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Newbie Considering the Journey
Tony B - NJ replied to Softtacocrumbs's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I think i would start off aggressively monitoring your calories using one of the many apps available. you will have to weight your food and pay attention to portion size etc. If you are legitimately getting the calories you think you are and are exercising as you indicate and still cannot lose, then that is a different story. Too many of us think we are eating X amount of calories but when we weigh it out and record every single bite, we realize it is a lot more than we thought. -
Food weight: before or after?
GreenTealael replied to IWant ToDelete MyProfile's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
If you eat something raw, weigh and log it raw (vegetables, nuts, sushi, etc) and if you eat it cooked, weigh and log it cooked. If you are using an app, there is a wide selection of preparation styles to choose from for the same foods. When I’m in doubt, I choose the highest calorie count that closely represents the food so I don’t run the risk of undercounting calories. -
I had my gastric sleeve surgery at my local Spire hospital. I had no pain. It was a friends birthday yesterday and I took her out for lunch. We chose a sharing platter, TBH I was full very quickly and just chatted while she ate. I have got used to this now and so have my friends. I believe that at about 1 year things are easier and you are able to eat more. Or as much as a thin person would eat at any rate. In America they are warned away from drinking. I was told to be careful as I would get drunk quickly, The alcohol gets into your bloodstream quicker. I am not the biggest drinker these days but I have had some. Its a bit like having your first drink again. I was tipsy quite quick after a Bloody Mary. My calories are around 700 to 900 a day so not enough to soak up much alcohol. Some struggle to drink enough, I did. At 3 months, I could gulp a mouthful of any drink again but I still cant guzzle a bottle of water. I dont remember being thirsty but it is a pain to constantly keep sipping
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For the first several months after my surgery, I really felt like I was mourning the loss of food. I used to love watching cooking shows like Top Chef, The Great British Baking Show, etc., and after surgery, I couldn't stand to watch shows like that, or even restaurant commercials, because I was so sad about these foods I could no longer eat. But eventually, I got to a point where I can (and do) watch and enjoy those shows without feeling that emotional loss. I can watch people make deep-fried pastries and not be sad that I couldn't eat them. I don't seek out that kind of food, though -- I actually kind of enjoy digging through Pinterest to find recipes that I can eat. It kind of feels like a win to find healthy recipes that taste good. I guess I would say I'm in maintenance. I didn't expect to lose as much weight as I did, because I started off bigger than most. I wasn't even sure I'd ever get below an obese BMI. Don't get me wrong -- I'm thrilled with my weight loss and grateful for this second chance at life, but It is such hard work, and the thought of having to keep working this hard for the rest of my freaking life just to not get fat again is exhausting! I feel like I can eat too much in terms of portion size, so I have to make sure to stick to really low-calorie foods, because I can't eat just one bite of something decadent and be full.
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Yeah, when I was fat, my weight ruled my life. I was pretty boring then because I couldn't go anywhere or do anything without wondering if I would fit. I skipped a lot of things because I didn't have anything to wear and it was SO hard to find decent clothes in size 28. I did think a lot about food, but I guess I didn't mind that so much because it was mainly good thoughts -- like something delicious and decadent that I had in the fridge and I could look forward to eating -- whereas now, even though there are lots of healthy foods I truly enjoy eating, it's still mentally taxing to track everything I eat, analyze macros, and bargain calories (if I eat X, I can't have Y).
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I actually don't talk about food or eating in "real life" because I haven't told anyone other than medical professionals that I had surgery. Not even my family knows. I spent most of my life being shamed for my body and my eating, to the point that even now that I'm a "normal" weight, I still hate for people to see me eat. I'm irrationally ashamed when someone walks into my office while I'm eating celery and calorie-free ranch dressing. I know that's messed up, but not sure it will ever change. And at the same time, I don't like calling attention to what I'm NOT eating, so I'm always nervous and uncomfortable in situations where there's food because I'm afraid people are going to ask why I'm not eating it.
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I'm on day 4 post Balloon insertion. Seriously, i'm so bloated and uncomfortable that i can barely take a swig of something without having pain. Is this normal? How does one stay hydrated when you hurt so badly. I am taking all the correct meds but maybe i need some tips? How long can one go without enough calories?? Please excuse my ignorance. I know it says to try to get 64 oz of liquid a day but i'm nowhere near that and am wondering if that's also why i feel so bad. Anyone else have this same ache and bloat into the 4 day mark?
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4 days post Orbera balloon insertion and i need help!
FFKiwi posted a topic in Gastric Balloon Forum
PLEASE HELP? Hoping someone here can help me more than the MD's office. I am only 4 days in with the Orbera ballon in place, and having the HARDEST TIME drinking enough fluids. I take sips as instructed, but then it hurts so much i have a hard time taking in more. Protein shakes are so hard to finish. Has anyone had this same problem and worried about actual mal-nutrition? I have gotten an IV each day, but calories I'm not getting enough of. Thoughts? Tips? -
I have two main go-to foods in this past year. First, I meal prep a tamarind based vegetable soup. Loaded with all kinds of vegetables. Low calorie, nutritious. Then when I reheat a bowl, I will sometimes add protein to it. Like you, it is mainly seafood but sometimes I add beef or pork. One of my favorite ways to eat fish is airfried. I will eat that on the side with my soup. My second go to I make every week is a greek yogurt dip (high protein type) that varies with ingredients but usually with dill, parsley, cucumbers, garlic, red onions, pickle juice...etc. I eat it with air popped rice crackers. My snacks are almost always fresh fruit. Plums, strawberries, cherries... Etc.
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I buy a tub of pulled white meat rotisserie chicken at walmart almost every week, it lasts quite a while when it's being portioned out two ounces at a time, and you can do so much with it. I eat a lot of spinach salads, with 2 oz of chicken, 1/4 of an ounce of walnuts or pumpkin seeds, and a handful of blueberries or other low glycemic fruit. Toss it in half a serving of salad dressing (I am hooked on poppyseed which is kind of sugary but I don't use that much and it's encouraging me to eat all those veggies, so I just factor it in). I literally ate one of these salads for all 3 meals the other day, which I know isn't great but it's healthy, tasty, and the numbers work out right. I also make "pizza melts" which are a low carb tortilla with mozzarella, turkey pepperoni, and whatever "pizza topping" veggies I have on hand (olives, onions, peppers, tomatoes, etc). I heat it on my george forman grill and then dip the pieces into pizza sauce. If you use the La Banderita street tacos the whole thing ends up being about 200 calories (with 1/2 serving of mozzarella and 1/2 serving of turkey pepperoni). They're very filling. One of my favorite dinners recently is cubed boneless/skinless chicken thighs cooked in the air fryer, which gives them a nice crust on the outside and makes it taste like takeout Chinese without the breading, and then add some sauteed broccoli and some green onion, with just enough teriyaki sauce to cover it (usually about half the amount the bottle says is a serving.). No rice, just broccoli and chicken. I usually sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
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I didn’t feel hunger for more than a year so I ate to a routine because I wanted to ensure I got in all the nutrients I needed. I didn’t want to rely in shakes, vitamins or supplements. Doing this didn’t affect my weight loss at all and it helped me refocus how I looked at food. Three years out & I still have times I’m not hungry. Actually been going through a hungry but not hungry stage for a good month now. I’m not eating all my usual portions &/or dropping snacks (I snack to add to my protein &/or calories). I always try to be close to my protein goal though during these times so eat protein first & will reduce vegetables, etc. If I’m not hungry at lunch I’ll have a high protein yoghurt which isn’t as heavy to digest as meat. I should explain I’m a do I need this next bite or want it eater. So I don’t eat until I feel full but until I’ve had enough & don’t need anymore. I don’t feel too full to eat but more I don’t want to eat but I know I have to have something. I also still eat slowly - like a tub of yoghurt takes about 45-60mins. As @The Greater Fool said it comes down to habits & these were the ones I established which carry me through.
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August surgery buddies!
jenuinelygenuinely replied to Connie88's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I am scheduled August 29th for a revision from sleeve to bypass! I start the clear liquid diet August 15th and I am beyond nervous for that! My sleeve back in 2018 required no strict diet other than drinking magnesium citrate the night before. August is such a busy year for us as well! Birthdays and the big MInnesote State Fair. I am a faithful state fair goer...and it always runs from August 25th until Labor Day. I am contemplating on going just for the walk and to keep myself busy but the smell of food will definitely torture me! I've been reading a couple of member's liquid diets and it is far more flexible than mine. Sample menu is 4 protein shakes daily, 32 oz of Liquid IV, and 16 oz of regular orange juice. That is required for a daily meal. Then between is water, broth, sugar free jello and popsicles. I can have decaf coffee and tea as well as sugar free drinks but a lot of sugar free drinks still has 5 calories. -
I would think it’s okay to just drink milk sometimes but it would depend on if your team has a minimum calorie goal they want you to be on. I always did a protein shake for breakfast cause I’m not really hungry in the mornings. Still do.
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Good morning July 2022 Peeps. Sounds like there's a lot of the group doing well. Hope to hear from the ones that just had surgery in the last couple days. I am at 10 days post-op. After losing 12.5 lbs in the first week, I stalled out for a couple days. Instead of losing my normal 2-4 lbs, I lost 0.0 and 0.4. This was a bit frustrating since I am only taking in about 500 calories per day. But it is what it is. From what I read, this is how this is going to go. I am happy that my plateau or whatever, may have been a small one and this morning I showed a 2.2 lbs loss. For those that believe a person shouldn't weigh themselves daily, I normally don't, but I wanted to record my first 4 weeks in a journal on my laptop.
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Food Before and After Photos
ms.sss replied to GreenTealael's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Had some corn i need to use up, so grilled up a few 1/2 cobs and made a raw corn salsa with other random item in the fridge. Had one of the 1/2 cobs preceded with an espresso martini (not shown). 217 calories for both. Heres a pic of the salsa and ingredient list…I didn’t have any yet…i’ll stick some on a salad later. The yield was about 2.5-3 cups and comes up to 499 cals is someone were to eat the whole bowl. -
Trying to Reach Ideal Body Weight?
Arabesque replied to maintenanceman's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
First treat BMI as a suggestion. Same with any goal you may choose. Body type, your build, age, lifestyle, health, genetics, etc. all influence what is the best weight for you & you can’t put a number on a scale against them. The other factor which you can’t do much about is your body’s natural set point. This is the weight at which your body seems to naturally settle. My surgeon did ask if I had a goal. I chose a weight which was the lowest I reached during my weight loss & gain cycles. It put me at about a 23 BMI. He thought it was sensible & achievable. I reached that in 6 months but continued to lose as I tried to find my maintenance balance. Initially my surgeon & doctor were concerned about my lower weight but it turns out I don’t have a larger frame as everyone thought! As one doctor said you’re actually quite a tiny person aren’t you & they all stopped worrying. Plus I don’t have bones protruding - I have plenty of flesh (fat ha!) on my bones. I’m about 2kgs heavier now than where I had initially stabilised for a year. (I believe an necessary increase in my HRT dosage & protein intake contributed to the sudden weight gain - all happened in the same month.) and I’ve been stable here for a good 7 months. My body seems happy at around this weight & so am I (except for those 2 kgs 😉). You’ll settle at a weight that is healthy & works for you and it’s okay if it ends up being more or less than you initially thought. My food choices & the way I eat to maintain my weight doesn’t restrict me living my life as I want. It’s been a sustainable way of eating for 2.5yrs now. I might make slight changes in the future but for now it’s working. I guess that ‘s the real goal. Being at a weight you can maintain in a healthy, sustainable way that allows you to enjoy your life as you want. PS - the slowing down of your weight loss is perfectly normal. It slows as you get closer to your body’s set point & your calorie intake is nearer to what your body needs to function effectively & healthily. Can you lose more if you want? Sure if you reduce your calories & intake your activity but can you maintain that without impacting your health or your life? -
Food Before and After Photos
ms.sss replied to GreenTealael's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I already knew while making this salad that I wasn’t going to finish it, so i started with the croutons cuz I figured they would get all soggy if kept them for leftovers. Which was sort of a mistake cuz I ended up getting full from them and didn’t get to eat very much of the other yummy salad components, duh. The whole bowl is a whopping 739 calories (im looking at you, cashews, blue cheese & croutons!!) I’ll end up eating it all by EOD, hopefully… -
Trying to Reach Ideal Body Weight?
ms.sss replied to maintenanceman's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I set myself an arbitrary goal of 120 lbs, which was right in the middle of the “healthy bmi body weight range” for my height (5’2”). I was 235 lbs at the start of my 2-wk pre-op diet. But by the time i got to 127, i decided to call it cuz i felt i was getting a little too thin for my liking, and started the process of upping calories to find my maintenance level. I ended up losing more weight anyway over the following 5-6 months and eventually settled around 115lbs +\- a couple pounds (but did get as low as 109 at one point). Surgery was almost 4 years ago and this morning i weighed in at 119.5 Whats interesting to note however, is that while I weigh less now than I did when I stopped with weight loss efforts, i don’t look as skeletal as I did back then….which is a roundabout way of saying the number on the scale is just a guide, and can change based on your body composition; perhaps go with how you feel/feel u look? If you feel great and are satisfied with what you see, then GOAL ACHIEVED! Good Luck! ❤️ -
I guess I should define big drop lol. Maybe it isn't a big drop to anyone else. I never had huge expectations. I'm just thankful for the opportunity to get WLS. My weight loss is correlated with whatever my calorie deficit was for that given month, and has been relatively accurate. So last month, for example, I cut -500 cal/ day and my "big drop" at the end of the month was ~4 lbs. I'm kindasorta moving into maintenance. In the first few months I was cutting -800 to 1000 cal/day (or more) and my drop would be 7 to 9 lbs. at the end of the month. Whatever the case, my body takes a couple of weeks to adjust before deciding to let the weight go. So I don't really classify it as a stall per se.
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Like others, it depends on how you define "stall". Every month from the start I went 10 days to a couple of weeks without weight loss and then a big drop. I'm still doing that. I don't see it as a stall. My body is just adjusting. For example, if I drank a lot more water the day before or I had more pickles (salt aka water retention). I love tracking my food too so as long as my calories were low, I know it is just a matter of time. Even people who are bed ridden need over 1000 calories just to survive. For me, I think I would be far more anxious if I didn't track calories though. Seeing low calories day in and day out gives me comfort so I don't have to worry. It's very calming. Excessive worrying just causes cortisol spikes and weight gain. Sent from my SM-S908U using BariatricPal mobile app
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70 calories, Low carbs and high in protein. Sounds like a great find.
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Trying to get out of my head....
ms.sss replied to SleeveToBypass2023's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
While tracking certainly helps and appeals to those of this mindset, there is another side-benefit to tracking: data collection and discovery of trends. I am one of those regular food trackers and daily body weighers and all-around spreadsheet lover (almost 4 years now and still going). By looking over the historical data i can easily figure out what foods/days/activities (or lack thereof) /macro combinations/eating schedules/etc work for or against whatever state i am looking to be in. You can see on your screen that these many calories don’t make a diff to your weight loss rate, or that those many carbs leads to stalls or swooshes. Or that these amounts of sugar make you eat less the next day. So much info! Lol I realize this may seem like a lot of effort to some, but (1) i like doing it, and (2) honestly takes less of my actual time than i spend on this forum, lol. I get that seeing black and white numbers may scare you cuz u are “getting to close” for comfort to your already accepted max goals, but maybe its better to be aware of facts than to live in angst of the unknown? Kinda like when we (or at least *i*) would not get on the scale in my pre-op days cuz I didn’t want to freak out over the number i would inevitably see. Then next thing u know, oopsies i gained 25 lbs. But yes, i get it, easier said than done. Hopefully your continued work with your new therapist will help you trust yourself and your abilities to peacefully face whatever comes your way, regardless if they meet your expectations or not. Goof Luck! ❤️ -
Hey all. Just wanted to post a 1 week update. I have dropped 12.6 lbs since surgery last Thursday. And when I include my pre-op weight loss, I'm down 40 lbs total. I am definitely happy with my progress and anxious to see where this goes in the coming weeks. My 3XL shirts are fitting much looser and I'll need to see where we put the 2XLs this weekend. I'm tracking my food, protein and water in my MFP app. It looks like I'm only consuming 450-500 calories a day. I am not doing a good job of tracking my water yet, but I'm trying to get with the program. I think I'm getting 6 cups (3 bottles) or 50 oz per day, so I need to remember to do better at some point. Today I moved on from clear liquid to full liquid, but I haven't done anything too different as of yet. I am putting a full day of work (from home office), so I didn't have much time to prepare anything different at lunch. Maybe I'll get a little more creative this evening. I did have one of those chocolate Fairlife protein shakes for my breakfast. Those taste really good, so I I savored it. I will go back to my BodyTech 24 protein powder and water when I work from home and save the premade protein drinks when I'm on the go. Overall, I think I'm on track with this thing. No regrets. Heading out for a walk now. Go July Peeps!
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Yea, I'm great at tracking my calories, protein, carbs and water. I usually average under 800 calories per day.
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Stalls - How many
maintenanceman replied to Candigrl1's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I would also monitor how many calories you are eating. It’s important to track your macros, but ultimately weight loss depends on how large your calorie deficit is. It’s easy to meet your protein, etc goals and be eating too many calories for sustained weight loss.
