DLCoggin

It takes all of us to make a community. I'd like to thank the newbies that extend the time and effort to ask questions with enough information to allow us to offer meaningful suggestions. Thank you to those who avoid asking impossibly broad questions - "What was your experience from pre-op to goal weight?" - that few have the time to answer and few have the time to read if we did answer. Thank you to those who acknowledge answers to their questions. Thank you to those who understand that you can't whine your way to success - we all need a wake-up call on occasion. Thank you to those who share not only their challenges but their successes as well - we all benefit from your experiences, good and not so good, just like you benefit from ours. Newbies and vets alike, we are ALL part of the community that makes Bariatric Pal the special place that it is. My thanks to everyone for their contributions!

I have always encouraged folks who are in the rapid weight loss stage (approximately the first year following your surgery) to weigh no more often than once a week and if you can stand it, every two weeks is even better. Chasing the scale when you're in this stage can be frustrating, discouraging and for some, even self-defeating. Much better to focus on following your plan and the all important lifestyle changes than the number on the scale. But... Once you meet the weight that you want to maintain, I totally agree with Carol - I weigh almost every single day. Once you are at your maintenance weight, your priority shifts - from "weight loss" to "weight management". Daily monitoring of your weight in conjunction with maintaining a food log, puts you in the driver's seat. My daily weigh-ins tell me what, if any, adjustments I need to make. My log allows me to make those adjustments with almost "surgical" (Lol) precision. There are days when I exceed my daily calorie goal for maintenance. And days when I fall below my daily goal (yes - it really does happen!). In both cases, I see the results on the scale. My weight maintenance "window" is 151 to 156 pounds. This morning I was 150.4. That tells me that I need to increase my calorie intake,100-200 calories, for a day or two. And of course, the exact same principle applies when I need to lose a pound or two. I've done both. Many times. And it works like a charm. In the last year and a half (since I reached my maintenance weight), I have been in my 151 to 156 window almost 100% of the time (today being one of the infrequent exceptions). My daily weigh-ins tell me how I'm progressing. Your weight tells you what adjustments need to be made. Your log gives you the ability to make moderate, realistic and sustainable changes in your calorie intake to produce the result you are looking for - up or down. These two simple tools, my scale and my log, allow me to respond very quickly to any changes in my weight. It's easy, effective and what it does for your confidence is almost impossible to put into words. There is quite literally not the slightest doubt in my mind that I am in absolute control of my weight. Always. Without exception. And anyone can do it. How cool is that?!

"I was told that the biggest loss will come in the first 3 - 6 months." I'm not really sure what that even means, much less if it can be considered a "rule" that applies to one and all. I am sure that I lost 130 lbs in just under 14 months. "I've been losing only an average of 2 pounds per week and am now questioning why I even had this surgery." Only? Barely trickling off? There are 4.3 weeks in a month. 4.3 weeks x 2 pounds per week = 8.6 pounds per month. Or 103 pounds lost in twelve months. When was the last time you lost more than 100 pounds in 12 months? Success starts with realistic expectations. Nothing will sabotage your efforts, not to mention your mindset, more quickly than unrealistic expectations. Stay positive. Stay patient. Stay focused on following the protocol as closely to the letter as you possibly can. Exercise to your ability. Maintain a food log. That's your plan. Regardless of what your weight is doing, follow your plan. Sometimes you're going to lose quickly. Other times more slowly. And occasionally, you won't lose at all for a period of time. In each of those scenarios, your response is a l w a y s the same - follow your plan. Don't over complicate it. Don't second guess it. Don't rationalize it. Just do it. Allow your body to find its own way in its own time. Trust the process. Your goal is physical change but your challenge is mental discipline. Recognize that. Accept that. Embrace that. And before you know it, you're gonna love the new you!

On the way Ms. Mary. I noticed that there is a space in your email address which almost certainly resulted in the server kicking my reply. Let me know if you don't receive it and we'll keep trying until we get it right!

I really believe that when you're on the weight loss journey, there is no "one size fits all" calorie goal. I am a huge proponent of MFP. But when it comes to calorie goals, MFP (and every other app that I've seen) uses a "one size fits all formula for calculating calorie goals. There are simply too many variables. The answer is to let your weight loss be your guide. If 1200 calories seems a good starting point, great. Try it for a week or two. If you meet your weight loss goal, then 1200 calories is "your number". If you don't meet your weight loss goal, then reduce your calorie goal. Nice and easy - say 100-200 calories. Now try it for another week or two. If you meet your goal, that's "your number". It's quick, it's easy and with a little experimenting, you can zero in on the exact calorie goal that will produce the results you're looking for. With the added benefit that all of your lifestyle factors (metabolism, exercise level, etc.) are automatically "built in". You can customize your calorie goal (and just about all other goals) on MFP's website and it will stop telling you you're not getting enough calories. You're gonna love the new you!!

On the way!

I hope you did better fishing than I did! Where do you fish? I was in Delaware .Thanks for the list! I appreciate it! Surgery was 6/4/14 down 20lbs! You're certainly welcome. We fished Virginia Lakes on the Eastern slope of the Sierras in California. My son and I caught 40 fish (rainbow trout) up to four pounds in a single morning session (about four hours). My almost five year old grandson caught fish after fish (his first fishing trip and Grandpa got a video of his first fish!!). Amazing place. At an elevation of 10,000' with three lakes within five minutes walking distance and another ten lakes, within 2 1/2 miles, accessible via hiking trails. You have to respect the altitude (30% less oxygen) and listen to your body but the scenery is absolutely breathtaking! Photography is another hobby of mine and I took 1350 shots over seven days. It will take me a year to do all of the post editing before next year's trip! Lol

OK guys, I think I got everyone! I went fishing for a week and there were a lot of requests so if I missed anyone, just let me know!

On the way!

On the way!

On the way!

Krystal I'd be glad to try again if you send me your email address.

On the way!

If you still have this spreadsheet available, would you mind sharing it with a newbie? Thanks. Lisa. Email bartlettraleigh@bellsouth.net On the way!

On the way!

I would love a copy of your list! That would be so helpful!dianadb2@comcast.net Please send me the list also! Thanks. Bartlettraleigh@bellsouth.net On the way!

On the way guys!

Sorry for the delay guys. I was doing a little fishing for a week. The list is on the way!

AMA Passes Resolution Calling for Greater Patient Access to Evidence-Based Treatments for Obesity The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) believes passage of the “Patient Access to Evidence-Based Obesity Services” resolution by the American Medical Association (AMA), the nation’s largest physician group, will help in the fight to improve patient access to evidence-based obesity treatments including intensive behavioral counseling, FDA-approved obesity drugs and bariatric and metabolic surgery. “Obesity is perhaps the most undertreated disease in America despite the availability of safe and effective treatments,” said Ninh T. Nguyen, MD, President of the ASMBS, the nation’s largest organization of bariatric and metabolic surgeons and integrated health professionals. “This is largely because insurance coverage is so limited. With this latest resolution, the drum beat for greater access and coverage is growing louder and we are hopeful that public and private insurers and policy makers are listening and will take quick action.” The new resolution, which was passed this week without opposition, comes nearly a year after the AMA officially designated obesity a disease. The resolution states, “Resolved that our AMA, consistent with H-440.842 Recognition of Obesity as a Disease, work in concert with national specialty and state medical societies to advocate for patient access to the full continuum of care of evidence-based obesity treatment modalities (such as behavioral, pharmaceutical, psychosocial, nutritional, and surgical interventions).” The ASMBS, American College of Surgeons (ACS), The Obesity Society (TOS), Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP), Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, Society for Vascular Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and American Urological Association all helped support the passage of the AMA resolution. The resolution was passed on Wednesday, the same day the ASMBS was afforded a seat in the AMA House of Delegates (HOD). HOD, which includes more than 500 voting delegates, is the principal policy-making body of the AMA. “The AMA’s support of treatment for individuals with obesity underscores the national imperative to treat our leading public health problem. The time has come for equitable treatment for the millions of patients affected by obesity. There needs to be one America where treatment for obesity is available to all,” said John Morton, MD, MPH, ASMBS President-Elect. Obesity is one of the country’s greatest public health and economic threats. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports more than 72 million Americans have obesity and, according to the ASMBS, about 24 million have morbid obesity. Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 have a 50 to 100 percent increased risk of premature death compared to healthy weight individuals, as well as an increased risk of developing more than 30 obesity-related diseases and conditions including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. http://asmbs.org/2014/06/a-m-a-passes-resolution-calling-for-greater-patient-access-to-evidence-based-treatments-for-obesity/

I think your body may be telling you not so much that you're moving backwards, but moving forwards too quickly. Bear in mind that internal healing is significantly slower than external healing. I would avoid the salad in particular. It's been a while but as I recall, salads were not on the menu for at least three months and possibly six. Many folks also do not tolerate fish or chicken for some time, especially if it's too dry. Strictures are not unheard of at three weeks but probably more common a little further out. You may want to stick with the pureed until the doctor gives you the green light. He/she may even want to move solid food back a little given the difficulties you've had. This will all likely be in the rear view mirror before you know it and nothing more than a minor bump in the road. That said, it's a good idea to check with your team. That's what they're there for. Congratulations on your surgery. You're gonna love the new you!!

I have been on this forum quite a long time and this is one of the most amazing threads I've ever read. Real people, sharing real stories, about real lives, real changes, real successes, real challenges, real feelings, real hopes and real dreams. The energy is astounding. "It is your will that turns your thoughts and desires into reality."

On the way!

"I am so discouraged!" - Stalls are frustrating, impossible to predict with any degree of accuracy, sometimes short, sometimes longer, and...AND - they are a perfectly normal, very common, and usually unavoidable part of the process. "I don't know what to do..." - Yea, you do. You know exactly what to do. Follow your plan. The exact same one that allowed you to lose an amazing 1 0 2 pounds (huge congratulations by the way!). The stall changes n o t h i n g. Trust the process, trust your body and follow your plan. Sooner or later, the stall will pass. There is not the slightest doubt. Don't over analyze, don't second guess, forget about finding the non-existent magic bullet to end stalls. Why needlessly over complicate the formula that you yourself have proven works? "is it even possible???" You don't have to look any further than this forum to know the answer to that question. Of course it's possible! Your goal is physical change but your challenge is mental discipline. Discipline you have demonstrated, loud and clear, for all to see, that you possess. Stay confident, stay patient, stay positive, exercise to your ability, maintain a food log. No stall stands a chance against your commitment to...follow your plan! Congratulation again on your success. There's more to come!!

You have to be a little careful when reading studies that quote average weight loss percentages. Some will indicate a percentage of "body weight" meaning total body weight. Others, like the one in your example, will indicate a percentage of "excess body weight" - generally considered to be the amount of weight that would need to be lost to reduce your BMI to less than 25. Obviously, excess body weight percentages will be higher than total body weight percentages. I lost 130 lbs which was 45% of my body weight, but 100% of excess body weight. Averages should be considered with some caution. A 70% average says that some lost considerably less than 70%, and some lost considerably more. One of the most amazing things about bariatric surgery is that it puts you in control. Follow your plan and there is no doubt that you will lose weight. The laws of science and the universe cannot be denied. Sometimes you'll lose quickly, sometimes more slowly and sometimes not at all for a period of time. How much you ultimately lose is often a combination of your doctor's recommendation and your personal preference.

Coming your way!