Hey y'all! Anyone and everyone is welcome to jump in and join us.

This is the Intermittent Fasting DAily Menu/Results/Accountability Thread. It's where a few of us (or many) are going to log in and encourage each other while we experiment with our own IF plans. You can list or talk about anything--not just your food. I look forward to adding in HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) and core exercises to my walking plan while practicing IF. So expect to hear about that too. hehe I expect some of us will talk about the known IF side-effects like insomnia, circadian rhythm disturbance, etc. It's all good! Let's hack this IF mofo! mkay?

There is not any 1 specific IF plan--there are so many to choose from, so this is a BYOIFP (bring-your-own-IF-plan) and join the fun! This is the thread where we'll post our daily menus and maybe some piccys at times! We can discuss progress, issues we might notice, look at how we may want to refine our own personal plans. I do think you should be healed from surgery and have your doctor's and RD's blessings to try something like this and you should do a ton of research and reading about Intermittent Fasting.

IF isn't only about weight loss, it's about taking specific measures to limit either quantities, calories, macros, or sometimes only consciously altering eating windows/schedules in order to effect metabolic change and reduce inflammation and improve health markers.

Ok, let's do this thang!!!

7 minutes ago, FluffyChix said:

MAAAAATTTTTTTT!! (((HUGS)))

(am I yelling? cuz it feels like I am!)

Great to see you and holy moly, man! WTG on working through your challenges and loving IF! Cuz dude! Remember when you were worried you wouldn't ever break through to the 199mark?!!! Success!!!!

Full length pics please!!

Yelling is ok! LOL
Yeah I swore I'd never break 230, then I did... then I was worried I'd never see Onederland... and I did. Then I thought I'd never see 180... and I did. Then I landed my "Half the man" milestone when I hit 185.

I'll see what I can do about the full length photo. At work right now and they are looking at me funny.

1 minute ago, Matt Z said:

Yelling is ok! LOL
Yeah I swore I'd never break 230, then I did... then I was worried I'd never see Onederland... and I did. Then I thought I'd never see 180... and I did. Then I landed my "Half the man" milestone when I hit 185.

I'll see what I can do about the full length photo. At work right now and they are looking at me funny.

Hahahaha! You're 1/2 the man you used to be and kept the best half!!!! Wooot!! Let em look! Jelly bi*ches! Glad you're back. No stress or pressure. But never go away again. Mmmkay?

Hahahaha! You're 1/2 the man you used to be and kept the best half!!!! Wooot!! Let em look! Jelly bi*ches! [emoji3] Glad you're back. No stress or pressure. But never go away again. Mmmkay? [emoji3]

Here to go, not the best, but eh lol

Just now, Matt Z said:

Here to go, not the best, but eh lol

OMG! Dude you look amazing! So handsome!!!! Aren't you beyond proud of yourself for all your hard work and NEVER giving up??!!! Great outfit btw!

Just now, FluffyChix said:

OMG! Dude you look amazing! So handsome!!!! Aren't you beyond proud of yourself for all your hard work and NEVER giving up??!!! Great outfit btw!

It's a mixed bag. I'm happy with where I am, I'm getting to where I am happy with my outward (dressed) appearance. It's progress. Need to get back to the Gym and get some more building done... been taking it a bit too easy lately trying to deal with the other BS.

1 minute ago, Matt Z said:

It's a mixed bag. I'm happy with where I am, I'm getting to where I am happy with my outward (dressed) appearance. It's progress. Need to get back to the Gym and get some more building done... been taking it a bit too easy lately trying to deal with the other BS.

Dooooo eeet! It will help you deal with the other BS. And taking time for yourself--well you know it's important hon. You'll figure it out! And ohhhhh the nekkidy body v. clothed body thing...sigh. It's real. Here I am today in my outfit I'm wearing out tonight. I'm 133.2lbs this morning. Look ok clothed...but nekkid? Holy hell, man. Dim the lights.

@Matt Z You look great! Sorry about your difficulties. Sending good vibes your way.

3 minutes ago, FluffyChix said:

Dooooo eeet! It will help you deal with the other BS. And taking time for yourself--well you know it's important hon. You'll figure it out! And ohhhhh the nekkidy body v. clothed body thing...sigh. It's real. Here I am today in my outfit I'm wearing out tonight. I'm 133.2lbs this morning. Look ok clothed...but nekkid? Holy hell, man. Dim the lights.

LOL look at you fading away!

2 minutes ago, Orchids&Dragons said:

@Matt Z You look great! Sorry about your difficulties. Sending good vibes your way.

Thank you! I've been taking everything in stride. The mindfulness stuff I learned in therapy has really changed my entire life and outlook on things. It's a daily struggle, but, it's one that has clear benefits! Only one thing at a time and only things I can actually control.

Just now, Matt Z said:

LOL look at you fading away!

Haha. Not quite. "Jabooty" is still with me, but one day, may she rest in peace! I ran my third 5K this morning. I feel strong-ish. Do you?!

2 minutes ago, FluffyChix said:

Haha. Not quite. "Jabooty" is still with me, but one day, may she rest in peace! I ran my third 5K this morning. I feel strong-ish. Do you?!

I still can't really run much, but that's like a life time thing, born flat footed so running sucks anyway. Strong, I actually feel weaker. Because I used my weight as an advantage with doing things like moving or lifting stuff. Now, I've lost all that weight backing me up so it's a little odd. I actually had people pick me up, including a small female... that was a trip, getting picked up by such a tiny person blew my mind.

Just now, Matt Z said:

I still can't really run much, but that's like a life time thing, born flat footed so running sucks anyway. Strong, I actually feel weaker. Because I used my weight as an advantage with doing things like moving or lifting stuff. Now, I've lost all that weight backing me up so it's a little odd. I actually had people pick me up, including a small female... that was a trip, getting picked up by such a tiny person blew my mind.

Oh wow! And dang, I forgot with your back/spine issues, I bet strength training is tough--let alone running!!! Are you able to do PT and have you felt any relief from it? I know PT helped me soooo much!

And double wow on being light enough for a small female to lift you! Do you think you are "actually" weaker physically or do you think that is more BD stuff expressing itself? (I can def relate to BD. so. many. issues. here. LOL. *snort*)

Am going up to our mountain cabin today for 3 days of R&R by myself. I am going to try a 3 day fast - for detoxification, knock off any zombie cells, rest my pouch, and focus on some personal and spiritual goals. I've got herbal teas and my big water bottle. (And some protein shakes and bone broth if I need to break earlier.)

So I'll let you know how it goes. I can't find any information that says total fasting is dangerous/damaging to the pouch or anastomosis. I am still going to take my pantoprazole, although I can't find any info on that, either, as far as not eating afterwards. I'll just have to listen and feel what is happening and take it one day at a time.

I had a horrible night last night. I got off work late and was really hungry. I had to go to WalMart, so picked up a roasted chicken and a peach. Well, I ate too much of the chicken and about 1/2 the peach. I chewed well and took my time, but about 45 minutes later, oh it was terrible. The worst ever. Nausea, foamies, slimies, pain - I thought I had done myself in. I vomited twice (and I do not vomit easily) and had about 6 hours of agony. I feel fine this morning, but dehydrated and weak because I couldn't get all my fluids in. So the next 3 days of fasting will be all about keeping hydrated and giving my "Tiny Tum" a break. (It worked pretty hard yesterday.) This whole experience begs the question of why in the world did I think I could eat so much? I still haven't learned how to stop way before feeling full. This is something I will explore this weekend.

5 minutes ago, AZhiker said:

Am going up to our mountain cabin today for 3 days of R&R by myself. I am going to try a 3 day fast - for detoxification, knock off any zombie cells, rest my pouch, and focus on some personal and spiritual goals. I've got herbal teas and my big water bottle. (And some Protein Shakes and Bone Broth if I need to break earlier.)

So I'll let you know how it goes. I can't find any information that says total fasting is dangerous/damaging to the pouch or anastomosis. I am still going to take my pantoprazole, although I can't find any info on that, either, as far as not eating afterwards. I'll just have to listen and feel what is happening and take it one day at a time.

I had a horrible night last night. I got off work late and was really hungry. I had to go to Walmart, so picked up a roasted chicken and a peach. Well, I ate too much of the chicken and about 1/2 the peach. I chewed well and took my time, but about 45 minutes later, oh it was terrible. The worst ever. Nausea, foamies, slimies, pain - I thought I had done myself in. I vomited twice (and I do not vomit easily) and had about 6 hours of agony. I feel fine this morning, but dehydrated and weak because I couldn't get all my fluids in. So the next 3 days of fasting will be all about keeping hydrated and giving my "Tiny Tum" a break. (It worked pretty hard yesterday.) This whole experience begs the question of why in the world did I think I could eat so much? I still haven't learned how to stop way before feeling full. This is something I will explore this weekend.

((hugs)) Have a healing weekend! Kill lots of zombies for us and take pics. Cuz you know...we like pics and all. I think it's healing to fast. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Sorry you overdid it last night. These things happen and are powerful learning tools!!! Sounds like you have a great plan for the weekend. See ya on Monday!!

19 hours ago, sillykitty said:

Hugs @FluffyChix ... I know that is not what you were hoping to hear today! ?

"she said that 5lbs wouldn't make or break me, but that I needed to give up on the BDG goal, cuz she didn't think it would be healthy for me"

I think what you should keep in mind if your surgeon has your well being as her priority. She doesn't have dysmorphic glasses, or BDG blinders on. She;s as close to unbiased as you can get.

"And what about the 10-15lb rebound that I'm terrified of succumbing to in year 3? *big gulp*"

First, it's not inevitable, anymore than only losing 60-70% excess body weight post WLS is. Second, if you do have a bounce, it will be ok . You can be perfectly healthy, attractive, active, and feel great at a point or two higher on the BMI scale. I believe there is actually a study or two saying as women age it might be beneficial to be closer to the top end of a healthy BMI.

In my mind the question for you is ... what will you replace your BDG goal with? From everything I know about you, you need a purpose. Your drive is admirable (and a little frightening). There are so many areas you can focus your energy on, so you can be a healthier FC, than you would even be at your BDG weight.

So I'm finally at a point of being able to respond, Kitty. Sorry for the delay--but I was thinking about your points all last night and this morning.

It wasn't entirely out-of-the-blue, though. She's been saying this to me along with my RD since I hit about 145lbs. They wanted me to stop there cuz they said I had a darling figure that looked right on me and that if I went lower I would look drawn and frail. And yet, I just put their advice aside and went on about my merry agenda. Right?

What's messed up (among other things) is that yesterday I was so anxious to see her cuz as usual, I was afraid I "hadn't lost enough" weight or wasn't low enough to "win WLS" and not get a lecture for failing or lack of trying. I was actually worried cuz the scale here was 135.2lbs which was about the same as it was last time in her office. I felt like I should be below 130lbs by now. But my body has resisted and resisted.

So although it wasn't unexpected--no one expects the Spanish Inquisition (ty Monty Python). You know? So I wasn't expecting her gentle finger-wagging from the opposite perspective, nor did I miss the fact that she "casually" asked if I'd like to see their new RD since my old one is now at another hospital where I do my support group. So I have 2 RDs on the case now. And of course, I told her, "Sure! When?" LOL.

I know for sure she does see me clearly without bias and always operates from a Best Practices perspective, plus she genuinely cares about her patients!! She's so talented and such a healer!

I know rebound isn't inevitable but part of me is still so fearful of the zombie apocalypse where all the slain pounds lay waiting to leap on me and I revert to my former poor habits and miscreant deeds that got me to the Obesity Ball. I'm that much of a backslider! (potentially)

And yeah, the studies...for sure. Both she and RD1 told me about them that there is no evidence that being midway or lower in your normal zone is healthy for older peeps. It's actually associated with a great all-cause mortality. But ugh...you know? I just wanna be thin. And if I die? I want to die thin (not anorexic). Just thin. Messed up. I know...

As to what do I replace the obsession with--I think it's gonna have to be fitness. I really pondered that. I need to build some muscles especially in my arms and legs and core and booty. Well fu*k! IN mah bod! And I'd like to pick my speed up on "ralking" now that I'm actually able to run an entire 5K at one time. Something I never thought would be possible. Even though I pay for it afterward with increased fatigue/pain, it just feels worth it once it's gone.

Thanks for caring and for asking the tough questions that make me think! I really value your opinion and friendship!

(Ironically, I woke up to a new low -- barely -- of 133.2lbs this morning. I ate like a rabid dog last night. So. much. steak and chicken. and salad. and loaded broccoli.)