InfiniteButterfly

I hit my first stall between week 2 and three. It lasted about a week, and was annoying. I wasn't able to do much exercise other than walking, and I was only taking in 400-600 calories daily. Once I made the transition to soft foods, and therefore a few more daily calories, the weight started marching off again. Now, at eight weeks, I've been stalled for the past week. I'm between 700-800 calories a day (no possible way to take in more, because I physically can not eat more.) I get about 10k steps daily (that's a mix of cycling and walking, but since Fitbit measures everything in steps, that's what I measure with. I cycle for 30-60 minutes four or five days a week, the rest of it's straight walking). My off days, I still hit around 6k steps. And I lift light weights three days a week. So I'm hitting the calories, hitting the exercise. I know stalls happen, and I know how frustrating it is. Especially when I do measurements too, but they also don't seem to be moving =P But I fit into size 18 clothes yesterday, so I know something is shifting somewhere. I haven't worn size 18 in nearly 20 years. I've been in all 22-24s. So that's a big plus. Bigger plus: the 18s I bought aren't tight. I could probably have dropped down to a 16, but I was a little wary of going too far down. I'm not really meaning to complain. I've lost enough that I'm feeling better than I have in years, I'm more active than I've been in years, I'm sleeping better, off most of my meds, so I have nothing to actually complain about. Other than those stubborn, stubborn scales.

230 this morning I'm actually pretty happy with my progress.

I'm almost 13 weeks out and down 75 lbs...and my big accomplishments so far are: doing my first 5k this past weekend (the Color Run, which we actually walked, but we still did it!) The goal for next summer in addition to the Color Run, is the Run for Your Life, Beast on the Bay (a 10-mile obstacle course) and hopefully a triathlon. More personally, taking steps for surgery gave me the self-confidence necessary to go back to college...which is long overdue. And the big one: I'm able to shop for regular clothes now. I don't have to go into the plus section any more! I was so very excited to be able to buy an XL in regular activewear at Sears...I desperately needed some new workout clothes since my old ones are falling down I was so freaking happy about that!

I will echo what a lot of other people have said: MOST people in a gym don't really care about other people. They are there to get their workout in, and don't bother other people. You will occasionally get an entitled asshole, but they're everywhere and not just exclusive to gyms. I will say that when I started heavy-duty exercising, I was more than 300 lbs. I didn't go to a gym (just couldn't afford it), but I walked and cycled. And some of the most encouragement I've had, outside my family, were strangers that passed me on the bike trail. A nod of encouragement, a few kind words...people who are in shape tend to know how hard it is to get there and maintain it, and I see a lot more encouragement than discouragement in exercise environments. If you're more comfortable going at off-times until you get used to going, by all means do it. The important part is getting out there and getting the exercise

I've cried at more than one of my psych appointments. But then, I continued seeing my therapist even after the mandated visit. Crying and being emotional is certainly permitted. They're trying to evaluate your mental state and fitness for surgery to make sure you'll be a successful candidate. Some psychs just rubber-stamp it (for lack of a better term), some are genuinely involved in the process and want you to be successful. Part of my approval stemmed from being willing to continue to work through the process with my psychologist (and I do know I'm very lucky to have insurance that covers these visits) because I do credit at least part of my success to having someone who is very familiar with the process (most of her patients are bariatrics patients) and understands what I'm going through at the various stages. It depends on your psych though. Was your psych a recommendation from your surgeon/bariatrics team?

I've actually joined a 'fitness challenge' on FB via I'mperfectlife. Basically, you set your exercise goal for the month (mine this month is cycling 200 miles), and log your amount daily. I've found the community there very supportive, and it's helps accountability. You could always start a similar thread on here for say, August Fitness Challenge: Set a goal and stick to it! If you set your own goal, you don't have to compete with anyone but yourself, and others would be welcome to join in for support.

I made a tortilla pizza when my kids were eating French bread pizza the other day. Loved it! I used a bit of sauce, deli ham and mozzarella (ham because it's a bit more Protein than pepperoni...which I really don't like anyway) I've also tried portabello shell pizza, using a portabello mushroom cap for the crust. It's pretty good too, but those mushrooms are very filling! I can't even eat one cap

I track calories in and out daily. I find I like the added accountability and I like seeing the numbers in front of me. I had to track during my six-month monitoring, and I see no reason to change now. It's a good habit to get into, IMO, but YMMV. Do what's right for you.

Done

I use Chike daily and love it. It is the only protein shake I still use (it's not overwhelmingly sweet...plus coffee!)

Depends on your doctor. I was allowed 1 cup per day (SF creamer or NF milk/Torani SF syrup) because my PCP recommended caffeine to help with my migraines and my surgeon was okay with that. He normally recommends against coffee pre-surgery though.

CS: 238

Hubby bought me a new bike just before my surgery (so I would have it ready and waiting when I was recovered enough to ride). We've ridden the past few years, and I was up to regular 10-20 miles/week over the past few summers (although the more I rode, the more I ate. Thankfully, I can't do that now!) I absolutely LOVE my bike. I probably wouldn't get near as much exercise if I didn't have it. It feels so good to get out there and just go

This is one of my huge pet peeves. My kids have been warned (with the threat of no more treats ever) if they touch my Protein bars or the food set aside for me without asking. And I do actually have to be fairly strict with them, because my eldest is spectrum, so it has to be made very clear to him what is his and what isn't (otherwise, he'll eat the kitchen). I have a large tupperware container with my name on it that I keep my higher protein bars in. Luckily, they don't like the powders, although they quite like the premade shakes (and they get the ones that are too sweet for me to tolerate. It makes a good, fast Breakfast for them when they're running late) I understand the aggravation.

Chike, Click, Javapro...all caffeinated Protein drinks. (although if you're not an iced coffee fan, you may not like them) To me, the pain of carbonation's not worth it. I'm not a pop drinker, I stopped that a year or two ago and won't go back. It's absolutely not worth it to me. I accidentally had ONE carbonated drink about six weeks out (I picked up a flavored Water at the store, neglecting to see it was made with sparkling water). One sip and I was in agony. Never again. It's not worth the pain. Plus...pop is way too sweet for my tastebuds post-surgery anyway. I can barely drink anything but plain water (and my coffee...can't forget my coffee) because the sweet turns my stomach.

Hmm...I'll have to try this. I've done portobello pizza before, but never removed the gills.

Not even once. Yes, stalls are frustrating, and the wrinkling skin isn't the greatest to look at...but my general health and overall well-being are so much improved that I never second-guessed my decision. I wanted this for a long time before we had the means to get it for me, and I was ready. More than ready. Your dietitian's probably not concerned because everyone loses at their own pace. You're still trending downward. Are you exercising? You didn't mention. I couldn't eat 1000 calories a day until I was exercising regularly and burning off what I ate (like I said, everyone's different, so this is just my experience). Good luck.

I had read a few places to substitute mashed cauliflower for mashed potatoes. I'm definitely going to have to try this. I used to love mashed potatoes, so finding a good substitute would be nice Plus, cauliflower's the only vegetable my kids all actually like, so I could get them to eat it as well Win-win all around

Honestly, I read so many negative reviews of Isopure, I haven't tried it. I do like Javapro, which is by Isopure. But then, I'm a coffee fiend.

I didn't cheat at all on the two-week liquid pre-op diet. I was far too worried about what would happen if my liver didn't shrink to where the doctor wanted it to be. I waited too long for this surgery to mess up at that point. I'd already said goodbye to food and had a few food funerals before that point, but when I hit the deadline that was it. And after the first two or three days, it really wasn't that bad.

Add another vote for refried Beans (with a bit of shredded cheese melted on top). Or loosely scrambled eggs. Those were my two go-to foods that didn't upset my stomach.

CW: 238.

You and your doctor know what's best for you. Stick to your guns. They'll get used to the new you

*hug*

When my bf wanted to go out to eat, we chose to go to a food court where I could take my own food. He took my daughter to Dairy Queen for lunch one day as well, and I ate my cheese stick before going in, and drank water while they ate. I enjoyed the conversation. If you want an outing that doesn't involve food, invite them somewhere. Like a walk in the park? A movie?