mamamc32

It depends on your plan. My plan allows for healthy carbs, but some discourage them.

I don't think I ever had any major issues with food. I became obese because I neglected my health for too long. First, I worked my way through school. I wasn't getting enough rest or taking time for myself, so I ate too much to compensate. Then I had my first child. Then my mom got sick, and during that same time period I had twins. Shortly after my mom passed away, I got sick and nearly died. Afterwards, I had PTSD. Ultimately, eating too much is what made me overweight, but there were a lot of external factors/lifestyle issues that contributed. I know those things happen, and my long-term promise to myself is that I will not allow my health to suffer because I am focused on other things. I have to make it a priority - no matter what else life throws at me.

I take my lunch to work every day. Today, I am having a Tuna Creations packet, two light mini babybel, and a couple of mandarins. I take leftovers from dinner quite a bit, but I also like to make salads with taco meat, chicken, or turkey. P3's are a little pricey, but they are easy to grab and take for lunch, too.

I was cleared to start exercising 6 weeks after surgery. I was allowed to walk right after surgery, though. Make sure you ask your doc about weight training. My doc actually encourages it because it helps you maintain/gain muscle mass. When you lose large amounts of weight quickly, your body will actually consume muscle. Less muscle = slower metabolism. I'm not an expert, but I'd definitely run that by your doc!

I had mild pain after surgery. It was kind of a "pulled muscle" feeling for about a week. After that, I was fine! I'm 5 months out now, and I feel pretty normal. Sometimes eating isn't much fun because I get uncomfortably full after a few bites, but that's the purpose of surgery! It hasn't been bad at all!

I think the high protein/low carb diet is necessary shortly after surgery because you just can't eat that much, and you have to keep your protein up for healing and to maintain your muscle mass. I know that as I am getting further out, though, my NUT is encouraging me to keep adding fruits, veggies, and complex carbs. I'm intending to do a more balanced diet of lean proteins, fruits, veggies, and whole grains for long-term. I am already eating that way now, and my NUT is happy with my diet and my progress. I'm a heart patient, so I always have heart health on my mind, too!

I'm definitely not skinny, but I think men do treat me differently now. More of them seem to talk to me, smile at me, etc. I also get FB friend requests from rando guys on FB when I put my picture in my profile now. It's weird. Women who know me seem to treat me about the same, but strangers are nicer. I think that's weird, too!

The only way I can see my weight loss is if I put my before picture and my current picture side by side. Otherwise, I still see my fat body when I look in the mirror. Try comparing pics - it is an eye opener!!

I've been married for 15 years . . . and there is absolutely no way my husband would refuse to talk to me about something important to me. That would be a HUGE issue in my house. I think you should address that first. Ultimately, it's your body and your decision. I know it's a lot harder without support, but if this is something you really want, you may just have to do it. Maybe he doesn't fully understand the health risks at your current BMI? If that's the case, make sure he does. It's not a question of "if" you're going to have health issues - it's really a "when." I know it's not exactly the same thing, but my husband was not supportive when I first wanted to go back to school. He thought I was going to be wasting money and I wouldn't follow through (in fairness, I was young and a little flaky then). When I got my bachelor's degree, I got to say "told you so." When I got my master's, I got to say "SUCK IT, DH." So . . . I do understand that it's hard to make a decision without your husband's support, but I also know it can be done!

I haven't had any major complications, but there are definitely mental aspects to post-surgery life that I didn't really think about. First, you can't overeat - even if you have the worst day ever, you can't turn to food for comfort. Is that a con? Not really, but it does mean you have to find new ways to deal with your issues. Prepare yourself. Second, there are times that you are going to be pissed off that you can't eat what others are eating or as much as they are eating. I didn't expect that at all. You just have to change your way of thinking! You can't take a break from your new lifestyle. You will get sick and/or potentially cause harm to yourself if you don't follow your diet guidelines. This is 100% commitment for the rest of your life. I'm not saying you'll never eat normal foods, but you have to be committed to eating nutritious foods in the right quantities. Make sure you are ready for that before you take the plunge. I didn't have any major food issues before surgery . . . I just neglected myself for too long, which led to my weight gain. That being said, the mental aspects have still affected me from time to time. They are all manageable, but I definitely think this is more of a head game than people realize before surgery. Good luck with your decision! Even with all of the above, I do NOT regret my decision. I feel better than I have felt in years, and I'm really happy I went through with my surgery!!

I don't do this, and I never will. If you're not far enough out that you should be eating those foods, you should really just go without. It's a short phase, and you can get through it! If you are far enough out to eat them, either eat a bite or go without. This seems like a really bad habit to get into.

I felt pretty normal after the anesthesia wore off. I know some people have more issues than I did, but I don't think I even needed pain meds. It was a pretty easy surgery and recovery for me. I would have been fine to go to a dinner the next day.

It sounds like you are doing awesome!! I'm not sure that 205 is a reasonable goal . . . most people (even ones who start heavier than you) seem to lose 20 - 30 lbs the first month. If you are following your eating plan and getting your exercise, you're golden. I wouldn't stress about the numbers - they will follow!

I've been pretty lucky. The only things that have been difficult for me to eat are chicken, shrimp, and regular bread. I still eat chicken and shrimp regularly, but they fill me up extremely fast and give me that overly full, gross feeling. Steak and tuna are actually way easier for me to eat. Bread just sits like a rock, so I don't like to eat it. Pizza is like that, too. Fruits, veggies, and dairy seem to be fine for me.

LOL! I thought the same thing . . . but then I accidentally grabbed a part that wasn't fatty enough one day. Holy cow . . . that really hurt!! Just make sure you grab the fatty, lower part of your tummy.

I think one of my friends is jealous. She hasn't said anything, but I just get the impression. I don't let it bother me. I did this for my health, and I don't owe her an explanation or apology. I have worked hard for what I have achieved, and as you all know, it's definitely not the easy way out that some people think it is. My attitude is that my friend can either deal with her issues, or she can move on. Either way, I'll be over here, living life.

I take blood thinner normally for an artificial heart valve, so I had to do Lovenox shots for two weeks before surgery and a week or two afterwards. They are no big deal. You pinch the fatty part of your stomach, clean it with alcohol wipes, and do the shot. It doesn't hurt too bad unless you don't grab a fatty part . . . then it hurts like a #$%^&! You might bruise a bit, but even that's not a big deal.

My butt has totally disappeared . . . I still have my tummy to work on, but my legs and butt have gotten significantly thinner. It's the weirdest thing. Sadly, I'm apple-shaped, so I really NEED my tummy to slim down. I'm hoping that it will eventually catch up!

This seems like a very reasonable meal plan . . . it does a much better job of balancing fruits/veggies and protein than I am currently doing. I can do carbs, too. My NUT actually told me to add more fruit to my diet. Creekimp13, did they tell you to do 1,000 - 1,200 calories during the losing phase? I'm trying to get my dietician on the phone today, so I can find out how many calories I am supposed to be eating right now. I have seen everything from 600 - 800 to 1000 - 1200.

I drink decaf every morning . . . yum!! The funny thing is, I didn't really start drinking it until after surgery. It just tastes so much better now that I don't have a taste for soda or extremely sweet drinks!

I eat carbs. I'm usually in the 50 - 70 range per day. I try to get most of them from fruits/veggies, but I do occasionally have a low-carb tortilla or one ounce of potatoes or rice. I can't really eat bread now (it sits like a rock in my tummy), but that's ok. I think many plans advocate low-carb because a lot of carbs are slider foods, or they don't offer as much nutrition for the calories you are consuming. Some people are extremely carb sensitive, too, but I have always felt better with a balance of carbs, fats, and protein.

I had them around 8 weeks for the first time. I can only eat a couple, and I don't eat the really spicy ones. I've never been a fan of spicy food, though. I haven't had any issues with them.

It sounds like you have been through a lot in your life, and you recognize that those things have caused some emotional damage. It could be that you are gravitating towards the wrong men for some reason. Two things that I think might help - 1) If you aren't seeing a therapist, starting seeing one. You seem very self aware, and talking things out could help a lot. 2) Make a list of what you want in a boyfriend/spouse, and seek out men that fit your criteria. Don't accept less. You deserve happiness. It sounds like a lot of your trouble has come from settling for men that you knew weren't right for you. I really don't think the majority of men are creeps . . . you have had some bad luck!! Hang in there, and good luck to you!!

I don't think that type of pain is normal. If I was in your situation, I'd insist on a follow-up appointment right away. It's normal to have mild to moderate pain and a little swelling - severe pain is not normal. You should be able to move.

I agree with the above. It's very normal to feel a little down at that stage after surgery. You've made some HUGE changes to your diet, and your body is going a little crazy. Hang in there - as you start to lose more weight and adjust to the changes, you'll start feeling better!! It's temporary.