LookingForward22

On 09/10/2022 at 14:17, summerseeker said:

I had surgery 9 months ago and didnt hit my goals until at least 6 months along. I had so much nausea and vomiting that taking the extra Vitamins and Calcium was tough. So I rarely did. I never ever got enough Water or Protein. Then on the 6th month I saw the right person and got the help I needed. Two doses of the right PPi a day. My husband was so worried for me. Since then I have gained strength and can do loads more. My body tells me when its time to rest and sometimes take a day off.

I rarely get more than 60 gms of Protein a day and if I had not found protein yogurts that I could stomach, I would still struggle. My calorie count is about 650 to 1000 a day. I am lucky that I have no hunger. I dont count my liquid intake but its probably less than it should be but I am ok with that. Its not a biggy with my team either. I am not dehydrated

I can walk anywhere I want to now as before I would need a walking stick to go the shortest distance and be puffing like an old train. I may have had a slow start but it has not affected my weight loss, other than having more stalls when I have not been able to eat enough.

Every persons journey is different. Its hard not to compare yourself to others but it does no good in the long run. I didnt exercise until month 6 and I knew I didnt have enough strength to do more than keep my home clean and go shopping. Now most days I have too much energy

This surgery makes your hormones go stratospheric. Even at my age I knew my hormones where out of whack. My poor hubby couldn't understand why I was so short with him. I was just like when I had PMT again. My team were never bothered about my progress, just helpful

I hope you get through your period quickly and get the right amount of ppi for the nausea. You will then gallop along

Thank you! I felt like I was failing because initially I was feeling “on track” with my goals and then I was seeming to get no where near them. My team has always been helpful and kind… I’m just stressing I suppose because I don’t want to fail at this. But I have to remember I’m barely a month out and that’s still fairly early in the process.

On 09/10/2022 at 09:51, heartofmercury said:

I still struggle to hit my Water and Protein goals. Some days I hit them, others I fall a little short. Give youself some grace. My doc's office is staffed with a whole bunch of people who have never had weight loss surgery. I respect their advice but I also have to remember that they've never been in my situation. Also, I'm VERY tall for a woman and I realize some of the advice they give is tailored to to the average person.

Instead, I try to listen to what my body needs. I also try not to compare myself with others because my situation is unique. Instead, I focus on my habits.

I'm sending good vibes your way. That time of the month is the worst.

Thank you… ❤️

Thank you @catwoman7. I appreciate the reassurance. I think I was prepared for most of what I have encountered through surgery/recovery, but I was not prepared for my cycle going haywire and how that could impact how I progressed.

I’m trying, I really am… but in the last 24 days I have had my period or pre-period symptoms (major cramping - nausea - fatigue) for 12 days and I have no idea how long this round will last. It started the day before my surgery & lasted 7 days and this week it came raging back.

Between the surgery recovery, the pms and the heavy cycle I’ve been drained. I’ve been as active as I can, staying close to the house. I’m trying to drink as much as I can… I get close, but don’t always hit the goal and I never exceed it.

Most food turns my stomach… so I’m doing my best but the last few days (when my period has been super heavy) I’m lucky to get 1/2 my Protein in.

I’m worried about my follow up next week… being scolded for not doing better or more. My teams super nice so I don’t know why I’m stressing - but I am.

I can see my clothes getting baggy, changed in my body and the scale is showing some loss. But I feel like my results should be better if I were walking more, drinking more and hitting my Protein goals.

Can anyone tell me if they fell short of their goals the first month and still did ok in the long run? How long did it take to get the hang of this?

I’m not giving in to cravings… no junk. (Considering the raging pms - that’s a big win alone). I am trying to stay positive but with my hormones in overdrive I guess I’m just looking for some reassurance.

Thanks in advance.

Baritastic does have timers (eat, drink, chew) - the app is free and I like the meal tracking and other tracking features. But even if you don’t use the other pieces the times are simple and part of the free app.

Yup - I lost the first week … then scales didn’t move week two. Then they moved a tiny bit (I’m 3 weeks and two days post op now) and today my period decided to show up - so I’ve had a bit of a gain.

I’m wildly stressed for my first in person follow up next week - because I’m worried I won’t have made enough progress - but I’m sticking to my plan and doing my best to stay on track. It is what it is. As long as I follow my plan I know my weight will come off.

My labs are showing improvement over my pre op numbers and my clothes are definitely getting loose. So I’m trying to focus on the signs that I’m headed in the right direction and not fixate on just the scales.

Hang it there - your body is still recovering from the surgery … as you move forward you will see the progress.

I had that to deal with last week. One dose of gold bond powder cleared it up rather quickly.

On 09/01/2022 at 17:05, Blue432 said:

Thank you all, for feedback and suggestions. I am just trying to figure out work life food balance.

Sent from my LM-V350 using BariatricPal mobile app

The bars were things we use when we know there’s a good chance we will be running and actual meals might be delayed. They are great occasional stop gaps so we didn’t get home starving and overeat or eat bad things in a rush to eat something.

If you look at them like that (everything in balance) I’m sure whatever you go with will work just fine when you find the one(s) you like.

So many programs vary so wildly. My program won’t go forward with anyone who is actively smoking (anything) or who doesn’t commit to quitting for a minimum of a year after surgery.

One person walked out of the class saying they weren’t willing to do that.

I’m sure the programs have their reasons… and I understand why it’s not always an easy thing for people to do.

On 09/01/2022 at 11:54, Tony B - NJ said:

Not too sound like a broken record, but Built Bars are what I use when I need to have something with me to get a little nutrition and Protein. I am particularly fond of the salted caramel and the coconut. At 140 calories and 17 grams of Protein, they work very well in my diet.

Brownie batter puffs are my go to… but I don’t think I’ve tried one I didn’t like. Some flavors I like more than others, but so far nothing I went ewwww when I tried.

On 09/01/2022 at 13:10, oldandtired said:

I too have Tricare. It might just be an excuse, as quite frequently some doctors won't take Tricare. Doesn't pay enough.

A thought: make them put it IN WRITING why they refuse.

This sounds like an excellent idea. Request a notice in writing with reason.

On 08/31/2022 at 19:50, Sunnyer said:

I can't stomach Protein Shakes at all, and no Protein puddings either.

You got meds for nausea? Do they work?

I had a patch from the surgery for three days, that seemed to work really well.

I had an Rx from before the surgery and I was told I could take if needed after. If I take it early enough it helps. If I wait to long nothing seems to help.

Also if I get even slightly dehydrated I feel nauseous.

I was getting sick from my Protein Shakes (too many) so I cut back to no more than 1 fairlife a day and break it up (only a few ounces at a time) then I seem to be ok.

I’ve been doing pretty well with chicken salad and high Protein foods - I just have to eat 5 or 6 smaller meals… if I try to eat 3 I don’t feel well. It’s to much at one time.

RealGood brand frozen dinners are a higher protein and I’ve tolerated those well puréed. Texture is a little weird - but I got used to it. (One more week until no more purées - I’m hoping that makes it even easier)

Maybe check with your team and see if they are willing to prescribe something or if they are ok with you pcp prescribing something.

My whole family really likes the Built Bars (especially the puff varieties). They were recommended by my program and if you use the code Built10 (I think) you can get ten percent off. Sign up for their texts - the factory 2nds discounts are a good deal.

The puffs in the fridge are even better! They taste like a candy bar!

I was feeling rough after eating, so I decided to eat 1/2 the amount. If I was still gingery after that I ate more. I eat between 3 and 6 small meals a day - still eating the same amounts … I just eat less more. That made me feel better. Even though I was eating within what my diet said … I don’t think my stomach my stomach could handle as much as I was eating - despite the fact I wasn’t eating that much.

It’s finding that right balance. Some days I do well - others, I don’t feel well. I’m working on it.

I finally figured out the morning nausea - if I take my PPI right away and then I drink about 1/2 a Protein Shake - then work on my water… then my tummy is happy. But I try to lay still while my meds get started working.

My dr also gave me some meds to take if it got to bad.

I’m not on mushy food yet - still purées. But I have noticed that in the morning my stomach can bother me. I get a little nauseated because my stomach is empty. I take my morning pills (including my ppi) and then drink about .5 a Protein Shake and that seems to keep me ok. If I go to long without eating - I have that same feeling.

Hopefully you figure it out and you feel better soon.

I lost like crazy week 1. Week 2 (starting purées) I didn’t loose an ounce. Today is day 1 of week 3 (my 2nd week of purées) and I finally had movement on the scales.

On 08/31/2022 at 15:36, worried & apprehensive said:

I've had my pre assessment today & couldn't believe all I was told. I will have to Inject myself for two weeks before & after & wear surgical stockings for 4 weeks. I'm 68 & just feel it's too much for me. I definitely do not want to inject myself twice a day. Once my knee is better I will start to gently excerise & improve my diet & help myself that way. I've never heard of anyone having to inject themselves, my neice never had too. Its all too much. Sorry.

I had to do the blood thinners starting the day before surgery and for 14 days after, 2x a day. I was worried at first but it was not at all bad (small needle, subcutaneous only)

I have mobility issues from a car accident and think it’s because of my limitations (the length of time) to prevent blood clots. Do you have a family or friend close by that might be able to help you with those? I know my program had me watch a video about it which really helped put my mind at ease about that.

I firmly believe that you follow your instincts and talk over your concerns with your provider, but ultimately you need to make the best decision for you.

Best of luck!

On 08/31/2022 at 14:12, Capri81 said:

Yes, maybe that’s it. I’m doing all this and it feels like everyone is telling me either stuff I’m already doing or to just develop an eating disorder. Most of family is very unsupportive. And I’m having issues with it. I’m just thinking not losing might affect me getting approved for surgery.

I’d talk to your program and ask them. At least then you’ll know where you stand.

I’m sure the stress isn’t helping either.

Hopefully since your program didn’t tell you (you must maintain or lose X) they won’t have that requirement.

One thing that was very helpful for me has been working with a psychologist if you aren’t already (bonus if they have experience with weight loss). I get therapy isn’t for everyone, but it has been helping me. Unsupportive family is enough of a reason … but you are going through major surgery and life changes, it can be a help in adjusting to all of that as well.

I’m sorry.

Sometimes family thinks they are helping or being supportive and they aren’t.

Quitting eating won’t help, that may make your body go into starvation mode and hold on to EVERYTHING. Week 2 post op I was barely eating 500 calories and missing my Water goals as I transitioned to purées - trying to work out the new foods and making sure things sat well, and I didn’t loose a pound. Once I started hitting my Protein, water and calorie goals - I started to see movement again.

If you are weighing and measuring everything and your nutritionist is working with you - stick to your plan and try to implement any changes they suggest… stay the course. You will be doing everything right post surgery and hit stalls or see fluctuations - just stay the course and things will correct. Best advice I had on this board was this journey is not a straight line down… it’s a jagged line that will go up, plateau and go down - but if you stick with it you will get there.

Keep working with your nutritionist… if you feel like they aren’t listening to you ask if there is another you can work with or talk to. Keep hydrated and try to keep your calories in range and meet any goals they give you.

You have lots of support here. If your program has not told you to loose, maintain or other instructions - keep checking in and working with them and ask them directly about your concerns. Hopefully they can put your mind at ease.

That sounds about right. Actually I scheduled my surgery (aug 16th) at my July 21st appointment. And it was like 7-12 days before my surgery that I saw a paper approval for the surgery.

These programs submit electronically, are used to dealing with most of the insurances they deal with and they are good at what they do.

Unless they expressed a concern or a restriction to you - I wouldn’t worry.

Could the fluctuation be Fluid retention or your monthly cycle?

Make sure you are measuring and tracking everything so you can go over with your nutritionist at that appointment.

Did your program give you a goal or an expectation?

My program told me I couldn’t gain weight from my initial weigh-in, but I wasn’t required to loose.

On 08/31/2022 at 10:26, Sunnyer said:

Stalls are so annoying,

I actually GAINED weight yesterday, lost some today but I'm still heavier than I was two days ago. I was so looking forward to getting under 100 kilos (220 pounds) because I haven't been under that weight in more than 10 years. 101 kilos is exactly where I've gotten when I've dieted on my own, so it would be a breakthrough for me to get to 100 or 99, but it's not likely to happen this week now.

It’s only Wednesday there is still time. I seemed to have lost 3 pounds over night after my body stubbornly held on to those pounds for dear life for the last week. (Please remind me of this when I hit my next stall - I’m sure I’ll need to hear it… lol). I hope you can still make your mini goal this week. But if it takes a little longer, you’ll get there. I honestly didn’t have confidence I would get under 300 ever again before this surgery - I couldn’t seem to make it past 309 on my own before. I nearly held my breath from 310-298 afraid to look at the scales!

On 08/31/2022 at 10:50, LibbyAbby said:

I feel you. I had my surgery on the 19th and was steadily losing every day and now for 2 days nothing. I am also afraid I'm never going to lose this weight. I started pureed foods yesterday and now I'm afraid I'm going to gain. I don't want to see my Dr in 4 weeks and have to feel like a failure.

Hang in there I sat for nearly a week at a stand still once I hit the purées with the same worry. Started to move a little again today (first day of week 2 of purées). I’m convinced it was because I was adjusting Amit not hitting all my Water and Protein goals, as I adjusted to the purées. But who knows… it could have been any one of a dozen things. Just keep working your program and stick to the basics.

On 08/31/2022 at 10:44, ShoppGirl said:

Congratulations. Their really should be a clever little term for getting into the two hundreds.

Thanks - I agree!

08/31/2022 10:29 AM, Sunnyer said:

Well done!

My first mini goal was to get under 100 kilos (220 pounds) and I thought I might get there this week. Unfortunately, I gained some weight yesterday, and today I'm still somewhat heavier than I was two days ago, so I don't think it's going to happen this week.

It's great to be able to see progress. I too, have a long way to go, and sometimes I'm afraid I will never get there.

Thank you! I’m dreading hitting that first fluctuation where I gain (the stall is bad enough) but I know it will happen - be it my hormones or transitioning food phases or whatever, but I’m trying to remember someone on the boards description of this journey being a jagged line with ups, plateaus and downs - more so than a straight line. Somehow that brings me some comfort to know that’s normal. Congratulations on the progress you made so far… please update when you hit that mini goal I can’t wait to help cheer you on to the next one!! One goal at a time - have faith - we will get there! ;)