SarahMan80

This is what I do to feel better if I eat too much! Sometimes just a little walk can make a huge difference!

I’m just over a year out and eat 3-5 small meals a day. They consist of about 2.5 to 4 ounces protein and .2 to 1 cup vegetables. Now, I will say that the consistency of the meal changes things a lot. If it is a grilled meat or something with little to no sauce I can’t eat that much…but if is ground meat or something with a good sauce I can eat a lot more. I also find that eating bread-y stuff can be touchy….some days I can eat more than others. Overall, my meals are 1/3 to 1/2 of a regular person’s portion. My daily calorie intake is usually between 1100 and 1500.

I actually saw my shoulder blades move in the mirror and did a double take! I am so used to the layer of back fat obscuring them! I stood there for a few minutes moving my arms and shoulders in amazement! (My husband thought I was strange). 🤷🏼‍♀️

I agree on the measuring of the food. It really will help. Also, if you think you will eat it too fast..... only put 1/2 on your plate....wait 20 minutes....then eat the rest (if needed). Example: if you measure out 4 ounces for your dinner..... put 2 ounces (mostly protein) on your plate. Try to eat it slowly by chewing and putting your fork down between bites. Once you are done, wait 20ish minutes to see how you feel. If you think you need to eat more, eat the other 2 ounces. I have had the issue of putting too much on my plate at once...eating too many bites.....then really regretting it later. I still overestimate how much I can eat about 1/2 the time. You can practice this before surgery also (with more normal portions). It may help you get used to eating slower. Good Luck!

I also paid out of pocket. I then got GERD and an upper endoscopy showed that I had a hiatal hernia. I needed a second surgery. I could either get a Linx device put in, have a hiatal hernia surgery or have a bypass. since these surgeries were now medically necessary to fix an issue they were covered. I had the hiatal hernia surgery and paid about $400 total. Don't let the possibility of a side effect scare you!! Just because the first surgery is not covered does not mean the second won't be. I could have gotten any of the three surgeries covered and went with the one that worked best with my situation. Losing weight over the past 8+ months makes the issues I dealt with more than worth it. Edit: BTW, OTC medication helped alleviate all the acid reflux symptoms. Then, the reflux was gone immediately after the HH surgery.

I had a small NSV today. I put on a size large t-shirt and it actually fit! This is surprising to me as I am a slow loser and thought it would take longer for this to happen! I've had other victories but this one stuck me as the shirt I tried on has been in my closet for years....and I can finally fit into it!! I can't wait until I shrink into the rest of my clothes! Many best wishes and small NSV's to you all!

Congratulations!! that is an awesome loss!! ===================================== My surgery was on 25 Jun 21....my 6 month mark was on Christmas day. Month 1 start: 251.8 (surgery day) Month 2 start: 232.6 (-19.2 pounds) Month 3 start: 221.6 (-11 pounds) Month 4 start: 212.6 (-9 pounds) Month 5 start: 202.0 (-10.6 pounds) Month 6 start: 190.4 (-11.6 pounds) Month 6 end: 188.4 (- 2 pounds [first major stall]) Total lost in my first 6 months was 63.4 pounds. I believe I am a slow loser and that is fine with me. I have had constant heartburn that is currently being taken care of with OTC medication and may need an additional surgery to repair it. It is what it is..... I am just glad that I am no longer obese and that my size 12 jeans are getting loose on me. I've still got 40+ pounds to make it to my goal but I am in no hurry. My high weight was 275 and everything is going the right direction....that is all I care about.

It has been 5 months and I am so surprised at what a 5 months it has been. I have learned more about my body in the last few months that I ever knew in my previous 40+ years. I have learned the best foods for me, which ones keep me satisfied longer, which ones disagree with me and the ones that hinder weight loss. I am also learning how to leave food on my plate. Some things are easier to learn (portion sizes) while others are still an issue (remembering to eat slowly). I have lost 84.6 overall….61.4 pounds since surgery…. and a combined total of 46 inches. As of today I am also officially in the overweight category. I am off my blood pressure and cholesterol medicine and my thyroid meds have been reduced. My knees and back feel better and I have so much energy! I have a lot to be thankful for but today I am most thankful that my husband has taken over the thanksgiving meal duty! HW: 275 SW: 251.8 CW: 190.4 GW: 140

The surgery is not bullshit. You just weren’t/aren’t in the right frame of mind to lose weight right now. Like others have said, it is a tool. If you are not disciplined enough to use the tool you will not get the results you want. Don’t get mad at the surgery/process/surgeon……be mad with yourself. I truly hope you can figure out how to use the this tool to get the results you want….it is not magic after all. You actually have to put in the work.

I’m in San Antonio. Try South Texas Surgeons…. I was more than 30 bmi but it cost $9,900 and they sheduled me 2 weeks after initial consultation.

I find myself doing this too…… seeing how much other people eat and knowing that I used to do the same makes me never want to go back to how I was prior to surgery. (Especially because I know I can survive on less.) I’m happy that I can eat the same food….just a way smaller portion size.

This was one of my concerns also. I am a total foodie that loves having a wine and snack night with my husband. After surgery I didn’t drink wine for about 3 months…..I really didn’t want to….even when my mind was craving it. When I did try it again, it took me hours to sip on maybe 2 ounces of wine. I didn’t feel tipsy or anything….I just wanted water more. I am 4+ months out now and can drink a whole glass, slowly. If food/snacks are involved it takes me a lot longer. The thing is I now have to listen to my (much smaller) stomach for cues on when to stop eating/drinking and not what my head is telling me I want. The thing is, it doesn’t bother me in the way I thought it would. I can still have a fun time shooting the s%it with the family while eating and drinking (way) less. I have no regrets.

Finding casual blouses that fit right and don’t look like a tent. I hated the shirts I used to wear….they are getting better now that I am a little smaller…..can’t wait to see how the tops fit when I get closer to my goal.

The premade shakes can get a bit expensive. You can also get a few shaker bottles and make shakes for the day either the night before or in the morning.

I hate the chewable vitamins too. I use the BariatricPal Multivitamin One w/ Iron every night. https://store.bariatricpal.com/products/bariatricpal-multivitamin-one-day-bariatric-capsule-45mg-iron

I am 4 months out and just had an appointment with the surgeon last week. He suggested eating one meal a day in order to keep my blood sugar from spiking in my body. He stated that my body has enough stored fat and if I follow Intermittent Fasting/OMAD I will lose weight faster. This is in complete opposition to the nutritionists that work in his own office. If I eat just one meal a day at this point there is NO WAY I'd be able to meet my protein goals and my calorie intake would be miniscule. So, I am actually going to ignore my surgeons suggestion on this. I am going to keep eating according to the nutritionists well thought out plan and lose the weight when I lose the weight. Stick to what your comfortable with.... remember, losing weight is not a race.

I ran for 10 minutes straight today an my knees did not hurt!

I had that ‘lag’ too. I think it is the lack of calories and the lowered amount of water. It took me about 2-3 weeks to get through it. Now, 3.5 months out, my body got used to the lack of food and I have so much energy! Remember that you just went through a major surgery and your body is healing….take care of yourself! At this point make sure you practice at drinking more and start focusing on meeting your protein goal. It will get better! Oh, and take naps when you can, they help!

Baritastic is what I use for food. It also tracks my weight by linking to my Fitindex app that is connected via Bluetooth to my scale. Fitindex does BMI and other weight related measurements….they also have a Bluetooth measuring tape that is awesome. So, I step on the scale, Fitindex logs the weight and the weight is automatically transferred to Baritastic.

If you’re working out that much, try adding extra healthy calories (100ish) to your diet. That’s what worked for me when I started working out. Weight started moving again.

I just tried this. It worked I just did this too. I was sitting down and didn’t realize it until I looked down. My legs are crossed without any issues!

That is exactly what I did! My husband and two teenagers were either spending too much on takeout or only eating junk food for dinner. I used to cook all the time because I love(d) to cook, but after surgery it's hard to find motivation to get in the kitchen. Hello fresh brings in new flavors and the recipes I pick only need slight modifications for the post surgery diet. My portion can last 2-3 meals. Having the recipes in hand also helps my husband do the cooking with my minimal assistance.

It wouldn’t hurt and would give you a little preview of your post surgery diet. I did not find the pre-surgery diet too much of an issue. The extra protein really (and surprisingly) filled me up. I say go for it and get a jump on the weight loss. Your plan sounds feasible. If for some reason you don’t stick to it or “cheat”, just remember that this diet wasn’t mandatory for you in the first place.

Congratulations!

I had an adverse reaction to any creamy protein shake after surgery. I’m almost 2 months out and I still can’t stomach them. I found that the Isopure fruit flavored powders work best for me. It is a clear protein drink. You can get them on Amazon or at GNC. There are several flavors….mixed berry is my favorite. Also try Gatorade protein drinks, they are good in a pinch.