stacyg1

I eat high protein, lower carb. I do not count fat grams at all and haven't since my surgery. I eat full fat cheese, avocado, etc.

I'm 17 months post-op and down 130 pounds and struggle with this issue everyday. Like you, I know I'm smaller, I wear a size 4, but when I look in the mirror or in pictures I don't see it. Friends tell me that I'm tiny but you couldn't prove it by me. I've started working with a therapist who specializes in eating disorders and body dysmorphia in the hopes that this will resolve. I have no words of wisdom to offer only to say you're not alone

Before a longer run I usually have overnight oats (1/4 cup oats, 1/3 milk, half a container of yogurt and some peanut butter). That holds me well and gives me good consistent energy

I'm signed up to run the 1/2 marathon. I'm also running the LA rock and roll 1/2 on Sunday and my medical team is not pleased with me. Those plans may change, but as of today, I'll be there

Thanks. It took work and discipline, but I'm proud of what I've accomplished. As far as loose skin . . . I have some on my belly and a little bit on my thighs and upper arms. I workout a lot and have built muscle back. For the most part I'm pretty toned. I would definitely consider plastics to tighten up my belly and remove the skin from there but don't know that it's necessary for my thighs. My arms were pretty batwingy, but they continue to tighten up with exercise.

Your surgeon or NUT will be able to give you exact amounts for you. But to give you an idea, I take 2 Multivitamins a day, 1500 mg or calcium, and B-12 daily. I take supplemental Iron 3 times a week. I was taking supplemental D but at my last check my levels were high so I was told to stop taking it. I eat a protein forward diet. However I do eat dairy, vegetables, fruits and grains like quinoa. I stay away from highly processed foods for the most part and have kept away from bread, rice and Pasta. Sugar is not an everyday part of my diet (except for naturally occurring sugars from fruit and dairy), but in the 17 months since my surgery I have indulged in some processed sugar. It is not a "never again" thing for me. Most of my nutrients come from food. Lean meats, fish, dairy, veggies, nuts, quinoa, etc. at the beginning you will be reliant on protein shakes for your protein as you likely won't be able to eat enough food. I now very rarely rely on a shake and use them mostly when I'm training for a race as a quick way to replenish and give me a needed nutritional boost As for how many people have failed, I can't answer that. I consider myself a success. I've lost 130 lbs and am 2 lbs away from losing 100% of my excess weight. While I'd love to get there and maybe a few pounds below to give me some wiggle room, I'd be happy if I never lost another pound. I wear a size 4 petite and can walk into any store and buy clothes that look good and make me feel good. I've run 5ks, 10ks and a half marathon and have another half marathon next month. I have control over food rather than food having control over me. I eat high quality food that I enjoy and don't feel deprived. Most importantly, I'm living my life rather than letting my life pass me by. Good luck!! If you have more questions, feel free to ask away!

It would be easier for us to help or ease your mind if you have specific questions. Again, I'd be happy to share what I know. Where are you having your surgery?

Welcome! I noticed you're from California. What part of the State? I'm in Los Angeles and 17 months post surgery. I would be happy to answer any specified questions you may have. I totally understand it's a lot of information to take in! Feel free to ask away!!

I had smoked salmon with a touch of cream cheese this morning! No need for a bagel or any bread, I just use a fork. My other "go to" breakfast is ground turkey with spinach and cheese (either feta, goat or shredded mozzarella)!

VSGAnn2014- thank you for posting. I'm 17 months post surgery and currently struggling with this issue as my medical team (PCP, surgeon and dietician) has decided that I have developed an eating disorder. This article was very insightful. Thanks again

Waxing is the only way to go!

San Fernando Valley. 17 months post op tomorrow

I've given up trying to shave my underarms and have started waxing! The Grand Canyon description was perfect! I feel like my armpit is a crater!!

Are you eating on plan? Do you weigh and measure your food? Do you eat a protein forward diet? When you eat, do you eat your protein first and then move on to your veggies/sides, or do you eat a bite of this and a bite of that?? How much are you eating? When I was where you are now, I was eating 2-3oz of protein with little room for much else. At 16 mos post surg I can eat 4oz of most dense proteins and 1/4 cup of veggies and that's about it. I still weigh and measure everything I eat. How about liquids? Are you getting all your water in. Fluids are super important. I was a slow loser, but sticking to plan I've lost 130 lbs. Stick to the program and you'll continue to lose!

Is it PPO? I have a primary care that I love. She requires payment at the time of the appointment and then bills insurance for you. Insurance will then reimburse you. I didn't need a referral from my primary though. I just made an appointment with my surgeon and didn't have an problem getting approved. My primary is Amy Weinberg (in Beverly Hills) and my surgeon was Miguel Burch (at Cedars)

I had anthem and had no problem with approval

I did not for the first 14 months post surgery. I have now been ordered to by my Bariatric team as they are concerned that my net calorie intake is too low to support my activity. I wear a heart rate monitor and have a pretty good idea of how many calories I burn. I also do a significant amount of intense exercise. I also would never eat back calories I burn from walking around the mall or doing housework

@@mismatched - not snarky at all. I know it was from my hard work but the scale was one tool I use(d) to keep me accountable! Thanks for the support!!

I always have to laugh to myself when someone who is at goal or below basically is proclaiming the beginnings of or already have a full on eating disorder and posters are always like "Wow you look great! Keep up the great work!" Enjoy the restriction?? She has a STRICTURE that keeps her from eating properly for God's sake! SMH OMG, thank you, Babbs for writing what I was thinking. I was reading this on my computer but wasn't logged in and couldn't respond so I had to grab my phone. The OP is talking about a medical complication that restricts her eating and, I'm my opinion, is showing signs of an eating disorder and you're congratulating a job well done??? No offense, but someone 9 days post op who's snacking on chocolate chip cookie dough is not in any position to offer advice to someone with a medical complication. OP, I hope you listen to others and go have your stricture taken care of. Your life will take a turn for the better when you can eat with restriction and not be afraid of being sick. I am 15 months post surgery, have lost 130 lbs and my surgeon is so concerned that I'm malnourished that they are monitoring my food intake and making me meet with the program's psych so I don't spiral out of control. I'm sure you had surgery to improve your life and health and I'm afraid that you won't reach that goal if you don't address the problem. Good luck to you! Babbs, keep on keeping on . . . You rock!

I had surgery 16 months ago and weighed in daily. I'm having a few issues and was ordered by my surgeon to stay off the scale for the next 8 weeks. His words "numbers mean nothing to you now". It's been 6 days and I'm having a really hard time. Weighing in was how I kept control and insured I was on track. I lost 130 lbs weighing in daily, so it's hard to give up that control. But, I'm doing it. It helps that my family hid the scale from me so it's kind of out if sight, out of mind!

See right after a workout that long I don't want ANYTHING to eat! In fact I have trouble fueling enough on long runs and races (half and full marathon) because by about 2/3 of the way I don't want to put Anything in my stomach, even Water. If I don't eat before, I completely bonk if I'm going more than about 3-4 miles. I should add that later in the day, say 3 hours after, THEN I'm HUNGRY. I totally agree with you. I have to eat something about 60-90 minutes before any run longer than 3-4 miles or I die!

When I run a half I eat overnight oats (oats, Greek yogurt, milk and peanut butter al mixed together and put in the fridge the night before) about 90 min before the start. I then have a shot blok every 2-3 miles to keep a constant stream of energy (a serving is 3 bloks but they make me sick if I try to have 3 at one time). I also alternate water and Gatorade/powerade but really try to make sure I drink a bunch. Good luck!

I'm 15 months post VSG and have lost about 130 lbs. Earlier this month, my surgeon, dietician and primary care dr. got together and decided to change my nutritional macros because of an ongoing issue I'm having, increasing my calories and almost doubling my carb consumption. As a result, I regained 7 pounds. I'm having a hard time with the regain, both mentally and physically. Anyway, last night at the gym, someone (who I would consider a gym friend) looked at me and said "you look thicker. . . I guess you've started gaining all your weight back." Her words hit me like a ton of bricks. I wanted to cry, but just continued on with the class. I didn't know how to respond. I don't think the 7 lbs (4 of which have come off) made me look any different and my clothes still fit fine, but there's always that doubt). I keep hearing her words on an endless loop in my head and I'm alternating between wanting to eat everything in sight (hello emotional eating) or restricting my calories down to nothing until the weight comes off (hello eating disorder??). Ugh, why can't people mind there own business??!?! Sorry for being so long winded, but I needed to get it out and I knew you guys would understand how I'm feeling. What mechanisms do you all use to keep people from influencing you, your moods and the path you're on. I need help today!

Thank you all! I think the reason it impacted me so much is because she doesn't know that I actually HAVE gained the 7 lbs back. If it wasn't for that, I completely would have laughed her comment away as I don't take her very seriously. I know things will be great if I continue to trust the process (and my doctors) and follow the plan! Just needed to get it off my chest!

I drink through straws every single day. I've walked into my surgeon's office drinking through a straw and he didn't bat an eye, even though in all the pre-op classes we were told "no straws." I find it so much easier to get my fluids in with a straw and I actually find I take in more air when I just drink out of a glass