looking for advice
I haven't been on here in a long time, and I have had a lot of people take time to answer me before, so am hoping for the same. I usually just get on here to whine, as I am now. I had gastric bypass in Sept 2008, and have had moderate success, but not like I expected. I still need to lose about 40 pounds, and gained back almost 10 pounds over the holidays, so I have to get on the right path. Like before surgery, it doesn't take much for me to gain weight; I am not a big overeater; but unless I literally starve, weight does not come off. My regular doctor says that since I was always overweight, even as a child, and I am older (66), it will be much harder for me. I have recently joined Curves, which I hope will help. And also, I can't tolerate many of the things I should eat, but bad stuff (sugary stuff; bread, etc) goes down fine. I tried eating, slowly, eggs with chicken chopped up in them, yesterday, and suffered for hours. So, at this point, I don't know what to eat, nor what to do. I have to find something that will work for life, so I don't end up gaining it all back. This just does not seem to work for me like it has for so many others. I used to try every diet that there is, but with little success; that is why I had the surgery. I have lost about 50 pounds, but am still a lot heavier than I want to be, with at least 40 pounds to go. Has anyone else had this experience? I am feeling just like I used to, before the surgery, that everything, no matter what it is, makes me quickly gain back. please help!
Rose,
I'd start journalling what you eat. It may be a texture thing. I have gotten to where I eat very little chicken (too dry!!) and alot of fish. I'm not real big on red meats either but occasionally get a taste for a good steak and have had only one hamburger that I truly enjoyed since I had my RNY (over 6 yrs ago). Prior to my RNY, I was a huge fan of beef! I can eat grilled veggies like they are going out of style but if I have a salad at dinner, I might as well box up the rest of the meal most days. Some foods (usually oriental buffet) won't stay down at first but after one trip to the bathroom, my stoma is stretched out enough to let the rest of the meal stay down. Why am I telling you all this? It's important to know your body and to know what happens when.
If you find that you have problems with anything that you actually have to chew (meats) no matter how much you chew, and don't with the soft stuff (bread, cooked veggies, cottage cheese), then talk to your bariatric surgeon. Your stoma (where the intestines are now connected to your pouch) can decrease in size and need stretched out by having an endoscopy done (an out-patient procedure that really is no big deal). If it's a matter of not enjoying the taste anymore....or something too dry...then experiment with foods that previously you wouldn't have eaten. I never had a whole catfish until about 2 months ago and here I am almost 50 yrs old! Our taste buds...and our tummies have changed. Because of that, our attitudes about foods have to change too. Be willing to think outside the box. My hubby has even caught on to this exploration and suddenly for the first time in his life can eat a dish with spinach in it and enjoy it.
Try to avoid all the no-no foods. At 66, you know what those are as well as the doc does. Don't sabatoge your weight loss by eating those...especially instead of eating what your body needs. Drink lots of water (but not with your meals) and avoid caffiene. Joining Curves is fantastic because they will keep you moving and add some variety to what you are doing now. Variety is the spice of life for weight loss when it comes to exercise...but be sure it's an exercise you enjoy doing. Afterall, if you hate doing it...you probably won't continue doing it.
Good luck!
Sherri
I'd start journalling what you eat. It may be a texture thing. I have gotten to where I eat very little chicken (too dry!!) and alot of fish. I'm not real big on red meats either but occasionally get a taste for a good steak and have had only one hamburger that I truly enjoyed since I had my RNY (over 6 yrs ago). Prior to my RNY, I was a huge fan of beef! I can eat grilled veggies like they are going out of style but if I have a salad at dinner, I might as well box up the rest of the meal most days. Some foods (usually oriental buffet) won't stay down at first but after one trip to the bathroom, my stoma is stretched out enough to let the rest of the meal stay down. Why am I telling you all this? It's important to know your body and to know what happens when.
If you find that you have problems with anything that you actually have to chew (meats) no matter how much you chew, and don't with the soft stuff (bread, cooked veggies, cottage cheese), then talk to your bariatric surgeon. Your stoma (where the intestines are now connected to your pouch) can decrease in size and need stretched out by having an endoscopy done (an out-patient procedure that really is no big deal). If it's a matter of not enjoying the taste anymore....or something too dry...then experiment with foods that previously you wouldn't have eaten. I never had a whole catfish until about 2 months ago and here I am almost 50 yrs old! Our taste buds...and our tummies have changed. Because of that, our attitudes about foods have to change too. Be willing to think outside the box. My hubby has even caught on to this exploration and suddenly for the first time in his life can eat a dish with spinach in it and enjoy it.
Try to avoid all the no-no foods. At 66, you know what those are as well as the doc does. Don't sabatoge your weight loss by eating those...especially instead of eating what your body needs. Drink lots of water (but not with your meals) and avoid caffiene. Joining Curves is fantastic because they will keep you moving and add some variety to what you are doing now. Variety is the spice of life for weight loss when it comes to exercise...but be sure it's an exercise you enjoy doing. Afterall, if you hate doing it...you probably won't continue doing it.
Good luck!
Sherri
AT GOAL!!
http://www.myspace.com/sweetsherri61
Never allow someone to be your Priority while allowing yourself to be their Option......
Whenever God Closes One Door He Always Opens Another, Even Though Sometimes It's Hell in the Hallway...
Hi Shrerri,
I remember reading your posts on here when I was first researching the surgery. I hope all is well with your life. I actually haven't gotten on here in quite some time. I have many demands on my time, and 2010 was a unbelieveable year (daughter's wedding; funerals, our business had big projects, etc) but I have promised myself that 2011 will be the year that I spend more time for myself. That includes eating better; losing some more weight, and so on. All too many times, I simply don't take the time to prepare the proper foods before I dash off to someplace. Oddly enough, I have always been able to eat beef easier than chicken, since right after I ate solids after the surgery. And I always used to rely on fish as a "diet food" before the surgery, and now it does not sit well with me, no matter how I prepare it. I cannot eat raw veggies, either, and I used to eat a lot of broccoli, which I relied on as a diet food, and no longer seem to be able to digest. I could go on, listing what I can and cannot eat, but I think that the main thing is to make a correct list of what I can eat, and try to stay on that list. Also, I really do think that one of the main reasons I have had different results than many other people is that I was never a big overeater. I always ate small portions, but my metabolism, or whatever, is just not right, and I gain easily, and it is very hard to lose. The surgery helped me while I could eat very little,and before my body couldn't figure out how to absorb for a while, but the change in portions wasn't as big of a deal as it was with some people. That makes it a lot harder for me. And I have no idea how to change that, except adding in the exercise. If most overweight people had changed their habits to what I used to eat, it would have been a successful diet for them without the surgery. For instance, take today: It is after 4 pm, and so far, I have had a protein bar, a cup of homemade vegetable soup, and 2 cups of SF latte (my biggest addiction). I am having cottage cheese and some fruit for supper. Wouldn't most people lose weight on that much of a restricted diet? And I also drink water, and take my supplements. Granted, I did eat some bad stuff during the holidays, but normally I do not. My regular doctor mainly says that this is just my genetic makeup, and I will always struggle with it. Some days, I eat more than others, but not all that much; I eat on salad plates, and from small bowls. I don't drink soft drinks, (never did) and so on. In short, I have always felt that I did not deserve to be fat, but as the years went by, the pounds went on, no matter how many diet plans I did, etc. I did diets with others, and didn't cheat like they did, but they lost and I did not lost much at all. Wrong genes, I guess. I know there isn't much anyone can suggest, other than what has already been discussed. I DO think that I don't get enough protein most days, so I am going to try and up that. Well, again, thanks for your comments and suggestions.
Cathy
I remember reading your posts on here when I was first researching the surgery. I hope all is well with your life. I actually haven't gotten on here in quite some time. I have many demands on my time, and 2010 was a unbelieveable year (daughter's wedding; funerals, our business had big projects, etc) but I have promised myself that 2011 will be the year that I spend more time for myself. That includes eating better; losing some more weight, and so on. All too many times, I simply don't take the time to prepare the proper foods before I dash off to someplace. Oddly enough, I have always been able to eat beef easier than chicken, since right after I ate solids after the surgery. And I always used to rely on fish as a "diet food" before the surgery, and now it does not sit well with me, no matter how I prepare it. I cannot eat raw veggies, either, and I used to eat a lot of broccoli, which I relied on as a diet food, and no longer seem to be able to digest. I could go on, listing what I can and cannot eat, but I think that the main thing is to make a correct list of what I can eat, and try to stay on that list. Also, I really do think that one of the main reasons I have had different results than many other people is that I was never a big overeater. I always ate small portions, but my metabolism, or whatever, is just not right, and I gain easily, and it is very hard to lose. The surgery helped me while I could eat very little,and before my body couldn't figure out how to absorb for a while, but the change in portions wasn't as big of a deal as it was with some people. That makes it a lot harder for me. And I have no idea how to change that, except adding in the exercise. If most overweight people had changed their habits to what I used to eat, it would have been a successful diet for them without the surgery. For instance, take today: It is after 4 pm, and so far, I have had a protein bar, a cup of homemade vegetable soup, and 2 cups of SF latte (my biggest addiction). I am having cottage cheese and some fruit for supper. Wouldn't most people lose weight on that much of a restricted diet? And I also drink water, and take my supplements. Granted, I did eat some bad stuff during the holidays, but normally I do not. My regular doctor mainly says that this is just my genetic makeup, and I will always struggle with it. Some days, I eat more than others, but not all that much; I eat on salad plates, and from small bowls. I don't drink soft drinks, (never did) and so on. In short, I have always felt that I did not deserve to be fat, but as the years went by, the pounds went on, no matter how many diet plans I did, etc. I did diets with others, and didn't cheat like they did, but they lost and I did not lost much at all. Wrong genes, I guess. I know there isn't much anyone can suggest, other than what has already been discussed. I DO think that I don't get enough protein most days, so I am going to try and up that. Well, again, thanks for your comments and suggestions.
Cathy
Cathy,
Your reply sounds alot like my hubby. He hasn't had weight loss surgery but eats very similar to you....and gains weight. He may or may not eat anything during the day. He usually sticks to lean meat, veggie, and salad for dinner. And he never eats a dessert, but will occasionally have no-sugar added ice cream in the evening. He drinks way more water than I do. Here's the difference between him & I...I ALWAYS start my day off with something to eat...usually a bagel with fat-free cream cheese. He rarely has breakfast and might eat something light for lunch. He gives his body nothing to get his metabolism going. Unless your protein bar is for breakfast shortly after getting up, you are doing the same thing he is. Try starting your day with that cottage cheese and fruit. Be sure you're getting in 3 meals a day. And be sure you are getting in enough calories. Did you know that not eating enough calories can be a stumbling block for weight loss as well as eating too much? You should be getting in 1000-1200 calories each and every day. There are alot of good sites out there that can help you keep track of them until you get your brain trained at knowing when you've had the right amount of each food group. Remember that we are to strive for a balanced diet, not a diet. Again, my advise is for you to journal.
I can certainly understand your 2010. I worked more overtime last year than I have in about 15 years. So far, this year isn't going to be any different. I usually read the posts on here but don't always post anymore....
Sherri
Your reply sounds alot like my hubby. He hasn't had weight loss surgery but eats very similar to you....and gains weight. He may or may not eat anything during the day. He usually sticks to lean meat, veggie, and salad for dinner. And he never eats a dessert, but will occasionally have no-sugar added ice cream in the evening. He drinks way more water than I do. Here's the difference between him & I...I ALWAYS start my day off with something to eat...usually a bagel with fat-free cream cheese. He rarely has breakfast and might eat something light for lunch. He gives his body nothing to get his metabolism going. Unless your protein bar is for breakfast shortly after getting up, you are doing the same thing he is. Try starting your day with that cottage cheese and fruit. Be sure you're getting in 3 meals a day. And be sure you are getting in enough calories. Did you know that not eating enough calories can be a stumbling block for weight loss as well as eating too much? You should be getting in 1000-1200 calories each and every day. There are alot of good sites out there that can help you keep track of them until you get your brain trained at knowing when you've had the right amount of each food group. Remember that we are to strive for a balanced diet, not a diet. Again, my advise is for you to journal.
I can certainly understand your 2010. I worked more overtime last year than I have in about 15 years. So far, this year isn't going to be any different. I usually read the posts on here but don't always post anymore....
Sherri
AT GOAL!!
http://www.myspace.com/sweetsherri61
Never allow someone to be your Priority while allowing yourself to be their Option......
Whenever God Closes One Door He Always Opens Another, Even Though Sometimes It's Hell in the Hallway...
I know this is gonna sound really OFF THE WALL.. but have you ever considered Chinese Acupuncture. They do a general form & then they have special positions for different things. I get one done for anxiety & another for irritated/upset stomach & for my bowels to move regularly. At first I kinda laughed it off & thought it wasn't gonna work. But about four days later I woke up & noticed a significant change in how my body felt. I haven't had to take a anxiety med since then. And as long as I go twice a month for the acupuncture for my stomach & bowels I no longer need to take a colace regularly anymore either. I talked my husband into doing one for stress & now he goes once a month for it. We are like giddy little kids when it's our turn to become a pin cushion, but it really has helped us. If I remember correctly, there's a acupuncture procedure for upping your metabolism & such. Just something to consider. There are a lot of alternative med solutions out there then just putting more chemicals into your body.
Five+ YEARS WITH THE LAP-BAND( 8/31/05)
Highest Weight: 317/Surgery Weight: 267/Lowest Weight: 148
Currently Filled 1.4cc in a 4 cc band APBand
Panniculectomy w/psudeo TT proformed by Dr Bergman 10/8/2009
Need Help With Success? Read a Geneen Roth Book. "When Food Is Love!"
Highest Weight: 317/Surgery Weight: 267/Lowest Weight: 148
Currently Filled 1.4cc in a 4 cc band APBand
Panniculectomy w/psudeo TT proformed by Dr Bergman 10/8/2009
Need Help With Success? Read a Geneen Roth Book. "When Food Is Love!"
Well, that is certainly something I would not have thought of! I have tried hypnotism, but that didn't even begin to work; it was some time ago; I don't think I was able to be put into that state, actually. How did you find someone who does that, and was it terribly expensive? I am not even sure I believe that going to Curves is going to help me; it doesn't really feel like I am doing all that much exercise. Guess it couldn't hurt.
I found ours by googling on the internet for our area... found one in Lafayette & took a chance. My anxiety & my husband's stress is about $60 a piece & then my other one is around $100 if I get the heated stones with it (which I often do because the heat from the stones relaxes my intestines so that the bowel material can move eaiser). One might think that is a lot of money but I have a lot of health issues (I have RSD & recovering from cervical cancer) so anything that can bring me relief,comfort, and be really safe to do, I don't mind paying for. Once a month I go for a two hour body massage also. I think treating my body the best it can be done helps promote it to heal faster.
Five+ YEARS WITH THE LAP-BAND( 8/31/05)
Highest Weight: 317/Surgery Weight: 267/Lowest Weight: 148
Currently Filled 1.4cc in a 4 cc band APBand
Panniculectomy w/psudeo TT proformed by Dr Bergman 10/8/2009
Need Help With Success? Read a Geneen Roth Book. "When Food Is Love!"
Highest Weight: 317/Surgery Weight: 267/Lowest Weight: 148
Currently Filled 1.4cc in a 4 cc band APBand
Panniculectomy w/psudeo TT proformed by Dr Bergman 10/8/2009
Need Help With Success? Read a Geneen Roth Book. "When Food Is Love!"
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