Mental Derps 101

[mousecat88 2,280]

So, my 4 weeks is officially today. I've lost 26lbs. I should be thrilled, right? Nope. I have this total mental derp happening that makes me feel like I will somehow be the only person in gastric bypass history to ONLY lose 26lbs and that's it. I'm done. No more weight loss. lol! I think because I've had so many failures in the past, I just anticipate this being another one of them... even though I am following everything the best I can (in light of my ulcer, I am low on Protein - working on it!)

I also have a mental derp against Protein Shakes. Aside from my whey allergy and getting super nauseous... back in 2009 I had liposuction when I was a mere 140lbs. After surgery I drank TONSSSS of muscle-building/weight-gaining protein shakes because the plastic surgeon said I needed them for muscle recovery. Welp, I gained 40lbs doing that! I had no guidance and was an idiot, basically. But that's where the weight gain started - so I have a creeper lurking in my brain that protein shakes = weight gain = super morbid obesity. I am trying to get over it; I have a sweet home gym and was just told yesterday I am not allowed to exercise because my protein is currently too low. So, that has motivated me more and I started a soy shake last night. Gunna keep it up.

I feel like I have conquered so many of my cravings-issues, though. I read just a few chapters in Never Binge Again and it is so helpful. I highly recommend that book. I feel very in control, and did have one mishap the other day when I got very stressed (I overate, but not a "banned food")... we're all human, though.

Why are our brains so self-defeating?! I know I am championing through this in light of the complication and there is NO reason I will fail... unless I set myself up for it. So, nipping it in the bud now, for sure. But it sure is hard to overcome some of those mental blocks. If it wasn't, I'm sure most of us wouldn't be here.

Just my random blurb o' the day.

[GreenTealael 25,330]

🎉🎉🎉🌈 Congrats 🌈🎉🎉🎉

26lbs is amazing, and it keep reminding yourself that it will never return...

[Hrsnjs 267]

So, my 4 weeks is officially today. I've lost 26lbs. I should be thrilled, right? Nope. I have this total mental derp happening that makes me feel like I will somehow be the only person in gastric bypass history to ONLY lose 26lbs and that's it. I'm done. No more weight loss. lol! I think because I've had so many failures in the past, I just anticipate this being another one of them... even though I am following everything the best I can (in light of my ulcer, I am low on Protein - working on it!)
I also have a mental derp against Protein Shakes. Aside from my whey allergy and getting super nauseous... back in 2009 I had liposuction when I was a mere 140lbs. After surgery I drank TONSSSS of muscle-building/weight-gaining Protein shakes because the plastic surgeon said I needed them for muscle recovery. Welp, I gained 40lbs doing that! I had no guidance and was an idiot, basically. But that's where the weight gain started - so I have a creeper lurking in my brain that Protein Shakes = weight gain = super morbid obesity. I am trying to get over it; I have a sweet home gym and was just told yesterday I am not allowed to exercise because my protein is currently too low. So, that has motivated me more and I started a soy shake last night. Gunna keep it up.
I feel like I have conquered so many of my cravings-issues, though. I read just a few chapters in Never Binge Again and it is so helpful. I highly recommend that book. I feel very in control, and did have one mishap the other day when I got very stressed (I overate, but not a "banned food")... we're all human, though.
Why are our brains so self-defeating?! I know I am championing through this in light of the complication and there is NO reason I will fail... unless I set myself up for it. So, nipping it in the bud now, for sure. But it sure is hard to overcome some of those mental blocks. If it wasn't, I'm sure most of us wouldn't be here.
Just my random blurb o' the day.

I think we have all been there and felt this way...especially when the surgery is new and we have been programmed for so many years to be use to failure regarding our weight loss. Stick to plan and it has to work! You're doing amazing!

Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app

[🅺🅸🅼🅼🅸🅴🅺 296]

I have a feeling your story is me in a few months! First off, we're human, we've struggled and we certainly can be our own worst enemy. I get in my own way ALL the friggin' time Be an advocate for yourself and learn all you can. Read, read, read!

Just remember, there's no reason to "chug" Protein Shakes, if you do, only chug the ones with minimal to no sugar and don't go over your daily Protein macro set by your doctor. For women especially, just about anything that raises your blood sugar and causes insulin responses can trigger your body to store fat. #1 thing responsible for that is glucose and it comes from several different places, not just what you eat. We are 100% commercial grade, fat storing machines meant to survive and populate the world in all circumstances LOL

There is such a thing as too much protein. Protein metabolism, handled by your liver, has a limit. Our bodies make glucose from 2 main sources, #1 the break down of fat in the form of triglycerides in your blood and, you guessed it, #2 proteins...in the form of amino acids. Proteins are strings of amino acids. If you eat too much protein, that protein will become the preferred source of gluconeogenesis...in simpler terms, that's process of your liver converting those aminos to glucose, which in turn can cause blood sugar spikes, which in turn can trigger fat storage, which in turn can lead to dreaded weight loss stalls and gains (like you already experienced). OMG all the science! LOL

I haven't had surgery yet, but I'm speaking from the multitudes of knowledge gained while following a keto/LCHFMP diet for nearly 2 years. If you want to put your mind at ease, kill it with knowledge. The more educated you are, the less there's a need to freak out. No matter your diet, bio-science such as protein metabolism is the same for all of us (mostly).

Don't forget....YOU GOT THIS!!! 💓

Edited November 30, 2018 by Kimmie K

[FluffyChix 17,415]

Yep yep yep! Exactly what all of you said!

It takes a while to build trust with our old cheating hearts! You know, we weren't successful in the past with either losing down to goal, or maintaining goal. But that's because we had a different set of rules. Our bodies were physically working against us by upping their game with gut hormone regulation.

This time around if we do mind our own personal p's and q's, it IS possible to lose to our goal (and beyond), and also maintain longterm. And the surgery is more of a weight maintenance tool. It will still (down the road), try to rewrite the rules of the road by jacking with our gut hormone levels again...BUT if you're really vigilant you CAN maintain. Just look at all of the successful vets out here who live maintenance every live long day. (That gives me big time Billy Bad Ass hope--does it you?)

Congrats on your weight loss to date. That's really phenomenal! You'll do it. Just worry about 1 day at a time. And it will all come. You won't believe how far you've come when you reflect at 6 months. Swearsies.

[Separ1418 101]

My therapist (started going before surgery to deal with my "fat" brain) encouraged me to make a thought journal when I have thoughts like this - you kind of just did but its good practice to write it down:

Evidence FOR the anxious thought

Evidence Against the anxious thought

Then look and see what real evidence you have - it helps me sort out anxiety from reality. Anxiety is a nasty "what if" joy stealer! Good luck to you - we have all been there.

[Hrsnjs 267]

I have a feeling your story is me in a few months! First off, we're human, we've struggled and we certainly can be our own worst enemy. I get in my own way ALL the friggin' time [emoji14] Be an advocate for yourself and learn all you can. Read, read, read!
Just remember, there's no reason to "chug" Protein Shakes, if you do, only chug the ones with minimal to no sugar and don't go over your daily Protein macro set by your doctor. For women especially, just about anything that raises your blood sugar and causes insulin responses can trigger your body to store fat. #1 thing responsible for that is glucose and it comes from several different places, not just what you eat. We are 100% commercial grade, fat storing machines meant to survive and populate the world in all circumstances LOL
There is such a thing as too much protein. Protein metabolism, handled by your liver, has a limit. Our bodies make glucose from 2 main sources, #1 the break down of fat in the form of triglycerides in your blood and, you guessed it, #2 proteins...in the form of amino acids. Proteins are strings of amino acids. If you eat too much protein, that protein will become the preferred source of gluconeogenesis...in simpler terms, that's process of your liver converting those aminos to glucose, which in turn can cause blood sugar spikes, which in turn can trigger fat storage, which in turn can lead to dreaded weight loss stalls and gains (like you already experienced). OMG all the science! LOL
I haven't had surgery yet, but I'm speaking from the multitudes of knowledge gained while following a keto/LCHFMP diet for nearly 2 years. If you want to put your mind at ease, kill it with knowledge. The more educated you are, the less there's a need to freak out. No matter your diet, bio-science such as protein metabolism is the same for all of us (mostly).
Don't forget....YOU GOT THIS!!! [emoji176]

My program recommends 60-80g protein per day. Would you say to stay on the lower end of that? How could I know how much is too much? My NUT advised to have lots of protein to avoid Hair loss. So here I've been having some days 90-100g! And I've been very slow to lose. I'm super carb sensitive and was on two diabetes meds before surgery. Now I'm wondering if I'm causing my own slow loss!

Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app

[🅺🅸🅼🅼🅸🅴🅺 296]

34 minutes ago, Hrsnjs said:

My program recommends 60-80g Protein per day. Would you say to stay on the lower end of that? How could I know how much is too much? My NUT advised to have lots of protein to avoid Hair loss. So here I've been having some days 90-100g! And I've been very slow to lose. I'm super carb sensitive and was on two diabetes meds before surgery. Now I'm wondering if I'm causing my own slow loss!

Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app

That's highly possible. I'm no doctor or nutritionist, but 60g is my max for the day. Only difference is I haven't had surgery yet. The higher end of that spectrum is generally reserved for people that lift heavy and need the extra protein for recovery. Here's an awesome read about Hair loss from a local Dallas Bariatric surgeon https://www.drdkim.net/ask-the-dietitian/understanding-hair-loss-after-bariatric-surgery/ It might give you a little different perspective on the cause of it and how to prevent it the best you can. 3rd big bullet point on the Dr. Kim site:

As far as the protein intake goes, dial it back a little. Give the scale 2 weeks to move. Shouldn't take much longer than that especially since you already had the surgery. If the numbers don't go down, even by the slightest, your stall might not be directly related to your protein intake or it could be a combination of other influencing factors. Also, remove sugar (even the alternative sweeteners) as much as you can and be aware that just because a sugar alternative is zero calorie doesn't mean it won't cause an insulin response or a glucose spike. This site about sugar and sugar alternatives is excellent! Be aware of the glycemic index. http://www.sugar-and-sweetener-guide.com/glycemic-index-for-sweeteners.html For example, Maltodextrin. It's worse than straight glucose! 10pts higher on the glycemic index than actual glucose. It's nuts! You'll see it in many "sugar free" products but you might as well eat a few tablespoons of granulated sugar, because it's no different. One other thing you might begin to look at is your electrolyte and liquid intake too. Up that. You can supplement electrolytes via capsule or liquid. Check Amazon for Reviver electrolyte capsules or Hi-Lyte liquid. Sometimes a few Powerade Zero's a day isn't enough. I hope you can figure out what's causing your stall 💓

Edited November 30, 2018 by Kimmie K

[FluffyChix 17,415]

Just an interesting anecdotal thing...I've been having some issues and having my bloodwork tracked...

My Protein and albumin are both down in this last couple of months--they are both just barely on the low side of the curve in the "low" area--not anything to seriously worry about, BUT. I reduced my protein from 70g to about 55-60g over that time frame, consisting of dense, lean "complete" protein sources. Since low albumin is "associated" with greater all-cause mortality, I'm gonna be working to up my protein to around 70g/daily again. I just got that result today. So today is Day 1.

[🅺🅸🅼🅼🅸🅴🅺 296]

@FluffyChix and @Hrsnjs — I wanna know the outcome of ya’lls experiments 👍🏼

Edited November 30, 2018 by Kimmie K

[Separ1418 101]

11 minutes ago, FluffyChix said:

Just an interesting anecdotal thing...I've been having some issues and having my bloodwork tracked...

My Protein and albumin are both down in this last couple of months--they are both just barely on the low side of the curve in the "low" area--not anything to seriously worry about, BUT. I reduced my Protein from 70g to about 55-60g over that time frame, consisting of dense, lean "complete" protein sources. Since low albumin is "associated" with greater all-cause mortality, I'm gonna be working to up my protein to around 70g/daily again. I just got that result today. So today is Day 1.

So this is very interesting to me, I'm prone to deficiencies and the RNY was a calculated risk for me. I too have been slowly decreasing my protein from 70 to around 55-60, not on purpose but just as I got back to real food its a bit harder to fit in. I think I'll bump it back up to 70 now that I read this. Thanks!

[Martha88 30]

I'm at two weeks and feel the same way. 22 lbs and hit a stall,for some reason I think that's it. My body is done losing weight just because it's not just melting off as it did the two weeks before. My team says it's normal and should keep losing inches during this stall.

Sent from my SM-G930V using BariatricPal mobile app

[FluffyChix 17,415]

3 minutes ago, Separ1418 said:

So this is very interesting to me, I'm prone to deficiencies and the RNY was a calculated risk for me. I too have been slowly decreasing my Protein from 70 to around 55-60, not on purpose but just as I got back to real food its a bit harder to fit in. I think I'll bump it back up to 70 now that I read this. Thanks!

I think we're all different for sure. I started IF again back in September and since that time, deliberately let some days happen where I was super low protein and then lowered my total average weekly protein goal. And I'm seeing the difference and not in a good way.

It's not hard for me to reach my totals. It just means I can't do OMAD unless I drink a Protein Drink which I really see no need to do. I will try instead of OMAD to do 20/4 with 2 meals so I get my protein in for the day with only a minimum of Protein Powder.< /span>

[Healthy_life 1,437]

21 hours ago, mousecat88 said:

So, my 4 weeks is officially today. I've lost 26lbs. I should be thrilled, right? Nope. I have this total mental derp happening that makes me feel like I will somehow be the only person in gastric bypass history to ONLY lose 26lbs and that's it. I'm done. No more weight loss. lol! I think because I've had so many failures in the past, I just anticipate this being another one of them... even though I am following everything the best I can (in light of my ulcer, I am low on Protein - working on it!)

I also have a mental derp against Protein Shakes. Aside from my whey allergy and getting super nauseous... back in 2009 I had liposuction when I was a mere 140lbs. After surgery I drank TONSSSS of muscle-building/weight-gaining Protein shakes because the plastic surgeon said I needed them for muscle recovery. Welp, I gained 40lbs doing that! I had no guidance and was an idiot, basically. But that's where the weight gain started - so I have a creeper lurking in my brain that Protein Shakes = weight gain = super morbid obesity. I am trying to get over it; I have a sweet home gym and was just told yesterday I am not allowed to exercise because my protein is currently too low. So, that has motivated me more and I started a soy shake last night. Gunna keep it up.

I feel like I have conquered so many of my cravings-issues, though. I read just a few chapters in Never Binge Again and it is so helpful. I highly recommend that book. I feel very in control, and did have one mishap the other day when I got very stressed (I overate, but not a "banned food")... we're all human, though.

Why are our brains so self-defeating?! I know I am championing through this in light of the complication and there is NO reason I will fail... unless I set myself up for it. So, nipping it in the bud now, for sure. But it sure is hard to overcome some of those mental blocks. If it wasn't, I'm sure most of us wouldn't be here.

Just my random blurb o' the day.

Overcoming the mental challenges of weight loss is one of the best gifts out of this process. We are all a work in progress.

You are doing great! keep moving forward. You got this.

[Hrsnjs 267]

@FluffyChix and@Hrsnjs — I wanna know the outcome of ya’lls experiments [emoji1360]

Thank you for all of the information and I will for sure report back! I'll reduce to 60g/day starting tomorrow. [emoji6]

Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app