anewme2015

Ask Humber. There's likely a bariatric group or at the very least an OA group that's more local. Good luck with your surgery and feel free to pm any questions you may have. I'm 5 months out. Best decision ever!That's awesome and I will look into that! Congrats on your surgery! How are you feeling this far out? How much have you lost in 5 months? I've lost 87lbs. It's been great- a few ups and downs. I have developed an ulcer (although it seems fine with medication) so I'm just careful to avoid spicy and tomato-based foods. Dealt with the typical hurdles the first few months- it's an adjustment that's for sure. But overall I am so thrilled. This will change your life and you won't look back. At least that's been my experience.

Ask Humber. There's likely a bariatric group or at the very least an OA group that's more local. Good luck with your surgery and feel free to pm any questions you may have. I'm 5 months out. Best decision ever!

Hello! I had my surgery at Toronto Western and they offer support groups as do most of the other Toronto hospitals that offer bariatric surgeries. I haven't attended any yet to be honest. I've thought about it though.

You're describing my life. Lol

I think it's 'normal' for some people in the early stages. I wouldn't worry too much. For me, the flavours of food returned fairly quickly, although my preferences for specific flavours changed. I savour rather than gobble, and I don't really enjoy sweet foods. I remember there being a bit of a strange metallic taste for a while. It changes and you will likely enjoy food again. Hang in there!

Ok. So I've read 'embrace the stall' and I'm really trying to. The thing is- I'm worried I'm causing the stall. You see, my NUT says I should be eating 1000-1200 calories with a relatively balanced mix of Proteins and carbs and fats, but I find I'm only able to get in 700-900 calories and every time I reintroduce carbs above 30+ grams my weight loss seems to stop. Ok that's not entirely true. I probably could eat more calories but I'm feeling anxious about raising my calories because I've not lost in over 3 weeks. Upping my carbs also seems to make me crave and feel more hungry. I've debated doing the '5-day pouch reset' but then I'd really be ignoring my NUT who seems to promote the opposite- she says eat more and eat carbs! I guess I'm just wanting to hear from vets or others who may have increased their calories and added carbs to jumpstart weight loss. It seems contradictory to me. Thoughts?

Well, it worked and it didn't take long!!!! I increased my calories (even though it seemed so wrong) and you were all so correct! I've dropped 3 lbs since I'm previous post and I'm experiencing fewer cravings. I feel strong of mind again and back on track. So to those people struggling with the never-ending plateau- consider increasing your calories, refocus your lean Proteins, drink that Water, and be patient. If you work it, it works. Eventually! Lol

Wow! That's a lot of working out! Amazing! I'm 3-4 times a week- cardio and light weight training. I love it. (Never thought I'd say I love working out!)

That is awesome news! Thanks so much for sharing that. I'm upp'ing my calories and focusing on those good carbs. Out of curiosity, and if you don't mind sharing, what did increasing your calories mean for you? Were you as high as 1000-1200?

Thank you all for your replies. Excellent advice. I am fearful of increasing calories and it's exactly this 'all or nothing' restrictive thinking that has made me fail diets in the past. As a lifestyle change, I must address these fears. I have avoided therapy or support groups but you have given me something to consider. I will try my NUTs advice and see what happens. I'll focus on increasing my Protein and fat first so I don't get craving carbs. It gives me hope to hear that someone else has lost weight upp'ing calories. I will hang in there! This isn't easy, is it? The emotional and mental element is definitely the most challenging part. Thanks for the support and for anyone reading this thread and experiencing a similar issue, I will post how it goes after a few days of raising my calories. Fingers crossed!

I have come off plan quite a bit in the last few days. I've been eating crackers and I had 2 grilled chicken wraps from Wendy's. Not at all how careful and on program I was before reintroducing carbs recently. I think you're both right though. I've been thinking bringing in carbs means whole grains, which seems to set me off. I will try to focus on fruits and vegetables instead. Both of you who responded (thank you!) seem to have been eating considerably less than I am at 4.5 months. This does concern me. And I also don't seem to dump- I don't feel sick really after eating anything. I even had one really bad emotional eating day where I had some candy, chocolate, and a chocolate chip granola bar without any stomach upset. ( not at all how I typically eat and I came back to program after) I am working out a lot and I'm not sure why my eating has been so off track the last few days. It's like carbs are a drug and I can't have any. I think maybe I should do a variation of the pouch reset to just get my carbs under control and hopefully dull these cravings and the emotional eating. Then as you have recommended I will focus back on volume- capping myself at 1/2 cup per meal even though I am capable of eating much more than that. I don't think my calories at 4.5 months should mirror that of someone who is at goal and 17 months out. (You look amazing btw- I was so happy when you replied as I have actually followed your journey even when I was pre-op) It seems my Nut is maybe not giving me the best advice. Back to basics.

I'm 4 months post op gastric bypass and just diagnosed with an ulcer. My advice? Stay away from citrus, tomatoes, and anything acidic or spicy. It's not worth it.

I have curly/frizzy hair and I find devaCurl products, particularly their conditioners and gels, work wonders. You can buy online or at salons that specialize in curly hair. Hope it helps!

I felt hungry and off-track (surgery October 19th) so I took 2 days and returned to basics: drank Protein Shakes and broths only and then reintroduced soft Proteins, returned to chewing more slowly and thoughtfully and weighing everything again. Now I've moved back into firmer proteins. It's curbed the appetite for carbs and I'm feeling focused and back on track. You can google '5 day pouch reset' if you're interested. I found it worked for me. I was experiencing cravings and they've since lessened considerably. It also broke a 3 week plateau. The weight loss has slowed though and I think it's normal in months 4+ to experience a more 'normal' rate of weight loss. It's a good thing. Our bodies are adjusting. I'm glad to hear so many of you are doing well. We got this!

Inspirational pics! You look amazing and I bet you feel it too! Your daughter is so cute and now you're going to have the energy to really engage with her. Amazing work!

My appetite seems to have returned this week too! I love how every time I check this thread you fabulous people affirm what I'm going through. It's not just me! Confession: both my kids are sick so no gym yet but I will!! I really will! And odd question: is anyone else's bones cracking and doing weird things? Lol I wake up in the morning and it's like snap crackle and pop and it's not my cereal, it's me!

Ok! You've inspired me! I will go to the gym and not just talk about it!!!

I hear you. I joined a gym this week but so far I haven't included exercise into my program at all. I need to make time for exercising! I think as a mom of young kids (3&5) I forget about self-care. And exercise will likely help push us through these stalls. Ok I'm committing to actually entering the gym I joined! Haha

My hair is long so the thinning is noticeable to me- not sure if others notice though. It's not like people are going to mention it! Lol Still having problems achieving a 'balanced' diet and getting in my protein. My NUT keeps telling me to eat more veggies and carbs but I'm like protein first means I'm usually full from protein. The struggle is real! I've been in a stall but I am plugging along, following program and trying to get in my water. I know it'll move eventually but man- it's easier to feel motivated when the scale is moving! Keep this thread alive October people! (And amazing November people who want to join us!

Hello October family, I'm just checking in because I'm curious approximately how many calories people are eating who had surgery in October. And do people find they still need the shakes to hit their protein? Things are going well here and I look forward to hearing from some of you!

Hello October Family! A quick update: I'm down 55 lbs and feeling good. My plan is to add exercise in the new year. Most foods agree with me- so I have to be careful. Main issue comes when I drink too soon before or after eating. It can be a challenge. Keep updating! I love hearing from everyone!

Finally had a chance to read through your more recent posts. To share: I had a 4 week stall but once it cracked (I didn't DO anything to crack it I just stuck to program), the weight started to come off again. I'm between 2-3 lbs a week, which is a great rate. It's not crazy noticeable so I'm not fielding questions like 'what have you done?' And I'm hoping it also means I won't lose my hair. I eat almost all protein. I have some carbs to keep fibre up and very few vegetables/no fruit yet. I find I can't get my protein in when I attempt a more balanced way of eating so I'm sticking with bran, dairy products and meat. I'm hoping I'll be more balanced eventually. I'm not exercising at all but the plan is to bring it in the new year. My program so no working out for 3 months to allow for proper internal healing and no weight lifting for 6 months. My only real struggle (other than feeling like I'm eating too much fat) is my mood. When there's stress or something happens that would usually send me to the fridge, I find myself lashing out a bit. Im trying to not be horrible but I can feel myself taking it out on my partner. I get irrationally upset when he eats things I can't eat. It's dumb. I don't know. I'm crying over movies and even a commercial once. He looks at me like he's a little afraid of me. Lol Anyway, I read everyone's posts in here and I hope we keep the group going. Imagine a year from now?!? How we can be congratulating each other and celebrating our successes! We'll have seen each other through the year (and beyond!) and we can laugh and say, "remember when we were freaking out over stalls and crying and yelling at our partner?" Lol

Mine were gone within a week.

You're gorgeous in both pics and there is definitely a difference! Congrats!

I'm 6 weeks and eating 1/4-1/2 a cup depending on what it is about 4-6 times a day.