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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!

My 2 week pre-op liquid diet was actually not too bad...once I got past the 3rd day :-) 2 of my meals were a protein drink. I did the Premier protein ready to drink in chocolate...didn't taste too bad and was easy to grab and go. And I was allowed to have 1 bowl of soup (including chili) for my 3rd meal. I was also allowed sugar free jello, pudding and Popsicles. And, of course, all the sugar free/caffeine free/non-carbonated drinks I wanted. The last 72 hours was clear liquids only. I was 279 at the the start of my pre-op and 261 the day of surgery. My advice on getting through the liquid phase is to stay busy so you're not thinking about eating. Good luck...you can totally do this!

Sorry you're feeling so bad. It's pretty common to have bouts of fatigue this early out. It's so hard to get your protein and water/non-caffeinated liquids in at this point but I would try to set a goal each day to up them both just a little bit until you can reach it. And be realistic about it. If you're getting in 40oz of water a day, try for an additional 5oz until you can reach at least 64oz and do the same for your protein. You also need to make sure you're taking your multi vitamin. At this point there is no way you're getting enough vitamins and minerals from your food intake that your body needs to function. I would also make sure you're taking your B-12 (whether it's a shot or sublingual - everyone is different). I'm a year out and if my B-12 gets low I feel awful! Good luck and I hope you feel better soon!

I bet there's a lot more to your story and it's not quite as boring as you make it sound! Welcome back!

Awesome! And what a great NSV...very exciting!

That's very normal. You will do great. It will be over before you know it and you'll be on your way to a new you! Good luck and keep us posted!

Accountability works for me every time...great advice!

I'm happy to tell you that you're perfectly...normal! If you didn't have pre-surgery jitters then I'd be concerned. Take one day at a time and you'll be just fine. I'll admit the social eating was a concern for me as well. I'm in medical sales and it seems like that's all we do sometimes, but you'll figure out what works for you. Soups and high Protein appetizers are awesome. And the further out you get the more you can eat...just learn to make healthy choices early on. Good luck and I'll say a prayer for you. Keep us posted!

Thank you for bringing up this topic.This is so interesting to me. 11 years ago I lost quite a bit of weight and ended up with 2 herniated discs in my back with nerve impingement. Of course, that was a great excuse to stop working out and if I'm not working out what's the point of eating right...so silly, but I'm sure we've all been there, right? ???? So...I finally had back surgery in 2007 and haven't had any back issues until 4 months ago. I started having hip pain that was directly related to a muscle spasm in my lower back and then the numb toes started and it was 2002 all over again! I was just chalking it up to maybe a work out gone wrong but maybe it does have something to do with our bodies adjusting? I'm so interested to hear other experiences.

Congratulations! NSV's are just as exciting (sometimes more exciting) as watching the numbers go down on the scales. Great job!