting meal" and I realized for the first time...I couldn't eat it even if I wanted to. I had a small panic attack! But since then, I'm learning how to use healthy coping mechanisms for stress instead of eating.
6. Surgery doesn't mean you can eat anything you want! I still watch my carbs and make sure I eat healthy (and clean).
7. Never eat kid's meals! I used to think that was the way to go because the portion size was smaller but kid's meals are crappy food with little Protein and lots of fried things. Now, I just order one meal (and maybe an appetizer) and split it with my husband.
8. Losing weight has given me my LIFE back! I actually want to go out and do things now. It truly gives me FREEDOM!
9. My tailbone is sooooo sore! I never would have guessed losing some of my "padding" would affect me this way.
10. I actually enjoy working out!! WHAT?! lol
That's all I can think of for now. And I love these forums! They have helped me so much the last 4 months.

Thanks for this tip! I'm going to try this.