LookingForward22

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

Thanks - I agree!

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! ;)