Still Struggling? Window of Opportunity?

I'm writing this post to those of you who are still struggling to get the pounds off 1 year or more after surgery. I too have struggled to get to goal weight and stay there but Have finally figured out how to do it. It's pretty simple...protein and water. Yeah, I know you hear it all the time, but it's absolutely true. Since 2 weeks before plastics, I've really pushed the protein. Getting as much as 150 grams a day sometimes but averaging about 120 grams plus drinking nearly 1 gallon of water a day. Before I did this my weight was fluctuating up and own the same 6 pounds. It's was discouraging. I thought I'd never get to goal. I thought my "window of opportunity" was long gone. But I was wrong. When I was in Lexington, I was between 161-158. Since then I've lost almost 10 pounds. I re-committed myself to eating the way I did at say 6 months out. No white food. Lots of meats, seafood, cheese and a little thing called Proto-whey vials. Those things have really helped me. 3 oz in a tube. Drink it like a shot. I take it with two pieces of cheese to help metabolize it better (It's collagen based protein, it needs something to help it metabolize). I now drink the 42 gram shots. I don't believe the "theories" that you only absorb a certain amount of protein at a time. Mainly because no one really knows. It's all conjecture. Some say 25 grams, some say 30. Guess, what? We don't really know. We do malabsorb to a certain degree, so extra can't hurt us unless you have kidney problems, but that's a whole other issue. I can find no scientific study on the absorption of protein. There is none that I can find. So I'm going to keep drinking those 40 gram vials and shakes. they are working for me. As for water. Very important. for us, 64 oz a day just might not be enough. that 64 oz a day is for the regular folk out there. We need more. Why? think about how small our pouches are. Water runs right through like a funnel. Do you notice that you have take more bathroom breaks? Cause the water runs right through. We need more. We get dehydrated so much easier now. When we are dehydrated we tend to want to eat because it makes us hungry. We also hold on to the water in our bodies longer to compensate for the lack there of in our system. Drinking more water, gets rid of water = weight loss. So going back to basics, Water and Protein, is what is going to get you to goal. I know pretty simple, but if it isn't broke, don't fix it.

Very sound advice. I would add EXERCISE. We must all do enough exercise to make us prespire nearly every day. I now feel guilty AND feel funny if I don't at least get out for a walk, long hikes being preferable. YES on the protein and water. I know Natalie has been preaching this, too. Lois

Yep, exercise too. I finally got the clearance to go back to the gym. I think If I worked out harder I could be two sizes smaller. Besides, now that I have the tummy tightened, I might be able to get a six-pack!

You know Jane you couldbe right - I know I do not drink enough water per day as I struggle to even get in 64 ounces - I need to try harder and see what happens - thanks for the advice! Jackie

I always know when I don't get enough water. Usually when I'm out and about, I often forget to drink enough and feel bad. I mean physically. I have to go home and guzzle for the rest of the night. I find that straws help me drink more.

Hi Jane, great post! Okay, I'm slow here, but what kind of protein do you drink to get in that many grams, or is it food protein? I have problems with dense meat, chicken, beef (some fish is okay) so I really try to do well on the drink protein. Anyway, I was just wondering about it. Are the proto whey those little penis looking tubes (sorry, but I don't know how else to give a really good description, and you'll know what I mean if it is them)?? Thanks Jane, love donna

. "those LITTLE penis looking tubes"??? DONNA MAE!!!! Well, I do believe ya' made me blush! (NOT) I must tell you though, dear friend, NO man ever wants to hear the word "little" before the word "penis". That's my free TIP of da' day. Love you - ME

Hi Lei, yeah, that's right. I didn't think of that. I should have said 'little vibrator shaped' thingy. That's more not to offend anyone. I'm glad none of the guys on this board jumped on me for that slip. Rather it come from you, dear friend! Thanks for the tip -- I'm going to be extra careful today when I talk about a penis!! love you!! donna

Blushing?.... Lei? I'd like to see that!!!

Yes, it's the "penis tubes" but lord lady! I never thought of them that way!! LOL. they're great. I buy them buy the case now. I also drink Micellar Milk. Kinda hard to find though. When I find it, I also order by the case. Geez, I need to open my own bariatric store, shipping prices are killing me! Basically I get half my protein from food and the other half from supplements. I;ve gotten too lazy to mix my own shakes, so I buy the read-to drink ones. I eat Shrinp, crab legs, Steak, Lunchmenats, hard-boiled eggs, cheese, Nuts, Soy products and occassionally marinated chicken. I still have some problems with chicken and pork. they have to be super-tender or mixed with some kinda sauce. I still eat carbs, but I'm strictly eating Veggies and whole-grain. I don't reccommend overloading on protein unless it's ok'd by your doc. People with Kidney problems can make them worse. It's finding the rght balance for you. I seem to loose on 80 grams or more a day. It's that PCOS rearing it's ugly head. Carbs are killers for me. The Glycemic Index diet really has the best eating plan when it comes to the low-carb diets. They allow veggies and whole grains which I think is healthier anyway.