Search the Community

One other thing I haven't given up yet - I have gotten rid of MOST processed foods from my diet. However, AMERICAN CHEESE slices are still in. This weekend I had grass fed, organic 90% lean ground beef. I weighed it into 3 oz patties and made 5 for the week. The quality of the beef was fantastic - and what did I top it with? Half a slice of American cheese :-) But it's really amazing to think about what I have given up - bread (MAJOR TRIGGER FOOD), rice, pasta, sweets, chips - no problem. I don't have an issue with it - I just think it's kind of comical what has stayed in the diet.

I also want to add something that I have found to be true based on my experience. At first Intuitive Eating was really hard and scary. I thought I was going to blow up huge for SURE. I had to be so brave to even try it. At first I was negotiating with myself a lot. Like... I will try it for a week so I can enjoy my vacation.. or I'll try it but if I gain weight at all I will resume dieting. In the beginning I only managed short periods of time eating freely and then would restrict again. And it was like that for some time. But!! But. What happens is ... as you continue, the times where you let go- they are sooo good. You aren't overeating or binging, you are just eating enough.. and it feels soooooo good in your mind and body, that after awhile it feels more worthwhile than being super skinny or pleasing society or some stifling ideal. Being fed right is an amazing feeling, and it becomes harder and hard to go back to restrictive food behaviors. Over time my stretches became longer and longer and as I sought out more support and also saw my body remaining in a stable weight and started working on my body dysmorpia... everything just fell into place more and more. Suddenly you start to realize, wow I haven't thought about food intake or dieting in awhile! And wow what a freedom that is. Lifting that oppressive mindset and hunger out of your world is like coming out of a cloud. Life is so full and beautiful. Weight isn't what defines your happiness- health is. Mental and physical health. Food will make or break you for sure. Too much and your body and mind will suffer. Too little and your body and mind will suffer. It takes the right amount to be truly happy and ONLY YOUR INDIVIDUAL METABOLISM AND BODY can determine what that amount should be. I'm not writing these feed to threaten or undermine you. I'm not bragging about my success or weightloss. I'm offering out a hand to those who feel they want or need to try something different. If dieting works for you for now, great. But know that should you want something else, there is this. I want to give others what I have found and share my experience. I truly believe, in fact I KNOW dieting cannot be a sustainable practice for lifelong happiness. With dieting there will always be the highs of weight loss and the deep lows of weight gain. With intuitive eating, there is just consistency and underneath that freedom and joy.

Hey all! Update on me. (And thank you all who have been supportive by the way) I'm doing AWESOME. My weight is extremely stable. I don't weigh myself if I can avoid it (I find numbers upsetting and triggering and pointless) but my clothes all fit and my measurements are the same. That said it's honestly a non issue because I don't care if I get smaller or bigger or whatever because weight just isn't what defines my happiness anymore. I've just finished my second round of plastic surgery in Mexico. I had a lower face lift (for a slight turkey neck and early jowling) and a Brazilian butt lift and I had fat added to my hips to give me a more womanly shape. I LOVE the results I am seeing. In my eating disordered days I always wanted a stick straight and boy like model body. I have changed that mindset and am embracing my Latina heritage and embracing what my body is more inclined to look like. Through the surgery I continued eating intuitively and my recovery has been wayyyy easier this time. I feel it is because I am much healthier and my body is well nourished and strong. I have repaired a lot of the damage dieting did to me. I'm in a new relationship and he has been super supportive. In my dieting days I would tend to pick abusive assholes. This time I have picked someone who supports my choices and builds me up. It's amazing what a well fed mind can do!! I don't live on the edge any more and I don't keep people around who encourage my self esteem and body image issues. My eating behavior has not changed. Once in awhile I will loosely tally up my calories (sadly I still have every single item of food calories burned into my brain) and I find I eat around 2000-3000 calories a day. Usually right around the 2500 mark. I don't do this by thinking about it. That just seems to be what my body needs to be satisfied. What funny is I actually TRIED to put on some weight for my Brazilian butt lift and I FAILED. I don't have much fat in my body, which they needed for the surgery, so I tried to eat more by adding in breakfast and higher calorie foods for about a month before my surgery. I didn't do anything that felt harmful or excessive- just encouraged myself to always eat breakfast, a lot of avocado, adding cheese and mayo more, that sort of thing. And.... Nothing happened. No weight gain. In fact it felt like I LOST weight. [emoji23] In my dieting days with a wrecked metabolism I was able to put on 5lbs in 3 days!!! My body is now at its set point and it just won't allow me to change that so easily. God knows what I would have to do to gain weight at this point. Anyway my butt lift isn't as big as I would have liked it but it still looks great! A few weeks ago I also went on a cruise with my kids. It made me extremely sad to see all the people on the boat gorging themselves and looking so miserable. I've been on 3 cruises in my life. The first one I was 27 thin and bulimic- I threw up everything I ate on the ship and was super sick. The second one I was 33 and obese. I ate till my stomach was going to pop and was super miserable and depressed. This time I'm 37 and a healthy intuitive eater. I ate whatever I wanted to satisfy my hunger and tried not to worry about the food at all. And I was happy. Roughly what I eat: Bagel with avocado for breakfast (Or something like an omelet with tons of Ketchup my favorite food) Maybe some Thai food or tacos or fried calamari for lunch, or salad and sandwich (usually eat out for lunch) Dinner I eat out a lot too or at home rarely. I like all kinds of restaurants. I don't like too cook, it takes up too much time and I work a lot. I like Italian, Mexican, sushi, salads... whatever. [emoji4] so I get a salad and an entree. Entrees are so crazy huge, I almost always have leftovers. Big snack at bedtime. Either the rest of my dinner or a burrito or sandwich or something. This is probably my largest meal of the day. Sometimes dessert. I eat chocolate a lot at like 3 am. I dunno why but my body craves it. And wine. I love wine. All though I have been cutting back lately because it does make me tired and not sleep as well. I'm attaching some fun photos for you all and much love and many blessing to you in your journey!!! It's a journey worth taking to get healthy with food. My life is 1000000x better. Trying to get that booty haha!! Bahahahaa. Cruise photo. All of these are taken within the last month.

There are so many things... shopping for new cloths bc the old ones don't fit anymore... my whole body not hurting at the end of the day... the energy to play with my 5 kids... going up and down stairs without being afraid my knee is going to buckle with every step... not taking 7 pills every morning when I get up. oh and not feeling like all regular bathroom stalls are made for kids because i barely fit!!!

LOL after all the research I've done this is definitely not the easy way out. But ppl think that the surgery is magic and u just lose weight without any work. We still have to eat right and exercise bc the weight can all come back plus more. While going through complications, pain, etc from having a surgical procedure. This is definitely a lifestyle change. And Im almost certain everyone who decides to have this procedure done isnt just doing it for cosmetic reasons, its because their health is at stake and theyre over it. Of course we all wanna look good who doesnt? But health is first. And easy way out? Nothing about this has been easy, not even the approval process!

so I was denied they said some of my NUT notes were missing and my mental health notes were missing... ALLLLL BS but my surgeons office resent everything all over again so another 7-10 business days

Yes, all of my primary care drs would annoy me too with "eat a low calorie diet and exercise" which is clearly what Ive been doing lol. I researched PCOS and I literally had every symptom, so I brought that to their attention and I was told I didnt have that either by my pcp. So I saw an endocronologist who specializes in pcos, weightloss, hormone imbalances, thyroid issues, diabetes etc. He diagnosed me, but after years of trying to lose weight on my own and seeing that a symptom of pcos is weight gain and its harder for us to lose weight I knew that's what I had and after I was formally diagnosed is when i decided to have the surgery. I can lose 10lbs and gain 15 more it was a never ending cycle that needs to stop bc it is now affecting my health.

Im scheduled for 9/1. I started my pre op diet early on 8/1 just to prepare myself and to try and lose a few pounds before surgery, with a few cheats here and there. I am currently doing strictly protein shakes, sugar free jello, sugar free popsicles, soups, sugar free pudding, unsweetened applesauce, and I've pureed veggies a few times. My doctor is very adamant that no weight is gained before surgery. My weight fluctuates so much, I thought I'd be losing barely eating anything basically starving myself and compared to others Im not losing like I thought I would. My surgeons pre op diet requires that I only eat meat, green veggies, eggs and cheese, but I chose not to bc I can gain weight like nothing. Im losing/maintaining my weight. He did inform me that a few pounds gained is ok as long as I didnt go overboard and gain 10-15lbs I will be ok. But of course I am still worried because Im about 2 pounds over my initial weight with him. I see him for pre op next tues 8/29 then surgery on friday 9/1. I pray everything is ok and I can have my surgery. I think I might just eliminate all solids from today on and drink my shakes and have broth until my surgery date.

No, no shots!! Thankful bc I don't think I could give myself a shot! I haven't gotten anything beforehand, I think he will prescribe based on what I'm feeling after surgery. Sending positive vibes your way as well! Here's to New Beginnings!! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using BariatricPal mobile app

I got my period too, and you're so lucky you brought your own pads bc the hospital ones may be left over from the 60s!! I was glad to have loose pants and underwear bc of that! Prior to that though I was commando with the gown. I also brought my facial cleansing wipes which was nice to have. 5'7 HW: 256 SW: 248 CW: 235 At 2 week post op GW: 150 Fantasy GW: 135 Sleeved 8/7

So I have only told a couple people about going through this process immediate family and few close friends, and I feel like ever since I told my girlfriend she has been acting different. When I told her she said she was jealous of me, and now when I bring it up she doesn't really say anything I was hoping for a little support from her. So now I don't want to tell my other bf bc she has made comments about her cousin who has had the surgery like "look at her Fb she posts all these photos of herself in skimpy clothes... she did it the easy way" I think she says it out of jealousy... so now I'm afraid to tell her this exciting news. Is it wrong to let her think I've lost the weight naturally? Has anyone else experienced this? I haven't had the surgery yet but it will happen in the next couple of months... should I just keep it to myself?

I brought underwear, loose fitting comfy pants, a tank top and my bathroom bag. I didn't wear a bra home bc my incisions seemed high and I didn't want the pressure of the wire. I also brought flip flops-easy to slip on. 5'7 HW: 256 SW: 248 CW: 235 At 2 week post op GW: 150 Fantasy GW: 135 Sleeved 8/7

I didn't see an increase in my blood sugar when I was eating low carb. My point was the only reason eating low carb controlled my bs was because I was not giving my body any carbs to process. The root cause of my insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes was not cured by eating this way, the symptom ( high bs) was controlled. I was referring to developed insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes not any other type of diabetes. I am blessed that mine has been cured with this surgery so I don't really have to worry about it now. I still use my meter to keep an eye on my bs levels, but they have been excellent. I was 3 months post op on Aug 15th. I do think drinking an extra shake will work until I am able to eat more. I certainly don't want to stretch my stomach ( if that is even possible). I have started adding more nuts to my snacks so that should help. Thank you.

I sure as heck hope so bc I've been killing myself at the gym and am not losing an ounce! Keep it up and be persistent, that's what I've been hearing. Eventually it will have to pay off!

High fat consumption is the likely cause of type 2 diabetes. High blood sugar is just the symptom of the disease. The fat clogs up the insulin receptor cells in your muscles and therefore the insulin cannot get in and the blood sugar rises as a result. When I was eating low carb before my WLS surgery I was only controlling my bs because I was not giving my body any carbs to process. As soon as I ate anything that was even a little high in carbs my bs would rise higher than normal. This shows that I was not fixing the cause only treating the symptom. My surgery has cured my type 2 diabetes. I have not had a bs over 115 since my surgery. My fasting bs is between 70-85 every morning and I only see above 100 at one hour post meals. Amen!!! I am not sure yet where my fat levels are going to fall out. I am still transitioning and eliminating things from my diet. I have added more nuts and I do eat avocados. I will have to be more mindful as I go along to include more healthy fats and more legumes. Peanut butter and almond butter will work also. I love this way of eating, but I think I have found the one issue for me, and that is eating enough calories to support the level of exercise I enjoy. I will figure it out. Thank you for your advice.

It can I've actually heard this a lot from different ppl. Another surgeon I was considering allows his patients to eat watever up until the day before bc he knows his patients wont be able to for a long time or ever again. Doctors also have different pre op diet requirements. My surgeon allows meat, green veggies, eggs, and cheese. No carbs. I decided to do like a liquid/pureed food diet because I want to lose a few pounds before surgery since he made it very clear I cannot gain any weight before the surgery!

Thank you posting this @Newme17. I can attest to this. Before surgery when I was eating low carb my BS would be good, but as soon as I ate any type of carby food it would rise high right away. My diabetes was not cured at all, I was just controlling it. I love how well Dr. Davis explains this whole process and also posts his references. I hope those that are reading this thread, will benefit from this information.

I had gastric bypass 6-16 and was sick in the beginning to be expected however as I began to lose weight I had tons of energy. I would wake early in the day and walk like crazy drinking tons of water. One day out of the blue I couldn't get out of bed and have been sick ever since. I had a transfusion Bc I had a bleeding ulcer. Now this past week I can hardly move. I keep trying to get help but the Drs I see keep pushing me back to my surgeons office which I no longer care for. Also I am still unable to eat and can't ever go out Bc I get so weak and tired. My surgery was also Bc of severe gerd.

I so agree Jess9395 and also think a WFPB diet is awesome (for some people). And I'm always interested to read of peoples' anecdotal experiences with it. I know I will learn by watching/reading those experiences. (Just wanted to set the record straight that I'm not a rabid low carbing carnivore. I'm a very thoughtful omnivore.) But it seems that unlike vegetarians/vegans (and this is a gross generality, so my apologies for over-generalizing), I just don't want to demonize any sect of food (such as animal protein) or way of eating (other than the SAD--lol I will demonize that one!). Neither do I believe that my diet is the "right" diet for everyone. I believe that the best diet to follow is the one that is right for each individual and is one that can be easily followed every day, consistently--for life, so that it does not promote anxiety or stress within us. I only get riled up when the way I choose to eat is labeled and indicted as unhealthy. (BTW, I eat "adequate" protein for my LBM/not high protein, 5-9 veggies+ and some fruit, and healthy fats to make up 900 cals pre-surgery--heading up to 1000cals per my surgeon. That diet includes pastured eggs, pastured/grass fed meats--we hunt wild game, limited dairy, organic produce/seeds/nuts, healthy fats.)

I'm working out and killing myself in the gym and the scale is not moving. I know I shouldn't weigh myself every day and I wasn't for a while. I had made peace with the scale and wasn't going on it at all, then I got a new scale for my bridal shower and it's been down-hill since. I went for a fitting and my dress looks great, the fat bulge on my back is almost gone because I've been working out so much, but the scale isn't budging! I tried eating more calories, less calories, more weights, more cardio, still nothing. Going on a month now with a 1 lb gain/loss depending on the day. I had my surgery 5/31 and am down 31 lbs. Why does the scale make us so crazy! (Not all of us, obv, but a lot of us!) Someone share some pearls of wisdom please! Thanks!

I do as well. Have you tried Orgain grass fed chocolate shake? It is the only shake that goes down easy and without any discomfort. I get mine through Amazon. Sent from my LGMS550 using BariatricPal mobile app

I saw my doc a little more than a week after surgery. I had lost 4 lbs, and was not happy with that, given the very small amount of calories I'd consumed. She said she doesn't look at weight until a month has passed. That is bc you are still full of all the fluid they gave you in hospital, plus you are still swollen. She did warn 60 grams of protein is needed every day to keep your body out of starvation mode. I think you are perfectly ok, but call your doc if you are still worried. Congrats on the surgery!

Hi Everyone, I was just wondering how everyone is doing? If you were sleeved in March like I was, you are going on 6 Months post op soon!!! It is amazing how time flies. I am reaching out and creating a new topic to see how far everyone has come alone. I want to hear about everyone's success stories. I was sleeved 03/06/2017 So I am 5 months and 3 weeks post op. I have lost 63 lbs so far. I started out weight in at 290 lbs, I currently weight 226.8 lbs. I am a slow loser, but I am coming to terms with that. I still struggle and fight the good fight daily not to go back into bad habits, or to beat myself up to much. I still struggle with my eating disorder, but am learning daily to get it in check. Binge eating is very different with VSG... still able to do it, but just different. Its a constant struggle. I am really interested in hearing everyone's real journey not the sugar coated " oh, I don't eat sweets, I don't eat sugar, I stick to protein all the time, blah blah blah."-- not knocking anyone who can actually do that on a daily, weekly basis... I don't have that restraint. I still eat carbs, just try to keep the carbs very low. I have my weekly snicker mini's at the end of the week-- not as a reward, just bc I want it. I don't exercise like I should, though my job offers this new program, I can go to any gym in the area, which is lovely and will help me a lot. I can do Zumba, and body workouts and yoga, I pre planned my workout's. I got a calendar to keep track and I am going to really start focusing on workouts.. things are getting wobbly... I am proud of how far I have come in 5 months, and I am going to fight to get to where I have to go. I am just curious how everyone else's real journey is going. Please if you wouldn't mind letting me know your stories and let me know what you're struggling with the most of this journey. I struggle taking my vitamins, exercise, not going back to bad habits-- like sweets and fighting my binge eating disorder which seems to get stronger daily... Thanks for the support, and if you shared your real journey, that you for that too. Keep in touch. Ali