Pam_2-06-2017

I think the the speed of healing is dependent on many factors. I had surgery shortly before I turned 50. Generally, I have a positive frame of mind, I was in good health considering my weight and I am not someone particularly prone to anxiety/depression. Mind, body and spirit are key to healing as well as success in much of what we are doing here. Concentrate on that and healing will be a non-issue even if there are issues. Most issues early on resolve themselves as you heal. Worry and stress would probably prolong the healing process. Just my two cents. Take it how you will:-)

Yep everyone is different. Shortly after surgery, while on liquids, I felt full just thinking about putting something in my mouth:-). I could only drink 2 ounces at a time. Once off liquids, and on soft food, I had a different feeling of full. Now, I have a genuine feeling of fullness when I eat a meal. Others feel no restriction when drinking liquids and that's ok too. I've heard people say that at 6 months out you can start really evaluating your new normal. I'm only 4 months so I think I have a lot more to learn about full and hungry. Staying tuned:-)

The same things I am doing wrong. I am most 4 months out and still only get 600-800 calories a day. This low is just not sustainable. I am working hard to increase to a Little over 1000 each day but I have no hunger and great restriction. Keep plugging away at it. Add in a couple more snacks. I haven't lost much in the last month. Looking back at my journal tells me the story. I do not get all my protein everyday, I am not eating enough and I really need to push myself to get all my water in. Honesty with yourself is the key to results. This week I have really rocked it and I'm back on track! You can do it!

I think you are a different person! You look so amazing ! Congratulations!

I have an Aria scale that uploads my weight automatically into MyFitnessPal when I weigh. I weigh every morning as soon I I get out of bed and after I pee. I love to see the graph of my progress. I have learned that the scale moves all week in different directions but by Friday I'm usually down a couple pounds unless I'm in a stall. I just love data!!!

I can see how this can happen. My neighbor had GBP while her marriage was in trouble. After the weight came off she partied and drank herself into a alcohol problems. Her husband stuck by her through it all and with therapy they are back to a happy place. She regrets her reaction to her success and is more thankful that at least one of them remained committed through the process. I believe my marriage to be strong and very committed. But quite frankly it's important to stay diligent through this process.

You are creating a beautiful story for yourself. You are lovable and absolutely gorgeous right now! Congratulations on your success. You are an inspiration to so many on here.

Congratulations! You're doing amazing!

I have naturally fallen into a lower carb diet. I began eating my protein first. Once I finish my protein I will eat a carb (usually a veggie). I have good restriction so I'm rarely able to get much carb in during meals. I essentially eat meat and a few veggies. My go to snacks are Greek yogurt with berries.

Hope you're doing well!

I miss d that idea of food but now I just don't miss it at all. I have no hunger and my restriction is strong. Consequently, I don't feel much like eating. This seems good but it takes effort for me to get my 1000 calls a day.

Ok, I will admit I giggled a little at your post but it was with absolute love in my heart:-). I am scale obsessed and weight daily so I know the ups and downs of the scale. 4 days after surgery you are full of fluid from iv and gas from surgery not to mention water retention from anesthesia. So losing a couple pounds is pretty good. But thinking about before surgery losing two pounds in four days would have had us looking at the calendar to see where we are on our cycle:-) Drink water and protein and rest, rest, rest.. concentrate on healing. That weight will start coming off. It's hard not to compare your loss with others but try to resist. Make this journey your own. Good luck.

How fast do you eat? I would get nauseated early in my recovery. I ended up pre-measuring two ounces at a time and sipped 1 every hour. I found those Jell-O shot containers in the plastic cup section at Walmart. It was the only way I could keep protein down. That was the first week. By the end of the second week I could slowly sip 3-4 ounces at a time. If you are throwing up you may have inflamed your tummy. Be easy on it. Oh, also, I couldn't drink a thick shake. I switched to the 32g protein muscle milk because it is thinner and the "protein" flavor was more mild. I hope this helps. Take care.

I'm just over 3 months out and eating about 600-800 calories a day. I've had a couple 1000 days this month but it was two days that I ate things I shouldn't over my birthday weekend. How much I can eat is depends on the density of the food. Solid meats ensure that I will never get to any vegetables. I always eat my protein first. I can eat two eggs for breakfast but only one if I choose to make a slice of bacon. I have good restriction and have zero hunger. If I didn't eat until I was hungry I would go all day without eating. I never feel sensations of hunger. I plan breakfast and dinner and eat lunch when I think about it but most times I end up just snacking. My favorite snacks are Greek yogurt, cheese sticks wrapped with a piece of ham, almonds, walnuts, or protein shakes. I'm halfway to goal with 40 pounds to go. My weight loss is slow compared to others but I am happy with how things are going. With all my stalls my skin has had a good chance to bounce back. And at 50, my skin needs all the help it can get:-)

I'm losing lots of hair. I have a lot to lose so nobody really notices. I sure notice it. I started losing it at 2.5 months but have been losing it much faster lately at nearly 4 months out. Ive taken all the vitamins etc. I went through this when I lost lots of weight on the HCG diet years ago. It grows back but dang it's scary!!!

So organized!!! Great job!

I was also told not to use a straw. I haven't used a straw since surgery. At this point I feel like I probably could but now it is a habit not to. I imagine air in the tummy could cause discomfort or gas. If you struggle with reflux I would probably stay away from straws.

In understand it happens pretty fast on the pre-op diet. If you followed your pre-op plan then there is absolutely no concern at all. Take care

I gave up grains so no tortillas for me but I have mastered almond flour tortillas and make breakfast tacos all the time.

I would definitely call and at least talk to your NUT about your reaction. He/she may choose to make changes to your post op diet. Do not take Imodium. All this protein will constipate you at some point. If you have diarrhea you should definitely call your surgeon's office for advice. I had tummy pains early out but I described them as spasms more than a steady ache. There are things I tried on the approved list that just didn't sit well with me but now at nearly 4 months out I can eat fine. Your sensitivity to your body is very valuable so use your intuition as to whether you feel like it's something wrong. I relied on my intuition throughout my early recovery. Most of my symptoms resolved on there own as I healed.

Aw...mess ups happen. Great job getting back on track quickly. Be aware of carb cravings over the next couple days til that crap is back out of your system.

Your journey is your own and nobody else's. Only you know your true struggle. I was a low bmi patient and decided to keep my surgery to myself. My surgeon was very supportive and understood my physical struggles that led me to surgery. Being nervous before any surgery is completely normal. I was crazy nervous up and until the anesthesiologist administered the happy juice. I have never regretted my bravery. The changes in my life since surgery have been hard, fun, exciting, and so much more. My only regret was not doing it earlier. You'll hear that a lot around here. Good luck and keep us posted. Thinking of you.

Hi! I use MFP as well. You can change your goals anytime in the settings. You will get a warning at the end of the day telling you that you need to eat more. I just ignore that. You can also set goals for protein and carbs.

Wow! You're doing amazing!! I had surgery the same day. My loss has been a bit slower. Still very happy where I am. Life is so good, I can't begin to share it all. Thanks for the update. Three months down and a lifetime to go!!! HW 223 SW 220 CW 179 GW Never set one:-)

Doing great! Remember you can count the protein shakes as fluid as well so 32 oz so far. Halfway there!!! I highly recommend working towards more protein. You need that to heal. That early out it was an all day chore to sip, sip, sip. My husband bought me a special insulated cup and it has been in my hand all day since surgery. This should become a lifelong habit. Also, for the first two weeks I just couldn't drink cold things. Room temp water and shakes were all my tummy could handle. You're something big great. No worries. It just keeps getting better from here! Take care.