Four Month Surgeon Followup

Hello to the Octoberites gang. I trekked across the Mojave for my 4 month followup visit with the surgeon yesterday. I am doing really well medically. I'm healthy. My vitals are great. I'm -72 with 28 to go to my surgeon's goal. I started as a lightweight, with 100 pounds to lose, so this makes sense for me, but not for people with a higher BMI. I started at at BMI of 40 with severe comorbidities. I'm losing a little faster than my docs would like, though. When the PA talked to me about my calorie intake, she told me that I'm not eating enough calories. She asked me if I was following the nutritionist's instructions. Apparently all Fobi patients have a few sessions with the nut. Not I, said she . The nut. called me once prior to surgery and then I slipped through some bureaucratic chasm when they switched hospitals. (My surgery was on the first day at a new facility) Anyway...I told the PA that I had a huge network of people who give me advice, suggestions, recommendations and thoughts. I have more support than any single nutritionist could possibly give me. I've got people with a vested interest in their own survival. That's good enough for me. Sure, sometimes the information might not pertain to me, but common sense usually prevails. I told the PA that I track my intake on Fitday.com, so I actually knew how many calories I took in. I explained that my highest calorie day EVER since surgery was about 650. That's not good. She said I should be getting 800 to 1000 calories a day. I'm eating all the right things, but I definitely need to boost my protein intake. I'm going to start doing 2 shakes a day just to boost the calories from protein. blech...but it's necessary, so I'll do it. Has anyone else heard that they're losing too fast? Hugs to all of you for being there for me. Cheryl

I guess it IS possible to lose too fast, but when we just want to see it GONE forever, we don't care huh? My caloric intake was pretty low until I started supplementing with shakes faithfully. Now I can get in about 1000 calories a day. I also added plenty of nuts (pistachios, brazilian and filberts are my favorites) and cheese plus I found a new natural skippy peanut butter that I love and will use on occasion. It doesn't do the nasty oil separation thing that natural peanut butter always has and is very low in carbs. It tastes better to me too: http://www.peanutbutter.com/natural.asp

That peanut butter sounds really good, Vi. I'm going to try it. I really dislike the oily mix for an hour stuff. As far as losing too fast, I've lost 72 pounds in 120 days; so I guess that might be a little rapid for a doctor to approve. I, on the other hand, am thrilled with my loss and feel just fine. I will up my caloric intake by drinking the hated shakes. Hugs, Cheryl

Cheryl, Congratulations on the weight lost. I have not heard of loosing too fast, I thought that was the idea behind this surgery. If you do not like the protein shakes, you could try Stallone pudding. I find them very good. Try them at GNC, or go to Netrition.com. I love the chocolate and banana creme. They have 20 grams of protein and only 100 calories. Since surgery I have lost lost 73 lbs. (10/11). My nutritionalist say 600 - 800 calories a day is fine. Later on we will work up to about 1000, but that will be when I am closer to goal. Keep up the good work. Mary L