Most informative posts.....
posted on 1/3/10 12:51 pm
What follows is a list of previous postings on OH and my personal replies and feelings about many important issues:
What can I expect to happen at the psychiatric appointment? Why is it 3 hours long?
I am of the opinion that the mindset of a Band patient before and after surgery is the single most important reason why some have wonderful success's and why others don't.
The psychological evaluation in my opinion is the single most important pre-op test you will undergo. I feel so strongly about it, that I would chose a different WLS physician if he/she did not require it as part of the process !!
If you go back and analyze most every post where someone is complaining about their lack of success or their meager weight loss you will see that they do not have the proper outlook, lack the true commitment necessary to do what is required, fool themselves into thinking that at some miraculous point in time they will be able to return to old habits and food choices, etc etc etc.
I know for a fact, because I was one of those persons before I got on OH and really faced the realities of what a banded lifestyle would be like.
You should embrace you psychologists evaluation, they are not there to to derail you from having the surgery. Actually it's just the opposite, if they determine you are not emotionally ready, then you're probably not ready!
There is a huge gap between wanting the Lap Band surgery to work, and saying you are ready to make changes and actually committing and implementing the necessary changes to do it!!!
An OH friend recently commented that I have ultimate willpower. (HaHaHA) Not a chance, but what I do have that has carried me thus far is a determination and understanding that I will learn what I have to change and work my ass off to get it done. I am fully prepared for and expect obstacles, they will be just as discouraging for me as for anyone else, but I will overcome them with perseverance and help from my OH friends.
I need a swift kick in the a$$ to get my act together.
1. Focus on the fact that you are starting over and that this is not about a diet in any way shape or form. In a dieter's mindset, the idea is to reach a goal, usually through sacrifice and or abstinence We all have experienced the reality of not being able to keep the weight we lose off because we reward ourselves in little increments with the same old bad habits and food choices. You have to view this as if you suddenly moved to some foreign land where food as you know it doesent exsist. You have to learn to develop new food items that provide nutrition and energy within an acceptable taste pallet.
2. I would focus less on how much and more on quality. Proper restriction will take care of portions all be itself. Go to a food journal and log everything you ate yesterday. Hw did your calorie intake compare to 1000 calories. Then start to develop tomorrows menu beginning with your protein, if you chose 4 oz, calculate the calories and subtract from 1000, that's all that's left, then your veggies, etc etc etc.
You'll see pretty quickly that there won't be much room for those capaccino's or all day grazing.
3. Make yourself at least one protein shake per day, it will fill you up far more than other beverages.
4. Learn to snack on Nut's, not sweets.
5. Start you day off with a breakfast of protein items only, no carbs at all. The protein will last longer with you than the carbs will.
At the end of the day this journey is all about developing food items that are protein rich, tasty and practical for your lifestyle. Remember this, once upon a time you learned to love the taste of Cappaccino, well now it's time to learn to love the taste of something else that is better for you than that.
How long till your staples were removed?
Mine came out at the first post - op visit 1 week after surgery. It was painless and took less than a minute.
Pre-Op Diet (A big deal)
Shrinking the liver pre surgery is very important and one of the reasons why some people have less discomfort following surgery. My nutritionists plan was to limit my carbs to under 50 grams per day and eat a very high protein foods, and try to limit calories to 1000-1200. I did it for 4 weeks pre surgery and with the help of unjury protein shakes and an online food journal site like fit day or daily plate I was able to lose 22 lbs before surgery. The sooner you get used to less calories and less carbs the easier the first month to 6 weeks post - op will be as you will be hungry andthe band will not be providing any restriction. (Imagine that your pre op caloric intake will go from 2000-3000 cals to like 800 for the first 6 weeks) Why do you think it's called Bandsters Hell.
Another thing that is very necessary post op is not drinking any liquid with or immediately following your meals. I started to learn to do this in advance of the surgery and now it's almost second nature.
Changing your OH username (How to)
Here's how it's done:
Go to the very top of the OH page and click on the "my account"
on the page, you will see boxes for your First name & Last name. Erase the contents and enter the new username that you want to show up in your posts (put it in the first name box and leave the last name box empty)
Scroll down and click save
On same page look for the settings tab, click then select the message board tab. Scroll down to "Display Name preferences and select the First and last name option.
Scroll down and then click save.
That's it, your username is changed.
Protein..... It's a big deal !!
Everyone knows that a high metabolism helps to burn off and keep off unwanted pounds, as well as building strong muscles. Consuming protein has been shown to be a great step towards raising your metabolism. However, this does not mean starting a bacon and fried chicken diet, but rather adding more low-fat, nutrient rich, lean meats and legumes to your diet.
WHAT PROTEINS DO
Proteins control nearly all of the molecular processes of the body. Enzymes that are found in proteins are the catalysts of metabolism. Proteins are important in promoting repair, growth and maintenance of cells throughout the body, and they provide the amino acids human bodies cannot make naturally. All but a small percentage of the protein you take in is digested. Excess protein that is not used in cell repair or converted into amino acids is converted into sugars or fatty acids and can be burned as fuel.
HIGH PROTEIN = HIGH METABOLISM
For protein to be converted into amino acids or for it to repair and build cells requires a complex conversion,this conversion uses calories, up to 30% of the calories the protein contains, in fact.
Example: one cup of white boneless chicken breast, without the skin, contains about 230 calories 175 of those from protein. Your body will use about 30% of the calories from protein to break it down just for use. That equates to about 50 calories burned just by taking in this high-protein food. The same is true for legumes and grains that are high in protein.
Besides burning calories as the proteins are converted, they raise your metabolism by rebuilding muscle fibers faster. Muscles require more energy, or calories, to maintain themselves, even when you are not using them. The more calories your body burns, the higher your metabolism.
FISH PULLS DOUBLE DUTY
High protein often conjures images of red meat and bacon. Legumes, nuts, milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, chicken, beans and fish are all great sources of protein. Fish, especially, packs a double punch in raising metabolic rates. Besides the high protein content, most fish contains omega-3 fat, which has been shown to help humans burn more calories. The more calories you burn, the higher your metabolism gets.
TIMING IS IMPORTANT
Eating protein in the morning is essential because it creates energy that outlasts carbohydrates. A boost of protein in the morning will help prevent your body from burning muscle fiber for energy. Breaking down muscle for energy actually slows the metabolism, so it is crucial that you prevent this from happening. Don't skip lunch or dinner, either, and make sure there's protein in both. Fish twice a week is recommended and it is a quick, easy dish for either your midday or evening meal. A steady supply of protein throughout the day is very important to increase your metabolism.
If you are a late night snacker, try reaching for a high-protein nibble at night, like cheese or sliced, cooked turkey breast. You might find you sleep better and feel more satisfied with fewer night-time calories.
HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH
There is a wide range of opinions regarding the ideal amount of protein to take in to increase your metabolism. Some recommend 10% of your daily caloric intake come from protein, others recommend as much as 60% of your caloric intake come from protein. The more you exercise, especially if you practice significant weight lifting, the higher your protein intake should be, since your body tears and repairs more muscle. You are also more at risk for catabolism, or the process of burning muscle mass for energy.
A deficiency can lead to fatigue, insulin resistance, loss of muscle mass, hormone irregularities and loss of skin tone and elasticity. Vegetarians should pay close attention to their diet and make sure to include high protein grains, legumes and nuts.
Too much protein may also cause problems. You may lose calcium leading to long term bone loss. If you rely on red meats and other high-fat foods as your main source of protein, you are also at risk of high cholesterol and heart conditions related to high saturated fat levels.
A word about protein powders/premades
In my research, I came across the following which you may find helpful when chosing a protein drink or powder:
" Most lower quality protein shakes use whey protein concentrate;
High quality protein shakes use only whey protein isolate.
(Not only do you get more protein and less lactose (milk sugar) -- you get
an amazingly great taste. ) "
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