My Six Month Follow-up Appointment

 I went to see my surgeon yesterday for my 6 month check-up.  I really love my surgeon.  He's a great guy.

He said my labs are good with the exception of my iron being a little low.  I told him I already started on the BA iron chews.

We talked about snacking and I told him that I eat something small - like a string cheese or something else that's 100 calories, at around 4pm.  I do that  because dinner isn't until 7 or 8 and lunch is at 1, leaving a long time between meals.  He told me to knock it off and stick to my three meals a day.  He said that snacking grows and that's how people gain their weight back.  He said to eat my dinner at 4 if I have to.  He also said that eating dinner at 8 is counterproductive because it slows down my metabolism to eat so late.  I told him that I would think about what he said.  It's just so hard to get enough food eating just 3x a day but I may give it a try.  Who knows, it may even up my weight loss.  I'm also going to try eating dinner earlier. The topic of protein shakes didn't come up this time.

He was very happy with all of my exercise and told me to keep it up.  I knew he'd say that!  :)

I told him that I was really challenging myself all summer to get to "overweight" by this visit.  He said I was only 3 pounds a way and that I did great.  YAY!

I said something about feeling good about where I'm at, especially staring down 60 in a few weeks.  He said that where I'm at would b great if I were 49, not 59.  See, that's why I like him.

I don't see him again until my 1 year surgiversary.  I told him that the goal I'm setting for myself is to be 149 pounds in a healthy body.

So I'm counting down to 149.... 1 pound at a time.

Thanks my LW family for being so supportive and fun!

Sounds like a good visit. My surgeon barely spends 2 minutes with me, but I see the dietitian and an exercise specialist and the nurse every time and they are great.

I totally don't agree with the 3 meals a day. I have read a million studies, listened to Dr Oz (I love him), heck even the trainers and drs on biggest loser and they all say eating 5-6 small meals/snacks a day are better for you and keep your metabolism going better. I have read bad things about eating late, but they always say don't eat within 2 hours of going to bed, so if you stay up late 7 or 8 wouldn't be bad. I don't know how you could go all day on 3 meals! I would die! My restriction is really good still, so I guess it might be different if you can eat more at one time. You could figure out how many calories you want to eat in a day and split it into 5 or 6 smaller meals.

Then again, I'm no Dr. so go with what you feel is right for you. No matter what, you are losing, even if it is slow, and you are kicking butt with the exercise. You are healthier and hotter than you were before surgery and that's what really matters!

 Healthier, hotter and HAPPIER!!!  I love my Sleeve.

I'm going to have to "digest' everything he said and think about it.  We spent over 30 minutes together talking.  I don't see the NUT because I don't find her helpful as it's a one plan fits all meal plan regardless of surgery, gender, age, exercise etc.  I wish we had an exercise expert, but then again, I have all of YOU!  :)

Sounds like a great visit, Lee!!  He sure has a different idea about meals than most of our LW surgeons...no snacks and from the implication that he doesn't believe in protein shakes.  I would have a hard time getting in enough protein without either of them.

Bet you make your goal...I'll sure be pulling for you!!  You are so admirable about all your hard workouts....  If I could get THAT motivated!!!! 

Did he say anything about your TSH/thyroid?

 You're right Jane.  My Kaiser has very different views on post-op nutrition.  And yes, no protein supplementation.  They figure that whatever you get from your three meals is enough.

Thanks for the goal encouragement!  Hey, you too can be an avid exerciser.  I had a great 1st month, then lost only 3 pounds the second month, so really upped the exercise during month 3. Months 4,5 and 6 were stellar for me because Zach was home and we worked out 2-3 hours a day.  

As far as the thyroid, he leaves that up to my primary doc and said she's dealing with it, so that's good.

Glad to hear things went well for you.  And you HAVE done a great job!

Figure out what works for you - we all have to.

You'll get there... and hit your goal by 1 year out!

 Thanks Jody!

Congrats on a great visit. I have no doubt you will achieve your goals.

 Thanks Andrea.  I assume school is back in session?  How have you been?

Hi Lee, I work for three schools so no matter what I am always working for someone. I hope to only be working for one place with in a year so I can have less stress and work in my life. I am working my way to establishing an emergency fund that would cover six months of expenses.  My full time role is at the New England Culinary Institute

http://www.neci.edu/?cmp=gs-brand

I've been teaching ethics and creative non fiction writing for Champlain College for five years
www.champlain.edu

And, this Fall for the first time I am teaching for the Community College of Vermont
http://www.ccv.edu/register1/?gclid=CLDRuci07KMCFUmA5QodDnkD3g

I am doing well, thanks for asking, but have been struggling for the past three months as my weight has bounced around. I've been fixated on the number on the scale and not paying enough attention to all the other changes happening like losing inches, sizes, changes in habits etc.