5 Weeks Out...still Adjusting

[Dania621 9]

Hello all!

I'm just about five weeks out and I want to know how everyone was doing at this time. I seem to be getting between 600-800 calories a day. 370 calories come from my Monster Milk Lite and Isopure Zero (they're good for 65 g protein...I separate them-one in the am and other in pm). The rest comes from food. I also walk between 30-40 minutes a night. In the mornings, I do very light weights for my arms and squats and lunges for my legs...no ab work yet. I'm scared to pop a stitch, so to speak.

I have NO idea how much weight I've lost since my last check in (209 lbs...yay!). That was on 2/16. I haven't weighed myself since because I was becoming obsessive...you know, checking it every single day and moaning when the scale didn't budge. So my next appointment with the surgeon is 3/6. I'll have a weight update then. My clothes definitely feel loose, but I don't know if I'm doing right by food. I'm supposed to be up to 1200 calories, according to the guide from my surgeon (bananas, I know). However, i can't eat two whole ounces at once without getting full really fast and feeling sick. I haven't puked at all during this process...again, I'm scared that I will harm myself. Anyway, any thoughts or experiences shared would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you!

[D1NOnlySexyLady 70]

Hi Dania,

Congratulations on your success, I'm so happy to hear that you have had a smooth transition. Was curious to know what were your stats before surgery? What have been the most difficult part throughout the surgery. Where are you from and what recommendations to prepare for the day

[clk 3,519]

It sounds like you're on the right track, both nutritionally and mentally.

I had to eat between 800-900 calories a day to lose and now in maintenance I'm between 1200-1400 a day. Only you are going to know how much you can eat and still lose, so log your food and pay attention. Even the doctor and nutritionist are going off of guidelines that don't consider what works for your particular body. Some folks need more and some need less. Until you heal completely, I wouldn't worry too much in any case. Just focus on pushing liquids, staying hydrated and getting as much Protein as possible. The rest will follow.

I'm 19 months out and eating more than one egg scrambled with cheese in a sitting is tough. I do 2-3 ounces of Protein if it's fish or chicken but if it's beef I manage even less. I don't have a lot of protein options where I live so I tend to make up the slack with protein coffee or tea in the morning. I like to see my protein levels at 90+ grams a day.

Congrats on putting away the scale. It's hard to do. Once you get to the point where your realize that you won't see a loss every time, and that the scale is simply a tool to keep us accountable and NOT a measure of our success you'll be able to weigh daily without driving yourself nuts. Until then it just makes life a rollercoaster.

You're doing great so far. Don't stress about the food. I didn't start really hitting my calorie/protein goals until 4-6 months out.

~Cheri

[PreciousCargo 55]

I am also five weeks post op and can relate to the same difficulties. I have become obsesse with the scale. I jump on it two twices a day and get very frustrated with the stats. Mostly I get my Proteins from drinking milk, Protein Drinks make me vomit. I don't regularly excerise due to feeling fatigue often. You are doing a great job in that department. According to my doctor 800 calories a day is our goal (I cant imagine trying to get 1200 calories) and between 74-94 grams of Protein. I can only eat about 3 0z of food when I do eat. It is so hard when eating that I simply stick to Soup and baby food. I experience a lot of gas and burping which irrates me. This had been a new life style change and ever day my basic focus is Vitamins, fluids and proteins... oh and successfully not vomiting that day. Good luck

[Dania621 9]

Hi Dania,

Congratulations on your success, I'm so happy to hear that you have had a smooth transition. Was curious to know what were your stats before surgery? What have been the most difficult part throughout the surgery. Where are you from and what recommendations to prepare for the day

I'm 5'5". I started at 238 lbs. I lost about 10 before surgery and now I'm at 209. I'll find out this Wednesday if the scale's moved. My surgeon's office just called to switch appointments. It ended up working in my favor ) I'm from New York. And the prep for surgery day? In what way? Mentally, physically? Mentally, just surround yourself with supportive people and just be positive. I had a tough couple of days after the surgery. But exactly one week after surgery, I was feeling TONS better. So keep your eye on the prize1

[Dania621 9]

It sounds like you're on the right track, both nutritionally and mentally.

I had to eat between 800-900 calories a day to lose and now in maintenance I'm between 1200-1400 a day. Only you are going to know how much you can eat and still lose, so log your food and pay attention. Even the doctor and nutritionist are going off of guidelines that don't consider what works for your particular body. Some folks need more and some need less. Until you heal completely, I wouldn't worry too much in any case. Just focus on pushing liquids, staying hydrated and getting as much Protein as possible. The rest will follow.

I'm 19 months out and eating more than one egg scrambled with cheese in a sitting is tough. I do 2-3 ounces of Protein if it's fish or chicken but if it's beef I manage even less. I don't have a lot of protein options where I live so I tend to make up the slack with protein coffee or tea in the morning. I like to see my protein levels at 90+ grams a day.

Congrats on putting away the scale. It's hard to do. Once you get to the point where your realize that you won't see a loss every time, and that the scale is simply a tool to keep us accountable and NOT a measure of our success you'll be able to weigh daily without driving yourself nuts. Until then it just makes life a rollercoaster.

You're doing great so far. Don't stress about the food. I didn't start really hitting my calorie/protein goals until 4-6 months out.

~Cheri

I'm trying!! I did get on a scale once...but then I realized I was psyching my self out. I mean, I can weigh myself on 4 different scales and get 4 different numbers. So, I have enough crap going on in my head, I don't need that extra added pressure from the scale. Okay, so I feel like I'm doing well. My first goal isn't even a weight one, it's to be able to eat enough protein to knock out my morning Protein shake. Thanks for sharing...it really helps to see how other people are doing!

[Dania621 9]

I am also five weeks post op and can relate to the same difficulties. I have become obsesse with the scale. I jump on it two twices a day and get very frustrated with the stats. Mostly I get my Proteins from drinking milk, Protein drinks make me vomit. I don't regularly excerise due to feeling fatigue often. You are doing a great job in that department. According to my doctor 800 calories a day is our goal (I cant imagine trying to get 1200 calories) and between 74-94 grams of Protein. I can only eat about 3 0z of food when I do eat. It is so hard when eating that I simply stick to Soup and baby food. I experience a lot of gas and burping which irrates me. This had been a new life style change and ever day my basic focus is Vitamins, fluids and proteins... oh and successfully not vomiting that day. Good luck

Try to get off the scale...I swear, I try to be upbeat, but it was dragging me down. I've been getting in the same amount of protein. I can't even imagine trying to eat that much right now? I'd split my little ole sleeve!!

[New in 2012 14]

I was in the same boat. Now I try to weigh myself just once a week, always at the same time and on same scale, so I have an actual point of reference. Once I made that change, it helped my sanity. I definitely am losing weight because I've changed clothes sizes, so that's good! Plus my husband says he can tell when he hugs me. Yeah!