Julie.Nudge

On 4/23/2024 at 1:13 PM, AmberFL said:

HI all!

So I have been in a slight plateau, not losing a whole lot anymore. Staying pretty stagnant which is fine I knew this day would come. So I am taking advantage of this and starting to weight lift, light weights more reps with upper body since I don't want to bulk up but trim down, then heavier on my booty and legs to pump them up. Now I am STARVING! I don't think what I am eating is going to cut it anymore, not on days where I am lifting/ cardio. I have been doing pretty well staying 1000cal or under on days I just do cardio, which is nothing strenuous just 40-60min walk.

anyone else have this issue? I am thinking that my protein/ Decaf cold brew drink in the morning is not enough, might need to add something or start eating more?

Any input?

Hello,

I want to preface saying I have not had my surgery yet but I have been losing weight in the pre-op stages as per my dietitian and doctors request and this includes me going to the gym and getting my protein/calorie goals in for the day.

The important thing to know is plateauing is inevitable as your body gets used to the things you do on a daily basis. So since you know that already you going to the gym is a beneficial first step in the right direction of losing more weight.

That being said weight training is an amazing cardio/full body workout and for women you actually don’t have to worry about getting “bulky” my doctor said it’s just not what our bodies do to get stacked like that (he didn’t say it in those words of course but I’m paraphrasing). Which it’s true generally unless you’re a bodybuilder you won’t get bulked up like crazy (even then it’s usually the addition of hormones that add to bulking) so go ahead and lift girl! Cardio exercises like running, swimming etc. are also great to get into your routine which I see you have and it’s important to also not forget about aerobic exercises like yoga/pilates this will also minimize your chance of getting “bulky”.
Overall, I would say if you have set days of the week you work out like MWF do that for 2 weeks then switch up the days, intensity of workouts and type of exercises you do on each day to give your body that “restart” it needs in order to start losing weight.

It is also so incredibly important to eat enough calories! Yes sounds weird but you actually might not be eating enough for you to lose weight and this is what my doctor told me. If you don’t eat enough your body goes into “survival” mode because it’s not being given enough food in order to carry out your bodily functions to its fullest potential. Yes you can be taking supplements and be healthy on paper but if you’re trying to lose weight and exercising and eating well and still unable to lose the weight then it’s time to evaluate if you’re eating enough during the day.

I would highly recommend reaching out to your doctor and/or dietitian about adequate dietary input your should have because there are all kinds of info and pamphlets on lines telling us to be between so and so calories at this point in time or to not exceed x amount but in reality everyone is different and all bodies are different.

I hope this helps sorry for the book/lecture.

7 hours ago, Shanna NYC said:

Welcome to the group and congrats on the upcoming surgery and all the pre-op success.

I have not traveled to Peru, but I did go to Mexico about 9.5 months post op. Honestly it wasn't difficult at all. Typically by 8 weeks you should be healed on the inside and cleared for pretty much all movement. So by 6 months you'd be fine - generally speaking.

I would say just packing all your Vitamins and supplements is key of course. I also packed Snacks mainly for the actual travel part - plane and car rides. I had Jerky, cheese crisps, Protein Bars, portioned nuts and low carb chocolate. I had more than I really needed, but it definitely helped to have options. You could also consider Protein Powder or shakes in case. Also a reusable Water bottle/cup comes in handy to ensure you stay hydrated.

I stayed at an all inclusive resort and there were many healthy fresh options for all meals. The buffet Breakfast had a ton of fresh fruit and veggies, a bunch of egg options - egg whites, hardboiled eggs, etc. and the meat Protein options, yogurt and cheeses. There were various milks both dairy and non dairy options. dinner menus had accommodations for different dietary needs. Off resort also wasn't difficult to navigate as there is a lot of Protein and veg options.

I found getting in movement was not difficult either. There was a gym, aerobic classes and Water sports. But honestly walking around the resort, the pool, walking on the beach, the walking tours off resort - i never missed an exercise goal.

The variables can happen depending on the area you are staying I'm sure, but I have friends who frequently travel to Peru to visit family and frequent many local cafes that have plentiful healthy options - healthier than you find in the states unless you grow it yourself since a majority is local and doesn't have to travel far at all.

You will not likely be able to get exact specifics of macros if you like to track your food, but by 6 months you'll have an idea of estimated protein amounts and general portions for most foods you are likely to eat. As long as you stick with protein first, then veg and carbs last you should be good.

Since you stayed in an inclusive resort I take it the water quality was fine but there is actually a warning for travelers going to Peru to not drink tap water due to Giardia (which I never do anyways )but did you do anything to water while off resort in Mex to ensure it was clean? Thanks so much!

46 minutes ago, ShoppGirl said:

I wonder if it would be cheaper to just mail a box ahead to the hotel with your Snacks and supplements than to have to check An extra bag if you are like me and won’t have the room for all that. 😂. I would’ve suggested Amazon if it was within the US but I don’t know the cost or shipping time for international orders. I know that I would prefer to just have it with me or there waiting for me instead of wasting vacation time shopping for necessities. Plus I assume the brands we are familiar with would be expensive to buy there.

Personally, I do actually have loads of luggage space since I plan on bringing 1) lots of cute outfits with me and 2) many many MANY souvenirs back home. Plus buying the tickets months in advance has made it easier for me to upgrade the luggage since there’s no way two weeks worth of clothes were all gonna fit in my carry on since we plan on adventuring and going out all across Lima. One sole/sol is about 1/3 USD so definitely cheaper to buy stuff over there the only thing I really thought about brining is Protein powder/shakes but then I feel powder might freak TSA out too much. 😂

Hello All,

I am very new to the group and have not had my surgery yet but am scheduled for June 13th and I am excited to start losing weight exponentially even though I already have while on weight loss meds and starting a gym regimen while in the pre-op stages.

My question for you all is if anyone traveled abroad within their first year post op? I am planning on going to Peru in Dec-Jan for two weeks and while I realize I will still have minimal portion sizes I feel I can make it work due to the wide variety of delicious/nutritious foods in the region that dont necessarily have to be carb-loaded. If anyone has experience with traveling to South America/Peru specifically your input would be much appreciated! I am hopeful that by that time I will be able to swim, walk and overall be active around touristy areas with ease but please let me know if there is anything else I should be aware of or try to pack before my travels to ensure I meet all of my nutritional needs.

This has also been a big concern for me, but my Peruvian family has been very supportive of my decision. My boyfriend is also Peruvian and supportive of this decision, but we plan on visiting Peru when I am 6 months post op (surgery date for June 13th 2024). This will be my first time in Peru since I am from the US and we plan on doing a lot of walking around Lima, Callao as well as touring Huacachina, Ica and Las Ballestas.

If you are still active on here do you have any insight now on how your relationship with Peruvian food has changed?

I plan on staying as safe as I can abroad so making sure things are cooked thoroughly, no tap Water, only peeled fruits/veggies that are thoroughly cleaned. As well as portioning when we do eat out we plan to share dishes, I will try to order vegetarian options when possible, and if I have to/want to order my own plate I will ask for a to go box right off the bat to make sure I dont eat too much due to like you said the massive portion sizes.