Diana_in_Philly

So - I'm 2 years out and just had a resting metabolic assessment today (which is used to calculate BMR). I'm half the person I was when I started this journey. But keep in mind, most times my resting heart rate is in the mid 40s. My body fat is around 30% which is pretty darn good for a post-menopausal woman who has had two kids. I also know that I have always had a slow metabolism. I was a competitive athlete in my teens and even with training 4-5 hours a day, I needed to stay under 2500 calories to make weight. (I was an ice dancer - if I went over 125, my partner would drop me.) Told my nutrition coach this prior to the test and he didn't believe me. Preliminary results are that I need 1100 calories to keep the lights on - which is what I have been eating. Occasionally, I'll lose a pound here and there, but at this point I'm more concerned with replacing fat with muscle. The research I've read indicates that for men, age is the single greatest factor to decreasing BMR and it goes down with each year once you reach about 30.

I think you need to talk with a sports dietician. It's taken me a bit to find someone who is comfortable with a hard training bariatric patient. My bariatric team is great but they don't have any sports people on hand. I'm doing a resting metabolic assessment tomorrow, but I would think you need more carbs - I have found that my body has changed since I added more carbs in - which was really scary. Good Luck!

Keeping in mind that I work out like a crazy woman -- (I burned 1500 calories working out today and am working on building muscle and shedding fat), on a day like today (2 hour work out) I'll eat about 2000 calories with about 170 grams of protein and 100 grams of carbs because I need it to avoid muscle breakdown. Before I started working out like a maniac - 1,000-1,200 a day - 120 grams of protein, less than 60g carbs, no more than 10g sugar per serving of anything and almost a gallon of water a day.

It really depends on a variety of things. My insurance made the approve/deny decision based upon initial weight at first visit with bariatric team - not my surgery day weight. Also, the sooner you get yourself into the right mindset - protein first, 100 grams of protein a day, no more than 10 grams of sugar in a serving of anything, the easier life will be after (at least it was for me.). My "class" (required to get the appointment with a surgical team) was in April 2016 and my surgery was on August 23. So I had 120-ish days before my surgery. My team required that I follow post-op rules for a pre-op diet to show that I was committed and making progress. My pre-op diet was one shake and two meals, under 1000 calories for 8 days prior to surgery. So, talk to your team to find out whether additional loss will be a problem for your approval. DO NOT ASSUME ANYTHING. I'm 2 years out in two days. I'm down almost 150 pounds from my starting highest estimated weight because I wouldn't get on a scale, but looking at photos I was over 300 in 2015. So please, talk to your team and get your head in the right place to eat the right way - the sooner you do the better your chances of success.

Try all different temperatures to see what your new tummy likes. Some days, mine liked hot, other days room temp, other days ice cold. I also set out 16 ounce bottles and tried to drink when they were empty. Keep sipping. Try flavors of Crystal Light. It's tough to figure out the first couple of weeks.

55 at time of Sleeve on 8/23/2016. 2015 weight 300+ (based on photos - didn't get on scales then). Highest recorded weight 275 in April 2016. Current Weight 155 and still losing (sort of - trading fat for muscle mass). I was in the hospital one night. Surgery Tuesday, Discharged Wednesday. Did the grocery shopping on Friday (made the husband and kids carry stuff in and had a kid at the grocery store load the bags in the cart and car.) Went to the gym and road a recumbent bike for 15 minutes on Saturday. Went back to work Monday. (I work from home T, Th. Fr). So, where am I now - I am a nationally ranked foil fencer in my age group (50-59). I can deadlift 195 pounds and back squat 215. I went from a size 24 to a size 6 or 8, depending on the manufacturer. I haven't had plastics yet, but have had a consult and my plastic surgeon says I'm probably carrying 10 pounds of fat and skin that will disappear with the tummy tuck/panni. My body fat is at about 30% which isn't bad for a post-menopausal woman whose had two kids. I had little pain, but did walk every hour when I was in the hospital (each time they woke me for vitals, I got up and walked a lap of the floor.) My only regret is waiting until I was 55 to do this.

So, when I weighed in at my surgeon's office I was 271. I now weigh 155. I'm 5'3". Per BMI tables, my highest potential weight, without being overweight, would be about 140. So, my excess weight would have been 131 pounds. Of that 131 pounds, I have lost 116 pounds, which is 82.8% of my excess body weight. Looking at older pictures, I probably was over 300 pounds in 2015, but I didn't get on scales then.

So - I'm 57. I was 55 when I had my surgery. I'm in the midst of menopause, I've had two kids both by c-section and was a nationally competitive athlete in my teens. I look amazing clothed. I know I will never see 125 ever again. Just not happening. I also know I'm never going to see 20% body fat (which is what I was at then) because my physiology as a menopausal woman who has birthed two children will not allow that. I know that plastics will tighten and lift the tummy and the girls. My bigger issue is my arms. Have you talked with a plastic surgeon who is familiar with bariatric patients? My guy works with the team at the hospital I had my surgery at - his opinion is that thigh lifts are risky because of wound healing issues. Granted - you've lost only about half of what I have. At my highest (I wouldn't get on the scale) looking at photos now I realize I was over 300 pounds so I'm down about 150 pounds. I'd like to lose another 5-10, but if I don't, I'm ok with that. You really need to talk to a plastic surgeon about what is possible for your body.

I'm having surgery on X date. The doctor says I need to be out until Y date. Thank you for your concern. That's it. FMLA forms generally don't have what the surgery is - just whether the leave is for a medical condition for your or a family member. Also, unless your boss is in the HR department s/he may never see the form - and HR cannot discuss the reasons. (Assuming you are in the US).

Had surgery on Tuesday. Discharged on Wednesday. Slept all day Thursday. Worked from home almost a full day Friday. Worked 2/3 of a day Monday and Tuesday and back to full schedule on Wednesday.

I didn't take anything other than Tylenol after discharge for surgery related pain.

So - I fessed up to dieting. I said I was working with my medical team to get healthier and was on a very strict diet, if I was asked. Generally at group events, I wasn't - e.g. conferences with multiple meals with other members. No one is looking at the food on your plate. Just push it around and re-arrange it to make it look like you are eating it. Cut things up and move stuff around - you know like you did when you mother gave you something you didn't like as a kid. As for the rest - I answer the question the same way after 2 years and 150 pounds from my highest pre-surgery weight - I worked with a medical team. I eat a diet that is very high in protein and have given up processed foods, white flour and all non-fruit based sugars. I do not drink soda or alcohol. I exercise at least 1 hour a day and log every bite of food with an app to be accountable. It hasn't been easy but it has been worth it. Generally, as soon as they hear you've given up sugar, bread, pasta and booze, they run for the hills and change the subject.

Spend a lot of time talking to people and just push the food around on your plate. Six weeks post op, my mom died so we had a big, Italian NYC funeral. There was food. And Food, And more food. And meals And did I mention food. While in a hotel. For almost a week. I made sure we had a fridge in the room and had my Oikos triple zero and premier shakes always available along with other high protein items. When I was with family, I filled my plate, nibbleed and mostly pushed the food around to different piles so people didn't realize I hadn't really eaten it. Everyone could see I was losing weight and I just said my doctor had me on a very specific diet and I was trying my best to stick with it.

"I worked with my medical team. I eat a high protein diet. I cut out pasta, bread, sugar, alcohol and most other carbs pretty much permanently. I exercise at least an hour a day." All of that is true. By the time I get to what I cut out, most people start running because the thought of cutting out all those carbs gives them the shakes. If they ask more pointed questions, I respond with a question - "did you get laid last night?" When they looked shocked, I tell them that I view my medical issues as privately as they view their sex life. And then I change the subject. It usually ends questions.

Can I tell you that there are still days when I see the fat girl in the mirror? I'm 2 years out, down probably 150 pounds from my high point over 300 (where I wouldn't get on the scale so I don't have proof other than photos) and there are days, where as a six 6 (down from a 24) I still think I'm the fat girl. It takes a long time for your head to catch up. Be kind to yourself.

So - I exercise a lot - I fence (en garde) 6 hours a week and spend about another 6 in the gym, including serious weightlifting (I just back squatted 215 pounds and front 165. I can deadlift 190.) I'm working to build muscle and get rid of fat. I'm 2 years post surgery. My goal is about 120 g protein daily. Once you develop a plan, it's not that hard - Breakfast - shake/smoothie - 8 ounces Fairlife skim milk, scoop of protein powder, 2 tablespoons Oikos triple zero vanilla yogurt and 3/4 cup frozen tropical fruit. 270 cal, 38g protein AM Snack - 1 5.3ounce container Oikos triple zero yogurt - 120 calories - 15 grams protein Lunch - 4 ounces of chicken breast chopped and mixed with 1 tablespoon of pesto - 147 calories 29 grams protein plus some salad greens with a little balsamic dressing Afternoon snack - deli ham and cheese roll ups - 4 slices deli ham, four slices deli cheese (provolone) - 17 g, 160 calories So before dinner - I'm at 99 grams -- If I have 5 ounces of fish or shrimp with zucchini noodles done sort of scampi style (32 grams of protein) and I'm at about 1,000 calories. I do add some carbs in because I need them for muscle healing, but I exercise probably 1200 calories a day. FWIW - I'm 57 years old, 5'3" and 155 pounds right now. I haven't had plastics done so I'm carrying about 10 pounds of skin and fat that will only come off when I have plastics. My bariatric team and my medical trainers are all good with what I'm doing.

I had trouble with vitamins post op - in the first few weeks. Made me puke, too. I switched to a chewable with an iron supplement (my team didn't care what chewable - any regular adult or double the dose of Flinstones kids) and an iron supplement because chewables can't have iron in them. (Some kind of chemistry thing I don't understand.) I use the Vitafusion Women's which I buy at Costco. My levels have been good for the last 2 years.

One day at a time - you will have your surgery 2 years and 1 day after I had mine. Remember to be kind to yourself and give you body time to heal. Those first week are tough but you can do this. Search for groups for August 2018 surgery - I'm still in touch with a lot of the folks I've met through a similar group. Best of luck.

My body fat was somewhere around 50% when I started the program (may have been 53% if I remember right). Right now, I'm 2 years out and trying to boost muscle even more - I'm around 31% and headed to 28 as my goal, which for a post-menopausal woman would be outstanding.

I'm working with my medical team to lose weight. I'm on a very restricted diet - no sugars, no bread, no soda, no white flour, pasta or rice - lots of protein and lots of water and other no calorie drinks. I'm also working on exercising more as a part of this. All of that is true. Not a word of it is false. As for telling people about your surgery, you need only tell your boss about the time you need off. You need not tell them precisely why. HR gets to know more, but they cannot divulge due to HIPPA requirements.

1 - My team emphasized that surgery was a tool and lifestyle was the key. So exercise, from day 1 even before surgery was stressed. 2 - Every time - (I'm 2 years out and see my team every 6 months). 3 - I've found things I love. Before surgery, I started by working with a personal trainer to help me figure out what I could do and she worked with me through my first full year until she was accepted to graduate school 1500 miles away and moved. She inspired and encouraged me to do more and more at each stage. About 8 months after surgery, I took up fencing (en garde). I completely, madly fell in love with this sport (despite the fact that I started at age 56 having never done it before) and am now nationally ranked in my age group. I fence 5-6 hours a week. I do Pilates an hour a week. I do a cross fit type class (olympic weight lifting and conditioning) three times a week. I do agility and strength training at least 2 more times a week. I'm in the gym or on the move every day. The more I move the better I feel. Understand that two years ago, the pain from my arthritis in my knees was so bad that 10,000 steps would mean I would need a Vicodin at the end of the day. Thursday, I deadlifted 20 pounds more than I weigh. Tuesday, I squatted more than I weigh. (I'm hanging around 155 ish these days). Exercise is part of my lifestyle now and I feel like crap if I don't work out. In fact, we are going away next weekend to visit my husband's sister in Maine and I won't be able to get in two of my workouts and I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do to scratch that itch while we are away.

PS - I've been where you are with caregiving for your mom. Do take time to take care of yourself. It is hard work, both physically and emotionally. Hugs.

So, I'm almost 2 years out VSG. I'm still losing, but it is slowly because I'm trying to change my body composition and increase muscle mass and decrease fat - so if the scale goes up, I'm ok with it so long as it is an increase in muscle mass and a decrease in body fat. (The scale at my gym can measure that.) On days I go to the office (and therefore am rushed), I start the day with a shake - 3/4c frozen fruit, 1 cup of Fairlife Skim Milk and a scoop of protein powder. Throw it in the blender. About 200 calories and 30g protein. Drink in car with coffee on way to office. Around 10, I have an Oikos Triple Zero (15 grams protein). At noon, I have my lunch which on office days is 4 ounces of chicken breast shredded (25grams protein) and mixed with one tablespoon of Costco brand Basil Pesto and 2 cups of mixed salad greens with 1 tablespoon of balsamic dressing. I eat the chicken first. Then I pick at the salad after that. At about 3 or 4, I have a cheese snack of some kind - about 2 ounces of cheese (14 grams protein) or maybe an ounce of cheese and and ounce of nuts. I'm in my office Mondays and Wednesdays, which are also the same days I fence (en garde), so I don't have time to grab dinner before I get to the fencing club so I have a protein bar (20 grams). When I get home after fencing, I have additional protein - sometimes just a shake to get me up to over 100 grams. Or scramble a couple of eggs. Fruit doesn't have protein, but the fiber is good for you. I weigh and measure my fruit and limit myself to one or two servings of fruit a day. I avoid white flour, carbs like potatoes, pasta, rice. I have multigrain bread occasionally. I fill a quart bottle with water in the morning when I get to my desk. I make sure it it empty by noon. I fill it again after lunch and make sure it is empty by the time I leave the office - there's 64 ounces to start. When I work out, I'm good for at least 1 or 2 more quarts of water. I work out about 6 days a week - Fencing 2 days a week roughly 2.5 hours, a Cross-Fit type class at my gym twice a week (1 hour), Pilates for an hour and another two hours of agility and strength work to round out my fencing. You have to find what works for you, but if you have good restriction with your band, moving to smaller (3-4 ounce protein) meals 5-6 times a day may be the answer for you. If your insurance offers a consult with a nutritionist, you may want to do that to get good macros for yourself based on your body. Best of luck.

Break up the portions and timing make it 5-6 meals rather than 3. Chicken and fish are high protein - but do 3 ounces of chicken and maybe a bit of something green - small salad, asparagus, string beans. Oikos Triple Zero yogurt has 15 grams of protein and makes a great snack at 130 calories. Cheese. I live on meat and cheese. Up your fluids, too - drink more water. Shoot for 80 grams of protein a day.

BTW - I didn't tell my mother or sister. I told my husband, two girls and my best friend. That's it. My work only knew I had a surgical procedure. Everyone who knows me knows I have been trying to lose weight my whole life.