TakingABreak

We've all been there and made those bad recommendations. But that's the benefit of doing it in a group setting, for someone to tell you that you are mistaken. It's how you handle it when you realize that you are wrong. Some people have the emotional maturity to admit it and move on, some don't.

Are you putting all the nutritional values into a tracking app of some sort. Unfortunately we have a lot more to consider than just carbs. Tricky things like added sugar and sodium can be the problem. Also, how many calories does this add up to? You may not be eating enough calories. Protein bars can be chalked full of sugar. Frozen meals, and lunch meat can both have a lot of sodium. I'd consider actually logging your food to see the big picture. You could be retaining water due to sodium levels. Are you having regular bowel movements? Constipation can hinder weight loss as well. Make sure you are getting a good amount of fiber daily as well. Normally protein supplements lack in that department.

Can’t wait for Friday!

I can fit through our hallway dog gate without turning to the side. I can drive without my belly rubbing on the steering wheel I can carry my purse on my shoulder with the short straps. Just a few, sooo many more!

It's too difficult for us to really get the whole picture without knowing your food and water consumption. Also, what your activity level is. Log your food from today and post so we can see what a typical day looks like. I personally use MyFitnessPal.

Here's my top 10 tips! Start altering your diet now. Cut out processed food, or at the very least processed sugar. Practice eating your protein first and then focus on non-starchy veggies. Find something that you like to drink that doesn't have calories. Try different caffeine free teas and water additives. I still can't drink plain water....so you want to have something that you know you like. Cut out caffeine. Most programs allow caffeine back in relatively quickly, but caffeine can hinder your body's ability to heal. You don't want to go through caffeine withdrawal along with the aches and pains of surgery. Don't use protein shakes before you absolutely have to! I made the mistake of supplementing some of my meals with shakes to "prepare myself" for the pre-op diet. Big mistake. You will get to the point where they are DISGUSTING, and you don't want to increase the timeline of that by drinking them before you need to. Start incorporating exercising (even if its just walking) somewhere in your daily routine. It will make it easier if its already a habit. Practice chewing your food at least 20-30 times before swallowing. Muscle has memory and it will be so much easier if you already have this habit. If you screw up and swallow too soon after surgery, you will pay the price. Set timers and don't drink and eat at the same time. I highly recommend having at least 1 visit with a therapist to establish with someone for after surgery. Its not required, but everyone seems to have some emotional struggles afterwards. Whether its 2 weeks, 2 months, or 2 years. I personally wouldn't share with people, unless you know they will be 100% supportive. It is nerve wracking already and you need nothing but positivity. Plus its a lot of pressure from people who know you've had WLS, versus people who think you are on the weight loss track. People think that the weight is going to melt off after surgery, and sometimes it doesn't. You don't want the extra judgment. ***Newly added**** I also would remember that you need to make time for you! Make the time to shop healthy, meal prep, cook healthy, and plan ahead. It's not selfish to put yourself and your health first. Don't let people bring you down. Don't engage with the people who say "WLS is too dramatic" "You could just diet and loose the weight" "You aren't big enough for that surgery" "It's the easy way out". SCREW THOSE PEOPLE, they don't know. They will never know how triumphant our victory will be. Come up with a reward system of sorts. You want to acknowledge your successes. For my 50lb mark, I went and got pedicures with my girlfriends. For my 75lb mark, I bought myself some new dresses. For my 100lb mark, (which I haven't reached yet, so I rewarded myself 7lbs early) I already bought myself a really nice full length mirror.

Love that rule!

I agree with Matt Z. Bread is a slippery slope and should be avoided until your maintenance phase. However, I do occasionally eat a whole grain piece of bread, and like him it goes down better if it has been toasted. Simple carbs are a big no-no after WLS, and for good reason. I'd steer clear of these.

Well I do a lot of meal prep and try and eat leftovers often. - I grill chicken (usually thighs or legs) on the grill every Sunday and take them to work throughout the week. I take the skin off to lighten the calorie/fat content. I also make these Wonton "Cupcakes" w/ different recipes. I like the chicken cordon bleu and the lasagna ones. They are so simple to take to work the next day. 30 secs in the microwave, and done. -I make this Greek "No Pasta" Salad with chic peas, cherry tomatoes, edamame, red onion, olives, cucumber, feta cheese, and Greek dressing (homemade). I eat about a half cup a day as my afternoon snack. -Cottage cheese -Hard boiled eggs -Tuna packets, deli style - Brussel sprouts (I eat 3 big ones for my mid morning snack) - Fat free cheese slices -Greek yogurt -Veggie sticks with greek yogurt & ranch seasoning -Hummus with wheat crackers or veggie sticks -Roasted Chic Peas. I make all kinds of flavors. My favorite are the garlic and the honey chipotle.

With some stuff, yes. I've got my staple foods that I basically live on and I've eaten for weeks on end. For me, it just depends on what it is.

Our username is sooooo similar! @AshAsh12

@sammi123 Air freshener is a must, for when the gas starts coming.

We all learn these things one way or another. I thought Genepro was a genius find. Thankfully I was on this forum and was straightened out by one of the vets.

total bummer. I'm going to try my first drink this weekend. I'll be home, as we are hosting a cook out.

Oh girl! I feel your pain! I'm in the same boat. Mine feels like its holding on for dear life. It's so frustrating. I've lost 95lbs and I've only dropped 2 pant sizes. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE

They make these natural cheese crisps out of 100% dehydrated cheese. You might want to check those out.

Thank you! I wish you luck on your journey as well!

I hope people monitor their sugars also but still doesn’t make you qualified to ask someone if they are a diabetic and then give them specific advice. And no, I’d rather respond in the responsible way than ignore bad advice. It sounds like maybe you don’t like me contradicting you, maybe you should ignore me.

My thoughts exactly. I refused to do an IUD. I told my husband that I'd rather go a year without sex. We've had fertility issues for the last 5 years. Part of the reason I did this surgery is to get pregnant, but not before the 12 months. But in January of 2019, no matter where I am at in the weight loss track, I will be on the baby train. I've waited long enough. I have actually like the NuvaRing. I have PCOS as well, so I'm not sure if it is helping with cysts.

I would hope that if true accident happened, that they would make an exception. Its a big risk, so we are just super careful.

We JUST had sex for the first time at the beginning of May. We were abstinent for 5 full months. I had to find a vaginal birth control, for fear that an oral contraceptive wouldn't be as affective with the mal-absorptive piece of the RNY. Then, I had to wait 2 cycles to make sure that I got my period and everything "seemed to be working". But I'm allergic to latex, and so condoms are just not an option. Plus, the alternatives are a joke. But my bill from the hospital and surgeon totaled over $87k. Not risking pregnancy for anything at this point.

I sent my doctor an email to send over some labs. She's usually pretty good about doing this at my request. So fingers crossed I will figure it out soon.

@allwet Not to mention, diabetics who rely on insulin, who start to take your advice and skip their regular snacks, may not adjust their insulin accordingly. Which could throw them hypoglycemia.

Right, but your response was to ask him if he was a diabetic... and then to advise him what to do if he is one.... Maybe just respond in a general answer. I wouldn't be giving diabetics specific advice. Are you a diabetic? I'd be more qualified than you probably. Either way, I wouldn't think of telling someone who is a diabetic to fast between meals because it will burn more fat. And lets face it, its not all about weight loss. If you don't manage your blood sugars right, you might have lost the weight to fit into a smaller coffin.

I'd be careful giving people this kind of advice. Diabetes, especially the type 1 that I have, is a serious beast to manage and unless you are a Endocrinologist, I'd steer clear advising people of when to eat, and when not to eat. It can be life threatening for blood sugars to drop too low from a long fast between "meals". I've lost 95lbs since Jan 1st and I am a diabetic. I think I'm doing something OK, even though I'm not burning body fat during more hours a day than an non diabetic.