DeletedMember

Holy Cow! I haven't been on Bariatric Pal in couple of years (or more). One of the big reasons I dropped off the online forums is that I had adopted a WFPB diet, and not only was that completely out of line with the mainstream WLS thinking, but I didn't even like to hint about it as I would get extremely negative feedback. Imagine my shock when I logged back in to Bariatirc Pal today to see a vegan forum with a WFPB post. My mind was blown to say the least, LOL.

Holy Cow! I haven't been on Bariatric Pal in couple of years (or more). One of the big reasons I dropped off the online forums is that I had adopted a WFPB diet, and not only was that completely out of line with the mainstream WLS thinking, but I didn't even like to hint about it as I would get extremely negative feedback. Imagine my shock when I logged back in to Bariatirc Pal today to see a vegan forum with a WFPB post. My mind was blown to say the least, LOL.

Holy Cow! I haven't been on Bariatric Pal in couple of years (or more). One of the big reasons I dropped off the online forums is that I had adopted a WFPB diet, and not only was that completely out of line with the mainstream WLS thinking, but I didn't even like to hint about it as I would get extremely negative feedback. Imagine my shock when I logged back in to Bariatirc Pal today to see a vegan forum with a WFPB post. My mind was blown to say the least, LOL.

Holy Cow! I haven't been on Bariatric Pal in couple of years (or more). One of the big reasons I dropped off the online forums is that I had adopted a WFPB diet, and not only was that completely out of line with the mainstream WLS thinking, but I didn't even like to hint about it as I would get extremely negative feedback. Imagine my shock when I logged back in to Bariatirc Pal today to see a vegan forum with a WFPB post. My mind was blown to say the least, LOL.

Holy Cow! I haven't been on Bariatric Pal in couple of years (or more). One of the big reasons I dropped off the online forums is that I had adopted a WFPB diet, and not only was that completely out of line with the mainstream WLS thinking, but I didn't even like to hint about it as I would get extremely negative feedback. Imagine my shock when I logged back in to Bariatirc Pal today to see a vegan forum with a WFPB post. My mind was blown to say the least, LOL.

If you are still looking for what doctors say that don't buy into the "carbonation stretches the stomach" here is what my doctor has to say about it (and some other myths):
http://drmatthewweiner.com/bariatric-surgery-myths/
That being said, he is VERY anti pop of any sort. As to the comment the poster made above about Protein drinks. He also hates those, but sees them as a necessary evil until you can replace them with good food based Protein.

If the cartilage is gone, you will still need a replacement; however, you may find that you can put it off a lot longer. That's the case for me. I'm down about 175lbs and while my knees are still shot, and I have limited mobility in them, the pain is GREATLY reduced. I no longer have any plans to get them replaced in the near future.
Funny thing is, it didn't help my hip at all. So that sucker is getting replaced in January. Looking forward to a lower risk of complications and a faster recovery thanks to the loss of all that excess weight!

Yes, these are averages. I've lost nearly 90% of my excess weight since starting this process almost 7 months ago.

THIS! I can't even count how many times over the last 8 months I've thought "man, I can't go outside in this, it's ridiculously big". In the previous 42 years of my life I think I had that thought about ZERO times.

My doctor's plan is similar. Someone above mention Pound of Cure by Dr Weiner. That's actually my doctor and he advocates a veggie first approach.
He does want you to get 60g of Protein initially after surgery, but never has you count calories. He uses Protein shakes, but wants you off them as soon as possible as he is opposed to processed food. Once you are a ways out from surgery he doesn't even bother having you count Protein. His theory is that if you are eating a "normal" amount of food, and eating the right foods, you will get more than enough protein.
The main difference from your plan is he is anti grain. Not anti carb, he is an advocate of fruit. He is fine with meat, but prefers you have a small (2-4 oz) of meat then loads of veggies. And he likes you to have at least one non-animal protein meal a day.
Personally, I love the program. It takes a little forethought and preparation, but the foods are delicious and it works!!
I lost almost 50 lbs pre-op following his program. I am now 8.5 months post-op, and am down a total of 184 lbs (SW 333, SW 286, CW 149).
Anyway, follow your docs plan. I have gotten used to my plan being very different than most on here (the biggest differences are most people on here eat lots of processed food, lots of dairy, and often have much higher protein targets)

2/9/16 High Weight - 333
3/21/16 Surgery Weight - 287
Today (6 months and 2 days post-op) - 176
Total Weight Lost since high weight (2/9/16): 157lbs
Total Weight Lost in the 6 months since surgery (3/21/16): 111lbs
And if you really want a month by month breakdown, here you go:
Month 1: 36.7
Month 2: 25.2 (this was the month in which I had my RNY)
Month 3: 23.0
Month 4: 17.9
Month 5: 21.6
Month 6: 12.1
Month 7: 14.1
Month 8: Currently underway...(6.1lbs so far)

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/12/27/health/bariatric-surgery.html?smprod=nytcore-iphone&smid=nytcore-iphone-share&referer=&pagewanted=all
Pretty good article that describes what a lot of us have gone through. I do think they are a little light on some of the downsides (weight regain, cross addiction, etc) but one of the more comprehensive mainstream articles I've seen.

THIS! I can't even count how many times over the last 8 months I've thought "man, I can't go outside in this, it's ridiculously big". In the previous 42 years of my life I think I had that thought about ZERO times.

2/9/16 High Weight - 333
3/21/16 Surgery Weight - 287
Today (6 months and 2 days post-op) - 176
Total Weight Lost since high weight (2/9/16): 157lbs
Total Weight Lost in the 6 months since surgery (3/21/16): 111lbs
And if you really want a month by month breakdown, here you go:
Month 1: 36.7
Month 2: 25.2 (this was the month in which I had my RNY)
Month 3: 23.0
Month 4: 17.9
Month 5: 21.6
Month 6: 12.1
Month 7: 14.1
Month 8: Currently underway...(6.1lbs so far)

I'll take a contrary position. From my experience, you will probably feel pretty good 8 weeks out, but will have extreme dietary restrictions which could be very difficult to deal with in a captive environment. In addition, there is a very slight chance you could have complications emerge at around that time (e.g. - stricture) and medical care could be dicey depending on where you are.
While I am extremely happy with my RNY and would do it again in a heartbeat, in your situation, I would consider postponing the surgery. If you can move it to July from April, what's 3 more months really? Then you can focus on you and your recovery.
I took my first extended trip out of the country to an all inclusive about 10 months post-op, and frankly I'm glad I waited that long. Any trip I was taking 8 weeks post-op (frankly even up to about 5-6 months post-op) I was bringing a LOT of my own supplies - Protein drinks, cottage cheese, etc.
Now that I'm a year post-op I can usually make so with whatever is available. I may throw some Protein Bars in my bag for emergency use, but other than that I can pretty much roll with it.

That thing about floating better in the pool is absolutely true. It's really hard to float now, my legs completely sink, and I have to keep air in my lungs to stay above Water.
I think this is a really under discussed part of massive weight loss

What I'm about to say flies is not always well received, so I will issue the standard disclaimer of this is my opinion, and is what has worked for me (whew....):
A lot of time we want to simplify "carbs" much like "fat", but not all carbs are equal. On one had, I am almost zealot like in avoiding "carbs" - I do not eat any sugar, Pasta, rice, bread, etc. etc. In fact, the only grain I eat at all is a cup of steel cut oatmeal maybe a couple of times a week.
That being said, I eat a TON of carbs. I eat lots and lots of vegetable, fruit, Beans, lentils, etc. These all can be very high in carbs (they are universally high in carbs with the exception of some vegetables).
A lot of this has to do with the way that the body processes carbs. When you eat a highly processed carb source (pasta, white bread, etc) your body essentially treats it just like you are eating sugar. It dumps insulin causing sugar spikes (and crashes) and quickly stores the excess as fat. I consider both of these results to be very undesirable!! However, when you are eating more natural, unrefined carbs, your body does not react that way. Because these foods come with bound with lots of natural Fiber, it slows the intake of the carbs/sugars, trickling out insulin and avoiding the blood sugar spikes/crashes.
I regularly consume 150-200 grams of carbs a day on a 1200-1600 calorie diet (now that I am trying to figure out how this whole maintenance thing works!). This has worked very well for me. Even at lower calories along the way, I consumed large amounts of natural, unrefined carbs.
As he was mentioned above, I should note that I'm a patient of Dr. Weiner's, and this is very much aligned with his plan. I am a huge fan of Dr. Weiner's, and love his recommended diet. Lots and lots of delicious food, and I've had fantastic results.
Welcome back @@KindaFamiliar!

2/9/16 High Weight - 333
3/21/16 Surgery Weight - 287
Today (6 months and 2 days post-op) - 176
Total Weight Lost since high weight (2/9/16): 157lbs
Total Weight Lost in the 6 months since surgery (3/21/16): 111lbs
And if you really want a month by month breakdown, here you go:
Month 1: 36.7
Month 2: 25.2 (this was the month in which I had my RNY)
Month 3: 23.0
Month 4: 17.9
Month 5: 21.6
Month 6: 12.1
Month 7: 14.1
Month 8: Currently underway...(6.1lbs so far)

Have you checked out Salvation Army / Goodwill? As I dropped through sizes I've bought several sport coats / suits from there. Brand name, great condition, and you can get a whole suit for $20-$30. It's crazy.

Now that I think about it, I was taking the easy way out by controlling my high blood pressure with medication. Now I have done it the hard way by losing weight. Excellent.

Now that I think about it, I was taking the easy way out by controlling my high blood pressure with medication. Now I have done it the hard way by losing weight. Excellent.

Like @@Travelher said - fruit juice is not a good option. From a nutritional standpoint you might as well drink a coke and take a Vitamin C tablet. Once you remove the Fiber that is in the orange, you are just consuming straight sugar.
And this is from a guy that eats a ton of fruit everyday. But I never drink juice. I will make smoothies out of the whole fruit, as it retains the Fiber. But no juice.

Like @@Travelher said - fruit juice is not a good option. From a nutritional standpoint you might as well drink a coke and take a Vitamin C tablet. Once you remove the Fiber that is in the orange, you are just consuming straight sugar.
And this is from a guy that eats a ton of fruit everyday. But I never drink juice. I will make smoothies out of the whole fruit, as it retains the Fiber. But no juice.

I stopped at the library after work this afternoon to work on a paper that is due for a class I am taking. (working on my masters) An extremely attractive women in maybe her late 40's asked me if I would like to get a cup of coffee. I graciously declined and she handed me her number. Said she her company just transferred her to Dallas and she is way past the bar scene. Again, I declined (married for 17 years) but wow!!!! it did feel awesome to be noticed again.

What I'm about to say flies is not always well received, so I will issue the standard disclaimer of this is my opinion, and is what has worked for me (whew....):
A lot of time we want to simplify "carbs" much like "fat", but not all carbs are equal. On one had, I am almost zealot like in avoiding "carbs" - I do not eat any sugar, Pasta, rice, bread, etc. etc. In fact, the only grain I eat at all is a cup of steel cut oatmeal maybe a couple of times a week.
That being said, I eat a TON of carbs. I eat lots and lots of vegetable, fruit, Beans, lentils, etc. These all can be very high in carbs (they are universally high in carbs with the exception of some vegetables).
A lot of this has to do with the way that the body processes carbs. When you eat a highly processed carb source (pasta, white bread, etc) your body essentially treats it just like you are eating sugar. It dumps insulin causing sugar spikes (and crashes) and quickly stores the excess as fat. I consider both of these results to be very undesirable!! However, when you are eating more natural, unrefined carbs, your body does not react that way. Because these foods come with bound with lots of natural Fiber, it slows the intake of the carbs/sugars, trickling out insulin and avoiding the blood sugar spikes/crashes.
I regularly consume 150-200 grams of carbs a day on a 1200-1600 calorie diet (now that I am trying to figure out how this whole maintenance thing works!). This has worked very well for me. Even at lower calories along the way, I consumed large amounts of natural, unrefined carbs.
As he was mentioned above, I should note that I'm a patient of Dr. Weiner's, and this is very much aligned with his plan. I am a huge fan of Dr. Weiner's, and love his recommended diet. Lots and lots of delicious food, and I've had fantastic results.
Welcome back @@KindaFamiliar!