lots of questions! long post ahead!

Hello everyone! 

I'm about 4 months post op RNY and i could use some advice/answers on a few different things! 

1. Starches/Carbs: I know that my surgeon and nut say to avoid breads, potatoes, rice, etc. but I am having such a hard time doing so! I've been eating them for the past month or so, and I almost feel guilty when I do! I've been making the healthier choices when it comes to these things, brown rice, sweet potato, and limiting breads. I still eat in the order that they recommend, with protein first. Is there a happy medium to this? Should I go back to completely cutting out all starches? What are the benefits of doing so? Will my weight loss speed up again?
2. Coffee: Okay, I'll admit it, I love coffee. Before surgery, I cut out coffee for 2 months to get used to not having it in my diet. Since then, I slowly started drinking coffee. My nut recommends no more than 12oz per day, but that just doesn't seem possible for me. I work early mornings (4am start time) as a baker and coffee is one of my crutches to get through my days. Is the reasoning behind the limited amount that it dehydrates you? Or is there another reason? 
3. Protein Shakes: I've been on solid food for a while now. Since surgery, I drink a protein shake every morning on my drive to work. Since I work so early, it's difficult for me to make a solid breakfast before leaving. The protein shake is super easy and helps jumpstart my day. (I have a cafe latte flavor protein that I mix with skim milk and coffee, IT'S DELICIOUS) Is it okay for me to still be drinking a protein shake every day or could this be adding to the reasons why my weight loss has slowed down? Any other suggestions for what to do for breakfast that early in the morning? 
4. Exercise: This is a struggle for me. I hate exercising. I dread going to the gym. I know that it's a crucial part of this journey, but I just can't bring myself to go. I have a very active job and do a lot of walking through the day. Usually, I need someone to go with me as a motivator but most of the time that isn't possible. About how much exercise do you REALLY need to speed up the weight loss? Any suggestions on how to get over my aversion to the gym? 

I've lost almost 70 lbs since the surgery and I'm very happy with my progress so far. My goal is to be in the 115-120 range. I'm hoping that your insight and wisdom can help me lose the next 30-40lbs! 

Thanks in advance for the help 

I think 70 lbs. lost in 4 months is great.  I'm 8 years out and it took me a year to lose 70 lbs. 

Carbs:  Some patients steer clear of carbs because that's what got them overweight to begin with.  Looks like the carbs you are having are good ones, but if you want to speed up your weight loss, you might want to  cut back on the starchy foods.  Carbs are definitely not my friend.

Coffee:  I have a 12 oz. cup of coffee every morning and sometimes I have an iced coffee later in the day.  I think the issue with coffee is the caffeine.  I've been drinking regular coffee but today bought a bag of flavored decaf.

Protein shakes:  My surgeon told me I would need one or two protein supplements for the rest of my life.  I can't get in my 80-100 grams of protein a day without them.  Mixing a serving of protein powder in coffee is an excellent way to increase your protein.  Protein shakes shouldn't make you gain weight unless you are adding ingredients that up the calorie count.  I use unsweetened almond milk that has 30 calories.  Look at theworldaccordingtoeggface.com for great recipes.  Also look at bariatricfoodie.com.  I make Quiche in a muffin tin and they are handy to take with you for a meal.  I made Eggface's recipe for Quiche today using ham instead of bacon.....delicious.  You might try protein bars, but read the nutritional stats carefully.  My favorite is Power Crunch.  I also like Quest bars. 

Exercise:  UGH!!  I like water aerobics but the getting dressed afterwards is a problem.  Trying to get dressed without anyone actually seeing my body is difficult.  Some of the women walk around stark naked.....ewwwwwwwwwwwww.

Hope this helps.  I'm sure you will hear from here who are very knowledgeable.

Welcome!!!

1.  I found about when I was at your point that my losses were much better if I kept the carbs really low even if the calories were the same.  I still eat low carb, almost 6 yrs out.  I do allow myself some fruit in the summer and an occasional sweet potato or really good bread when I am out but I haven't had pasta in 6 yrs and don't miss it at all. 

2.  I still drink decaf.  I brew it, instant is nasty.  Then I mix protein powder with warm water to "cream" it.  I would be hard pressed to do without that.  I have some caffeine in my crystal light but otherwise stay away from it.  The biggest benefit for me is when I am traveling, I can add a little regular coffee to my decaf and stay wake while driving. 

3.  I couldn't live without protein shakes.  I have 4 a day (some 1/2 scoop).  And it takes that and eating protein first to keep my labs good.  Some doctors want you to give them up but mine is very happy with me and my use of them.

4.  Exercise.  I really think the key to exercise is to find something you WANT to do.  It can be swimming, walking, some sport, whatever.  I compete in carriage driving and that keeps me active but I also do a muscle pump class at the gym 2 nights a week.  I love it but hate the machines at the gym.  Try zumba, kickboxing, something different and you might find you really like it.  Oh yeah, part of the reason for exercise is not just losing weight, it is keeping muscle so you will burn more fat as you keep on the journey.  Plus your skin will look much better over muscle than flab. 

Your are doing great.  Just keep on keeping on and you will get there!!!

First, congratulations because it sounds like your doing everything right, and very successfully.

Carbs are impossible to eliminate and a vital part of your nutrition. Just try to eat them in moderation. I eat about 175 to 250 grams of them a day without issue (I'm a guy).

I drink boatloads of ice tea instead of coffee. The dr and nut don't like them for the same reason - high caffeine diuretics. It doesn't bother me and I still drink a lot of it heading into month 19. 

Protein shakes are great, no issue as long as you can find a good mix for flavor and nutrition.

Exercise - my biggest revelation. It doesn't matter if you go to the gym. Get a Fitbit type steps measure and shoot for 10k steps a day. Anything north of 5k is respectable but walking the dog etc can help it add up. It's not about running, biking, etc. just get in the steps which you may be doing already thru your job. 

So far, it doesn't sound to me like you need to change anything.

I wrote you a book and lost it all!!!  So now you are going to get the short version....I'm sorry!!  Congrats on your Weight Loss!!!

1.  Starches/Carbs.....BAD BAD BAD!!!   During the losing stage they will slow you down and during maintenance when you start absorbing they will put the weight back on.

2.  Caffeine....As far as weight loss is concerned I don't worry about caffeine.  Even my Protein drinks have some caffeine in them.

3.  Protein Shakes.....I swear by GOOD WHEY PROTEIN....not over the counter protein drinks. During the losing stage I drank 4 a day which totaled around 140 grams.  During Maintenance I am absorbing the Protein food I eat so I have 2 Whey Protein Drinks a day and have increased my food Proteins.

4.  Exercising....I hate exercising!  I have noticed that in the 8 years that I've been posting on this site  that the posters who went crazy exercising after their WLS and then stopped when they got to their perfect weight (or got tired of it) really struggled to keep their weight off and most of them put a lot of their weight back on.  If you are younger I'm guessing that exercising to tighten up might be a could thing but if you are exercising to burn off the extra calories that you are consuming it is probably going to bite you in the butt when the honeymoon period is over.