NewBeginning2016

Protein is what is needed if you are looking to build muscle mass; carbohydrates provide our short term energy needs and are often needed to fuel our workouts - it's one of those big YMMV things that depends upon what you are doing and your specific physiolgical needs. Carbs are not going to turn into fat unless you are consuming excess calories, in which case it doesn't matter whether that excess is from carbs, fats or Proteins - it's the excess calories.
When I was part way through my loss phase, I strategically added some complex carbs to improve my endurance during the workouts (a common bit of nutritional advice is to have a meal/snack that is relatively high in complex carbs, moderate in Protein and low to moderate in fats an hour or so before a workout - I found that a small meat and cheese on whole grain sandwich did the trick for me.) This worked very well in extending my endurance while swimming beyond an hour, while made little difference in my strength workouts that averaged 75-90 minutes, so you may or may not need that added boost depending upon what you are doing - experiment with it some to see what works for you.
Your fears are real, and this is a common problem amongst those who get into these trendy diets - they may help keep you away from those foods that caused problems, but they don't help you learn how to get the nutrition that you need on a sustainable basis - they cut out the good along with the bad (much like what happened during the low fat fad.) Now your challenge is to learn how to include the good foods that you need in your diet without triggering the cravings for the junk that probably got you into trouble in the first place.
Another little caution about setting your workout and muscle building goals - most all of us want to get rid of the excess flab that we are left with after massive weight loss, and want to build muscle to feel and look better. However, added muscle needs maintenance - you have to keep it up to keep that added muscle from turning into fat when you lose interest, get injured or ill and can't keep up the workouts. Aim to do what you think that you can keep doing over the long term. The exercise in general is a good habit to develop and provides many health benefits, but it's also easy to overdo it. I realized early on that I wasn't going to get a Schwartzeneggar body (not to mention maintaining it...) but settled into what I could do to improve and maintain decent strength endurance consistent with my lifestyle goals. My routine has evolved over time, but I still consistently do an hour or so of work each day between swimming, strength training and hiking - this is after 12-13 years, so I guess you can say that it is an established habit. It may not be perfect, but it's what I can keep up in the long term, and it allows me to do most anything that comes along with little problem of excess fatigue or sore muscles including things I rarely do like digging out a tree or kayaking across the bay.

I have a personal training certification. Your trainer 1) doesn't know what they are talking about and 2) should not be giving you any nutritional advice, period, because it is outside their scope of practice. There are very, very few CPT certifications that include any kind of nutritional information. Your NUT will be able to give you better advice.
Sorry if this comes across as snippy. It really irks me when professionals overstep the boundaries of their licensure, because they could actually hurt someone with their bad advice.

I've never heard that carbs specifically build muscle. Excess calories, Protein and working out builds muscle.

If you don't like the taste of Water but want to avoid toxic sweeteners and help yourself lose weight by drinking more, I suggest the following additions to your eight-a-day:
Organic cucumbers, lemons, and/or sage leaves or peppermint.
You can thank me later. Lol

July 1st, Dr. Macik as well! Sent from my SM-G928T using the BariatricPal App

I love Dr. Macik. The best doctor! I am about 11 weeks out. Doing great! Best of luck.

Hi everyone! I just got approved today! I'm scheduled for surgery 7/13! I'm in Atlanta and surgery is with Dr. Macik!
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I really wanted to share this, because I feel very proud. And because I often see people posting about whether or not they should do it and how afraid they are, but I am one of these people who says: this is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my adult life!
The pic on the left was taken Aug. 31 2015 at around 320+ pounds. I had my surgery Nov 23, 2015. The photo on the right was taken a little over a week ago. 54 pounds until I reach my goal weight.

Best wishes to you Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using the BariatricPal App

Weeks 1 & 2 is a clear liquid diet and milk for me. I'm supposed to aim for a minimum of 32 oz of skim milk and 32 oz of Clear Liquids. Weeks 3 & 4 will be a full liquid diet.
VSG 6/17/2016

Weeks 1 & 2 is a clear liquid diet and milk for me. I'm supposed to aim for a minimum of 32 oz of skim milk and 32 oz of Clear Liquids. Weeks 3 & 4 will be a full liquid diet.
VSG 6/17/2016

@@taracutch @@cln39 @@mercedes620
Best wishes and speedy recovery!!!
VSG 6/17/2016

Oh my mouth drools just thinking of tasting a sliver of ribeye lol!
I know that soft food phase will get old also, I just need more variety at this time. We are definitely winning everyday when it's a good thing to be a loser
VSG 6/17/2016

I got it at Stater Bros. supermarket. Haven't tried Lift, generally not a fan of Atkin's products personally.

Yes, life is the prize. You're here so that's a great start. I wish it was easier for you. You'll get there before you know it. And then you be like, really? I can't eat a whole tablespoon of mush? You'll feel both sad yet proud. The obstacles aren't over. They just change. It's line a game. But the best part is.....we are winning every day!!!!
Good luck on your first mushy bite. I'll be starting soft food on Wednesday. As far as I'm concerned it'll be pretty much the same. Slowly I'll work my way up to a T from a T-bone.
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Popsicles, flavored Water like crystal light, premier Protein + black coffee, protein2o, and Vitamin Water zero. I also had some cream Soup with no chunks. I don't care for that Atkins lift either but I like the Protein 2o drinks.
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I had completely the opposite reaction. I lived (and still do lol) on sugar free Popsicles. I wasn't hungry at all but felt like I needed something and that hit the spot. I am 17 days out now and can eat puréed foods now but I still don't ever feel hungry. It's more like eating on a schedule.
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broth from soup(strained) - more flavor than regular broth. sugar free popsicles. Distract yourself - read, paint your nails, color. Hang in there!
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Up tomorrow morning. Make room on that bench!

@@NewBeginning2016 I hear you! Im so done with the post op diet. Im not hungry but ready for something with a little more flavor. I also love cold Water and would love to just drink it down but can't. I just sip and sip! Will be happy just to start the next phase even if it is puree.
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I was June 17rh also. How's everyone doing? I'm so over the post op diet already. Been feeling hungry so I'm going to get in more Protein. My stomach rumbles all the time. The hardest thing for me is not being able to gulp Water. I love Water with lemon and infused with fruit and ice cold. It's summer and I just want to down ice cold water but have to sip sip sip. Looking forward to getting through the phases and swimming again.
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Thanks for letting me know that. Saves me from wasting money.
Yes food and shakes seems to be the most practical and it'll taste so much better. Right now I'm not worried about getting in extra protein or a certain amount either. Reading different posts had me thinking I needed to do more. Started driving me crazy lol. Called my bariatric partner and talked to her which clarified how I was feeling and just went back to working my surgeons plan for me. I mean I did chose him for a reason, so why be concerned what others are doing. I feel better for it
VSG 6/17/2016

I have yet to hear any good reviews about Protein waters; too sweet! I'd rather do regular Water with flavor packets and get Protein from my shakes and food.
I am not pushing protein since I have until 6 months to work my way to it per my doc.
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I liked this Protein Water

That's awesome! How you feel about yourself makes all the difference! When you feel good, everything is good! Lol
VSG 6/17/2016