Frustrated-- any suggestions
So today was my 6 week check up with the doctor. Due to scheduling issues with the holidays my 6 week appointments with the nut and exercise phys are set for next week.
As of today I have lost 21 pounds since the morning of surgery. I was about 5 pounds shy of where Dr. B wanted me to be. He commented that maybe I am exceeding my caloric allotment for the day but when I asked what I should aim for he said there are no goals. I advised that I am eating 5-6 meals a day (2-3 are shakes) and I am to start full foods as of Thursday. He noted that he would be happy with just 3 if I can make protein goals. Unfortunately, I have a goal of 80 grams of protein a day and cannot conceive how I could do that in 3 meals when I can only eat about 4 ozs of solid or 6- 8 ozs of soup. Dr, B reiterated that there is to be no pasta, rice, potatos, etc. on the plate.
I get it, I am following the rules. I don't know, I guess I am just a bit frustrated and not sure if I am doing things right. I was disappointed I did not hit the weight loss that he thought I should be at and now am concerned about the next goal he set for me (16 pounds at least by next appointment which is 2/18). I am hitting protein and liquids faithfully each day. I am taking my vitamins and pepcid. I am exercising and working with a trainer. I have been lucky (in my opinion) with no nauseau, no throwing up, etc. I can eat the serving size my "bible" tells me I should be and I measure everything. I am eating soft meats, etc. and not putting anything in my mouth that does not have protein value.
Grrrrr. Thanks for letting me rant.
As of today I have lost 21 pounds since the morning of surgery. I was about 5 pounds shy of where Dr. B wanted me to be. He commented that maybe I am exceeding my caloric allotment for the day but when I asked what I should aim for he said there are no goals. I advised that I am eating 5-6 meals a day (2-3 are shakes) and I am to start full foods as of Thursday. He noted that he would be happy with just 3 if I can make protein goals. Unfortunately, I have a goal of 80 grams of protein a day and cannot conceive how I could do that in 3 meals when I can only eat about 4 ozs of solid or 6- 8 ozs of soup. Dr, B reiterated that there is to be no pasta, rice, potatos, etc. on the plate.
I get it, I am following the rules. I don't know, I guess I am just a bit frustrated and not sure if I am doing things right. I was disappointed I did not hit the weight loss that he thought I should be at and now am concerned about the next goal he set for me (16 pounds at least by next appointment which is 2/18). I am hitting protein and liquids faithfully each day. I am taking my vitamins and pepcid. I am exercising and working with a trainer. I have been lucky (in my opinion) with no nauseau, no throwing up, etc. I can eat the serving size my "bible" tells me I should be and I measure everything. I am eating soft meats, etc. and not putting anything in my mouth that does not have protein value.
Grrrrr. Thanks for letting me rant.
HW 326/SW 296/CW 168
Dawn,
Your doctor's advice is always the first thing to go by... having said that, some of what I'm about to say may sound contradictory to what it SOUNDS LIKE he said (there are some areas open for interpretation).
Everyone's body changes and adapts at different levels and speeds. You may just be a "slow loser" metabolically. If you're truly being compliant with the doctor's eating plans, and you're exercising and drinking appropriate fluids, then that could be the case.
However, I would also suggest a couple of things. If you're not yet doing so, measure everything you're putting into your mouth - weigh it, use measuring cups, etc. Track and write it all down. Use a third-party program to track and add, so you can't fudge things. For example, sparkpeople.com, livestrong.com/dailyplate or any of the apps available for your phone or computer.
Look at your carb intake and recall that things like fruits and green veggies also contain carbs - GOOD carbs, but carbs nevertheless... it's not just pasta and bread that we need to limit to some degree.
Look at the TYPE of proteins you're eating - are they lower fat, like fish and chicken, or are they higher-fat choices like hamburger or sausage? This is the point to make sure that you're switching your diet over to lower fat choices.
How about sodium intake? If you're eating a lot of soups, even if they're high in protein, many prepared soups are REALLY high in sodium, which could be causing you to retain water.
Finally, are you falling into a "sugar free sweet" abuser? It's really easy to do - they look so seductive and "free" but they're typically high in fat and carbs.
As to how frequently you eat per day, the vast majority of us are told to eat 5 -6 meals per day - small ones, so that they keep our blood sugar pretty level. it helps keep metabolism steady and can maximize calorie burning. It's too easy to get "TOO hungry" in between 3 meals, and therefore eat too quickly or eat too much at our meals.
Don't panic and just do the best you can at each and every meal. If you focus on making good choices with every bite that goes into your mouth, and if you continue working with exercise, then the tool will work for you.
Good luck and continue posting your progress here!
karen
Your doctor's advice is always the first thing to go by... having said that, some of what I'm about to say may sound contradictory to what it SOUNDS LIKE he said (there are some areas open for interpretation).
Everyone's body changes and adapts at different levels and speeds. You may just be a "slow loser" metabolically. If you're truly being compliant with the doctor's eating plans, and you're exercising and drinking appropriate fluids, then that could be the case.
However, I would also suggest a couple of things. If you're not yet doing so, measure everything you're putting into your mouth - weigh it, use measuring cups, etc. Track and write it all down. Use a third-party program to track and add, so you can't fudge things. For example, sparkpeople.com, livestrong.com/dailyplate or any of the apps available for your phone or computer.
Look at your carb intake and recall that things like fruits and green veggies also contain carbs - GOOD carbs, but carbs nevertheless... it's not just pasta and bread that we need to limit to some degree.
Look at the TYPE of proteins you're eating - are they lower fat, like fish and chicken, or are they higher-fat choices like hamburger or sausage? This is the point to make sure that you're switching your diet over to lower fat choices.
How about sodium intake? If you're eating a lot of soups, even if they're high in protein, many prepared soups are REALLY high in sodium, which could be causing you to retain water.
Finally, are you falling into a "sugar free sweet" abuser? It's really easy to do - they look so seductive and "free" but they're typically high in fat and carbs.
As to how frequently you eat per day, the vast majority of us are told to eat 5 -6 meals per day - small ones, so that they keep our blood sugar pretty level. it helps keep metabolism steady and can maximize calorie burning. It's too easy to get "TOO hungry" in between 3 meals, and therefore eat too quickly or eat too much at our meals.
Don't panic and just do the best you can at each and every meal. If you focus on making good choices with every bite that goes into your mouth, and if you continue working with exercise, then the tool will work for you.
Good luck and continue posting your progress here!
karen
Dawn, first of all - good for you for hitting your protein and liquid targets each day. And congratulations on your loss so far! You are doing a lot of things right - keep on that path!
You are actually just about where I was 6 weeks out. I consider myself a slower loser, but after almost 6 months, I realize that somehow I've gotten more than half my excess weight off...so even "slow" losers make great progress in the long run.
I would also suggest using an online site to record what you are eating. I use Sparkpeople.com. It's very easy to use, and gives daily summaries. Even though we don't "count calories," it is helpful to know just where we stand. In my case, I was able to get a really graphic picture of just how much caloric damage could be done with a couple tbsp. of peanut butter! The documentation is then compiled into weekly summaries - and you can print several days worth of logs to take in to the nut. and doc. This is a much better form of recording for me than any type of log sheet, notebook, or what have you.
About the protein - when you go on more "regular" foods, you will be surprised at what good sources of protein fish and chicken are. I also eat beef or pork about once a week - even a small portion really contributes to the daily total. My dr. encourages me to steer away from the supplements at this point - however, I generally have a protein shake for breakfast every day. It's convenient for me, and helps me get a good start on the daily protein goals.
One variable you might consider is your overall exercise program. My trainer works me hard in our sessions, but also laid the cards on the table that I needed to be doing "hard cardio" at least 3-4 times per week. (Not just a little time on the treadmill, if you know what I mean.) You might talk to your trainer about how to crank up the exercise program a bit more now that you are 6 weeks post surgery.
And while the dr. is caerfully tracking your progress, please DO recognize that each of us loses at our own pace. While you may be a few pounds off hte mark right now, you might more than make up for it in the next month or two. Flip side - you might find that you go through some short plateaus as your body chemistry tries to catch up with the changes in your system.
Best of luck! Lynn
You are actually just about where I was 6 weeks out. I consider myself a slower loser, but after almost 6 months, I realize that somehow I've gotten more than half my excess weight off...so even "slow" losers make great progress in the long run.
I would also suggest using an online site to record what you are eating. I use Sparkpeople.com. It's very easy to use, and gives daily summaries. Even though we don't "count calories," it is helpful to know just where we stand. In my case, I was able to get a really graphic picture of just how much caloric damage could be done with a couple tbsp. of peanut butter! The documentation is then compiled into weekly summaries - and you can print several days worth of logs to take in to the nut. and doc. This is a much better form of recording for me than any type of log sheet, notebook, or what have you.
About the protein - when you go on more "regular" foods, you will be surprised at what good sources of protein fish and chicken are. I also eat beef or pork about once a week - even a small portion really contributes to the daily total. My dr. encourages me to steer away from the supplements at this point - however, I generally have a protein shake for breakfast every day. It's convenient for me, and helps me get a good start on the daily protein goals.
One variable you might consider is your overall exercise program. My trainer works me hard in our sessions, but also laid the cards on the table that I needed to be doing "hard cardio" at least 3-4 times per week. (Not just a little time on the treadmill, if you know what I mean.) You might talk to your trainer about how to crank up the exercise program a bit more now that you are 6 weeks post surgery.
And while the dr. is caerfully tracking your progress, please DO recognize that each of us loses at our own pace. While you may be a few pounds off hte mark right now, you might more than make up for it in the next month or two. Flip side - you might find that you go through some short plateaus as your body chemistry tries to catch up with the changes in your system.
Best of luck! Lynn
Hi Dawn,
First off - congrats on the weight loss so far. I was in your shoes at my 6 wk follow-up, I didn't make goal (missed it by 9 lbs) and I got the same "speech" from Dr. B. One thing to consider is the amount of weight you lost before you even had surgery. I lost 30lbs prior to surgery and then another 19lbs within the first 2 weeks post-op. I'm sure my body was wondering what the h**l I was doing to myself. I truly think that is another determining factor that most people don't consider. I, too, was upset that I didn't reach goal but I came to grips with it. I'm very happy with my weight loss to date. I've already exceeded the recommended weight loss goal for my 3 month follow-up 1/18.
My protein goal is also 80/day and I still can't get all my protein in with just 3 meals. I can eat between 2-3oz of meat/protein per meal (depending on the density). I'm still drinking at least 1 protein shake a day along with 1 additional protein snack and 3 meals. As the others posted, not everyone loses at the same rate. My weight loss really started to pick up again at weeks 7-9.
Change up your meals or your exercise routine....to confuse the body. I'm here if you need to rant more :) I hope to see you at support group Thursday.
First off - congrats on the weight loss so far. I was in your shoes at my 6 wk follow-up, I didn't make goal (missed it by 9 lbs) and I got the same "speech" from Dr. B. One thing to consider is the amount of weight you lost before you even had surgery. I lost 30lbs prior to surgery and then another 19lbs within the first 2 weeks post-op. I'm sure my body was wondering what the h**l I was doing to myself. I truly think that is another determining factor that most people don't consider. I, too, was upset that I didn't reach goal but I came to grips with it. I'm very happy with my weight loss to date. I've already exceeded the recommended weight loss goal for my 3 month follow-up 1/18.
My protein goal is also 80/day and I still can't get all my protein in with just 3 meals. I can eat between 2-3oz of meat/protein per meal (depending on the density). I'm still drinking at least 1 protein shake a day along with 1 additional protein snack and 3 meals. As the others posted, not everyone loses at the same rate. My weight loss really started to pick up again at weeks 7-9.
Change up your meals or your exercise routine....to confuse the body. I'm here if you need to rant more :) I hope to see you at support group Thursday.
3 meals? I love Dr. B....he wasn't my surgeon...but I have met him and know a BUNCH of people who sing his praises.
I big believer in following your surgeons rules...but also happen to be a big believer in at least 4-5 small meals a day. I don't always get the 6th in....
As you get further out you will be able to get more in and will be able to get your protein goals in without eating all 6 meals.
Also..once you are on "regular" food - you will be able to get more protein in without the use of shakes and what not. I know some docs (mine included) were not big fans of shakes. She wanted me off of them as soon as possible. Obviously...first couple of weeks when it was only liquids...I had to use the shakes...but as she advanced my diet, she specifically told me to cut out the shakes.
It takes some getting used to and some "working" to get it all in and figure out what protein is best when etc etc.
Be proud of your accomplishments thus far and following the rules. Regardless of what your surgeon says, do NOT let the number get into your head. Everyone is different. Just make sure you are being 1000% honest with yourself when you say you are following the rules. if you truly are, then the weight will come off. I only say this because I know I can fool MYSELF into thinking I'm doing everything right when in all honesty, I know deep down inside I'm not.
One step, one gm of protein, one minute of exercise at a time!
Oh - and good vent session never hurt, so feel free anytime!
I big believer in following your surgeons rules...but also happen to be a big believer in at least 4-5 small meals a day. I don't always get the 6th in....
As you get further out you will be able to get more in and will be able to get your protein goals in without eating all 6 meals.
Also..once you are on "regular" food - you will be able to get more protein in without the use of shakes and what not. I know some docs (mine included) were not big fans of shakes. She wanted me off of them as soon as possible. Obviously...first couple of weeks when it was only liquids...I had to use the shakes...but as she advanced my diet, she specifically told me to cut out the shakes.
It takes some getting used to and some "working" to get it all in and figure out what protein is best when etc etc.
Be proud of your accomplishments thus far and following the rules. Regardless of what your surgeon says, do NOT let the number get into your head. Everyone is different. Just make sure you are being 1000% honest with yourself when you say you are following the rules. if you truly are, then the weight will come off. I only say this because I know I can fool MYSELF into thinking I'm doing everything right when in all honesty, I know deep down inside I'm not.
One step, one gm of protein, one minute of exercise at a time!
Oh - and good vent session never hurt, so feel free anytime!
Instead of complaining that the rosebush has thorns, be happy that the thorn bush has roses. 
Just to jump in and add my 2 cents worth. . . as said, follow the surgeon's rules, however, log your food daily on a site such as Sparkpeople.com or Fitday.com as you will get a good idea of just how many carbs, fats and proteins, as well as the caloric intake daily. . . as for the caloric intake, where I had my surgery, and Dr. B was there at one time, they don't concentrate on calories, however, in the early stages, I think my caloric intake was about 900 to 1200 per day and I was a "slow" loser. Too little calories can wreck havoc as much as too many, so as has been said, log food to see where you are at and so long as you are following the guidelines given to you and incorporating physical activity, you will do fine, the scale does not tell the whole story, so if you have not been doing so, take measurements monthly and oftentimes in the first year, you will see inches and the pounds take time to measure on the scale.
Best wishes on your journey, Laureen
Best wishes on your journey, Laureen
My Mantra is that I do not determine my success by the number hanging in my closet, nor will I let the scale determine that success either. . . It is through trial and error I will continue to grow and succeed. . . Laureen
"Success is a journey, not a destination." Ben Sweetland
Thanks for the suggestions everyone and thanks for letting me vent a little. I added livestrong and spark people to the iphone today to start journaling there instead of on paper. I have everything set to discuss with my nut next week so that I can make sure I am doing what I am supposed to and clarify some questions.
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
HW 326/SW 296/CW 168
Most Active
Recent Topics
