6 Months Surgeversary

It's been a couple of weeks over 6 months.  I'd planned on posting before and during pics by now, but I haven't been able to coordinate getting them taken yet.  (I live alone.  I'll get them out there in the next couple of weeks.

I've lost 92 pounds since my pre-op diet.  I would have lost more, but got myself derailed over the holidays.  I'm totally back on track now and hope to see that scale start moving in the right direction in a couple of days.

I've also recently started transitioning to a vegan diet.  To help keep me on track, I've decided to start a blog.  I need to continue to track my carbs, fat, protein and fiber.  It's also really important that I keep taking my B12 as there is not a lot available in plant sources.  I also think the blog could be useful to other bariatric patients who want to follow a vegan diet.  There isn't a whole lot out there about it, and certainly nothing that shows a day by day progression.

This process for the most part has been pretty easy.  I've stuck to my plan and the weight has come off.  At the beginning I was taking in at least 100 grams of protein a day.  Unfortunately, I started getting abnormal kidney function tests.  I cut back the protein to 50 grams a day, and my kidney function returned to normal.  I can pretty easily get in 50 grams of protein from plant sources.  I'm working on refining that process now.  It's all part of the learning curve.

I was walking 4-5 miles a day for several months, then I got sick and my hip went out on me, and I couldn't do that anymore.  I just joined Curves on a trial basis to try and start toning.  I have 20 visits paid for, and then I'll decide if it's still something I want to continue.  Walking again has been difficult because of the incredibly cold temperatures lately, although that's what I enjoy doing the most.

I've gone from a 32 top to a 22 top.  I'm getting close to going through all the sizes that I've had saved in my closet and will have to start buying new clothes in a couple of months or so.  That should be fun!

So, I'll get those pics out as soon as I get them taken.

Jane

Wow...you're doing great.

Wow!!! Awesome job using your tool lady. 

Hi jane,

Congratulations on your 6 month anniversary and your 92 pound weight loss.

 

I'm curious how you manage to get your protein in  without eating meats, and without an abundance of carbs?  I would like to reduce my meat intake, but don't know a good substitute.

best wishes,

Carol

I get plenty of protein from beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, grains, soy milk and vegetables.  For example, I got 13 grams of protein this morning in my breakfast from oats, nuts, seeds, raisins and soy milk.  Right now I'm getting in about 100 grams of carbs a day.  My numbers are a little off sometimes due to my lack of careful planning, and the fact that I have an over-abundance of higher carb foods in the house that I'm trying to use up, but they should get better in the next couple of weeks as I get further into this.

Jane

You are doing great!  Especially with what you've been through with your hip.  I would be interested in reading you blog also to see how you get your protein in without meats (I don't want to go with no meats, but would be interested in not as much).  Keep working that sleeve, never go back!

Denise

Congratulations on a successful 6 months, Carol!  You are doing great and I give you mad props for attempting a vegan diet with this surgery.  I don't think I could hang, that takes a LOT of commitment and planning.   

Keep up the great work!  

Congrats on your 92 pound loss in six months. Awesome!

Happy 6 month surgiversary!  You are doing a fabulous job, learning how to work your tool even when life throws you curve balls!  You seem to be really embracing the lifestyle changes!  Can't wait to see the pix

Way to go and WAY to be getting back after it!  Your plan sounds thoughtful and I hope you can get back with doing the exercise of your choice- walking.  My go to most every day.  Smiles your way!  Happy clothes shopping!