DLCoggin

I think it's more likely that individual results depend on a whole shopping list of variables. For example, I think it's easier for men to lose weight, lose it more quickly, and see changes in weight more quickly in response to diet, than it is for women. I know you are also doing weight training - you're very likely reducing fat stores but increasing muscle volume. And of course muscle weighs more than fat. Now compare that to my situation. My activity level is fairly constant. No weight training. Average calorie intake closely monitored. Average calorie expenditure comparatively constant. I'm two plus decades older than you are. And I'm a guy. So the number of variables likely to affect my weight, up or down, are considerably fewer than they are for you. I know you are actually below your original goal weight and trying to lose a little more. That would point to the strong possibility that you're running up against your set-point. As recently as 2009-2010, set-points were considered by many to be theoretical. That has changed in the last few years with more and more research yielding strong evidence that set-points are very real. The human body is (unfortunately) much more receptive to weight gain than it is to weight loss. When we had to hunt and gather to survive, obesity was not an issue. Starvation was. So our bodies evolved defenses to protect against starvation. Your body will literally fight to maintain the set-point that it's at. Set-point ranges are usually about 10% of your total body weight. So if you weigh 150 lbs, each set-point range is about 15 lbs. If you're at the top of your current range, losing a few lbs is relatively easy. On the other hand, if you're at or near the bottom of your current range, your body will defend the set-point by reducing your metabolism, slowing your heart rate, etc. Making it considerably more difficult to lose even modest amounts of weight. Sorry, probably a lot more information than you wanted. To answer your question directly, I think the more experience you have logging, the better you become at interpreting the information in your log and identifying how changes in carbs/fat/protein/exercise/water will translate into weight changes. I always enjoy reading your posts and exchanging ideas with you music! Have a great day!!

I think it's great that seemingly more and more folks are recognizing logging for exactly what it is - a tool. A very powerful one. With benefits that, in my opinion, far outweigh the effort required to maintain the log. Tools are not synonymous with "easy". But they are synonymous with "easier". Just like the surgery. Surgery doesn't make losing weight "easy", just "easier". The more tools you have in your arsenal, the easier it is to reach, and then maintain your goals. Simple as that.

This is the first time I've heard of P28. The nutrition and ingredient information looks good. Whey protein is excellent. Calories are fairly high but in line with other similar products that don't have as much protein. Looks like a good product but they definitely don't give it away.

So Wednesday I had a business lunch and a social dinner. And on top of that, I was just plain hungry. All day. I gained a pound and a half in one day. So yesterday I backed off to my normal 1600 calorie goal. Weight this morning - 153.6. I love logging! Control, not denial. You guys have a great day!!

Most (if not all) Protein shots or bullets are collagen protein which has a digestibility score of 8 out of a possible 100. All the protein in the world is useless if you can't digest it. Liquid Protein vs. tablets? An interesting question. I haven't been able to find a definitive answer after more than an hour of researching. So let's consider the anecdotal evidence: - You never hear of a doctor recommending protein tablets (at least I never have). - Virtually all bariatric surgeons stress the importance of post-op protein - Doctors are well aware that many folks struggle with getting enough protein - liquid protein supplements (shakes, drinks like Isopure, or powders mixed with some liquid) appear to be the overwhelming doctor recommended choice. In spite of the fact that, given the choice, tablets would almost certainly be preferred by many. I don't know what it is (although I suspect it may be a question of absorption), but there has to be a reason why tablets are conspicuously absent in the options recommended by doctors. Probably would be a good idea to check with your doctor before substituting tablets for other protein supplement options.

Total agreement here - start maintaining a food log. Quick, easy, increases your confidence, creates accountability, allows you to manage your weight instead of your weight managing you, and backed by numerous research studies that have consistently shown that loggers lose more weight, lose it more quickly and are more successful at maintaining their goal weight. You can see other thoughts on logging in the "Food Logs Discussion" thread.

That makes perfect sense. I have never heard of another app that has that level of sophistication. I know the only other one that I've actually used did not. Anyone using another app that does the same thing or something similar?

Neither did I. Never noticed it. The deeper we go, the more riches we discover!

There is no schedule for stalls and no substitute for patience. Patience is not only a virtue, it's an absolute necessity in the weight loss journey. Your goal is physical change but your challenge is mental discipline. Stay positive. Stay patient. Stay focused. Follow the protocol as closely to the letter as you possibly can. You will lose weight. The laws of science and the universe cannot be denied. But they also cannot be rushed. Allow your body to find its own way in its own time. You're going to hear it again and again - everyone is different. But one thing never changes - you're gonna love the new you!!

Water is about as big of a "must have" as there is. 75% of your total body weight is water and 20% of what's left is Protein. As you learned the hard way, dehydration can land you back in the hospital in a heartbeat. So the bad news is "I couldn't tolerate the taste of water and anything you would mix with it" is probably not a realistic option. One way or another, there's no getting around your need for water. The good news is that it mixes easily with almost anything, is contained in varying amounts in almost all food, and comes in a huge variety of bottled or flavored options. Perhaps you can give us a little more information regarding what you've tried? Lots of folks struggle with getting enough water but it's safe to say that everyone finds a way. You're gonna love the new you!!

Just the first of many milestones that are undoubtedly in your future! Huge congratulations!! You're gonna love the new you!!!

It is so important to celebrate those perfect days! Good for you!!

It absolutely gets better over time. But you're absolutely right the protein is important. You might want to try drinking 2oz every 15 to 30 or even 60 mins. If you're on pureed or solid food, another option is to buy unflavored Protein Powder. Put a scoop in a small dish and sprinkle a little in anything you drink or eat during your day. One scoop is usually 20 to 30g of protein. By the end of the day you've added that much protein while eating and drinking the things you would have had anyway. You're gonna love the new you!!

Pretty good week for me as well. I was targeting 1700 calories a day in order to gain a pound or so. But the long Labor Day weekend pushed the actual closer to 1800 calories. But I was 153.6 yesterday morning so I'm pleased with the result. Still struggling to get my fiber up with last week only hitting about 50% of my goal. I will eat my veggies, I WILL eat my veggies! Percentages were good - 33/35/32 against my goal of 40/30/30 carbs/fat/protein. Carbs make me nervous so I'm always glad to be below that number. Fat was a little high but doesn't seem to have anywhere near as much impact on my weight as carbs. Yesterday's numbers aren't reflected in last weeks results but...I had half of a medium baked potato with BBQ chicken and a little low fat butter with canola oil on it for dinner. Good meal calorie wise and very filling (little weak on protein with only 6g). About two hours later I got hit with "late" dumping aka hypoglycemia. I've had the baked potato with BBQ chicken before with no problem. At the moment my best guess is that the dumping was caused by the combination of the potato and two glasses of Merlot that I had about a half hour before dinner. No previous problem with either the wine or the potato but the combination together and BAM! Strange stuff hypoglycemia. I ate a protein bar with 2g of sugar and 4g of sugar alcohol and in 20 minutes I was just fine. Hope you guys had a terrific Labor Day!!

If you were asked for one piece of advice, or one tip, or one suggestion regarding gastric bypass (or bariatric surgery in general), what would be your reply?

You're frustrated because you hit a stall. Perfectly understandable - but a waste of energy. Consider focusing that energy on the fact that you KNOW (because you're logging) that you are following the protocol. And knowing that, you KNOW that you will lose weight. The laws of science and the universe cannot be denied. That is exciting. That is positive. That is energy well spent. Your goal is physical change but your challenge is mental discipline. Stay patient, stay positive, stay focused. Sometimes you'll lose slowly. Sometimes quickly. Sometimes not at all. But your plan, your focus, is always the same. Persistence, along with absolute belief, can never be defeated. You're gonna love the new you!!

I started logging shortly after my surgery so I've been logging for almost two years. I didn't find it difficult to get started. You're excited about the surgery. You're committed. Motivated. But in all honesty, I think everyone goes through a period, sooner or later, where logging gets tedious. I've found it helps tremendously to give yourself an occasional break from logging. For example, I usually don't log when I'm on vacation. There's never any doubt in my mind that I will resume (it truly is addictive), but taking a break is relaxing and a breather from the normal routine. That's what vacations are all about! Another thing I've found is that the longer you log, the more valuable it becomes. Logging immediately after surgery helps keep you on track following the protocol. But your choices are limited. It's when you're back on a regular diet that logging really starts to shine. And unfortunately, it's when a lot of folks stop logging. It's all too easy to fall into the "I've got this, it's all downhill from here!" trap. It's only when you progress back to a regular diet that you begin really making your own food choices. You start to understand your new relationship with food. And logging changes that relationship in ways you never imagined possible. You discover that you really are in control. You discover that you really can enjoy that special occasion, that special meal, and get right back on track. Your confidence soars. You come to the realization, often for the first time, that you really can manage your weight. And that's reinforced, every day, again and again and again. For me, that is the very definition of the all- important - lifestyle changes. Is it easy to make it a habit? I don't know that there's a one size fits all answer to that question. But the reality is that loggers are in the minority. Many start, get tired, bored, frustrated - fill in the blank - and stop logging. Losing weight takes commitment. So does logging. Bypass surgery is a tool. So is logging. Tools are not synonymous with "easy". They are synonymous with "easier". In my mind, the more tools I have, the easier it becomes to reach, and to maintain, my goal. I believe that logging made it easier for me to lose more weight, lose it faster, and maintain my weight. And I think that those who make the commitment will discover the same. Simple as that.

Try thinking of it this way - there is absolutely no doubt that as long as you follow the protocol as closely to the letter as you possibly can and stay active, you will lose weight. The laws of science and the universe cannot be denied. Sometimes you'll lose slowly. Sometimes you'll lose quickly. Sometimes you won't lose at all. But your plan of action is the same in all three cases. Follow the protocol and stay active. And of course I personally would add maintain a food log! Your goal is physical change but your challenge is mental discipline. You cannot directly control the path your weight loss will take. You can control your thoughts. Stay positive, stay patient, stay focused - persistence, along with absolute belief, can never be defeated. You're gonna love the new you!!

And no reason you should say no!!

SoccerMom I just gotta tell you - I love the way you get right to the point!! LOL

Completely slipped my mind! But now that you mention it...

And it helps prevent muscle cramps. I hate muscle cramps. A lot!

I want to be within my target weight maintenance range at the two year mark - Oct 20th. Range is 153-156. Weight this morning - 151.6. I always read that most folks have a "bounce back" weight gain at the 12 to 18 month mark. My weight stabilized at 155 at about 13 months out. I was determined that there would be no bounce back. So far, so good! I'm absolutely convinced that the key is my food log. Which I've maintained since a few weeks after my surgery. And the next milestone will be being in the same range at the three year mark! Lovin the new me!!

I have shared your frustration - many times. But how cool is it that your log teaches you so much about what you eat? It also has taught me to check it after every meal so I can make adjustments in the next meal for Protein, carbs, fat, calories, or whatever. Of course that doesn't mean I always make the adjustment - just means I don't have an excuse!

Amazing. Next I'll get the hiccups every time I tie my shoes! In my case it's not really what I would call a "problem", it's just so strange! Well that and my wife can only say "Bless you" so many times. Then she just gets rude! LOL!