Kathy812

Great job! So cute! Have you had any struggles keeping the weight off?

@@VSGAnn2014, I always enjoy reading your post, you give me hope! Thank you

@@LindaLena, I almost canceled because of the "possibility" of throwing up. I was scared more about vomiting then giving up my beloved Diet Pepsi, so I understand the fear. I never had reflux before or after surgery. And I'm hapy to say, 19 months post-op and I've never had foamies or thrown up. I have only experienced mild dumping symptoms ( hot flashes, a little sweaty but no vomiting or diarrhea) and it usually subsides within 10-15 minutes. I won't tell you what to do but I will say I'm glad I didn't give in to my fear. This was one of my greatest decisions .

@@twittymilk, how much protein did you increase it to?

19 months out and I STILL hear the noise. usually only while eating certain foods, but I haven't paid close enough attention to figure out which ones cause it.

@@reinventingmyself, I wrote a response and looks like it never posted-urrrgh. I'll see if I can rember what I wrote. Do not be sad . Our story does not have to be yours. A lot goes into determining your calorie range in maintenance (age, metabolism, genetics) to name a few. There are a few ladies on this site who eat between 1400-2000 calories in maintenance. So stay encouraged. The metabolic test was performed at my bariatric office. I did it Pre-op . It involved me breathing into this device that covered my mouth and nose, for about 5-10 minutes? I may be off on the time. It was very claustrophobic and I almost quit a few times. It determined that I had to eat less than 1600 calories to avoid gaining weight-I'm sure I'm oversimplifying it, but in essence that was my takeaway. So my question( rhetorical ) if I'm eating 1200 calories and working out 4-5 days a week. Why am I not losing weight? My concern is when I get retested will my number be much lower! Yikes, I hope not! It would be wonderful to hear I need to increase my calories.....ok, it's a dream

@@Momcat, my surgeon told me the same thing in March. He said by their standards, I am considered a success and that not many people (he treats) reach 100% excess weight loss. I say poppycock! Yes, it is definately difficult but I do believe it can happen, it's clear from the many post on this site alone that it's possible. However,even though I believe it can happen, I'm trying to reconcile that this may be it. I know I shouldn't be disappointed because I can wear a size 10, I can shop at most clothing stores and my weight related health issues have resolved. Lots to be grateful for. I am just nervous because I hear about the weight gain years out and I really wanted a buffer. Oh and yes, 1200 calories for me too. However, my doctor did recommend at my next visit in June to repeat a metabolic test, to see if my metabolism has changed since surgery. Sorry don't have anything positive to report but just wanted you to know that you are not alone. I share your frustration.

I agree with bufflehead, I thought I could avoid measuring/weighing but I realize, often, I'm too generous w/my portions if I don't weigh. So until you get the hang of portion size, it may be best to do it early on. I have read where quite a few people don't weigh and have had great success. This is not a one rule fits all lifestyle. Do what works for you.

@@cat.jackson89, nope thankfully it has been under control for years. I was just curious because I see so many people mention endo instead of a primary. When I asked my dr. about seeing an endo, she said she could refer me but they would probably recommend the same thing -but charge more, so I opted to stay with her. I like your suggestion, maybe I will see an endo once. Just to see what he/she recommends. In the end, if I don't like what he says, I can stick with my primary. Thanks

Wow, learned something again! No one said anything to me about calcium. I don't take my liquid calcium until later in the day....however, I do drink cream in my coffee within15 minutes after waking up. Do you guys have any thoughts as to when to use an endo versus your primary dr. To manage your thyroid?

@@sbdooly73, wow I've never heard of that. I've learned so much from this site

@@mrsbailey921, was 1600 calories recommended by your surgeon? Usually during the weight loss stage, a lot of people are recommended to eat between 1000-1200,but I'm sure a lot depends on gender,height and other factors. I need to lose about 20lbs too and this thread has really helped. My thyroid med has never been adjusted since surgery, so I go Thursday for blood work. I'm curious to see if that has played a factor as to why I haven't lost anything in 5 months.

Wow, you have come a long way and you're winning. It's clear you are a conquerer! I have no doubt you will reach your goal. Continued success to you and thanks for sharing your journey. Sent from my SM-G900T using the BariatricPal App

@@Momcat, thanks for writing this post for me. We are in identical boats. I am almost 53 years old & stopped losing weight back in November I have tried just about everything. I work out 4 to 5 days a week, change up my exercise, eat approximately 1200 cal a day and Protein is about 100 g a day I lose and gain the same 2 pounds, so frustrating. I am currently trying to lower my carbs. I realized when I looked at my carb intake ( which I never paid attention to) I was at approx 100g. Waaay to high when in the weight loss phase, so I'm trying to keep it under 50 to see if that works and also trying to reduce my red meat intake.

I am 18 months post op and I also have hypothyroid. My thyroid has been regulated, thankfully, , for years. I switched to armour thyroid about 4 years ago and have had no issues. Unfortunately, though, I am still not at goal. I've lost a good amount of weight and I'm truly thankful but I would love to lose another 20lbs. I can't help but wonder if my thyroid condition is a factor. I get tested next month and can't wait! I just need to make sure my thyroid condition hasn't gone wonky again. I've read where some people needed to have their dosage adjusted as they lost weight. Mine has never been adjusted . My best friend was recently diagnosed as hyperthyroid and was scheduled for surgery next week, however her endo told her she couldn't have the surgery until they regulated her thyroid level.

Outstanding results! Congrats. Your workout schedule is impressive.

Premier vanilla slightly frozen, drink it w/a straw gives me the illusion of a milkshake. I heard they just came out w/ banana and cream flavor, can't wait to try that. Sent from my SM-G900T using the BariatricPal App

I initially was told by my nutrionist to NEVER have popcorn. Fast forward a year, I met w/my surgeon and asked him to explain why I couldn't have popcorn, he said he DIDN'T say never, just early on! One of his reasons is popcorn has no nutrional value and if you can only eat a little in the early stages, he prefers we concentrate on protein& veggies. I do eat white cheddar skinnypop popcorn most days (100 calorie bag). Trying to cut back, because I'm not at goal and need to watch the carbs but I so love it.

Glad you posted this topic. About a month ago, I met with my surgeon and nutritionist. I complained that I'm struggling to get to my goal weight. One of their recommendations was to increase my fiber. They provided me w/a list of fiber recommendations. Their fiber goal for me is 20grams. I track on my fitness pal and I struggle to get above 10! A few suggestions they gave are: 1 flat out 100%wheat Hungry girl flatbread (7g), Bob Mills Organic high fiber hot Cereal ( a whopping 10g), Fiber one Protein bar (5g), rolled oats, squash,edamame, various nuts and seeds& green veggies (spinach, broccolli, Brussels sprouts) . As I write this, I noticed that I Have only eaten a few of the items on this list, which could be why I struggle w/fiber.

My first year, I took Celebrate vitamins ( available online) .My 1 year post op lab work was really good w/exception of my b12 level, which was really high. So now I am on chewable flinstone, Wellesse liquid calcium w/vitamin d3 both of these you can get at Walmart. I take a b12 every other day, but I buy it at GNC, (I believe under $7).

Not 1 single solitary regret. The first week was rough but it got easier with each passing week. I Could have NEVER lost this weight without surgery, believe me, I tried. I'm still not at goal (18 months later) but I love the energy I have. I'm also happy to be off blood pressure med and the cpap machine. Losing weight has renewed my love of shopping. My only challenge, which happens rarely, is waiting to drink. For the most part, I adjusted w/no problems.

Wow, Gurnee is pretty far. I'm in the south suburbs, Glenwood.

I'd be interested but it depends on which suburb.

Love Zara's, banana republic and gap. Also designer outlet stores. It feels good to shop in those stores, even though everything doesn't look good on me,lol. I still have 20-25 pounds to go, hoping then I could fit more things at Zara's. I just love that store.