AZhiker

Yes. But not for a while. It is so high in calories and hard to stop at 1 tablespoon. I am 6 months out and very close to goal. I will have a tablespoon of peanut butter on a rice cake ONCE IN A WHILE, as I am gradually raising my calories to ease into maintenance. I am also getting all my other daily nutritional requirements met first. Early on, however, you need to focus on protein and then getting the veggies, legumes/beans, and at least 2-3 months before adding nuts and seeds.

It truly is a strange world. I had breakfast with my mom today and she told me my boobs had gotten too small and I should do something to lift them up! Really?????? Hers sink to her waist! I told her I was 63 years old and I could wear my boobs anywhere I wanted. (With a smile, of course.) (My boobs are just fine with a new, well fitting bra. I really don't know what she is talking about!) I also told her it was getting tiresome to be asked about my weight loss all the time. and that how strange it is that no one talked about my weight when I was heavy, but now my personal weight loss seems to be everyone else's business! ( I am also getting the comments and advice to not keep losing and "you are too skinny.") What a strange, nervy world!

Agree that you need to stop the juice. Don't drink your calories.

Protein powder. Add it to yoghurt, smoothies, soup, refried beans, just about anything.

Dilation is a common procedure - very quick. You go to sleep, have a great little nap, and wake up able to swallow. Don't be afraid of it.

Pressure pot

"It's a new hobby..." I like that. think of the time people spend on their pets, shopping, bird watching, cruising, wood working, pottery,...……. all kinds of hobbies that take lots of time, but bring immense joy and satisfaction to one's life. Sooooooo much better to have an exercise "addiction" than transferring to gambling, shopping sprees, alcohol/drugs. As long as you are doing it sensibly and getting pleasure (all the great endorphins from exercise instead of food!) - go for it!

Try to incorporate both cardio and some strength training. I do several things - at least 10,000 steps a day, flights of stairs, wall pushups, light weights for upper body/arms, and just started leg exercises. I also have an elliptical machine that I use intermittently. In a bit I will add in some stretching/yoga. I can see muscle definition in my arms and my legs are pretty strong from the stairs. It's good to see some results and I know that every bit of muscle that is built increases my metabolism, so it is really worth the effort for long term success. Everything I have read and heard, however, does not say that exercise actually takes off the pounds. Diet is what does that. Increased muscle mass helps metabolism and burns more calories than fat, but it's pretty hard to exercise off the weight. It is a very good addition for health and certainly aids weight loss when the proper diet is in place, but it doesn't do a lot by itself to move the scale.

What is your activity level? How much weight were you needing to lose initially?

Gotta ask your team. That is a really long flight. I developed a blood clot, even though I did everything right and started walking right away. Many surgeons do not recommend long car trips for flights for at least 2 months after major abdominal surgery. If you happen to be going out of the country you also need to think about where you would get help if a complication happened.

I am almost 6 months out and use the Premier Protein as a back up. I work in an area where I can't always get a lunch break when I am hungry, so I keep a PP on hand. I will usually only drink half of it, which holds me until my real meal. I do not use them on a regular basis, but always have one in my bag and at work "just in case" I get into a hungry situation where I would be sorely tempted to eat a bad choice, for lack of a better option.

This might sound kooky, but right after surgery I was STARVING for my greens and garden veggies, but I was not allowed to have them for 8 weeks - not even mushy, soft cooked ones. So I took my garden greens (organic, from my garden) - turnip, spinach, kale, mustard, collards, chard, bok choy, parsnip, broccoli, radish, beet - added some water and then put them through the blender. I then strained out the fiber and actually filtered the juice through a coffee filter. I mixed this concentrated green water with my smoothies, and added it to my water bottle. It truly made me feel better. I was getting phytonutrients and live enzymes with every swallow. I would make enough to last several days in the fridge. My doctor just about came unglued, however, when I showed up with my green water. "You're not supposed to eat vegetables yet!" I explained that I had filtered the juice and that it was a lot healthier than any artificially flavored drinks. He had to admit I was right and that my filtered juice was fine. Anyway, you can do the same with fresh, organic greens from the grocery store. You will have a product that is unprocessed, chock full of nutrients and probably a lot less expensive than supplements.

I have been very faithful with IF for the past couple of weeks. My problem is that I have too much energy which is causing insomnia. I feel like an energizer bunny and can't turn the switch off. I know there are hormonal changes, including some sleep hormones that affected by IF, but this is crazy. I used to average 7 hrs sleep/night, but now only getting 5 or less. I wake up full of energy and can go all day. I do not feel sleep deprived at all. Mentally, I am alert and happy - almost euphoric. Anyone else experience this? If so, when does it let down? Not that I'm complaining - I'm getting a lot done and my weight loss continues. But I don't feel quite normal. However, maybe this is what normal is supposed to feel like. I have having labs drawn tomorrow morning, so will see what the thyroid is doing.

You'll find that by watching all the videos, you will know what kind of information is out there. Later, as you go through a stall, or have questions, you will go back and watch them again and the information will be very helpful for the current situation.

I watched a video of a bariatric surgeon explaining variability and predictability of weight loss over time. He made a bell curve. The top represents average weight loss after surgery. To the right is a mark which represents those who continue to follow the eating plan to a tee. They will lose more and maintain. To the far right are those who follow the plan AND exercise faithfully. They will lose the most and maintain, as they continue with the lifestyle changes. To the left of the curve are those who don't exercise faithfully and also those who cheat on the plan. The cheaters and the sedentary are the ones who regain. This cannot apply to everyone in every situation. Some people will just naturally lose more than others - the body will do what the body will do. But it did emphasize the point that we can maximize our weight loss by both exercising and following the plan. Exercise needs to include both cardio and strength training. Following the plan means to continue tracking, planning out meals, eating nutritiously dense foods, and keeping on top of it so one doesn't start sliding and not be able to intervene quickly. Building these new habits is the chief objective during the "honeymoon" stage (6-12 months post op), so that once hunger returns and restriction lessons someone has already acquired the tools for lifetime maintenance.

Walking immediately. Up to 10,000 steps/day by end of week 1, along with wall pushups. Then started upper body strengthening with light weights. Then started stair climbing. Using my elliptical intermittently when I can't walk because of heat or darkness. Recently added leg exercises. I am trying to build muscle while the fat comes off. More muscle means higher metabolism for life. I have been one of the lucky ones to have great weight loss with very little stalling. I think part of this is due to exercising and trying to be very active. The more weight you lose, the more active you become - it is so much easier to do things!

Looks nice. Maybe you could also fill in what type of surgery and surgery date.

The team is looking at your belly button - not your legs!

It's actually better NOT to shave at least a couple of days before surgery. Shaving causes micro abrasions in the skin and can lead to infections, Of course, this is critical if you are having a knee replacement - not so much with abdominal surgery. Pre-op nurses are VERY accustomed to unshaved legs, as it is the instruction that many patients are given. Besides, no one else is gonna see them because you will have SCDs (Sequential Compression Device) on your legs, and perhaps TED hose as well.

ausmith, how are you doing???????

I try to get by with as little new stuff as possible, and try to buy everything on good sales - like $3 and $5 clearances at WalMart. You will be a different size with each season, so get some inexpensive things, knowing that you will be donating them in 3 more months. I HAD to break down and get some new underwear and bras, but tried to use the old ones til they were falling off me. Second hand and thrift stores are good places to hang out, but a good clearance rack at Walmart is hard to beat. I found some really cute capri type shorts for only $5. Bought one to fit and 2 in a smaller size, which I am wearing now. My closet is very small now, as I keep getting rid of stuff that is too big, but don't want to spend a lot until I am at goal. Fortunately, the hospital supplies my scrubs so I don't have to buy a work wardrobe. It's a nice thought to celebrate your birthday with new clothes, but maybe don't spend a fortune, cuz you are only going to enjoy them for a short time,

I also see my surgery as a gift and blessing. I was losing my life and now I have it back!

Yes. Yummy.

Thanks so much. Lots of good info and ideas. I have done well when my first meal has been half a protein drink, or some yoghurt/protein powder/berries, or a green smoothie. I did NOT do well today when my first meal was a salmon patty with kimchi, beets, and a yucca pod pickle. It was too heavy and the texture was too tough. That would make a better second meal.

How do you break your fast? Regular meal or something light? I am finding that my pouch is protesting a regular meal after 16 hours of empty.