Maisey

Absolutely loved reading what you have written.

@LaoDaBeirut, what you said 100% echoes my experience. I had to let go of everything I knew and did. I had to listen and implement the ideas I was given. It was hard. I swore I would never track, but I tried it. Now, I see that it has been what I needed to do...and I suspect always will.

Wow, wow, wow! I have noticed changes in my gait as well as foot dropping. It has intensified over the last weeks. I am seeing a chiropractor and it is helping. He is also having me work on stretching my hips. But this is exactly it. And yes, I've been crossing my legs too much. I am now really working on not doing it. Although I don't fit the definition of really skinny as I encountered in the articles I read, I have lost a disproportionate amount of weight from my legs since surgery which may have impacted the fat pocket that @MandoGetsSleevedreferred to.

I use the upgraded (paid) version of Lose It.

Do you also get exhaustion after an episode of foamies? I do. If it happens, I'm done.

It is also my biggest on-going problem. I had more episodes than I care to admit of eating too quickly/not chewing thoroughly enough/eating too much. The result was excruciating pain, foamies and sometimes vomiting. I am almost one year out, and I still need to focus on eating when I eat. If I am distracted, I end up eating too fast and well....you know how it goes. However, it has gotten better. I serve myself only the portion that I should be eating. I use a small plate/bowl. I use children's utensils at home (it's a cute use for my old baby spoons that my mother kept all these years!). I set my utensil down between some bites. I pay closer attention to body signals and stop at the first sign of a runny nose or the first stomach gurgle. I spit out anything that isn't chewed up (fruit membrane, tough or dry bite of meat). I am able to drink up until eating but wait at least a half hour afterwards before drinking again.

I don't believe I have ever truly dumped and I'm almost one year out. I may have had a mild episode based on symptoms, but what I ate really didn't fit the bill. That being said, I've had many episodes of eating too much/too fast/not chewing well enough. Many people confuse the two. I don't want to have the experience in general. But when I eat out, I'm very, very careful to limit quantity and not try items for the very first time.

I try to stay as close to 50% protein, 25% fat and 25% carbs as often as possible.

I had a lot of moist pureed chicken seasoned or cod with whatever sounded good. Plain chicken=add Better than Bullion. Mexican=add taco seasoning plus a bit of refried beans. italian=garlic, oregano, Italian seasoning. Buffalo, ranch, everything bagel, Cajun are also options depending on your spice tolerance.

yes

I was wrong above...I think the correct terminology is % of excess weight. Perhaps someone can chime in on that? I've lost 100% of my excess weight. I was 374 HW, 343 Start of Program, 325 SW, 168 CW. RNY on 12/14/2020. Once I hit 174 in was in normal BMI. However, my program does not specify goal weights.

My program calculates percentage of weight loss from the weight recorded on my first visit with the program. Personally, I calculate and list on here my weight as recorded at a doctor visit when I started a new diabetes medication and started serious weight-loss efforts on my own several months before joining the surgery preparation program.

So as not to hijack an existing thread, I thought I'd start a new one. Since I began looking into bariatric surgery in 2019, I've done much research and reading. On the internet, I limited myself to sites that I knew were reputable and were evidence-based (i.e., Mayo Clinic) rather than sites that were trying to sell surgery. Once I was accepted into my program, I watched videos suggested by the program (i.e., Dr. Matthew Weiner) and took to heart the information I was given from my program. I came into the program with a lot of pre-existing knowledge on nutrition and diet having grown up with a Type 1 diabetic father and myself a Type 2. Despite that knowledge base, I obviously wasn't applying it or I would not have been to the point where I was considering surgery. One of the hardest things I had to do throughout my surgery preparation appointments and meetings was to go in and actually listen. I accepted that my way wasn't working and if I was going to proceed with a body and life-altering surgery, I needed to adopt what I was being taught. As you can see in my stats, it's worked. But I know I'm not done learning, maintaining and working on making good decisions and healthy choices for the long-term. In my classes, the dietician warned about social-media, weight-loss surgery groups. I admit that I move in and out of some groups. The overall lack of information and sharing of misinformation boggles my mind. It certainly proved that there are programs and doctors simply out to make money and there are patients willing to believe anything they are told without doing their own research or taking accountability for their own actions. I was grateful to find this site and have a source of information rather than opinion. I was happy to hear from WLS veterans who have gone through the process and how they are successfully maintaining. I wanted to hear what those experiences were so that I can learn from them. I did not want them to sugar-coat the truth and I did not expect unmitigated "support." If my understanding or behavior was counterproductive, I wanted to hear that. I needed to hear that. I still do. There seems to be a misconception that in order to be supportive, someone needs to say your choices are ok. Being truthful with someone, does not always mean saying what and how you are doing things is ok.

Injury Santa Fe Chili is good

Stalls happen. Our bodies need a chance to catch up with rapid changes. This is likely not going to be the only one you have.

Yes, it's a fairly common symptom.

Every program is different. Common wisdom on this board is to follow YOUR program.

As mentioned here and on your other post, every program is different. Follow yours. Read it now. And keep reading it. Follow it. Your experiences will be different from every other person's. Don't get caught up on the bariatric Facebook groups for advice. They are full of inaccurate information and sometimes downright scary, advice.

Surgery changes your body but does nothing for your brain. Many people see therapists to help address issues regarding addiction and/or using food as a coping mechanism. Personally, surgery has done wonders for my body. My brain is a work in progress and I suspect that will always be the case. Your question is wise and shows you have insight. My suggestion would be to seek a therapist, preferably one with experience with bariatric patients, for guidance. You have nothing to lose by proceeding slowly to ensure you make the right decision for yourself.

It's been helpful to read the responses here. While I'm not exactly a foodie, I enjoy cooking and strong flavors. At home, I am still cooking new things and trying different recipes. I try to select generally healthy recipes and do additional tweaking with fresh and/or healthy ingredients. I'm still struggling with cooking smaller portions. We have a reservation at an all-inclusive in Mexico in January. I will be 13 mos. post op. I'm working on strategies to help me navigate. On the positive side, we have been to this resort before and know what they have to offer. It is a small, boutique resort and they are willing, within reason, to cook to order. The last time we were there we joked that it may be the first vacation on which we lost weight due to eating so much fresh seafood and grilled vegetables by choice. I think alcohol will be a bigger struggle for me. I realize that any of the syrupy, tropical drinks will not work. The resort is willing to make skinny versions of anything on request. But empty calories are empty calories. I've not had much to drink since surgery. It hasn't bothered me as much as I thought it would. I think that's because I want to maximize my losing potential in the first year. What I have had to drink, has not been as tasty as it seemed in the past. I was already at the age where I can afford to drink decent liquor over quantity, but even the reasonably good brands just didn't taste quite like I remembered. While I fully intend to give myself some grace to indulge within reason, I still want to make the best choices I can I'd love to hear thoughts and advice.

Programs are structured very differently. Meeting the surgeon was my very last step. Classes, testing and other doctor visits all had to be completed first.

Proceed with caution on any FB bariatric groups. I drop in and out of several groups and have found them to be full of misinformation.

I didn't cancel but put the brakes on things when Covid kicked in. I work in a dangerous, congregate living setting where exposure to Covid was going to be an on-going issue. It gave me a chance to fully evaluate if I was making the right decision. I felt a sense of peace giving myself more time. Eventually, I decided to move forward with surgery and am glad I did. Respect the decision you made for yourself. It sounds like you are doing everything necessary to make a final decision whatever that may be.

I agree with what has already been said. You give solid advice each and every time.

The content of the food is mostly carbs / processed food, but it keeps me happy. I dont monitor my Water intake but I do drink alot of tea / coffee. I also dont take Vitamins or supplements as I hate swallowing pills, but I suspect that has an effect on my energy levels. It looks like you have already identified the areas to focus on that would be of benefit.