Post surgery, what part of this process has been your biggest obstacle? Pre surgery, what are you dreading the most?? I am 5 months post op and my absolute biggest obstacle is boredom eating. I battle it daily!! I have had one appointment with a specialist but she is super busy and I don’t talk to her again for two months….I am just curious what, if anything others are struggling with or have struggled with and any tips on how to deal with these things.

yep - boredom eating here too (I'm six years out). This pandemic has been a struggle since we've been trapped in our houses for much of it. When I can, I get out of the house when boredom hits - walk, bike, etc. I also try never to let myself get too hungry. I also keep things like SF popsicles, SF Jello, and raw vegetables like baby carrots and celery around all the time. Doesn't always work, but it does sometimes...

I'm still pre-op... I'm dreading/fearing the emotional changes because I have bipolar disorder and my meds are totally stable but I know this will be throwing me a curve ball as my hormones go crazy when I'm losing weight. I'm also dreading/fearing possible diarrhea from eating random things. I spent years with IBS/diarrhea from my meds and it's so terrible to not know when you'll need to find a bathroom IMMEDIATELY.

36 minutes ago, lizonaplane said:

I'm still pre-op... I'm dreading/fearing the emotional changes because I have bipolar disorder and my meds are totally stable but I know this will be throwing me a curve ball as my hormones go crazy when I'm losing weight. I'm also dreading/fearing possible diarrhea from eating random things. I spent years with IBS/diarrhea from my meds and it's so terrible to not know when you'll need to find a bathroom IMMEDIATELY.

The emotional changes were my biggest fear pre surgery because of bipolar as well. I was pleasantly surprised though that the mood swings were not too bad. I was expecting way worse. It sounds like you will be a good advocate for yourself though if you do need to talk to someone or get any med changes. Fortunately I did not need any additional help. I had a couple lazy weeks where I took more naps and I was a little more sensitive but that was it for me. I haven’t had any diarrhea at all either. Hopefully you will be the same.

4 hours ago, catwoman7 said:

yep - boredom eating here too (I'm six years out). This pandemic has been a struggle since we've been trapped in our houses for much of it. When I can, I get out of the house when boredom hits - walk, bike, etc. I also try never to let myself get too hungry. I also keep things like SF popsicles, SF Jello, and raw vegetables like baby carrots and celery around all the time. Doesn't always work, but it does sometimes...

Just picked up my Walmart order and I added on some raw veggies after your post earlier. I haven’t been buying cause I was eating such small quantities but I can eat a bit more now and I guess If I have to waste a little I just have to. Better than gaining weight cause I eat something else. Thanks for the tip.

Potato chips are my weakness. Unfortunately they're a slider food and also one of my favorite foods. I can still easily eat the whole bag if I let myself. I just keep myself away from them and so far that has worked as if they're not in the house I can't eat them.

It looks like I may end up being a slow loser, so I think not getting frustrated with that might end up being my biggest obstacle. Then the frustration has turned into getting off track in the past. I will have to accept that it may be slow, but that is ok. Hoping this time is different & also working hard to make it different.

My biggest struggle, I guess, would be my inability to get in a wide variety of foods. I feel like I just eat protein, i.e. meat or eggs, and then have no room for anything else like vegetables, dairy, healthy fats or even starch or fruits. I have spoken to my nutritionist before about this and she says that it will change over time and to just concentrate on getting in enough protein for now. That I'm still early in the game.

I try but most days I'm lucky if, in addition to the meat (protein source), I get in 4 bites of veggies total for the day. Almost never get dairy unless it's a slice or two of cheese or yogurt or cottage cheese, and rarely get in starch even though that too is suggest for my diet. Fruit I have been really trying hard to get that in at least. I'm sure eventually it will even itself out.

I also am finding it hard for exercise. This Summer has been a doozy when it comes to the health of my family. My son had a procedure, then me and my surgery and now my husband had surgery last week (had a defibrillator placed), plus I take care of my 3 grandkids from about 8am until 6pm or later sometimes. Anyway, I'm finding it hard to get time in for me or even a dang walk without anyone needing me or wanting to tag along to slow me down. I wanted to get back to the gym but it's just not possible at this time. I do have an exercise bike and various sizes or bands and free weights but, I'm just no good with coming up with a plan on what I need or should be doing. Can't even seem to find time to do those either. Thankfully I am still losing weight but I'd most definitely like to be toning sh*t up too at the same time. LOL

4 minutes ago, SummerTimeGirl said:

My biggest struggle, I guess, would be my inability to get in a wide variety of foods. I feel like I just eat Protein, i.e. meat or eggs, and then have no room for anything else like vegetables, dairy, healthy fats or even starch or fruits. I have spoken to my nutritionist before about this and she says that it will change over time and to just concentrate on getting in enough protein for now. That I'm still early in the game.

I try but most days I'm lucky if, in addition to the meat (protein source), I get in 4 bites of veggies total for the day. Almost never get dairy unless it's a slice or two of cheese or yogurt or cottage cheese, and rarely get in starch even though that too is suggest for my diet. fruit I have been really trying hard to get that in at least. I'm sure eventually it will even itself out.

I also am finding it hard for exercise. This Summer has been a doozy when it comes to the health of my family. My son had a procedure, then me and my surgery and now my husband had surgery last week (had a defibrillator placed), plus I take care of my 3 grandkids from about 8am until 6pm or later sometimes. Anyway, I'm finding it hard to get time in for me or even a dang walk without anyone needing me or wanting to tag along to slow me down. I wanted to get back to the gym but it's just not possible at this time. I do have an exercise bike and various sizes or bands and free weights but, I'm just no good with coming up with a plan on what I need or should be doing. Can't even seem to find time to do those either. Thankfully I am still losing weight but I'd most definitely like to be toning sh*t up too at the same time. LOL

Keeping up with three grandkids every day is probably as much exercise as many of us get if they are anything like my nieces and nephews. Have you tried doing active things with them. Let them ride bikes or skate while you walk alongside perhaps (with the ages I have that seems to work out for a good speed walk around the neighborhood), or just play tag with them and stuff like that. Exercise comes in all forms. As long as you are moving that’s what matters.

11 minutes ago, ShoppGirl said:

Keeping up with three grandkids every day is probably as much exercise as many of us get if they are anything like my nieces and nephews. Have you tried doing active things with them. Let them ride bikes or skate while you walk alongside perhaps (with the ages I have that seems to work out for a good speed walk around the neighborhood), or just play tag with them and stuff like that. Exercise comes in all forms. As long as you are moving that’s what matters.

Most days we swim in our pool or play outside in the yard with things like the water table, chalk/drawling, painting, bubbles, play ball, etc. We have walked the neighborhood together but they constantly want to stop and pick up things, look at stuff, the little one can't walk fast so it really does nothing for me as far as getting my heart rate up. LOL Doc has even told me, DO NOT TAKE the dog or the grandkids on walks with you. You will not get your heart rate up to where it needs to be with someone else tagging along. He said I could go on extra walks with them but to make sure I get my own walks in without them. Yeah, sure. HAHA That's my family doc. Not the surgeon.

Otherwise I do have to cook for them, cleanup, do other chores around the house so I do get some exercise in. Just not elevating my heart rate kind of exercises like suggested and most definitely not for long if it does at all. LOL

Edited August 10, 20214 yr by SummerTimeGirl

8 hours ago, SummerTimeGirl said:

My biggest struggle, I guess, would be my inability to get in a wide variety of foods. I feel like I just eat Protein, i.e. meat or eggs, and then have no room for anything else like vegetables, dairy, healthy fats or even starch or fruits. I have spoken to my nutritionist before about this and she says that it will change over time and to just concentrate on getting in enough protein for now. That I'm still early in the game.

I try but most days I'm lucky if, in addition to the meat (protein source), I get in 4 bites of veggies total for the day. Almost never get dairy unless it's a slice or two of cheese or yogurt or cottage cheese, and rarely get in starch even though that too is suggest for my diet. fruit I have been really trying hard to get that in at least. I'm sure eventually it will even itself out.

I also am finding it hard for exercise. This Summer has been a doozy when it comes to the health of my family. My son had a procedure, then me and my surgery and now my husband had surgery last week (had a defibrillator placed), plus I take care of my 3 grandkids from about 8am until 6pm or later sometimes. Anyway, I'm finding it hard to get time in for me or even a dang walk without anyone needing me or wanting to tag along to slow me down. I wanted to get back to the gym but it's just not possible at this time. I do have an exercise bike and various sizes or bands and free weights but, I'm just no good with coming up with a plan on what I need or should be doing. Can't even seem to find time to do those either. Thankfully I am still losing weight but I'd most definitely like to be toning sh*t up too at the same time. LOL

Well I was chatting on another topic and I just remembered this dance game I used to play on occasion that was super fun. My husband said it was on Xbox But they seem to have the game for PlayStation as well. If I remember correctly it got my heart rate up pretty well (probably why I stopped playing when I was heavy, Lol). Anyways he just ordered an older Xbox on eBay since we don’t have that one anymore. I googled it and I’m pretty sure the game is called just dance. I thought maybe you have a game console. I bet the kids would love to play that with grandma. You know the nurse practitioner at my surgery center said for cardio it’s okay to break it up to 10 minute increments. You just don’t want to do less than ten minutes or there isn’t much benefit. I also tried a Zumba beginner class on you tube that was pretty fun. Perhaps if you find something like that you may enjoy you would be more apt to make time for it. Idk. Just thought I’d share. Hope it helps.

10 hours ago, ShoppGirl said:

Well I was chatting on another topic and I just remembered this dance game I used to play on occasion that was super fun. My husband said it was on Xbox But they seem to have the game for PlayStation as well. If I remember correctly it got my heart rate up pretty well (probably why I stopped playing when I was heavy, Lol). Anyways he just ordered an older Xbox on eBay since we don’t have that one anymore. I googled it and I’m pretty sure the game is called just dance. I thought maybe you have a game console. I bet the kids would love to play that with grandma. You know the nurse practitioner at my surgery center said for cardio it’s okay to break it up to 10 minute increments. You just don’t want to do less than ten minutes or there isn’t much benefit. I also tried a Zumba beginner class on you tube that was pretty fun. Perhaps if you find something like that you may enjoy you would be more apt to make time for it. Idk. Just thought I’d share. Hope it helps.

Great idea! I also have an old Wii system. I tried hooking it up over the Summer for the grandkids but couldn't find some wires. Maybe it's time to look again cause I know I have the WiffFit with it too! That would be fun for all. I can also look into that game you mentioned. Thanks!!

29 minutes ago, SummerTimeGirl said:

Great idea! I also have an old Wii system. I tried hooking it up over the Summer for the grandkids but couldn't find some wires. Maybe it's time to look again cause I know I have the WiffFit with it too! That would be fun for all. I can also look into that game you mentioned. Thanks!!

I just googled it and they have that game for wii as well. It’s 20 bucks at GameStop. My husband ordered a used Xbox yesterday on eBay so I can play that game again and Now I sorta wish I had gotten the wii console so I could have the wii fit as well. It looks like fun. Go find those wires. ?

On 8/10/2021 at 12:48 PM, Candace76 said:

It looks like I may end up being a slow loser, so I think not getting frustrated with that might end up being my biggest obstacle. Then the frustration has turned into getting off track in the past. I will have to accept that it may be slow, but that is ok. Hoping this time is different & also working hard to make it different.

I think I am a somewhat slow loser too. It could be a good thing, more time for skin to bounce back as we lose. Im trying to be optimistic.

On 8/10/2021 at 3:05 AM, LaoDaBeirut said:

Potato chips are my weakness. Unfortunately they're a slider food and also one of my favorite foods. I can still easily eat the whole bag if I let myself. I just keep myself away from them and so far that has worked as if they're not in the house I can't eat them.

Have you tried the quest protein chips. Of course you still can’t eat a large portion but they seriously aren’t bad tasting.

1 hour ago, ShoppGirl said:

I think I am a somewhat slow loser too. It could be a good thing, more time for skin to bounce back as we lose. Im trying to be optimistic.

Yes, hopefully that will be a benefit of losing at slower pace. ???