August Surgery buddies

[ShoppGirl 4,785]

2 hours ago, Justarwaxx said:

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

That sounds like an excellent plan you know not every dietitians ideas will work for everyone anyways. That’s why they all have a different version of what they think you should do because that’s what works for most of the people that they’ve helped but there is no one size fits all approach. I probably could increase my calories a little bit, but I’m just scared to. I know I need to at some point so I don’t ruin my Matabolism Because I’m burning more with just my active calories than I am consuming right now. I actually think that may be bad. The good news is I see the nurse practitioner tomorrow so I will get to ask. Honestly, though. I feel like I eat all day. Some things are just off plan. But really if I increased my calories too much more I would be over on the carbs or fat maximums that she gave me I think.

Edited October 27 by ShoppGirl

[ShoppGirl 4,785]

I’m starting to notice a pattern. The dreaded stalls and the gained pound for me seems to come after the too good to be true weight loss 🤣 basically what I’m saying is when I lose a couple of pounds quicker than my normal rate then I may go a week without dropping anything or I actually gain a pound or two before I lose again. But the overall my rate of loss for the last 30 days remains pretty consistent. It is super helpful to have that weight log in the Baritastic app. It automatically calculates your loss over the past seven days the past 30 days the past 90 days. Plus, it has a really cool little line graph so that you can see the steady loss also, you can track your measurements on there which is a nice way to keep them because I tend to lose things written on paper. 🤣

[Justarwaxx 181]

7 hours ago, ShoppGirl said:

I’m starting to notice a pattern. The dreaded stalls and the gained pound for me seems to come after the too good to be true weight loss 🤣 basically what I’m saying is when I lose a couple of pounds quicker than my normal rate then I may go a week without dropping anything or I actually gain a pound or two before I lose again. But the overall my rate of loss for the last 30 days remains pretty consistent. It is super helpful to have that weight log in the Baritastic app. It automatically calculates your loss over the past seven days the past 30 days the past 90 days. Plus, it has a really cool little line graph so that you can see the steady loss also, you can track your measurements on there which is a nice way to keep them because I tend to lose things written on paper. 🤣

Haha, I totally get that feeling! It’s like your body gives you a mini celebration with a quick drop, then goes, "Alright, let's take a break now!" 😂 But it's awesome that you’re seeing a steady loss over time—that’s the real win. And that Baritastic app sounds like a game-changer, especially with the line graph to track trends and measurements! I’ve also found keeping everything in one place super helpful instead of relying on random paper notes.

Speaking of tracking, I think I might’ve had one of those "high restriction" days today. I always hear people talking about them, but I hadn’t really experienced one until now. It was so strange—I wasn’t hungry or full, just couldn’t eat much at all. I had Breakfast at 11:30 a.m., and by lunch at 4 p.m., I had to force myself a bit. By 7:30 p.m., I couldn’t manage dinner at all, so I ended my day with a quick scoop of Protein. Not sure if that’s what others describe, but it was definitely an off day!

[ShoppGirl 4,785]

3 hours ago, Justarwaxx said:

Haha, I totally get that feeling! It’s like your body gives you a mini celebration with a quick drop, then goes, "Alright, let's take a break now!" 😂 But it's awesome that you’re seeing a steady loss over time—that’s the real win. And that Baritastic app sounds like a game-changer, especially with the line graph to track trends and measurements! I’ve also found keeping everything in one place super helpful instead of relying on random paper notes.

Speaking of tracking, I think I might’ve had one of those "high restriction" days today. I always hear people talking about them, but I hadn’t really experienced one until now. It was so strange—I wasn’t hungry or full, just couldn’t eat much at all. I had Breakfast at 11:30 a.m., and by lunch at 4 p.m., I had to force myself a bit. By 7:30 p.m., I couldn’t manage dinner at all, so I ended my day with a quick scoop of Protein. Not sure if that’s what others describe, but it was definitely an off day!

Yea. I figure that I go over my Protein goal on days by two or three grams so that one random day wont kill me. I try to do a shake or a yogurt but I don’t force myself too much.

[Justarwaxx 181]

On 10/24/2024 at 11:54 AM, 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.

Here's my one-week update after making some adjustments! I've been focusing on protein-rich meals and keeping my intake under 1,000 calories, leaving a bit of room for those extra nibbles. My Protein has been between 70-100 grams, and guess what, ladies? I lost 2.2 kg this week, bringing my total loss to 16 kg! I'm so thrilled—I feel leaner, lighter, and fresher, with no hunger cues at all (which feels strange, honestly). If all goes well, I’ll be out of the 90s in just two weeks, which feels like a dream come true!

[ShoppGirl 4,785]

4 hours ago, Justarwaxx said:

Here's my one-week update after making some adjustments! I've been focusing on protein-rich meals and keeping my intake under 1,000 calories, leaving a bit of room for those extra nibbles. My Protein has been between 70-100 grams, and guess what, ladies? I lost 2.2 kg this week, bringing my total loss to 16 kg! I'm so thrilled—I feel leaner, lighter, and fresher, with no hunger cues at all (which feels strange, honestly). If all goes well, I’ll be out of the 90s in just two weeks, which feels like a dream come true!

I am so thrilled for your loss and the way you are feeling especially. Just try not to get too wrapped up in making a goal in two weeks. That’s a pretty short timeframe and just a one week stall could prevent you from reaching it. Even though we all know the way our bodies work, you may drop it all two days later. I like to try to predict my loss as well and I know that it has messed with my head a couple of times. Perhaps it’s just me but I get discouraged when I don’t need a goal even though it’s an imaginary one

this morning. I was really expecting to drop that few pounds that I usually drop after stalling for a while and gaining a bit, well, I did not even drop one and I felt pretty bummed Until I realized it’s 6 AM and I jumped up the moment the alarm went off and got right into my walking because I was able to sleep at a reasonable hour to fall asleep easily and sleep all through the night waking up refreshed which I haven’t done in years because of all of the changes that have occurred In the last few months. That in itself is a huge win and I don’t want to lose sight of that as I try to achieve these other goals.

I am looking forward to getting under 200, getting to overweight instead of obese, reaching my goal, eventually getting to a normal BMI if that’s in the cards for me, and finally reaching my secret goal. I am just really trying to figure out a way to wrap my head around the fact that even if I don’t reach my secret goal or get to a normal BMI, I am still 100 times healthier and happier than I was before. I really really really do not want to lose sight of that. I got so discouraged about 18 pounds with my sleeve that when I started gaining I think I gave up too easily. I still don’t think about the sleeve was the right surgery for me and what my body needed, but I probably could have kept some of the weight off a little longer.

anyways, I am really glad that you decided to do what you thought was best for your body and that it is working for you it’s such a shame that these nutritionist are a little bit more helpful to giving more individualized plans. I am off to my surgeons office this morning, and the automated recording that called me said I was in to see the PA and not the NP that I have been seeing. I am really hoping that he gives me the same help with my food to make sure I am on track and my fitness as well. At the very least, I will find out what my labs looked like though I got an email that the results were ready four or five days ago but I decided not to even look. I figured it would only panic me trying to figure everything out on my own and with my anxiety I would’ve worked myself into something that’s not necessary.

oh, and I found a local gym that has a lot of classes that look fun and when I added it up will actually be cheaper than what I’m doing now. It’s pretty tiny and when I popped in to the main gym part, it did not really seem my scene but I’m hoping that the classes are different. My friend told me that she would go to check out a class with me Saturday morning and if it seems promising, I’m going to check out a couple more this week. They have a day pass rate

They don’t have yoga early in the mornings at this new place, so I probably will still take my yoga class, but even if I did both, it would still be a little less and I would have the added benefit that I could add more classes at the gym since those are unlimited. I really like to exercise every day for now. Eventually, I think I will probably give myself a free day or two, but until I feel like this is absolutely cemented in my brain as my new normal I want to just keep it up daily.

[ShoppGirl 4,785]

4 hours ago, Justarwaxx said:

Here's my one-week update after making some adjustments! I've been focusing on protein-rich meals and keeping my intake under 1,000 calories, leaving a bit of room for those extra nibbles. My Protein has been between 70-100 grams, and guess what, ladies? I lost 2.2 kg this week, bringing my total loss to 16 kg! I'm so thrilled—I feel leaner, lighter, and fresher, with no hunger cues at all (which feels strange, honestly). If all goes well, I’ll be out of the 90s in just two weeks, which feels like a dream come true!

I am so thrilled for your loss and the way you are feeling especially. Just try not to get too wrapped up in making a goal in two weeks. That’s a pretty short timeframe and just a one week stall could prevent you from reaching it. Even though we all know the way our bodies work, you may drop it all two days later. I like to try to predict my loss as well and I know that it has messed with my head a couple of times. Perhaps it’s just me but I get discouraged when I don’t need a goal even though it’s an imaginary one

this morning. I was really expecting to drop that few pounds that I usually drop after stalling for a while and gaining a bit, well, I did not even drop one and I felt pretty bummed Until I realized it’s 6 AM and I jumped up the moment the alarm went off and got right into my walking because I was able to sleep at a reasonable hour to fall asleep easily and sleep all through the night waking up refreshed which I haven’t done in years because of all of the changes that have occurred In the last few months. That in itself is a huge win and I don’t want to lose sight of that as I try to achieve these other goals.

I am looking forward to getting under 200, getting to overweight instead of obese, reaching my goal, eventually getting to a normal BMI if that’s in the cards for me, and finally reaching my secret goal. I am just really trying to figure out a way to wrap my head around the fact that even if I don’t reach my secret goal or get to a normal BMI, I am still 100 times healthier and happier than I was before. I really really really do not want to lose sight of that. I got so discouraged about 18 pounds with my sleeve that when I started gaining I think I gave up too easily. I still don’t think about the sleeve was the right surgery for me and what my body needed, but I probably could have kept some of the weight off a little longer.

anyways, I am really glad that you decided to do what you thought was best for your body and that it is working for you it’s such a shame that these nutritionist are a little bit more helpful to giving more individualized plans. I am off to my surgeons office this morning, and the automated recording that called me said I was in to see the PA and not the NP that I have been seeing. I am really hoping that he gives me the same help with my food to make sure I am on track and my fitness as well. At the very least, I will find out what my labs looked like though I got an email that the results were ready four or five days ago but I decided not to even look. I figured it would only panic me trying to figure everything out on my own and with my anxiety I would’ve worked myself into something that’s not necessary.

oh, and I found a local gym that has a lot of classes that look fun and when I added it up will actually be cheaper than what I’m doing now. It’s pretty tiny and when I popped in to the main gym part, it did not really seem my scene but I’m hoping that the classes are different. My friend told me that she would go to check out a class with me Saturday morning and if it seems promising, I’m going to check out a couple more this week. They have a day pass rate

They don’t have yoga early in the mornings at this new place, so I probably will still take my yoga class, but even if I did both, it would still be a little less and I would have the added benefit that I could add more classes at the gym since those are unlimited. I really like to exercise every day for now. Eventually, I think I will probably give myself a free day or two, but until I feel like this is absolutely cemented in my brain as my new normal I want to just keep it up daily.

[Justarwaxx 181]

17 hours ago, ShoppGirl said:

I am so thrilled for your loss and the way you are feeling especially. Just try not to get too wrapped up in making a goal in two weeks. That’s a pretty short timeframe and just a one week stall could prevent you from reaching it. Even though we all know the way our bodies work, you may drop it all two days later. I like to try to predict my loss as well and I know that it has messed with my head a couple of times. Perhaps it’s just me but I get discouraged when I don’t need a goal even though it’s an imaginary one

this morning. I was really expecting to drop that few pounds that I usually drop after stalling for a while and gaining a bit, well, I did not even drop one and I felt pretty bummed Until I realized it’s 6 AM and I jumped up the moment the alarm went off and got right into my walking because I was able to sleep at a reasonable hour to fall asleep easily and sleep all through the night waking up refreshed which I haven’t done in years because of all of the changes that have occurred In the last few months. That in itself is a huge win and I don’t want to lose sight of that as I try to achieve these other goals.

I am looking forward to getting under 200, getting to overweight instead of obese, reaching my goal, eventually getting to a normal BMI if that’s in the cards for me, and finally reaching my secret goal. I am just really trying to figure out a way to wrap my head around the fact that even if I don’t reach my secret goal or get to a normal BMI, I am still 100 times healthier and happier than I was before. I really really really do not want to lose sight of that. I got so discouraged about 18 pounds with my sleeve that when I started gaining I think I gave up too easily. I still don’t think about the sleeve was the right surgery for me and what my body needed, but I probably could have kept some of the weight off a little longer.

anyways, I am really glad that you decided to do what you thought was best for your body and that it is working for you it’s such a shame that these nutritionist are a little bit more helpful to giving more individualized plans. I am off to my surgeons office this morning, and the automated recording that called me said I was in to see the PA and not the NP that I have been seeing. I am really hoping that he gives me the same help with my food to make sure I am on track and my fitness as well. At the very least, I will find out what my labs looked like though I got an email that the results were ready four or five days ago but I decided not to even look. I figured it would only panic me trying to figure everything out on my own and with my anxiety I would’ve worked myself into something that’s not necessary.

oh, and I found a local gym that has a lot of classes that look fun and when I added it up will actually be cheaper than what I’m doing now. It’s pretty tiny and when I popped in to the main gym part, it did not really seem my scene but I’m hoping that the classes are different. My friend told me that she would go to check out a class with me Saturday morning and if it seems promising, I’m going to check out a couple more this week. They have a day pass rate

They don’t have yoga early in the mornings at this new place, so I probably will still take my yoga class, but even if I did both, it would still be a little less and I would have the added benefit that I could add more classes at the gym since those are unlimited. I really like to exercise every day for now. Eventually, I think I will probably give myself a free day or two, but until I feel like this is absolutely cemented in my brain as my new normal I want to just keep it up daily.

it really resonates with me! I actually love setting small targets because it keeps things fun without too much pressure. I tend to expect less deep down, so I'm not as disappointed if things don’t go exactly as planned. For example, this week, I told myself I'd probably lose just 1 kg, and then it turned out to be 2.2 kg!

I really believe in choosing our words carefully too—don’t say if you lose the weight; say when you lose the weight! Shifting those small things helps reinforce our mindset, making it feel like reaching the goal is just a matter of time. And great job on finding different programs to keep you excited! It’s fantastic that you’re trying new things, and it sounds like you’re setting up a routine that truly feels sustainable. You’ve got this

[Justarwaxx 181]

Ahh today is our weekend and was at my in laws from lunch and I got comfortable with food.. had abit of rice for lunch and dinner i had lasagna and also i had a piece of cheese cake and well my stomach ain't happy. I'm chilling in the toilet!! Tbh, I like to be "punished" when I know i over did. It was a good reminder to yo eat food but don't over do it!!

[Chatterboxdea 131]

2 hours ago, Justarwaxx said:

Ahh today is our weekend and was at my in laws from lunch and I got comfortable with food.. had abit of rice for lunch and dinner i had lasagna and also i had a piece of cheese cake and well my stomach ain't happy. I'm chilling in the toilet!! Tbh, I like to be "punished" when I know i over did. It was a good reminder to yo eat food but don't over do it!!

Sorry you’re not feeling well! But always good to reestablish your limits.

[ShoppGirl 4,785]

3 hours ago, Justarwaxx said:

Ahh today is our weekend and was at my in laws from lunch and I got comfortable with food.. had abit of rice for lunch and dinner i had lasagna and also i had a piece of cheese cake and well my stomach ain't happy. I'm chilling in the toilet!! Tbh, I like to be "punished" when I know i over did. It was a good reminder to yo eat food but don't over do it!!

Awe. Feel better soon.

[ShoppGirl 4,785]

I’m dealing with some pretty scary medical stuff right now (outside of the bariatric stuff) and I had a long drive home late last night alone and scared of what the results will be from a test I’m doing Monday as well as the test itself which I believe is going to be pretty painful. I drove past McDonalds and even though I have no physical hunger, the emotional hunger was very real and I seriously almost caved. I didn’t stop, though. I went home and ate the chili I asked my husband to pull out of the freezer. This morning I got up and did my YOGA and kept right on trucking. I am going to a group fitness class at the gym I wanted to check out with a friend tomorrow. I won’t be able to do anything for five days after this test so I’m really trying to stick to my routine right up to Monday. I may need a little encouragement to get back into my routine, though. I’m pretty nervous that a five day break is going to make me lose my habits. I have to ask to be sure but I think I will be allowed to do everything again starting back Saturday but I was told I have a Princess pass for 5 days. No exercise, housework, nothing. Not even dishes. I was a little excited about that one.

Edited November 2 by ShoppGirl

[ChristieK44 0]

I am asking for your help/advice.

I am a physical therapist and I underwent my own bariatric surgery in 2022. I am looking to develop a unique bariatric program that provides exercise programs and support to people undergoing rapid weight loss whether from surgery or from medication.

If you guys could answer a few questions for me it would be greatly appreciated and would help me build my practice!

1. Did you exercise before surgery? And what was your biggest challenge?

2. Would you have benefited from a preop physical therapy appointment to develop a customize strength training program that took into consideration your current limitations and orthopedic issues.

3. how were you educated on post operative activity and physical restrictions? Would you have liked a week by week guide on what activities you can return to and when?

4. Were you educated on exercises to maintain muscle mass through your first year postoperatively?

5. What kind of exercises did you do postoperatively in the first year? Did you hire a personal trainer? Join the gym? Search online?

6. Did you develop any new or worsening musculoskeletal pain as you were more mobile and your body composition changed?

7. Let me know if you have any other ideas on how having a physical therapist on your bariatric team would have benefited you both before and after surgery.

Thanks so much everyone. I may be piloting this program with a few patients. Email me if you’re interested (I’m licensed to treat in N.C.) contact@localpointpt.com

Edited November 2 by ChristieK44
Typo

[Justarwaxx 181]

4 hours ago, ShoppGirl said:

I’m dealing with some pretty scary medical stuff right now (outside of the bariatric stuff) and I had a long drive home late last night alone and scared of what the results will be from a test I’m doing Monday as well as the test itself which I believe is going to be pretty painful. I drove past McDonalds and even though I have no physical hunger, the emotional hunger was very real and I seriously almost caved. I didn’t stop, though. I went home and ate the chili I asked my husband to pull out of the freezer. This morning I got up and did my YOGA and kept right on trucking. I am going to a group fitness class at the gym I wanted to check out with a friend tomorrow. I won’t be able to do anything for five days after this test so I’m really trying to stick to my routine right up to Monday. I may need a little encouragement to get back into my routine, though. I’m pretty nervous that a five day break is going to make me lose my habits. I have to ask to be sure but I think I will be allowed to do everything again starting back Saturday but I was told I have a Princess pass for 5 days. No exercise, housework, nothing. Not even dishes. I was a little excited about that one.

It’s so understandable to feel scared and overwhelmed with all you're going through, especially when facing an unknown and potentially painful test. You did an amazing job sticking to your goals, especially during such a tough time. Choosing the chili over McDonald's was a huge win, and going straight to yoga the next morning shows just how resilient you are. I know that emotional hunger can be intense, especially when things feel so uncertain, so that strength of yours really shines.

Taking a break can definitely feel like a setback, and it’s completely normal to worry about losing your rhythm—I had a similar moment when I had to pause the gym because I was sore and got a little panicked about losing momentum! But five days off won’t erase all your hard work. Think of it as giving your body the chance to fully recharge so you can come back even stronger. You’ll be back in the groove before you know it, and in the meantime, know that all of us here are cheering you on. You've got this, and we’re sending lots of love and strength your way! ❤️

[ShoppGirl 4,785]

5 hours ago, Justarwaxx said:

It’s so understandable to feel scared and overwhelmed with all you're going through, especially when facing an unknown and potentially painful test. You did an amazing job sticking to your goals, especially during such a tough time. Choosing the chili over McDonald's was a huge win, and going straight to yoga the next morning shows just how resilient you are. I know that emotional hunger can be intense, especially when things feel so uncertain, so that strength of yours really shines.

Taking a break can definitely feel like a setback, and it’s completely normal to worry about losing your rhythm—I had a similar moment when I had to pause the gym because I was sore and got a little panicked about losing momentum! But five days off won’t erase all your hard work. Think of it as giving your body the chance to fully recharge so you can come back even stronger. You’ll be back in the groove before you know it, and in the meantime, know that all of us here are cheering you on. You've got this, and we’re sending lots of love and strength your way! ❤️

Thank you so much. I am actually feeling a bit more positive this morning. I stepped on the scale and I dropped over two pounds to finally get into “onederland”which I kinda hoped was going to happen sometime next week but had assumed that wouldn’t happen with no activity. Well 199.6 but still under 200. So maybe that’s a sign that I need to just stay positive and that I can still handle this.

Edited November 2 by ShoppGirl