akreese02

back up to 167

If I go over 1500, I gain. If I average 1500 I maintain so I have been working with the 1,000 / 1,200 number.

I started orange theory last month and FREAKED out because I gained. I did a TON of research to talk myself down from the ceiling and found out that once you start a new, intensive work out, your muscles hold onto Water as they repair themselves. I forgot exactly what it is called but it is common. I know its hard but give it time, you body will flush all the water weight out and you will see results after a few weeks. I did (down 5 pounds this week alone). Alos, I have had to change my mindset away from the scale and look to inches lost. Since I'm close to goal, I really need to look at how tone I am becoming. The scale will trip you out when you start and intense workout routine. Good luck!

I'm almost 10 months out and I eat 1,000 on non workout days and 1,200 on workout days. I'm 15 pounds from goal weight and it is a slow crawl!!!!

I'm on my 2nd day of all liquid Protein trying to restart my pouch restriction. Yesterday I had the worse headache by 5:00 (after drinking a ton of Water so I know it wasn't dehydration). Today, I'm really tired and feel some hunger but pushing through with water. I have only lost a pound so we will see. Link below for anyone wanting to know about the 5 day pouch test. http://5daypouchtest.com/articles/art001.html

Frustrated 167 after going to HIIT workouts 4 times a week for three weeks and following diet ugh!

1/10/15: 166.8 Thanks

I'm in! 155 is goal. Currently 170 Thanks!

168 final weight!

I was 9 months post op on12/24 (surgery was 3/24). I started at 230 (5'6") and am currently 170 (6 pound weight gain from Thanksgiving until today). I typically come to this site to research questions I have and see if anyone else is experiencing what I am while on this journey. I have posted questions and received good feedback. I figured it is time for me to give back in case there are others that are similar to me and wanting answers as I have. Background: I am 43 years young, a teacher with three kids. I hovered around 180 pounds throughout my 20's with no real concern about my diet or exercise. I decided at age 27 to "get in shape" and started watching my diet and joined the YMCA. I got down to 150 pounds. Then I became pregnent with my first child and thought it was the green light to eat whatever I wanted, subsequently gaining 90 pounds. I also had the mentality that I could just go back to the gym 4-5 days a week and lose it all again. Ha! Was I naive! I got back down to 190 after the first child, then became pregnant with the 2nd child. Here is where my blood sugar issues came into play. I was determined NOT to gain so much weight with this pregnancy but my blood sugar would drop all the time so I ended up gaining 50 pounds. Over the next 6 years, I lost and gained the same 20 pounds all the while with blood sugar issues being my enemy (never formally diagnosed with Type II diabetes only insulin resistance). Then at 200 pounds, I became pregnant with my 3rd child at age 39. I was considered "high risk" due to my age and my weight and eventually had to take insulin shots. However, I only gained 20 pounds with this pregnancy as I was very vigilant with what I ate and the insulin shots helped my blood sugar drops. Decision to have weight loss surgery: The was not an easy decision financially speaking as well as with my family. My husband (who is very fit) just thought if I worked out and watched what I ate, I could lose the weight. However, my blood sugar was still an issue (I was off insulin after the pregnancy and still not considered diabetic although on Metformin). After having an emotional break down, my husband was on board and I started the insurance process in December 2014. I was approved in late February 2015 and had my surgery on 3/24. Honeymoon period: Like most, I was fully committed post surgery and LOVED watching the weight fall off. The fact that you can't eat helps your mind turn away food for a long time and I had the mentality of, "Oh, I can't eat that, it will make me sick." I had no blood sugar issues and I was so happy until about three months ago. What I have learned from the process: About there months ago, the little cheats (a bite of cake here, a nibble of bread there) started to tell my brain that my stomach can tolerate all foods and eventually it can (I am not one who has dumping syndrome etc. I can eat it all). Those cheats lead to bad days. Days I started off really well, eating my Protein, drinking my Water etc. Then there was dinner with friends, treats around the holidays and the days became a wash. This really did't start happening until Thanksgiving. Since then I have gained 6 pounds which has me freaked out and part of the reason I am writing this right now. My period of falling off the wagon has lasted awhile now and some things I have noticed are: 1. With an increase in carbs come an increase in hunger. 2. When trying to get back on track after a period of being off track (more carbs, sugar etc.) If you have blood sugar issues, expect that your will feel the blood sugar drops while your body adjusts to getting back on track. 3. The relationship with food that you had pre-surgery does not automatically change in the honeymoon period. The real work comes at about 6-9 months out! 4. Working out is key to success after the honeymoon period. However, expect to go through an adjustment period where working out doesn't seem "to work" and for frustration to set in. Started Orange Theory last week and still no weight loss. Could be due to water retention and muscle gain. Trust me I have researched the hell out of the effects of starting an intense HIIT work out. 5. TRACK your food. My little vacation that has resulted in a 6 pound weight gain is primarily due to not tracking. It really is key! I equate this experience to needing AA. For me, one bite of sugar or refined carbs leads down a slippery slope which leads to blood sugar drops and feeling like crap. SUGAR = POISON. Getting back on track is hard but can be done. Day one is today and I'm giving myself that mental day 1 chip for success.

So I have hit my long stall with 20 pounds left to goal. I have been overall good with Protein and Water. I started my first Orange Theory class today (intense 1 hour cross fit training) and now I can't sleep!!!!! I have been doing some research and there seems to be a science to eating before and after workouts (especially carbs) but I feel like I have been so anti-carbs for the last 8 months, wrapping my head around eating carbs is hard. I also don't want to get discouraged from working out but this girl has GOT TO SLEEP! Anyone have suggestions?

12/27 - holding steady at 168.7 ugh!

Unfortunately, I don't experience dumping and sweets taste just as good post surgery as they did pre-surgery. I think the best thing I have learned thus far is that I CAN lose weight if I try and trying is a lot easier with the tool versus without. So I will enjoy the holidays in moderation and get back on track when life gets back to my routine. My motto this holiday season is to maintain current weight, workout and take a mini-vacation from constant tracking. Come 12/26 it is back to the program.

Lisa24 - We had our surgery around the same time (mine was 3/24). I find it interesting that intense workouts could be causing your stall. I just started Orange Theory and have to force myself to eat some carbs before my workouts (my blood sugar will drop if I don't) and then find it hard to eat for awhile after I work out. I was bummed that the scale was't after very intense HIIT workouts but it might be what you mentioned as my body going into starvation mode. Who knew eating less and working out would be such a balance.

167 for 12/20

I'm 43 and had a partial hysterectomy (still have ovaries) about a year and a half ago.

167 my goal might need to maintain weight past holidays!

It's trips me out that my relationship to food is still so complicated. I'm a structured person so if my days are routine and busy, I'm fine. However, when I have breaks (teacher here), I go a little crazy without the structure so really I eat out of boredom. The thing is, I really need down time. With three kids and working, I can only handle the go, go, go lifestyle for so long. When I have breaks (like a two week break coming up for winter), I really need to just chill. The flip side of that is, I take a break from EVERYTHING! Tracking, exercise, water, eating well. I guess knowing this about myself, I can try to have a plan for winter break!

Ugh! Gained 3 pounds over Thanksgiving. Got back on track and now I'm stalled. Stuck at 168.2

Yep, totally normal! I was weepy for a couple of days after surgery then I was grumpy. Not angry per se, just persistently grumpy and TIRED!!!!!!! Once I started eating solid foods, I felt MUCH better. Compound all of this with going back to work 6 days after surgery (in March during spring break) and I was a mess! Thank goodness I teach and had some down time once summer hit.

I loved reading the posts here as fir the first time since my surgery 8 months ago, I logged a 4 pound gain (over Thanksgiving). I have been a bit deflated since but logically I know I just need to get back on track.

8 months out and went off the rails for Thanksgiving. We hosted and I was giving away food as if I was feeding an army but my family wanted left overs. Pumpkin pie is what killed me! Not sure if it is truly possible to gain 3 pounds in 5 days but that is what the scale is showing. Back on track today with protein, protein, protein. Deep breaths

Well Thanksgiving kind of went off the rails! Gained 3 pounds (not sure how that is physically possible to do in 5 days but okay)! Now 168. Protein Drinks here I come.

I did the pouch test and it works! Although be prepared for a headache the first day and feeling tired/ weak the second day (sort of like pre-op). I have to reset again as Thanksgiving has been a nightmare!

I put my Fitbit away and I'm not tracking calories. I'm going slow and stopping when I'm full. I'm sure I'll graze but plan on getting right back on the wagon tomorrow!