May I join this forum?

I'm 8 months post op. My coach at OH recommended that I join this forum, but it appears that I may need to wait another 4 months. I hope that will not be the case.

I'm an extremely slower loser... in part because I had my surgery in India where i currently live. I received absolutely no post-op care... And the foods available here to support high protein, low carb, low calorie diets are few and far between. For example, no protein powder here. Needless to say, it's been a challenge... but i'm very committed to the process, no matter how long it takes.

OH is my life line. This is where i have received all my medical, nutrition, exercise and other weightloss advice. So I appreciate it like you wouldn't imagine. I recently got a WLS coach since i need the support and motivation. Food cravings have begun to set in.

I also travel a lot for my work as a social scientist... so being away from home and eating in airports and hotel buffets is often a 'set-up'-- so, once again... this support is invaluable.

The good news is that i've gone from size 22 to 16. I've lost about 66 lbs. When I'm in New Delhi, where i live, i exercise every day. I maintain a daily record of my protein, carb and calorie intake on Fit day. I'm motivated, supportive and determined.

My old forum (VSG) has an entirely new set of people most of which are newbies. While this is not a bad thing, what i like about this forum is that it focuses on just the kinds of issues I"m thinking a lot about. For example, I'd like to join in on the "accountability" groups as much as possible.

I'm hoping that i've made a strong case for my joining this group and people will not mind my participation.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Rani

WEOW NO PROTEIN SHAKES??? what the heck would I do in india, I practically live on those things....2-3 a day almost everyday.   But you are fortunate with the VSG, you do not necessarily need protein shakes, because you do not have any malabsorbtion, you just need to make sure you eat enough protein everyday.   I don't see any reason you can't post here, when I first joined OH, this forum was for people who were at least a year out, and who were done with asking all the "newbie" questions....but things have become a bit more relaxed in the last few years. Good luck to you.... Scott

Rani,  as far as I'm concerned, you're very welcome!  I'm sure from the reading you've done you know that we mainly discuss the challenges of maintaining your loss.  We're also not real active on the weekends! I can understand that you might not be able to buy protein powder in India, but can you not have it shipped to you?  What about your vitamins?  Do you have any issues there? Michele

No... shipping isn't possible. I recently had friends bring over some protein powder which has helped. Except for sublingual B-12, vitamins aren't a problem...

Of course your welcome!!!!!!!!   WELCOME!!

Rani, welcome. I hope you find our group informative and supportive. I know I have .

Congratulations on your weight loss. Try not to compare your weight loss to others, we all lose at different rates.  It sounds like you are doing all that you can with what is available to you, Just keep it up.

Wishing you continued success along your weight loss journey.

Sher

You should be very proud of yourself, not only because you reached out, but because you have persevered.  It's amazing that you are able to keep moving forward even when you don't have everything you need. Send me a note if you need to chat.  I had the VG (VSG) as well. 

Welcome to the "grads board"!  Although you are not a year post-op, if you think the issues discussed here are relevant to where you are in your weight loss journey, I say come and join us!  You are facing some unique challenges, and you're doing great!  I still check out the main forum periodically, and although I don't have a lot in common with newbies, there are still lots of "oldies" like me who post there, and I can always find info that is informative or entertaining!  And sometimes I still learn something from reading questions & answers from the newbies' posts!

I think you'll be very welcome here! It sounds like you've worked hard for your success.

Welcome! I often wonder what people would do if they couldn't find protein supplements without eating food to get their protein in.  I didn't use much if any protein supplements for many months at a time (Such as powders or protein bars) for 4 years either. I couldn't stomach them. But I did use some isopure in the begining stages of weight loss.  I don't know how you did it. I did get in some protein supps here and there.  Good for you!!!   I was getting 60-80 g's of prtein before I found a protein powder i like...and to be 100% honest...I don't know what difference it has made if any. I made too many other changes recently to even guess. It must be interesting and challenging for you to live in a different culture with such unique needs.  I think you will find much support and help here. I don't know anything about your surgery...but I do know about the struggles of maintaining. I haven't got it all figured out just yet!  So even 4 years later, I know I haven't got the ultimate answesr and so 8 months out is not much difference from me standing here at 4 years out!  Hugs Anita