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Good for you! I started working with a trainer about 8 weeks post-op (I'm 2 years post-op now) and the first thing he did was work with my nutritionist to up my calories...and yes, my carbs, too! I was afraid to do it and thought it was impossible but after a few weeks was able to get in around 1100-1200 calories, 70 gm Protein and 115 gm healthy carbs a day...he also got me up to 3 liters of Water a day. It made a huge difference in my workouts, overall energy and weight loss! One thing he's always insisted on is protein within 30 min after working out to build muscle. I always have a Protein Drink ready to go for after my workout. Sometimes I'll eat actual food but in case I don't have time I always have my drink. I've been at goal for quite a while now and find it very easy to maintain. I am still working with my trainer 4 days a week...love it! I do still eat 5-6 times a day and eat very clean because I just feel better but I also don't beat myself up over a piece of bday cake either. ???? Good luck and please keep us posted!

When I was within 5-10lbs of my original goal weight of 154 (normal BMI) I upped my water intake to at least 3 liters and made sure I fueled my body properly on workout days so my body didn't think it was going to starve. It seemed like those 10 pounds took FOREVER. I've been able to maintain my original goal for quite a few months now and am starting to think I want to lose a little more. My Dr. And trainer think I'm crazy but I would love to get down to 140 (I'm 5'6" and fairly muscular) Good luck to you on your journey to make goal...you can totally do this!

Have you tried any of the Isopure protein drinks? It's a flavored protein drink that comes in quite a few flavors. You can buy them at GNC. They weren't my favorite thing to drink post-op but I found a flavor I could tolerate and it got me to my protein goal each day.

First, the dreaded 3 week stall happens to everybody. I know that wasn't your question but thought I'd put that out there. ???? Secondly, walking an hour that soon out seems like a LOT. While walking is awesome and we all need to do it, I think you should start off a little less ambitious and work yourself up to doing more. For me, that would be too much and I wouldn't be motivated to go out there and do it again. Try just walking for 30 minutes and then build from there. Lastly, I'm almost 2 years out and I started working with a personal trainer at around 6 weeks out. I still work with him today. I needed that accountability. Someone who I knew was depending on me to show up. I also had that financial accountability that I was paying for a service. I do not think everyone should get a trainer, it's just what works for me. I also update my social media when I workout and it helps hold me accountable because my friends and family notice when I don't. It's also been helpful for them and a lot of friends have jumped on the fitness bandwagon...most have no idea I had surgery. Hope this helps. Good luck...you're going to do great!

I'm a year out and eat Subway sandwiches every once in a while. BUT my trainer and NUT both encourage a healthy amount of carbs. I just ask them to scoop out the inside "doughy" part and I don't have an issue at all. I can't quite eat all of a 6" but probably about 4 1/2-5". And toasting does help with bread but I'm not a fan of that so I just limit my bread intake.

Oops...sorry! "Ready to Drink"

Just curious- does Unjury make a RTD shake? I loved the chocolate splendor when I was drinking them daily.

My doctor actually recommended Premier Protein Shakes- can get from Amazon or Costco (maybe other places just not sure). My favorite was chocolate. The vanilla always had a film at the bottom and I never tried the strawberry. Good luck on your journey.

I can't imagine having a dinner at work during the pre-op! My advice for the remainder of the pre-op is to stay busy! It's not easy but does get easier after the 3rd day (and, yes, I thought people were not being exactly honest about that when I was on my 2 week pre-op...but it was true!) Good luck...you got this!

Thanks y'all! I'm so sorry to hear about your Back issues...makes mine seem so insignificant! I'm just so frustrated that now that I'm able to run (except the back issues) I can't run! I'm sure you get it. I have an appt with the back surgeon in a couple of weeks. Prayers and happy thoughts appreciated!

Long story short...I hope :-) I had bulging discs at L4/L5 and L5/S1 in 2002...after losing a lot of weight. Both eventually ruptured in 2006. This ultimately resulted in a laminectomy/discectomy in 2007. Unfortunately, I gained back the weight plus some- sound familiar? One of my ultimate goals has been to run a 5K and then work up from there. I have 1 under my belt now and LOVED it. About 4 months ago I started having the same symptoms as I did back in 2002. Back pain, numb toes and side of legs. Went to PCP thinking (hoping) it was nothing. Turns out I was wrong! I have 2 bulging discs...same place...impinging the left nerve root. He's sending me to a spinal surgeon and we'll go from there. In the meantime, he's instructed me not to run and absolutely "no pounding" on my body whatsoever. I get it and am adhering to his advice...which is difficult because I was scheduled to do a 5K tonight. He recommended cycling and swimming which I'm not a huge fan of either. Does anybody have similar experience? Any tips on running that won't "pound" my body?

I honestly don't think it should be an issue. I have one kidney (and my surgeon was well aware of it prior to surgery) and have had absolutely no issues with protein or water. I've also never had a kidney stone. That being said, I'm hyper vigilant to watch for any and all signs that may be related to a UTI or kidney issues. Good luck to you!

No...as far as "food" or "meds" go, the hospital will have everything you need. Good luck!

I'm sure you're doing just fine! Did you lose weight prior to surgery? If so, you need to include that amount when you say how much weight you've lost. It counts! Your body has just gone through a traumatic surgery and sometimes it takes a little bit for it to adjust. You need to take measurements and count the inches you lose...sometimes you lose inches before pounds. Don't compare yourself to other sleevers...it can be discouraging. I thought I was the slowest loser in the history of the world because I "only" lost 8 pounds my first month. A year later, I'm down 110 pounds and 7 dress sizes. Just follow the plan your Dr and NUT gave you and the weight will come off. Promise! :-) Relax...you've got this!

Nope...you're stuck with it forever! just kidding! I am one of the ones who struggled with nausea for a good 6-8 weeks. But, yes, it does go away! Keep in mind that dehydration will also cause nausea. I'm not at all implying that's what's going on with you right now. I had a few bouts of it when I didn't get my Water in when I was several months out. Hang in there...you've got this! Feel better soon!