August Surgery buddies

[Justarwaxx 183]

1 hour ago, Justarwaxx said:

Hahaha yes the wonders of using the computer. I always use my phone too @ShoppGirl but when I wwnt to update my info I to on it. The tracker is on your profile setting. I believe it says my tracker? Let me log in on my PC and confirm but yes use ur PC to do it

sorry its called "my ticker" under your profile

[Chatterboxdea 136]

10 hours ago, Justarwaxx said:

I don't have insurance but our company pays for all our medical the basic stuff and here everything done in the government hospitals is free! Even my surgery was. I paid 3 USD just to register my name. So that's why I am waiting to c if I can also get some counselling sessions included with my post op ...

I got my surgery done in Tijuana since insurance wouldn't pay for mine. As part of their package I have a dietician and psychologist I meet with bi-weekly for now and then it tapers off. They are not the most helpful, but it is nice to talk about things with them and they have a lot of knowledge about what we are going through.

[ShoppGirl 4,789]

1 hour ago, Chatterboxdea said:

I got my surgery done in Tijuana since insurance wouldn't pay for mine. As part of their package I have a dietician and psychologist I meet with bi-weekly for now and then it tapers off. They are not the most helpful, but it is nice to talk about things with them and they have a lot of knowledge about what we are going through.

That actually pretty impressive that they seem to include more in their package than most places in the states. The two dietitians were pretty worthless I tried too but in all fairness I did get a new surgery. I just schedule more often with the NP and run my food log and fitness app by her just to verify that I’m still on track. She can also check my incisions and talk about any Vitamin issues so that is working for me.

[Chatterboxdea 136]

8 minutes ago, ShoppGirl said:

That actually pretty impressive that they seem to include more in their package than most places in the states. The two dietitians were pretty worthless I tried too but in all fairness I did get a new surgery. I just schedule more often with the NP and run my food log and fitness app by her just to verify that I’m still on track. She can also check my incisions and talk about any Vitamin issues so that is working for me.

I think I'm going to make an appt with my PCP soon and do blood work and a physical since that is the main drawback of not being able to see my surgeon in person.

[ShoppGirl 4,789]

3 hours ago, Chatterboxdea said:

I think I'm going to make an appt with my PCP soon and do blood work and a physical since that is the main drawback of not being able to see my surgeon in person.

Good idea. I think it’s pretty standard to require all the labs at three months but my surgeon did require me to go to my PCP a couple weeks after my surgery also. I think it was more of a cookie cutter thing for people that were on medication’s and things that may need them adjusted, but it was in the paperwork so I just did it. it couldn’t hurt. I bet they could answer most questions. Perhaps email your teams office and ask them exactly what labs they suggest.

Edited October 22 by ShoppGirl

[Hiddenroses 106]

Hello everyone!! I know I did a bit of a vanishing act, but I have things to report in. First of all - I hit a really frustrating plateau that lasted about 3.5 weeks from around weeks 7-10. That had me feeling pretty bummed, as it was post-two month check in and I had been feeling great about my progress before switching from purees to solids. I had last posted about hearing somewhat contradicting information from the nurse and Nutritionist. I had been told that I didn't need to really worry about staying on Keto because I wasn't eating much as long as I hit my Protein goal and by the nurse to try to stay Keto because eventually I'd get this great burst of energy from going into ketosis.

WELL -- After doing some research I found out that the thing your brain tells you would be the worst thing to do - EAT MORE - was actually the solution. I started bringing in more vegetables and an occasional grains while sticking to mostly lean meats, plus using a Protein Shake for Breakfast to keep me on track with my protein goals. I was already using Genepro; and I since picked up one of the whey protein powders in a chocolate plus some of the PB2. That did the trick! I have started allowing myself an occasional 'cheat' type meal on days that I'm locked in on my protein, and find myself often meeting my protein goal and then some - more like 70g of protein per day rather than the minimum of 60g/day. The result of spreading my meals out - breakfast, three hours later lunch, three hours later 'dinner' and three hours later 'protein snack' if I'm still hungry - DID IT.

My energy is up now that I've been walking more and giving my body more fuel. I am seeing the weight loss finally, and even when the scale doesn't show it right away I'm seeing my measurements shift and the way my clothing fits feeling different. I had purchased a cute pair of jeans about a week before my surgery and a button down short sleeve gingham shirt. At the time I couldn't get the jeans all the way up over my thigh; and now they fit loosely. My bras don't fit properly and I already had to buy one in a smaller size. I'm turning down plus sizes clothes I like that I find at the thrift store for pretty much the first time because - they're too big. I'm borrowing shirts from my Mom that I handed down to her previously and other friends handed down to her rather than me because she was a 2x/3x for a long time (mostly due to her chest) and I was a 4x+.

I can feel where my arms have gotten smaller in the way shirts don't feel snug in the arms, shoulder, and chest area. I've gone down 2.5 ring sizes! All in all, I've found that Portion Control is still a big deal, but so is listening to your body and remembering that if it sends you a message about hunger, there is a reason. I DO have to focus on making sure I drink enough Water, but the Baritastic app has helped me keep my sugar low. Even if I do hit over 30g of carbs in a day it's rare and because of something like Beans, rice, or vegetables. I'm feeling more comfortable loosening the reins a bit on how strictly I adhere to my diet - although I still don't do anything carbonated, do minimal caffeine, and keep sugar very low.

The idea to bring your own tupperware to restaurants along with a cooler is really smart. I'm not in an organized group exercise of any kind yet but I do have personal goals like trying to get in over 10k steps three times per week. I'm working my way up and have gotten to an average of around 5k steps each day, which I'm very proud of. My calorie deficit is usually 800+ calories less taken in than what I'm burning via exercise per day, and this week I have lost almost 6 lbs due to exercise and losing the bloat from my first period post surgery. I wanted to mention that - I did miss my first month's period and my second month's was late.

As to exercise - I feel the activity in my back and as a low ache across my lower abdomen mainly, which I think is a result of using those core muscles and the way my figure is redistributing the weight on my joints. I'm shopping Marketplace to add weights to my exercise and still use my exercise bike when the weather isn't nice enough to walk. OH! And Old Navy has an amazing 50% off sale on their website right now and I just finally ordered myself some pants in two sizes below my pre-surgery size! I'm so excited for them to get here.

Best wishes all, keep up the amazing work and be kind to yourselves!

[ShoppGirl 4,789]

7 hours ago, Hiddenroses said:

Hello everyone!! I know I did a bit of a vanishing act, but I have things to report in. First of all - I hit a really frustrating plateau that lasted about 3.5 weeks from around weeks 7-10. That had me feeling pretty bummed, as it was post-two month check in and I had been feeling great about my progress before switching from purees to solids. I had last posted about hearing somewhat contradicting information from the nurse and Nutritionist. I had been told that I didn't need to really worry about staying on Keto because I wasn't eating much as long as I hit my Protein goal and by the nurse to try to stay Keto because eventually I'd get this great burst of energy from going into ketosis.

WELL -- After doing some research I found out that the thing your brain tells you would be the worst thing to do - EAT MORE - was actually the solution. I started bringing in more vegetables and an occasional grains while sticking to mostly lean meats, plus using a Protein Shake for Breakfast to keep me on track with my Protein goals. I was already using Genepro; and I since picked up one of the whey protein powders in a chocolate plus some of the PB2. That did the trick! I have started allowing myself an occasional 'cheat' type meal on days that I'm locked in on my protein, and find myself often meeting my protein goal and then some - more like 70g of protein per day rather than the minimum of 60g/day. The result of spreading my meals out - Breakfast, three hours later lunch, three hours later 'dinner' and three hours later 'protein snack' if I'm still hungry - DID IT.

My energy is up now that I've been walking more and giving my body more fuel. I am seeing the weight loss finally, and even when the scale doesn't show it right away I'm seeing my measurements shift and the way my clothing fits feeling different. I had purchased a cute pair of jeans about a week before my surgery and a button down short sleeve gingham shirt. At the time I couldn't get the jeans all the way up over my thigh; and now they fit loosely. My bras don't fit properly and I already had to buy one in a smaller size. I'm turning down plus sizes clothes I like that I find at the thrift store for pretty much the first time because - they're too big. I'm borrowing shirts from my Mom that I handed down to her previously and other friends handed down to her rather than me because she was a 2x/3x for a long time (mostly due to her chest) and I was a 4x+.

I can feel where my arms have gotten smaller in the way shirts don't feel snug in the arms, shoulder, and chest area. I've gone down 2.5 ring sizes! All in all, I've found that Portion Control is still a big deal, but so is listening to your body and remembering that if it sends you a message about hunger, there is a reason. I DO have to focus on making sure I drink enough Water, but the Baritastic app has helped me keep my sugar low. Even if I do hit over 30g of carbs in a day it's rare and because of something like Beans, rice, or vegetables. I'm feeling more comfortable loosening the reins a bit on how strictly I adhere to my diet - although I still don't do anything carbonated, do minimal caffeine, and keep sugar very low.

The idea to bring your own tupperware to restaurants along with a cooler is really smart. I'm not in an organized group exercise of any kind yet but I do have personal goals like trying to get in over 10k steps three times per week. I'm working my way up and have gotten to an average of around 5k steps each day, which I'm very proud of. My calorie deficit is usually 800+ calories less taken in than what I'm burning via exercise per day, and this week I have lost almost 6 lbs due to exercise and losing the bloat from my first period post surgery. I wanted to mention that - I did miss my first month's period and my second month's was late.

As to exercise - I feel the activity in my back and as a low ache across my lower abdomen mainly, which I think is a result of using those core muscles and the way my figure is redistributing the weight on my joints. I'm shopping Marketplace to add weights to my exercise and still use my exercise bike when the weather isn't nice enough to walk. OH! And Old Navy has an amazing 50% off sale on their website right now and I just finally ordered myself some pants in two sizes below my pre-surgery size! I'm so excited for them to get here.

Best wishes all, keep up the amazing work and be kind to yourselves!

It is so good to hear an update from you. I am so frustrated for you that you had to go through a stall because of conflicting information but at least you’re on track now. I am on a pretty similar plan my breakfast every morning is a proffee which is a caramel shake with iced coffee on top. Then I eat every three hours so luncheon dinner with two high protein Snacks. this actually works well for me to remember all of my Vitamins too because I have to take vitamins at five different times a day.

that’s so exciting to hear about the clothes fitting and you were so lucky but you have someone to borrow. I think for me my most exciting moment was clearing out some of the things that are way too big for me now. I was actually thinking of asking my team if we could do a clothing exchange at the support group meeting.

for the wheats, if you don’t have any look on marketplace consider discount stores as well. I checked several thrift stores for mine, and apparently they sell them separately because I found them in several stores but only one. I ended up finding some at a discount store for 599 for the set. Alternatively, check your library, city, and county websites for classes that use weights. Mine has all the weights there for you to use. And the group classes are really fun, Inexpensive and there’s no commitment. At mine it’s a really cool environment too. It’s nothing like a gym. The women are just average women that are there to get healthy. Nothing competitive whatsoever everyone choose each other on to beat their own personal best or just totally mines their own business. They even gave me my first class free to see if I liked it. I’m sure I mentioned that I started with yoga. I never in 1 million years would’ve considered myself someone who would survive one yoga class never mind love it. Of course I’m horrible and can’t do half of but it’s still a workout and I am getting more flexible and my balance is getting a bit better because of it

anyways, congratulations on your loss and finding your groove. Keep doing what you’re doing and keep us posted.

[Justarwaxx 183]

14 hours ago, Hiddenroses said:

Hello everyone!! I know I did a bit of a vanishing act, but I have things to report in. First of all - I hit a really frustrating plateau that lasted about 3.5 weeks from around weeks 7-10. That had me feeling pretty bummed, as it was post-two month check in and I had been feeling great about my progress before switching from purees to solids. I had last posted about hearing somewhat contradicting information from the nurse and Nutritionist. I had been told that I didn't need to really worry about staying on Keto because I wasn't eating much as long as I hit my Protein goal and by the nurse to try to stay Keto because eventually I'd get this great burst of energy from going into ketosis.

WELL -- After doing some research I found out that the thing your brain tells you would be the worst thing to do - EAT MORE - was actually the solution. I started bringing in more vegetables and an occasional grains while sticking to mostly lean meats, plus using a Protein Shake for Breakfast to keep me on track with my Protein goals. I was already using Genepro; and I since picked up one of the whey protein powders in a chocolate plus some of the PB2. That did the trick! I have started allowing myself an occasional 'cheat' type meal on days that I'm locked in on my protein, and find myself often meeting my protein goal and then some - more like 70g of protein per day rather than the minimum of 60g/day. The result of spreading my meals out - Breakfast, three hours later lunch, three hours later 'dinner' and three hours later 'protein snack' if I'm still hungry - DID IT.

My energy is up now that I've been walking more and giving my body more fuel. I am seeing the weight loss finally, and even when the scale doesn't show it right away I'm seeing my measurements shift and the way my clothing fits feeling different. I had purchased a cute pair of jeans about a week before my surgery and a button down short sleeve gingham shirt. At the time I couldn't get the jeans all the way up over my thigh; and now they fit loosely. My bras don't fit properly and I already had to buy one in a smaller size. I'm turning down plus sizes clothes I like that I find at the thrift store for pretty much the first time because - they're too big. I'm borrowing shirts from my Mom that I handed down to her previously and other friends handed down to her rather than me because she was a 2x/3x for a long time (mostly due to her chest) and I was a 4x+.

I can feel where my arms have gotten smaller in the way shirts don't feel snug in the arms, shoulder, and chest area. I've gone down 2.5 ring sizes! All in all, I've found that Portion Control is still a big deal, but so is listening to your body and remembering that if it sends you a message about hunger, there is a reason. I DO have to focus on making sure I drink enough Water, but the Baritastic app has helped me keep my sugar low. Even if I do hit over 30g of carbs in a day it's rare and because of something like Beans, rice, or vegetables. I'm feeling more comfortable loosening the reins a bit on how strictly I adhere to my diet - although I still don't do anything carbonated, do minimal caffeine, and keep sugar very low.

The idea to bring your own tupperware to restaurants along with a cooler is really smart. I'm not in an organized group exercise of any kind yet but I do have personal goals like trying to get in over 10k steps three times per week. I'm working my way up and have gotten to an average of around 5k steps each day, which I'm very proud of. My calorie deficit is usually 800+ calories less taken in than what I'm burning via exercise per day, and this week I have lost almost 6 lbs due to exercise and losing the bloat from my first period post surgery. I wanted to mention that - I did miss my first month's period and my second month's was late.

As to exercise - I feel the activity in my back and as a low ache across my lower abdomen mainly, which I think is a result of using those core muscles and the way my figure is redistributing the weight on my joints. I'm shopping Marketplace to add weights to my exercise and still use my exercise bike when the weather isn't nice enough to walk. OH! And Old Navy has an amazing 50% off sale on their website right now and I just finally ordered myself some pants in two sizes below my pre-surgery size! I'm so excited for them to get here.

Best wishes all, keep up the amazing work and be kind to yourselves!

It sounds like you've been on quite the journey, and your persistence through that plateau really paid off. It’s so inspiring to see how listening to your body and making those small adjustments with your diet made such a difference. It takes a lot of trust in the process and faith in yourself to try eating more when every instinct says otherwise, but it clearly worked out well for you! It's amazing to hear how your body is responding with more energy and the positive changes you’re seeing in your clothes and measurements.

I’ve been going through a bit of a journey myself, having hit some frustrating moments and uncertainties with shifting to new foods post-surgery. Just like you, I’m learning to listen to my body and trust that it’ll tell me what it needs. I’m also focusing more on not letting anxiety get the best of me and staying patient with the process.

Getting your steps in, adding weights, and having clear personal goals is such a strong way to take control of your health! I recently got a fitness watch, and I’m slowly working up to more focused routines too. It’s so satisfying seeing the numbers tick up and knowing you’re getting stronger day by day. I just switched to a split workout routine because I realized it fits better with what my body needs right now. The key seems to be finding what works for you, just like you've been doing.

Also, it must feel fantastic to be buying clothes two sizes down! I'm excited for you—I remember not too long ago feeling that looseness in my own clothes and needing to size down. Those milestones are proof of all the hard work you’re putting in, even if the scale doesn’t always cooperate right away.

It’s motivating to hear about your experience, and it’s a reminder that we’re not alone in this. Keep going, be gentle with yourself, and continue doing what feels right for you!

[Justarwaxx 183]

Had a productive visit with my doctor today, and there's some good news as well as a few adjustments to make. She was happy with my weight loss progress so far, but made it clear that it could be better. Her main concern is the calories I'm consuming, so the goal moving forward is to cut down a bit. One key suggestion was to start considering Protein Snacks as Meal Replacements, which makes sense to keep things in check.

Since these are my "honeymoon months," she emphasized that it’s essential to get this right now to avoid hitting a stall by the 6-month mark. My workouts, on the other hand, are spot-on, so the primary focus will be on tweaking meals—specifically reducing carbs and being mindful of snack choices.

On the health front, I’ve started taking Iron supplements and will be getting my Vitamin levels checked this Sunday. However, one piece of disappointing news: the counselor is no longer available, so if I need support, I’ll have to look for external options.

Overall, I'm feeling a mix of being a little down but also more motivated to fine-tune my food intake and cut back on calories. I’m determined to make the most of these critical months and maximize my progress.

[Justarwaxx 183]

Had a productive visit with my doctor today, and there's some good news as well as a few adjustments to make. She was happy with my weight loss progress so far, but made it clear that it could be better. Her main concern is the calories I'm consuming, so the goal moving forward is to cut down a bit. One key suggestion was to start considering Protein Snacks as Meal Replacements, which makes sense to keep things in check.

Since these are my "honeymoon months," she emphasized that it’s essential to get this right now to avoid hitting a stall by the 6-month mark. My workouts, on the other hand, are spot-on, so the primary focus will be on tweaking meals—specifically reducing carbs and being mindful of snack choices.

On the health front, I’ve started taking Iron supplements and will be getting my Vitamin levels checked this Sunday. However, one piece of disappointing news: the counselor is no longer available, so if I need support, I’ll have to look for external options.

Overall, I'm feeling a mix of being a little down but also more motivated to fine-tune my food intake and cut back on calories. I’m determined to make the most of these critical months and maximize my progress.

[Chatterboxdea 136]

8 hours ago, Justarwaxx said:

Had a productive visit with my doctor today, and there's some good news as well as a few adjustments to make. She was happy with my weight loss progress so far, but made it clear that it could be better. Her main concern is the calories I'm consuming, so the goal moving forward is to cut down a bit. One key suggestion was to start considering Protein Snacks as Meal Replacements, which makes sense to keep things in check.

Since these are my "honeymoon months," she emphasized that it’s essential to get this right now to avoid hitting a stall by the 6-month mark. My workouts, on the other hand, are spot-on, so the primary focus will be on tweaking meals—specifically reducing carbs and being mindful of snack choices.

On the health front, I’ve started taking Iron supplements and will be getting my Vitamin levels checked this Sunday. However, one piece of disappointing news: the counselor is no longer available, so if I need support, I’ll have to look for external options.

Overall, I'm feeling a mix of being a little down but also more motivated to fine-tune my food intake and cut back on calories. I’m determined to make the most of these critical months and maximize my progress.

It sounds like the big takeaway is that you are overall doing really well. I think you can easily make the food switches.

Sorry about the counselor, but maybe an external counselor will be better because you can pick some one that you like and fits you.

[ShoppGirl 4,789]

3 hours ago, Chatterboxdea said:

It sounds like the big takeaway is that you are overall doing really well. I think you can easily make the food switches.

Sorry about the counselor, but maybe an external counselor will be better because you can pick some one that you like and fits you.

Couldn’t have said it better myself. Just make a few easy tweaks. Your doing great!!

[Justarwaxx 183]

HI bypassers,

Can any of you or most of you share the numbers of what you should be eating 2.5 - 3 months post op? Like how many grams/oz per meal? Or how many calories total. Thanks I'd appreciate it.

Edited October 27 by Justarwaxx

[ShoppGirl 4,789]

8 hours ago, Justarwaxx said:

HI bypassers,

Can any of you or most of you share the numbers of what you should be eating 2.5 - 3 months post op? Like how many grams/oz per meal? Or how many calories total. Thanks I'd appreciate it.

Well I had a revision (no surgery on my stomach) so I won’t even talk about portion. Also, I’m pretty active (2-3 hours of at least walking) so take this with a grain of salt but my calories are around 900-1000, Protein is 90 plus, net carbs are 60-70, sugar is usually under 20 but my max is 30, fiber is still too low but around 10-15 with the fiber powder, fat is 20-30, Water is about 80, and Calcium is usually around 1800 or above.

I was told that calories alone don’t mean much at all and carbs and fat depend significantly on what kinds of carbs and fat. Carbs from fruit and veggies are usually fine in our portions and healthy fats like olive oil, avocado and nuts or low fat dairy are okay too but you do have to measure of course and not have them multiple times. It’s when you get into the processed stuff that you have to watch them numbers so much closer. They sneak things in. I have noticed that the low carb stuff is usually really high in fat. My goal is to keep it to Whole Foods as much as I can. So far I have had the occasional low carb wrap, Turkey Jerky, yogurt drinks, and Quest potato chips in terms of packaged food. Ooh and that burrito wrap I had to seriously budget for. But I mean like twice or three times a month.

Your team will have the best info for what’s right for you though. So many things make these numbers different for everyone. Did you ever find an app that you can access to log your food?. It has really helped me. Usually when I sit down to have lunch, I enter my breakfast, my lunch and play around with ideas for dinner and snack and see how that works out in terms of macros. I always have fish and frozen low carb veggies that I can pull out of the freezer if I am too high for the day.

I found these burritos that supposedly freeze well I wanted to make but they used a real tortilla. They do not have the big ones in the low-carb version. I looked everywhere but I needed the bigger one and order get enough protein. I wanted to make those four nights in a row but every time I entered them I was going over on something. I finally was able to have them last night but all I had was my morning proffee and five egg whites with pico de gallo for lunch. Then I added a little bit more cheese because I was 2 g low on protein.

Anyways, it makes it so much easier to be able to plug these things in and you can delete and try something else if it doesn’t work or add or subtract Snacks. The only thing that I do not enter, but I always allow myself to have. I kind of learned on the preop diet was the sugar-free popsicles they’re actually 15 cal I believe but they were free foods on my preop diet and I keep them that way in my mind. It keeps me thinking that I’m never going to be not allowed to have food. Mentally it somehow makes me think that I don’t have to starve. I can always have something.. I actually really enjoyed them the tropical flavor ones on my preop but I haven’t wanted sweets very often since. I have had them a couple of times when I wake up late wanting something though.

Edited October 27 by ShoppGirl

[Justarwaxx 183]

6 hours ago, ShoppGirl said:

Well I had a revision (no surgery on my stomach) so I won’t even talk about portion. Also, I’m pretty active (2-3 hours of at least walking) so take this with a grain of salt but my calories are around 900-1000, Protein is 90 plus, net carbs are 60-70, sugar is usually under 20 but my max is 30, Fiber is still too low but around 10-15 with the fiber powder, fat is 20-30, Water is about 80, and Calcium is usually around 1800 or above.

I was told that calories alone don’t mean much at all and carbs and fat depend significantly on what kinds of carbs and fat. Carbs from fruit and veggies are usually fine in our portions and healthy fats like olive oil, avocado and nuts or low fat dairy are okay too but you do have to measure of course and not have them multiple times. It’s when you get into the processed stuff that you have to watch them numbers so much closer. They sneak things in. I have noticed that the low carb stuff is usually really high in fat. My goal is to keep it to Whole Foods as much as I can. So far I have had the occasional low carb wrap, Turkey Jerky, yogurt drinks, and Quest potato chips in terms of packaged food. Ooh and that burrito wrap I had to seriously budget for. But I mean like twice or three times a month.

Your team will have the best info for what’s right for you though. So many things make these numbers different for everyone. Did you ever find an app that you can access to log your food? . It has really helped me. Usually when I sit down to have lunch, I enter my Breakfast, my lunch and play around with ideas for dinner and snack and see how that works out in terms of macros. I always have fish and frozen low carb veggies that I can pull out of the freezer if I am too high for the day.

I found these burritos that supposedly freeze well I wanted to make but they used a real tortilla. They do not have the big ones in the low-carb version. I looked everywhere but I needed the bigger one and order get enough Protein. I wanted to make those four nights in a row but every time I entered them I was going over on something. I finally was able to have them last night but all I had was my morning proffee and five egg whites with pico de gallo for lunch. Then I added a little bit more cheese because I was 2 g low on protein.

Anyways, it makes it so much easier to be able to plug these things in and you can delete and try something else if it doesn’t work or add or subtract Snacks. The only thing that I do not enter, but I always allow myself to have. I kind of learned on the preop diet was the sugar-free popsicles they’re actually 15 cal I believe but they were free foods on my preop diet and I keep them that way in my mind. It keeps me thinking that I’m never going to be not allowed to have food. Mentally it somehow makes me think that I don’t have to starve. I can always have something.. I actually really enjoyed them the tropical flavor ones on my preop but I haven’t wanted sweets very often since. I have had them a couple of times when I wake up late wanting something though.

Thank you for sharing your insights! I completely agree that calories alone don’t tell the whole story, especially when it comes to the quality of food we consume. I also strive to focus on whole foods and keep my intake mostly clean, limiting processed options.

Interestingly, I met yet another dietitian today, and she had a completely different perspective than the first one I consulted. It left me feeling frustrated, especially since my next appointment isn’t until May. After some reflection, I decided to take matters into my own hands and stick to a plan that feels right for me. With the help of my trusted ChatGPT, we crafted a fantastic meal plan that emphasizes protein while keeping my calories between 1000-1200. I’m really excited to start this journey, especially since I’m active most days and want to maximize my results. I just wrapped up day one of the revised plan, and I’m optimistic about the changes!

They’ve been suggesting I should be losing more weight this early on, so I’m determined to make this work and see the results I’m aiming for.

Thanks again