4 Month Check-in

[PirateGirl 14]

I'm curious how everyone is doing 4 months out. I was sleeved on 1/2. Down 48 pounds. SW: 245, CW: 198.

My weight loss has been slower than I expected, but I'm still happy I made the decision and am pretty steadily losing. I'm able to tolerate most foods. Still haven't added back bread, rice, Pasta, raw veggies/fruit, steak, pork chops or alcohol per doctors orders. I'm sooooo ready for a salad and some sushi rolls! I'm also not feeling hungry yet which is great!

How is it going for others at the 4 month mark?

[Jason In Houston 93]

I'm down 94lbs since surgery on 1/19/15 (3.5mo ago), and 152 since starting pre-op on 9/5/15 (9mo ago). I'm consistently eating between 800 and 1000 calories per day, with about 70-90g of Protein.

My nut wants me to get up to 100g of Protein per day. That's a struggle, just since I spend so much time eating now. I was VERY strict with myself on the pre-op diet, and I still freak out a little when I go over 1000 calories, but my nut says I'd have to eat 2300 to maintain, so stop stressing.

My nut allows some carbs like brown rice, wheat bread, and potatoes in limited quantities. I feel MUCH better and I'm more productive at work when I include some of these in my diet once or twice a week.

Alcohol is off the menu until next year, at least. I really really miss chewing gum and pineapple. Raw leafy greens are permitted but don't work for me at all. Everything else I've tried has been fine. I still puke from time to time from eating too fast or swallowing that last bite I was chewing when I feel the full feeling.

[CloverBlue 41]

I was sleeved on 1/5 and I'm doing fine! I typically do not compare my weightloss to others because no one else is me or has my biology!

I had to add some carbs back into my diet because I had some gastro issues, but what I've learned is I have to follow eating habits my body wants, not what others tell me to do or what I want to do in my head (when I know it really isn't useful for my body.

I try to get Protein in, however it is based on what my body needs to lose weight, not an arbitrary range given to everyone by my NUT. I have other health issues that sometimes preclude me from eating the amount of Protein needed. If I am unable to get what we believe is my minimum one day, I may overachieve the next. Our bodies don't particularly know a day as a measure, so it has worked for me.

I am down 68 lbs (and am female & 5'2"- because height and gender places weight loss in perspective).

I've learned that I need to vary the foods I eat. The more I eat the same foods over and over, the less I lose and will stall. I don't beat myself up if I eat a food that is not as nutritious as others. I make sure that 95% of what I eat is good for my body and needed for life processes. I continue listening and learning about my body. It definitely has a story to tel.

Honestly, I think like an overachiever and hoped to lose more weight faster. But as long as I am learning to exist in my new life, the way I want to, I am happy.

I am proud of myself that I decided to work with a CBT psychologist on weight loss issues since way before I even decided on having surgery. This has helped me throughout the body-mind-spirit issues of losing weight. I believe this is a key piece of what is missing in most programs. Seeing a therapist to actively work on mind issues that contributed to the gain are crucial for success, and performing thoughtful activities to address these issues and become more cognitively aware is key.

I became disenchanted with my program because they only require visiting the NUT 1 month, two months and then 9 months out. This is ridiculous. I found my own NUT outside of the program who focuses on whole foods and does not vilify natural sugars used sparingly. I am losing weight for my health, but I also want to be able to enjoy life to its fullest and that is what I am doing.

Overall, I am happy. If you asked me what I was disappointed in most, it's sagging skin under my chin where I don't have stretch marks. How?!?!?! Who knew I was vain!

CleoSays