Healthy_life

12 hours ago, Creekimp13 said:

What few people realize here...is that there is a difference between mouse biochemistry and human biochemistry. Particularly, in the way we deal with IGF-1. Mouse studies are pointless.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2673798/

These findings demonstrate that, unlike in rodents, long-term severe CR (caloric restriction) does not reduce serum IGF-1 concentration and IGF-1 : IGFBP-3 ratio in humans. In addition, our data provide evidence that Protein intake is a key determinant of circulating IGF-1 levels in humans, and suggest that reduced Protein intake may become an important component of anticancer and anti-aging dietary interventions.

MMME's study above...while from a reputable source...was done on mice.

Beating the point back to you.

You eat 60 grams of protein like any other bariatric patient. So we can agree this is not a high protein diet. Topic does not apply to bariatrics but thanks for the information.

On 10/26/2018 at 6:07 AM, tnks2hp said:

I need to be on a 3 different types of psych medications that cause weight gain! I didn't want to take them, but my sanity and health depends on them and I was taking one of them before surgery.

I have asked for similar medications that don't have the weight gain side effect and it seems like there are none that would take care of my symptoms. So I've been taking these.

As a result, my weight loss has been very slow and compared to others minimal! I am at 13 months post op and have already gained 6 lbs after starting my last medication which was a month ago!

Now, I'm not saying I have been perfect, but I don't think I've ate so bad as to have gained 6 lbs! I'm ashamed to tell anyone, but I'm sure they can tell themselves! I have already stopped taking one of the medications that causes weight gain because it really wasn't helping my symptoms much. There are 2 other medications I take that cause weight gain but since these are in my system long term, I am afraid to stop taking them and seriously doubt my doctor would approve. I'm afraid of not taking them too.

I am seeing my doctor tomorrow, but I doubt anything will come out of it. There aren't many weight neutral psych medications! and it's already been difficult to get me stable so since these meds work for my condition, I doubt that my doctor will change them. And quite frankly, I am afraid to try other things since like I said, it took a long time and many trial and errors for me to become emotionally stable.

My weight loss surgeon said the meds makes it harder to lose, but they have actually caused a weight gain! He gave me phentermine to help, but it's been two weeks on them and I see no difference! My eating hasn't changed much from when I was losing. I still exercise daily and stay away from starchy food. I haven't been consistent with logging food, which I started doing again yesterday.

I'm 10 lbs away from my goal but I am not hopeful that I can lose these last 10 lbs. and I'm afraid of gaining more weight if I continue taking these medications.

I feel defeated and feel like a failure because of the 6 lbs I've gained back.

Has anyone been in this situation? What did you do?

Please share your experience if you have had similar issues.

Thank you

Congratulations on being so close to your personal goal. That takes work and moxy!

Weight gains can mess with your head. I get the fear of going back to where you started. You are not a failure. No need to beat yourself down. This is the mental battles with weight loss surgery. Time to press forward and build yourself up. Work with your Dr. We are all a work in progress.

Managing mental illness and keeping stable is work. Managing our weight loss is work. None of this is easy. You already know what you need to do. Stay the course.

Wishing you the best,

Jenn

1 hour ago, Ed_NW said:

I think most people would be inclined to leave this community and join the ranks of the healthy and physically fit at your stage in the game. Kudos to you for sticking around 3 1/2 years out and helping put things into perspective for the beginners like myself.

Congrats on your surgery!

I've been on and off this site. I came back after a 16 pound gain and worked it back to my maintaining weight. Some days it's like watching a train wreck in here. But most people are supportive.

Health was my main issue to have surgery. I want to be around for family.

7 hours ago, oopsydaisy said:

I haven't really lost in 3 months (I lost; gained it back, lost it again- and I'm in the same exact place I was 3 months ago.

What's different is that I'm snacking. And I'm not good snacking. I'm craving cakes and Cookies and the bane of my scale- crackers any time anything feels a little overwhelming or stressful. Willpower is a wonderful thing - It's failing me though and I'm giving in often. Even still, I'm not exceeding about 12-1400 calories per day. I can think of no other reason for stall.

I'm 5'4". Starting 270; 265 surgery day, 180 today. I still have about 45 lbs to lose. So- what's your go to method of dealing with head hunger, stress eating, and the cookie monster?

Great advice above. Once you start eating Cookies, cakes, crackers you crave them more. Remove temptations foods from the house and give yourself time to detox off them. You may feel funky for a while but it will help you to find your weight loss mojo again. Find activities that help process life stresses/emotions read, play, Paint a room, landscape, go for a walk, therapy, hang with friends and family, be artistic, watch a comedy and laugh ect. Love the video game idea @OpsMatt

Options to try -

My disclaimer - Ignore any advice that's not on your plan

Night snacking/head hunger - keep a veggie tray in the fridge (option low calorie dip/dressing) - Allow yourself to eat until full. If you try to bargain with yourself for another option then you know its head hunger.

A warm beverage that calms your stomach before bed: Examples - (sugar free sweeteners optional)

• Camomile lavender tea unsweetened cashew milk
• sleepy time tea
• hot cocoa - Hot Water, unsweetened cashew milk, Hershey's Sugar Free Chocolate Syrup

9 hours ago, vrice said:

I have a question for those who have had Bariatric Surgery. How is your health compared to what it was before? I know many people have major health concern before surgery and they are cleared up once the weight is lost. But has anyone’s health declined? Do you catch the “common cold” more often? Are you on different medications? I’m very curious about this, I’ve heard conflicting arguments.

I was in a health crisis before surgery. Diabetes out of control. I was in ICU for eight days with diabetic ketoacidosis. My internal organs systematically shutdown, My heart stopped and they brought me back. I don't take this second chance in life for granted.

My health is drastically better since surgery and weight loss.

• Type one diabetic issues are well controlled.
• No high blood pressure or cholesterol
• No cpap machine
• I have energy and I'm not out of breath.
• I feel younger
• Off many medications

Colds and dental issues - No changes from pre surgery

Bruising - Fat used to insulate my body from bruising. Now capillaries and veins are closer to the skin's surface. My age is also a factor. yikes! I will be 50 in six days.

Obesity related issues and diseases will catch up to you with over time. Surgery as a treatment option saved my life.

2 hours ago, fluffy562 said:

Is salad a slider food for you?

salad condenses and slides down easily. I can eat a regular sized plate. I make them low calorie. No weight gain.

25 minutes ago, J San said:

What is this? Or what does it mean if it's not a physical thing?

Ask your surgeon's office if they have a bariatric card, Most restaurants honor them and will give you smaller portioned meals.

honestly, i never used mine.

2 hours ago, NYCNomad said:

I’m 6 mo post op and down 70lbs with another 20-30 to go but things have slowed waaaaaaay down. I’ve only lost 5lbs/mo for past 3 months. Also, I’m very surprised at the volume of food I’m able to eat and suspect this is a contributing factor.

I travel a lot for work and as a result find myself eating out. I order healthy options and mostly avoid carbs but I find my self straining to finish meals. I can usually eat 2/3 of a restaurant serving. For example, if I order a burger, I will usually eat all of the burger sans bun and a few fries. Or today I had almost 3 scrambled eggs, 2 slices of bacon and a bite or two of potatoes. Sometimes I know I’m eating too much and don’t feel good but for the most part I stop when I’m full. I’m a 37 y.o. female with an athletic build, and on average consume 1500-2000 cal/day.

Is anyone else able to consume this much? Can my sleeve already be stretched? Any tips for ordering at restaurants without having to disclose surgery is much appreciated

Many posts about this.

Many of us can hold more food as you progress out from surgery. Its seems to be a shared experience for sleevers. Your stomach is not back to normal size. (stretching is rare. You can always get it checked out by your Dr.)

Now that you can hold more volume it is important to keep within your calories and macros. The extra volume does not mean you have to overeat or make choices that will cause weight gain. Where your calories and macros should be at this point? You may want a consult with your dietician. We are all different what works for me, may not work for you.

Restaurants and travel: Look up menus online to see what bariatric friendly options you have. If you can, go shopping and buy no cook items. If you don't finish a meal you can take leftovers home. Use a bariatric card for small portions.

31 minutes ago, Yessican said:

Hey guys, so I’m scheduled for nov 7. I’m a mom of two beautiful, energetic girls one is 6 and one is going to be 2. I’m having my worries of course about the surgery my biggest concern are my babies. I need this for me but I’m feeling a little selfish because I know they need me too. Just wanted to hear advice and other mommies that have been in this position, how was it, recovering and attending to them and everything in between.

Not selfish to get healthy and treating a disease. You will be modeling this lifestyle for your kids. They will be learning your habits of eating healthy and activity/exercise. One of my NSVs is keeping up with my active 3 year old grandson and 5 month old granddaughter.

Congrats on your upcoming surgery.

Not so much a cheat - Indulging while maintaining

Ordered the mile high mud pie at the ram. Only 1,593 calories for half a piece. Shared it with my hubby.

https://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/calories/the-ram-mile-high-mud-pie-602319461

3 minutes ago, emk101009 said:

I have asked this question before and didn't get many responses. I had the sleeve over 5 years ago. I lost 90#. I have gained back half over the past 2 years due to binge eating, prednisone, and the fact that my surgeon NEVER told me I would need to live on 1000 calories a day. When I went back to see him about 6 months ago he told me its too late and will not be able to lose weight anymore!!!!! I am really frustrated and struggling.

I'm sorry you are struggling,

Many people here have had weight gain. It's not too late. A good start is finding a good therapist to address your binge eating issues. Medication issues are between you and the prescribing physician. If you don't have a dietician research for one in your area.

4 hours ago, FluffyChix said:

So from the time I was cleared for Stage 4 or 5 foods (diet for life), we had this instruction:

1. Add new foods slowly, 1 thing at a time to note any reactions or intolerance.

2. Eat Protein first, followed by low glycemic veggies, including small amounts of healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds). Include whole grains and low glycemic carbohydrates and fruit if room is left. (Avoid added sugars, white rice, Pasta and potatoes.)

Most of my meals consist of: That's usually about 90-98% of my diet about 90-98% of the time.

lean Proteins (mostly fish-salmon, white flaky fish, shrimp/shellfish, chicken, turkey, sometimes very lean pork, beef, and also venison/lamb/bison/emu/ostrich)

crap tons of leafy greens (at least 2 meals and I try for 3 meals to include either raw or cooked leafy greens + mushrooms)

crap tons of low glycemic veggies concentrating on the brassica, cruciferous, allium, summer squash, and lily families

a modicum of daily Prebiotic fibers from things like (inulin, psyllium husks, oat Fiber (diff from oat flour), jicama, asparagus, onions/leeks/garlic, sometimes a few beans)

at least 1 or 2 servings of lacto fermented veggies such as Kim Chi and Sauerkraut.

sometimes a "snack meal or breakfast" with a combo of plain FF Greek yogurt, a little 2% cottage cheese and dark berries, or I will have a snack with 2oz of GS apple with peel and 1Tbsp of nut butter or almonds/walnuts/pecans

I add 1 fat to each meal now--usually in the form of either evoo, avocado oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, nut butters.

If there is something that I absolutely want I will eat it. I will have a cheat meal (not a day...just 1 meal) whenever I feel like it. But I try to account for that meal before I ever indulge and make concessions to be super light the rest of the day, or make sure I've done some strength building exercises and done plenty of my walking that day in addition to eating light the remainder of the day. If I want a bite of contraband...I will take that bite and leave the rest. I will usually order a good meal to oppose that "wicked stray bite."

I've lost 70lbs in 8 months post op and have lost 135+lbs in the past 18months. I've lived this way for most of 18 years and feel ABSOLUTELY zero deprivation. It's just the way I eat and anticipate eating this way for the rest of my life. I still refer to it as a diet. I always will. I plan. I plan to live my diet for success and the second it quits working, I will modify, modify, modify!

So this is your weight loss plan above. Have you received different plan instructions for maintaining?

You are not living on Protein and vegetables life long. Amen!

I would hate to see someone researching this site or new. Thinking that they are only going to eat protein and vegetables life long.

I keep reading posts that people will be eating Protein and vegetables only life long. I am curious to know what your dietician basic plan for going into weight maintenance is?

Do your basic maintaining instructions look similar to mine? I was told to add low glycemic carbohydrates, Sweet potato, brown rice, whole wheat etc. after I lost 75% of my weight. This is to slow/stop weight loss.

Is anyone currently maintaining living off protein and vegetables only?

1 hour ago, bettie.blue said:

.... In the past I have loathed shopping for them and that old familiar feeling is still strong. I know I need to at least buy a pair or two of jeans. My three surviving pairs are either falling off of me or have holes from where my thighs have been rubbing together. These jeans are over 2 years old and lived a long life but I hesitate. I’ve become a non brick and mortar shopper and the thought of setting foot in a store makes me nervous. Have any of you experienced a reluctance to shop for clothes; online or in person? Maybe have some fear that you won’t see your progress reflected in the sizes you where?

I hated shopping because it was a reminder of how out of control my weight had become. It was hard to find clothing in cute styles and fit well. It's ok that you are not thrilled about buying clothing.

When your clothing is falling off of your body, you know it's time to get another size. Shopping is going to be a necessary evil. You will be going through sizes fairly quickly. Don't invest a lot of money on clothing while you are losing weight. Some shop thrift, second hand and discount stores.

I'm curious to see if your feeling about shopping change as you progress out from surgery. Keep us updated.

4 hours ago, FluffyChix said:

Ha! Good for you. We all have to do "ourselves."

I'm 56 years old and no forkin way do I want to go quietly into that dark night of looking like my mom or granma. I wanna be smokin hot, and look like I'm Miss Behavin' so people look at me and wonder what I'm up to and why I'm having so much fun! I also want them thinking I'm a much younger sister to my real self. LOL.

My sis is 67 and is a stone cold fox who people think is so much younger than she is--actually, younger than me--cuz she's tiny and has a knockout figure, personality and puts herself together so well. She's my role model.

You are a hottie..... Never behave!

2 hours ago, Jeaniered said:

Pretty dang foxy! You ladies inspire me.

On 10/20/2018 at 3:13 AM, Brissie said:

Having previously lost weight, I knew my skin wasn’t going to bounce back and I would have some extra. My goal weight was a previous weight I had been which seemed to be a comfortable spot that balanced looking good with not having too much loose skin.

I hope I look good and rock my loose skin.

Youtube tutorials on how to use the app

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=myfitnesspal+tutorials

Myfitnesspal food log app. Works on phone and personal computer

Android download https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.myfitnesspal.android&hl=en_US

apple download https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/myfitnesspal/id341232718?mt=8

On 10/20/2018 at 10:26 AM, Screwballski said:

I had an easy surgery and recovery in May (2018).
I was a fairly low weight by the time surgery day rolled around (180lbs) so I sailed to goal (150lbs) by mid August, with a couple minor stalls along the way.
I readjusted my goal to 140lbs. I hit that a couple weeks later and thought, perhaps I’d like to try out 135lbs.
No matter what I do, I cannot get beyond 139lbs.
I have been bouncing between 140 and 139 for 4 weeks.
It doesn’t matter what I change; activity, calories, sodium, fat, Protein, fluid...
I dropped another size during the first week of this stall but nothing since.
Could this simply be another stall or is this my body saying, “You need to live here, Sweetie.”
I’m okay either way. Just a little confused.

Fantastic weight loss!. You see a difference on-camera with 4 pounds? Things I never knew.

This can be that your body has less fat to burn. It's feeling comfortable at your current weight. You can be at a healthy BMI and rock your fabulous self. It also does not mean you have to live here forever. Your body may need a bit of a break before you can get back into weight loss mode for the additional four.

1 hour ago, Creekimp13 said:

I will continue to post nutrition articles that are of concern to bariatric patients. We are adults. Those who appreciate them can read them. Those who don't....can either continue to whine and cry about them....or act like adults and simply ignore them.

I've been thanked privately and encouraged to continue posting. I'm happy to do that for those who find it of use.

Absolutely no problem with posting health articles. Appreciate the warnings on high Protein diets.

60 grams of protein is the same as any other bariatric patient. 60 grams is not a high amount of protein. Right?????

You said "I do eat meat. When I do, it's mostly chicken and fish. I very occasionally eat fresh red meat. I get more than half of my daily require Protein from plant/carb bases sources. I eat 60g of protein per day.

I'm glad to see that all of us are within a good range.

7 hours ago, RenegadeAngel said:

Has anyone had surgery and then you go down the line after losing weight then you just sort of fall off track? I’ve lost a lot of weight but it’s hard to keep up with going to the gym, eating healthy, and keeping up with everything in life that I do. The question is who else has had struggle keeping up with the balance? And how have you found ways around it that make it more manageable?

The enthusiasm you once had fades. Life gets busy. What is your goal right now? Is it to get back on track after a regain? Is it maintaining at your current weight?

3 minutes ago, TexasMommy80 said:

Seriously, this post is like beating a dead horse. Is there a way I can stop getting notifications for it? Someone simply said what worked for them, and after rereading it, I see nothing that tells me that she was telling anyone else that what they were doing was wrong. This is exactly why at 6 months post vsg, I am ready to say good riddance to BariaticPal. It has become nothing but people arguing over the most trivial things.

Sent from my SM-G960U using BariatricPal mobile app

You have to goto settings to stop getting notification. All opinions are valued. Even when we don't agree on this site. Take what is useful and ignore the rest. Pass on threads that may offend you.

You have to goto settings to stop getting notification. All opinions are valued. Even when we don't agree on this site. Take what is useful and ignore the rest. Pass on threads that may offend you.