Healthy_life

I workout to replace stress emotional eating.

11 hours ago, SATSleeve said:

So I am officially 5 weeks post-op today. This past weekend my wife and I moved into a larger place where our kids could all have their own bedrooms. I was somewhat frustrated by the fact that I couldn’t really help moving a lot of things and had to rely on the movers, family, and friends to do much more than I could. By the second day of moving I had reached my end. The 600 calories I’m taking in with the post-op soft foods diet just gave me no energy to do much of anything.

That night I had a bit of a break down. Like most of us I’ve had varying success of losing the same 20, 40, or 80 pounds over and over again. With every successful diet attempt I’ve tried in the past I’ve allowed myself “cheat days” where I could enjoy bingeing on what I had deprived myself of all week. While this journey has been somewhat easier in the sense that the weight comes off more easily, and the hunger pains are relatively non-exitant...in some ways its so much harder, because there are no days off.

I mentioned to my wife, that I feel at a bit of a loss. Before my surgery I would turn to food, or alcohol, or an occasional smoke to relieve the stress. But now, I don’t have any of those things available to me. I know it’s for the betterment of my health, and that my decision to have the surgery was in large part because I knew that I had to make drastic changes to the way I consume everything in my life. More than that...as strange as it seems, I loved food. It was a great friend to me that always made me feel better. And ever since the surgery, it’s weird to say, but I kind of hate eating. I hate how it makes me feel, I hate the process of chewing so much, but even worse...I hate that I hate it. Because now it’s like this friend that I had as a physical and emotional crutch is just, gone.

To end this on a positive note, I only weigh myself once a week on Monday mornings. This morning I saw that I lost 9 pounds over the last week. (Moving was certainly the most excercise I’ve done since surgery!) I’m down 62 pounds since I first walked into the Bariatric center eight months ago, and over 40 pounds since my surgery. I know this is going to get better, and I’m happy with the choice I made. But I know that not everyday is easy. I read that a lot of people seem to hit this same buyers remorse feeling about a month out, so it helps knowing that I’m not alone.

Here’s to the better days. Hang in there...it will be worth it.

Congrats on your weight loss!

Changing behaviors is not easy or comfortable. Facing the things that got us to our high weight and overcoming them is one of the greatest gifts out of surgery. Much of weight loss is the mental battles.

Embrace the stall - Old thread.

https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/351046-embrace-the-stall/?tab=comments#comment-3952027

If you need support getting back on track...Join the January weight loss challenge.

https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/421742-❤-january-2019-challenge-❤/

Who goes to the cheesecake factory to eat healthy???? **laughing at myself** They actually had a wonderful health minded menu. I had the skinnylicious grilled salmon.

Working on my my 50 year old cardio butt. Would love to have a booty.

Cheesecake factory menu

I found a salad that had more calories than cheesecake. 1 serving Sheila's chicken avocado salad. 1850 calories, 145g carbs, 85g fat and 75g Protein

https://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/calories/cheesecake-factory-sheilas-chicken-and-avocado-salad-290690798

1 hour ago, Glamgirl said:

I am 9 months post op.. so far so good... lost a lot of weight so far and I feel great... still working on seeing my surgeon for the follow up so he can evaluate my first set of blood work tests. My primary gave me an Iron prescription plus told me to take added Vitamin A. Anyway, I eat what I want , and definitely in small amounts. The only exercise I get is walking but I really need to start weight training to build up some muscle for my slightly flabby skin. Its not really bad but bad enough to where I would like tone up before thinking of surgery . My surgeon said don't do surgery until 18 months after weight loss surgery... Which means I still have another 9 months to go IF I decide to go that route.

Anyone have any good toning exercises with weights that I can do for my arms and legs ? Also any good butt exercises out there? Id like to tone it up a little too. Ive googled a few things but nothing really shows me from a weight loss patient perspective on what good exercises to do for toning up flabby bodies. They really need something like that on the web! A go to list for weight loss patients! I hope I didn't wait too long to start? Thats what I am afraid of. These past 9 months have just been busy and the weight has been coming off all on its on so I haven't started a major exercise routine although I am always active in walking. Lots of walking.

Also I live in North Carolina... I thought about starting up a support group and meeting once a week or twice a month. Anyone interested? I live in central Carolina. I would really even like to attend a support group if there are any out there on this side of the town ?

Please any thoughts or suggests for me?

1 hour ago, Glamgirl said:

Ive googled a few things but nothing really shows me from a weight loss patient perspective on what good exercises to do for toning up flabby bodies

Weight lifting is not different for bariatric patients. Lifts are still the same. I'm not sure what you are looking for.

https://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/

https://www.bodybuilding.com/

On 1/4/2019 at 2:54 PM, jasmineinmymind said:

I have light blonde hair though, would it still work?

It comes in different colors

1 hour ago, Orchids&Dragons said:

There are some seriously dedicated weight loss fridges out there!

Don't judge me too harshly for our fridges - I live with 3 grown, non-dieting men! Got back to my ticket weight today, yeah!

Lol no judgement here

12 hours ago, GreenTealael said:

1 hour ago, Coexister said:

I was worried about the skin as I am not able to do weight lifting or anything over 15 lbs even after the incisions heal from surgery as I still have a fist size incisional hernia the doctor will not repair until 8 months later that limits me. This is what motivated me to finally do this surgery as I has other surgical doctors that would not repair until I lost 50lbs. The incisional hernia is a previous mesh repair that was cut through for another surgery and became a hernia with weight gain. It's all so frustrating as I know lifting weights is my fastest way to weight loss but I have been limited here for quite some time. I am also needing a shoulder rotator cuff repair and will probably have that surgery in 6 to 8 weeks and this again will limit me. My only choice is walking. I do have a treadmill and a stationary bike. Just not sure when it is ok to use bike? The nurse at the hospital told me not to use the treadmill for awhile but my house is small and I feel like a hamster in a wheel walking circles in my house. I am thinking this morning I will go ahead and use my treadmill and just keep it flat and slow, I don't see any harm in this? Anyone else used there treadmill 9 days post-op?

Sorry to hear about your rotator cuff and hernia issues. Lower body exercise works. Check with your dr to see if you are released to do treadmill or bike. Walking is great exercise. It will help you heal from surgery.

I don't know much about this type of surgery. I'm hoping to learn from your experience. What is a normal calorie range for a female 5' 6" to stay in weight loss mode? (3K would make me gain)

On 9/12/2018 at 11:38 AM, DixieD said:

I got my SADI-S on January 11, 2017 and I have been in a weightloss stall for the past 8months. I am honestly at a total loss for ideas! I make aure to eat over 100g or Protein per day, eat lots of healthy fats and very little carbs such as is recommended for my surgery but i am CONSTANTLY STARVING!!

I eat between 1400-2200 calories per day, sometimes even more on especially hungry days!

I am open to suggestions, constructive criticism... i just need to lose these last 50lbs so i can get my plastic surgeries!! Maybe i’m not eating enough???

On 9/12/2018 at 1:28 PM, DixieD said:

I have vets who told me to eat between 3000-4000 calories per day

On 9/12/2018 at 1:28 PM, DixieD said:

I have no baseline and it’s such a new surgery not even the surgeons can help me! Lo

I also don't know much about SIPS SADI-S Have you talked with your surgical team to rule out a medical issues? Can they give you diet instructions with calorie goal?

Here is a link to the SIP-S SADI loop support on this site

https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/361664-sips-sadi-s-loop-ds-support/

I'm sure GERD is an issue with your hunger. I hope other people here that have GERD can jump in and give advice.

3000-4000 calories? I'm a vet and it does not make me an expert on anything bariatric. No one here can say what calorie goal to hit. We can give a best guess. You would benefit from a dietician who knows your surgery and medical background. Reality is you can't out exercise extra calories.

I am not going to preach what you should do. Just some options and things to think about.

Strategies for hunger:

I agree with dumping Protein Shakes and bars. Real food is more satiating. You can easily get your Protein goal in this far out from surgery. Dense protein. The bulk and Fiber from veggie will help.

Cut carbs and sugar they cause hunger and cravings.

Eat small meals every two/ three hours. Log food in an app - Stay within your calories and macros (dont go over)

After your protein gaol - Eat as much veggies as you want to fill your hunger.

Snacking Cravings Head Hunger:

Keep healthy sweet and salty options on hand.

Keep a veggie tray in the fridge. If you have reached you calories and macros for the day and still feel hungry allow yourself as much veggies as you want. If you try to bargain with yourself for other options, you know its head hunger.

On 9/12/2018 at 1:35 PM, DixieD said:

I’m afraid if i cut down with the amount of exercise I do that I will be malnourished and weak and starving even more than i am not. Arghhh so frustrating! But i’ll definitely try!!!
Maybe i can still eat but eat like veggies instead since they are low calories!

Surgery did not remove my sensation of hunger. Especially with working out.

I distance run and weight lift. I can eat in my weight loss deficit calories without being malnourished. I eat before/after workouts and stay hydrated. ** Running half marathons or further I eat differently. **

Stay healthy. I hope you stick around and post. Your experience with this type of surgery is going to help many people along the way.

On 12/25/2018 at 7:33 PM, BlueCrush said:

Christmas day check-in.

I started a new workout plan this week. Link to the plan is posted below, I am doing the Six Days on 1 day off version with Fridays as my off day. I'm up about 4 lb since last month, which I believe it's mostly muscle based on results. Currently eating about 2800 calories per day ensuring at least 150 to 170 grams of Protein per day.

Workout plan: https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/6-day-powerbuilding-split-meal-plan

I feel like this far, my back is what I see the most noticeable difference in as far as muscle mass:

I second the V shape comment. Gun's all day long 💪🏋️‍♂️

Cheesecake factory skinnylicious grilled salmon. Nothing left on my plate. Resisted the urge to order white chocolate, caramel, macadamia nut cheesecake.

51 minutes ago, Recidivist said:

I'm a newbie here with bypass surgery scheduled for February 2019. Like many of you, I've never been big on exercise, and I know that will become a big part of my life post-surgery. I can definitely commit to walking every day, but I can't see myself going to the gym. Would a brisk walk every day be enough, or is it going to slow my weight loss? I'd appreciate insight from those on the other side!

I was a true couch potato pre surgery. Committing to exercise was a necessary evil that I was not thrilled about. Exercise/activity does not mean you have to step inside a gym. Start slow. Do it even when you don't want to. It gets easier if you make it a habit. You will find you are stronger than you give yourself credit for.

Use your activity/exercise to replace. stress/emotional eating, head hunger or eating out of boredom. Make it a time to process all the changes and mental battles with weight loss. This is the time you carve out for yourself. Don't let anyone interrupt it.

• Get zumba videos online and dance your butt off
• walk and make it about the destination. Take photos.
• As you get stronger and have more energy challenge yourself to do more. Plan a hike with beautiful views. Make exercise an adventure and not a chore.
• Buy exercise equipment at a thrift store. (stationary bike, dumbbells or a treadmill)
• Find your inner bad@ss!

You never know where this journey will take you. Who knows how you will feel about exercise six months or a year from now. Many changes coming your way.

3 hours ago, Naughty Glitter Goddess said:

I'm really frustrated with my best friend and I'm not sure what I'm gonna do about it so I came here to rant into the abyss.

She said some hurtful things that I'm having a hard time letting go of. Every time we speak she comments about needing to get on track with her diet so that I don't pass her up. It sucks! I didn't realize that my role in our friendship was being the fat one and I guess it's important to her that it stay that way. She is also overweight but has never been morbidly obese. My current weight is probably about where her highest weight has been but she is less right now. Every time we speak she asks me how I'm doing with my weight loss and asks a lot of detailed questions most of which I'm happy to answer as we've been friends for 10 years. Then 2 weeks ago, she sent me a text saying that she doesn't want to talk to me right now because watching me lose weight and looking better is upsetting to her. She said it is triggering her eating disorder of which I was unaware. I responded compassionately even though I was upset and told her it was ok for her to be honest with me about her feelings.

I expected to give her some time and space and see how things go but she texts me almost every day with something sad and horrible about missing her mom or depression or anxiety or her wife or her son's behavior problems and it feels like she's leaning really heavily on me. This might just be a season in our friendship were she needs more support than I do right now. But it's hard for me to hang in there when she says unsupportive things to me and then expects me to just keep responding to 2am texts. Luckily for both of us she lives in another state so she never has to see the look on my face when she makes those comments.

I only told 5 people about my surgery: my mom, my 2 sisters, my husband and my best friend. She lives in another state and we probably only talk about once a month these days. I was counting on her as part of my support system.

She is going through a lot, like all of us. She suffers from depression, struggles with money, has some family issues and lost her mom a year ago. I love her and I worry about her. It makes me sad that I feel like our friendship is not healthy for me.

Ten year friendship and now you are being unsupported and having to pick her up while she's in a downward spiral. I hope she can get help to manage her own issues and change to be a supportive person in your life. You may want to distance the relationship or cut it off completely If she is not in a place to change. You don't need stress and negativity bringing you down.

3 hours ago, patanna said:

I had my gastric bypass December the 10th so Monday I will be 4 weeks post op. My weight is driving me crazy. Surgery weight was 240 lbs. its been up and down today its 234.9 is this normal. I am getting my Water and Protein in . I hoped I would be down more than this.

Embrace the stall

https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/351046-embrace-the-stall/

1 hour ago, sillykitty said:

Alright ... I'm back in town and officially starting today

Weighed this morning -137.2. Not bad considering minibreak shenanigans

January Goals - Protein, hydration & Vitamins

2019 Goals - Keep my weight at 140 or lower, plastics in the fall

Proudest Moment 2018

Wearing outfits I NEVER thought I'd be able to pull off. Being able to feel sexy, confident and professional is AMAZING. I finally look like the person I've always thought I was inside my head. This one is probably my favorite.

Drop dead gorgeous outfit and killer heels. You and @GreenTealael are the posh spice to my sporty spice. (Not a fan of the band)

On 12/28/2018 at 7:37 PM, Ed_NW said:

I like to turn it around on them and say "What are you saying, I was fat?" That usually trips them up pretty good.

Turn it around on them and ask " what do you weigh?" end it with awkward silence. 😈

43 minutes ago, johnsons13 said:

Proudest moment 2018 was working on my marriage and losing 50 pounds. Now I gotta get back on track.

I have a better pic, but I can't get it to upload. This pic was Dec 2017. I was 230.

50 pounds gone forever! Congrats on putting in the work on your marriage.

11 minutes ago, Naughty Glitter Goddess said:

My proudest moment of 2018 came in December and it was a culmination of all the hard work I've done this year. I believe the clarity of mind from healthy eating, the strong body from exercising, and my improved self esteem from having a smaller body all helped me succeed this year. On the 28th, I stayed up for an all night brain storming session and at the end of it I had an outline for my 1st business plan. I'm starting my own business and I'm going to be a CEO people! But I have to say one of the best parts was excitedly telling my husband about it the following morning and getting 100% support from him about my idea, my plan and the direction I want to take my life. That was a gift and the best accomplishment of 2018.

But I don't have photo evidence of that one, just a scribbled business plan on the back of my grocery list so here's another one! See this huge container of popcorn? I did not eat one single kernel! How's that for willpower!

Congrats on CEO!

popcorn is my weakness. Fantastic willpower.

On 12/30/2018 at 11:11 AM, jasmineinmymind said:

I’m 51. I feel like this will be a good age to do this because I know for a fact that I have exhausted every single channel possible. I have tried everything and I know that this is my very last option. I will have the surgery knowing that it is absolutely the right thing to do. I did go through early menopause and my hair is a lot thinner than it used to be. I’m wondering how someone post menopausal will do as far as Hair loss. I feel like I have absolutely no extra hair to lose!!! I’m scared of that part

I had thin hair to begin with. I touch up the thin spots with toppik *lol* it works.