Kaswhy

A couple NSV’s for spring!

I ran 11 miles today 🙌🏽 Still working towards that 13.1, but I’m taking my time and preventing injuries along the way. I also ran a 33 minute 5k. My next goal will be to run one under 30minutes.

I’m able to run up 4 flights of stairs at work to get to bed meeting (I’m an ER nurse) and only be semi-winded. I used to dread walking up even my own stairs in my house (I seriously would avoid going upstairs at all costs) and now it doesn’t really bother me.

Still working toward the goals on the scale at 18 months out so any little NSV keeps the motivation going. 🧡 Shout out to my slow losers, not getting to goal before 1 year post op doesn’t mean you aren’t working just as hard.

Another month has flown by. I have lost another 3 pounds. 182. it isn't like right after surgery... but 10 years out, I CAN do this. And I am. Minus 37 pounds in 12 months. Looking at that, now, I see a slow steady weight loss of 3 pounds month. I am more than "good" with that.
Doing the same thing I have been doing. No radical dieting. Right now, being helped by my wonderful summer vegetable garden. Eating heirloom tomatoes and freshest cucumbers, green Beans and squash, eggplant and fresh bell peppers .... So good. Also enjoying treats like ice cream on a hot day. But so nice to know who is in control. ME.
As long as we all stay healthy in this crazy time of COVID and uncertainty . Be well. Stay strong.

I posted a while ago about my weight loss, and regain and taking control again.
Started at 320 or there abouts 5'2" and 54 years old 10 years ago. VSG. Lost weight and got to 180 pounds. Over 8 years I regained to 220. Started slow weight loss / getting back into control in mid July this past year. I have now lost 30 pounds. Back to 190. I started my weight loss with a BMI over 54 in the 300's. I am still considered obese at 190 and a BMI just under 34; but darn it, I am so flipping proud of myself.
Yes, I am 64 years old. No, I can't really exercise ... but I do some short walks and I garden and vegetable garden, take care of my chickens. I had to get a local teen to help me lift 40 pound bags of feed this year; but I can still haul the 25 lb bags.... and I continue to work full time in my career. Life is good.
In my weight loss journey this time out, I stopped at 20 pounds lost and took a break. I experimented with adding in more foods, and balancing out what I needed to do to maintain that 20 pound loss, and did that for a month, then decided to lose some more. I think that i never really paid all that much attention to how much, what kinds of foods how I Prepare them.... and exactly how my body reacts to it. I use very little salt at home. When I eat out, I gain weight from the added salt. Yes, it is Water weight from the salt; but being on lock down at home and working from home, with no lunches out for meetings.... going to have to find places to lunch that cut the sodium out !!! Going to continue what I am doing. Taking breaks, slow weight loss and maybe make it down to overweight, or not.... but will be pleased to keep that 30 # off !!!
Still using my VSG. 10 years later.

<! -- Begin Random Brain Dump -->
So....there was a post on another thread that brought up the existence of studies that proposed that WLS patients who have plastic surgery to remove excess skin after massive weight loss are more likely to keep the weight off further down the road than those who didn't. I remember reading something to that effect a while back, so I did a little digging, and yep, there are studies that suggest this idea.
Here is is just two that were on the first page of my search results:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131001104541.htm
https://www.soard.org/article/S1550-7289(15)00850-3/fulltext
So as I often do, I went down the research rabbit hole. I wanted see what other theories were out there that isolate certain behaviours or circumstances that increase the likelihood of long term weight control after bariatric surgery.
The regular stuff that we already know came up about the positive co-relation of the following with short & long term success in weight loss:
daily weighing (of body, not food, LOL) logging/tracking food intake weight training to maintain or increase lean muscle mass the above-mentioned body contouring Then there was one that sort of resonated with me, for some reason. That the likelihood of long term success is related to the amount of (or lack of) sedentary activities a person participates in. Those who spend less time watching TV, sitting at a desk, or spend time on their devices are more likely than their sedentary counterparts to keep the weight off longer term. And that this was the bigger indicator of "success" than the 4 points made above.
Since the PS, I have been pretty sedentary. I looked at my steps and I averaged less than 1000 steps a day the first 10 days post op. I felt ick and lazy and tired and really just didn't want to move (mind you, I was in recovery so there's that). Then I purposefully made the effort to walk around every couple of hours and felt better. Then I started going outside for longer and longer walks and started to feel normal. After yesterday's 2+ hours outside and this morning's 1 hour (with more to come throughout the day) I feel aaaalmost awesome. The more I moved, the more I wanted to move; and on the flip side of that I realized that the more I stayed still the more I didn't want to move. Funny cuz this is probably obvious to some/most of you, but it was like a light-bulb moment for me, duh. 🙄
So moral of the story: Keep moving, people.
<! -- End Random Brain Dump -->

I count everything as long as it's not caffeinated (although some people count caffeinated beverages, too...)

I lost my father a week ago. I have been emotionally eating ever since. Fries food, sweets, I make myself sick. I’m 2 months in. Advice on how to stop??

I’m so excited! Started this journey about a year ago, was 286 at my highest. Surgery 8/12. Hit Onederland this morning! I’m so thrilled with my results :)

My joint pain is better when I walk 60 mins everyday at the gym. If I miss a day or do the bike or short walk and weights I have hip pain at night. So I think exercise does help. My ortho did tell me as I lose weight I may experience new or changing pain in my hips and back as my center of gravity changes and or loose skin begins to pull in different ways than the fat did. But he said that would get better too, over time. Hang in there, hopefully it will get better for you.

I had a lot of joint pain after I started losing weight. I think as you lose weight your body begins to move around and change so things hurt. I kept walking every day and started swimming and I now no longer have pain. I also went and had a few massages. I think I just needed to make my self stronger to alleviate the pain.

This morning I was able to buckle my belt one notch tighter — and it wasn’t uncomfortably tight. It feels like I’m on my way.
I had the sleeve on Oct 21.

It depends on my goals for the day.
Some days I do IF or TRE (intermittent fasting or time restricted eating windows). Then I make sure to hit my Protein goals for the day along with the calorie load/carb load I'm doing for the day.
Other days, I eat to hunger. But the difference is, I will schedule my meals. 2-3 main meals. And I will allow a snack of x y or z (very specific choices at specific timings) if needed. So it is a structured thing, not grazing, not standing at the fridge wondering what I "feel" like eating. Nope it's more like (1 cup of veggies and Greek ranch dip-homemade, or 1 hb egg, or a lite string cheese + 1 slice BH turkey or everroast chicken, or 1/2 tiny gs apple with 1/2 oz walnuts-raw), that sort of thing.
Some days I schedule for a sf popsicle at night, or a sf Jello, or sf protein pudding, or chia pudding.

I think JessLess is on to something here. I think you need to work on your feelings of self-rejection. So, you fell off the wagon. Sounds like you had some significant life issues that may have contributed. Examine what you did to get there, reorganize, and move on. Get back to basics and consider seeking counseling.
As for a "maintenance" diet. I have always maintained the basic rules of my bariatric diet for long term. And to quote a regular BariatricPal contributor (sorry, fluffy. I stole this from you):

Check in:
1. personal goal: To make the most out of this chance I’ve been granted. To beat the head games and embrace healthy habits.
2. surgery: gastric sleeve, 10/21/19
3. weight: SW: 254 lbs; CW: 224.6 lbs
4. food I am most grateful for today: today I would say the meatballs made at a little Italian store near my work. Frozen, six in a container, each one just the right size for lunch.
day 27: most grateful for in my country
I live in the US, and I’m grateful for the the free press. Everyone benefits from the results of hardworking journalists who shine light on people and events, that would prefer to remain unseen and unspoken.

I had a good foundation of walking already established, but had not swum or ridden a bike in decades! I only had 2 months to get ready. So I started swimming - oh my goodness! With losing weight, I also lost my buoyancy! My legs sank and I couldn't kick hard enough. With a rotater cuff injury in my right shoulder, I just resigned myself to breast stroke rather than freestyle, which was utterly exhausting. I tried to swim 2-3 times a week. The first time, I nearly drowned twice!
I tried to ride my daughter's bike, but because of stiffness in my hips and knees, I simply cannot swing my leg over the saddle and I couldn't get it over the bar, either. Pitiful. So getting on and off was a challenge and I didn't feel safe. So I bit the bullet and bought my own bike - a hybrid with a step through frame (ie: girl's bike). It is wonderful. It is very ergonomically correct for me and very comfortable. Most of all, I can get on and off safely. I bought the brightest possible strobing tail and head lights, and attached a water bottle to the handle bars with a long straw so I didn't have to reach down with one hand for a Water bottle. I started riding - 5 miles, then 7 miles, then 10 miles, then 15 miles - at least twice a week.
3 weeks before the event , I did all three on the same day - spread out over the day. 2 weeks before, I did all three again on the same day, but more or less back to back. On the day of the event, I did fine. I was more mentally stressed than physically stressed. I was not exhausted or overly tired at all.
The biggest hurdle was nutrition. I had to up my calories per day, and that was pretty hard. I had to give up intermittent fasting, as I needed the Breakfast time to get more calories in. This was not comfortable and I felt like I was over eating the whole time. I could not use high carb stuff or energy drinks, as I was a afraid of dumping. The best thing I finally settled on was to drink a Protein smoothies several hours before the event (300 calories, 35 gm protein.) Then water and RX bars throughout the event. Each RX bar has 210 calories and 12 gm protein. I think I ate 3 of them and it was fine. My stomach was not overloaded and I was comfortable and had plenty of energy.
Now I see that I have a lot of room to improve my swimming stroke, my biking technique, and also maybe experiment with race walking. (My orthopedic doctor forbids me to run on my artificial knee, in order to save it for as many years as possible.) With a baseline level of fitness now, I think I may do a couple of these triathlons a year, just for motivation and to see if I can improve my times. It was definitely a milestone for me, and actually a lot of fun.

"buyer's remorse" is common the first few days or weeks after surgery. And almost all of us get over it and have no regrets at all that we had the surgery....so you'll be fine! But I agree - the first few days or even the first two or three weeks are tough. Just hang in there! Things will get better!!

Check in:
1. personal goal: To make the most out of this chance I’ve been granted. To beat the head games and embrace healthy habits.
2. surgery: gastric sleeve, 10/21/19
3. weight: SW: 254 lbs; CW: 224.6 lbs
4. food I am most grateful for today: today I would say the meatballs made at a little Italian store near my work. Frozen, six in a container, each one just the right size for lunch.
day 27: most grateful for in my country
I live in the US, and I’m grateful for the the free press. Everyone benefits from the results of hardworking journalists who shine light on people and events, that would prefer to remain unseen and unspoken.

Check in:
1. personal goal: To make the most out of this chance I’ve been granted. To beat the head games and embrace healthy habits.
2. surgery: gastric sleeve, 10/21/19
3. weight: SW: 254 lbs; CW: 224.6 lbs
4. food I am most grateful for today: today I would say the meatballs made at a little Italian store near my work. Frozen, six in a container, each one just the right size for lunch.
day 27: most grateful for in my country
I live in the US, and I’m grateful for the the free press. Everyone benefits from the results of hardworking journalists who shine light on people and events, that would prefer to remain unseen and unspoken.

Check in:
1. personal goal: To make the most out of this chance I’ve been granted. To beat the head games and embrace healthy habits.
2. surgery: gastric sleeve, 10/21/19
3. weight: SW: 254 lbs; CW: 224.6 lbs
4. food I am most grateful for today: today I would say the meatballs made at a little Italian store near my work. Frozen, six in a container, each one just the right size for lunch.
day 27: most grateful for in my country
I live in the US, and I’m grateful for the the free press. Everyone benefits from the results of hardworking journalists who shine light on people and events, that would prefer to remain unseen and unspoken.

Ok, so if you are ever game for a road trip to Quebec (NY is not so far away!), you should try heading to the area north of Montreal and sample some maple-inspired menus in a traditional "Cabane à Sucre" (aka "Sugar Shack") during the maple harvest in the Spring. The venues range from 2 Michelin star establishments to decades-owned family farms whose barns are stuffed with harvest tables to serve meals to the public during maple season.
....and when you get tired of all the nature, you can head back into Montreal and party it up.

Check in:
1. personal goal: To make the most out of this chance I’ve been granted. To beat the head games and embrace healthy habits.
2. surgery: gastric sleeve, 10/21/19
3. weight: SW: 254 lbs; CW: 224.6 lbs
4. food I am most grateful for today: today I would say the meatballs made at a little Italian store near my work. Frozen, six in a container, each one just the right size for lunch.
day 27: most grateful for in my country
I live in the US, and I’m grateful for the the free press. Everyone benefits from the results of hardworking journalists who shine light on people and events, that would prefer to remain unseen and unspoken.

Made this for the Kid’s Breakfast this morning...it was so pretty I had to take a picture of it AND take a bite as well. Broke my no-regular-bread-unless-on-vacay-rule...it was definitely #yum, but I probably would have been just as happy eating the avocado part sans the bread...
Avocado Toast: 1 slice 12-grain bread + 3/4 an avocado + lime juice + onion salt + pepper + smoked paprika.
*No nutritional info this time...I only ate 1 bite of this so am probably just gonna log 1/8 serving of some generic avocado toast entry in MFP.

This morning I was able to buckle my belt one notch tighter — and it wasn’t uncomfortably tight. It feels like I’m on my way.
I had the sleeve on Oct 21.

Check in:
1. personal goal: To make the most out of this chance I’ve been granted. To beat the head games and embrace healthy habits.
2. surgery: gastric sleeve, 10/21/19
3. weight: SW: 254 lbs; CW: 224.6 lbs
4. food I am most grateful for today: today I would say the meatballs made at a little Italian store near my work. Frozen, six in a container, each one just the right size for lunch.
day 27: most grateful for in my country
I live in the US, and I’m grateful for the the free press. Everyone benefits from the results of hardworking journalists who shine light on people and events, that would prefer to remain unseen and unspoken.

This morning I was able to buckle my belt one notch tighter — and it wasn’t uncomfortably tight. It feels like I’m on my way.
I had the sleeve on Oct 21.

I saw this on another forum and thought it worthy to share as it has all the great information and advice we all need for the journey! it is written by Mellissa Gangi and what I had wished I had been told from the very beginning.
Sleeve Tips:
I'm 10 months post op today and along this journey, so far, I've seen a lot of the same questions or concerns from many. I thought these tips could help!
1. Take preop photos... you'll want them!
2. Protein shakes...I used Isopure Protein Powder and scooped it into 2 oz. of Water (u can add ice and blend too) to drink in my immediate postop period. It was much less to drink at a sitting and you still got in your protein. It would take me over an hour to drink each one, but way easier to me. Plus, isopure has multiple flavors and it was reasonably priced. I bought off Amazon. Also, GENEPRO is an unflavored protein powder that is very popular. It can be added to pretty much anything. The scoop is tiny and it gives 30g of protein per scoop. I use it daily in my morning coffee but if adding it to hot liquids you have to add Creamer 1st to cool it down or it will clump up or dissolve in a little warm water 1st then add... the directions are on the bag. It is not completely unflavored and it has a smell to it, but most of us get used to it quickly.
Your body can only absorb up to 30g of protein per serving, so anything more than that at once will be wasted and it doesn't count towards your daily goals!
3. STALLS happen...stick to your plan and the scale will move again! You most likely will be losing inches during that time. They can last a few weeks...especially the 3 week stall. The further you are out they may even last longer and at that point you may have to shake things up a bit, maybe a day or 2 most increase your carbs then go back to your plan. Don't get discouraged and try to just be patient.
4. No NSAIDS (aspirin, ibuprofen, aleve, motrin, etc...) they can cause ulcers...tylenol products are ok and Excedrin Tension is ok (great for headaches) it has tylenol and caffeine in it, no aspirin like the other excedrin products. Also, peppermint oil rubbed on your temples help for headaches.
5. Fluid intake...atleast 64 oz of non caffeinated, non carbonated, sugar free fluids but the rule of thumb is drink half of your body weight in ounces.
6. Caffeine and alcohol...follow your surgeons orders. They both can dehydrate you and cause ulcers in the beginning of your journey. And alcohol may affect you differently postop, so be careful. Absorbtion changes postop.
7. Transfer addictions...a lot of bariatric patients give up food for other addictions like shopping and alcohol. Be mindful.
8. Increased chance of pregnancy after surgery. You can be much more fertile. Even if you had problems with it preop.
9. Increased divorce rates postop...I have looked into this because I was curious as to why. I have found that it does indeed increase, but the majority of the couples that do have had issues preop and the spouse that had surgery loses the weight, increases their self esteem and simply won't stand for the same behavior anymore.
10. Sugar/Carbs...1st and foremost, follow your plan. There are reasons why your surgeon and/or nutritionist gives you one, especially while healing and it takes approximately 6 weeks for your tummy to heal. After you are advanced to a "regular" diet, usually about 2 month postop, yes you can eat some sweets or carbs but in moderation. Always try to get your protein in 1st, though. I have chosen to stay away from sugar and certain carbs. I don't crave them, so why reintroduce them. I know me, and moderation is hard for me.
11. Everyone's weightloss journey is different. Try not to compare yourself to the next person. It's hard not to, I know! But their weight, height, sex, medical history all plays a part of it. If you do what you should be doing, you'll lose!
12. Dumping and The Foamies...
Dumping occurs when your new tummy just doesn't agree with something you consumed. Dumping occurs more in bypass patients but it can occur with sleeves, also. Symptoms can include sudden vomiting, diarrhea, and increased heart rate and last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
The Foamies... you'll know what this is if you get it. It's a lot of phlegm that is produced in your esophagus all of a sudden. It can happen if you eat or drink too fast, or take in too much, or drink right after eating...wait to drink atleast 30 minutes after eating. Plus, if you drink with eating or too close afterwards you flush the food through your belly too fast and you're not absorbing nutrients.
13. Take your Vitamins and get in your protein daily! This will not only help your weightloss and prevent Vitamin deficiency but it will help with the sunken in look when you lose weight. I was told 60-90g of protein daily, but follow your drs orders. I take 2 flintstones with Iron chewables a day because I couldn't tolerate the prescribed Multivitamin, in addition to Calcium with d3, and magnesium and B12.
14. Gas ex chewables, heating pads, and walking help big time for your gas pains. When I woke up from this surgery I thought I was having a heart attack because the gas was causing chest pains. Also, use the incentive spirometry in the immediate postop period. Anesthesia affects your lungs and it takes 72 hours to completely wear off so the breathing exercises help strengthen them and prevent pneumonia.
15. Heartburn...omeprazole works so well for me. My surgeon prescribed it from day 1 and I love it.
16. Postop hormones... your body almost goes into shock in the 1st 6 weeks or so after surgery from the major changes to it. You may feel different mentally...it does get better but if it's bad talk to your dr about it.
17. Medications... your body can change postop. The same medications you were on preop may be absorbed differently postop so if you notice changes talk to your dr. They may need to be adjusted. And extended release meds may not work as well.
18. Tracking your intake keeps you honest. I love the baritastic app. It also has recipes for all the stages and reminders.
19. Head hunger vs real hunger. This is a lifestyle change, your body needs much less calories postop but you have to retrain your brain. It may take time and that's normal. If you fall off the wagon one day...oh well...get back on it the next. We are all human. Don't get discouraged. Just pick yourself back up.
20. Complications can happen. If your body starts feeling different...new onset pains, nausea, vomiting, passing out, food feeling stuck in esophagus, etc...call your surgeon. You're always better safe than sorry.
21. Abbreviations...
HW your highest weight
SW what you weighed on your surgery day
GW your goal weight
CW what you weigh currently
NSV non scale victory
Nut nutritionist
VSG vertical sleeve gastrectomy (sleeve surgery)
RNY roux-en-Y (gastric bypass)
DS duodenal switch surgery
22. Hair loss or thinning happens. But, it will grow back. I thinned starting at about 4 months. It can last months. Many take Biotin supplements for it, I didn't.
23. Get ready to be cold! You're body is changing, it's almost in shock so invest in a Comfy, like me, or electric blanket to keep warm lol.
24. What to bring to the hospital for your surgery stay...a long phone charger, chapstick, your phone, comfy pjs, slippers, a robe, earbuds, and a list of your medical history, surgeries, allergies, and medications with dosages. Others add gas ex chewables but I'm an RN and don't recommend taking any meds from home without the nurses or drs knowledge. Some also say a heating pad to help with gas pains, but walking is best. Also, remember to hug a pillow if you cough or sneeze. It will help!
25. Constipation! It is a part of this journey, unfortunately. The only thing that helps me, and this is not conventional, is sugar free hard candies. A few of those babies (no more than 5 or you'll hate me) and you'll be going within 12 hours. The sugar alcohols do it for me. But, more conventional approaches are benefiber packets, Smooth Move tea, or Miralax. And there's diarrhea in the beginning...liquids in, liquids out. But your 1st bowel movement may take awhile...its all normal.
26. Ketosis...when you cut out sugar and go low carb you're body goes into a state of ketosis. This is a metabolic state that now uses fat for energy, instead of carbs. It aids in weightloss, but has some side effects like bad breath, body odor, bowel changes, fatigue at 1st but then increased energy the longer you're in it, and insomnia. Those side effects will decrease over time so just invest in mouthwash for the meantime!
I know this is a lot, but hopefully it helps! If I missed anything, feel free to chime in. Best of luck to everyone!