Just Me
January 1, 2008
Jan 01, 2008
Wow, I hope this is saved.
WHAT HAPPENED???? Last year at this time I weighed 136 pounds or so... now??? I weigh just at 150, give or take two pounds depending upon clothes, and time of the month.
The weight gain occurred between May and December of this year. I had a seriously traumatic experience and my activity was drastically decreased. Without the scales, I gained about 8 pounds without knowing it. Then the other ten piled out like OVERNIGHT!!!
One advantage however, I'm told that I when I was at goal weight I looked very old, and now I don't look so old. The lower body lift I had scheduled for the late summer/fall was put on hold. Now I really need it.
Let's see what each month holds, shall we?
WHAT HAPPENED???? Last year at this time I weighed 136 pounds or so... now??? I weigh just at 150, give or take two pounds depending upon clothes, and time of the month.
The weight gain occurred between May and December of this year. I had a seriously traumatic experience and my activity was drastically decreased. Without the scales, I gained about 8 pounds without knowing it. Then the other ten piled out like OVERNIGHT!!!
One advantage however, I'm told that I when I was at goal weight I looked very old, and now I don't look so old. The lower body lift I had scheduled for the late summer/fall was put on hold. Now I really need it.
Let's see what each month holds, shall we?
Updated Blog
Oct 12, 2007
Prior to RNY
My Weight was 228
The Obesityhelp.com Goal--135
My Personal Goal is 120
My height is 5'4"
My BMI was 39.1
My BMI goal is 20.6
June 1st..... 228
July 1st.....201
Aug 1st.....189
Sept 1st.....178
Oct 1st..... 172
Nov 1st......162
Dec 1st .... ??? not sure
Jan 5th ... 151
Feb 1st . . . 147
Mar 1st . . . 142
April 1st...... 138 Goal was 135
May 1st...... 136 Goal was 131
December 25th 2006 135 or 136
October 12th 2007 139 or 140
January 1st 2008 150 or 148
March 1st 2008 153 (Eating what I should not now.) Weight shot up almost 10 pounds in about 3 weeks.
May 22, 2008 158 (more or less)
May 22, 2008 NOt on a diet
Drinking with meals and consuming approximately 2 cups
of food per meal. 4 to 5 meals per day. Now I understand why I should only eat 3 meals and 2 snacks max. Because those "tiny" mini meals, started at 200 calories and now are full blown meals. 5 times a day. Gotta do this, but am depressed and figure I am using food like I used too. Okay we'll see what next month looks like.
October 12th, 2007
Finally able to edit my profile. In June of 2006 I weighed about 129 to 131 pounds. I was wearing about a size 8. Some sixes would fit on my body. Being excited, of course I just had to have them because the label read "size 6" : - )
As of this point October 12th I weigh about 139 or 140... maybe I weight 138 on a good day, but I am counting it as 140. That's approximately 5 pounds more than I weighed about a month or so ago. Becoming depressed and experiencing a HUGE life changing event ...food was being inserted into my mouth when I wasn't really hungry. I couldn't quite tell when I was hungry, angry, scared or just didn't quite know. So my mouth and my hands had a fight. The scale didn't jump fast. It was slow, but one day I was shocked when I could no longer fit in my size 8 pants.
If I could have a lap band put on me I would do it. Thought about shots to my stomach which act similar to botox in that they numb the stomach. Hunger then becomes abated. Also thought about this new procedures out in Europe which physically closes the stomach a bit and makes it smaller. Didn't like that idea because I'm not interested in stretching the stomach... I want the hunger pangs removed and the opening into the stomach consistently small.
Anyway, that's my latest update. Seeking to have a full body lift. Am worried about this surgery much more so than the RNY surgery I had performed on me. Not sure why... guess I fear infection or some type of damage.
December 25th 2006
Reading my profile... amazed I have not gained over 136 for over 7 months. Still wish to lose about 15 pounds... but when I weighed 129 everyone said I looked ill and sickly. We'll see how I do in 3 months.
(During May or June the least I had weighed during this journey was 129. The most I weighed during April was 140 and the least I weighed was 133. Though I am meeting the Obesityhelp.com weight loss planner monthly goal, I was a bit shy of my personal goals the last two months. I am about 15 pounds shy of my ultimate personal goal. My personal goal for May 1st was 131. The month previous month's goal was 135 ... scheduled to reach 120 by June 1st. IL'll be happy if I weigh 135 by June 1st)
The surgery went great. The results are wonderful. However, people are telling me I am looking bad right now. When I look in the mirror, at times, I do see a scrawny neck and emaciated shoulders... but my stomach is still quite large. I can fit into a 10 as well as most 8's. With Plastic Surgery, such as a body lift, I have no doubt I could fit in a 6 easily. ... )
My goal is to continue to lose, but more specifically to look good. I'm wondering if it is the stress making me look bad, or if in fact I have lost too much MUSCLE in my face/shoulders/ etc..... )
Dr. Agurrie oversaw/performed superiorly. He and his staff are as good or better than anyone I know here in the states. I can say that with confidence since I have been with family members in the hospital 9 out of the last 12 months. His skills are exceptional.
I want to beat the odds. Having had surgery in Mexico I am acutely aware I have no followup surgeon. This is my responsibility to observe and obtain yearly tests and follow "the rules" to ensure success. Studies indicate that "Gastric bypass isn't a surefire cure for obesity. Within the first 2 years of surgery, patients typically lose 75 percent of the extra weight they were carrying. Five years out, 85 percent of patients have regained about half of the weight they've lost. The other 15 percent have gained back even more." (Prevention Magazine http://www.prevention.com/article/0,5778,s1-1-77-286-4885-2,00.html)
Reprint:
T-H-I-N-K For Weight Loss SUCCESS
T - Take a step back
H - Is this a Habit or are you Hungry, (or Angry, Lonely, or Tired?)
I - Is this food/behavior worth it?
N - NOW is the time to act!
K - Know your triggers (both foods and moods and face them)
Determine hunger by asking "Am I physically hungry?"
Identify feelings that are provoking the urge to eat.
Manage feelings with alternate activities
Address the problem by asking "What am I hungry for?"
The following message is from Women's World Magazine 1/31/06 issue. It was such an inspiration, I forward it to you in hopes it inspires you as it did me. I originally saw it in profile of fellow member Luvit~ Sunny
A Moment For You --
"So many of us measure ourselves against others -- and feel like we fall short. Or maybe it's someone else's expectations you think you don't live up to -- or your own impossibly high standards you're anxious about meeting. But you are kind, capable, smart and strong. You've got your own special brand of beauty, and a unique blend of great qualities. No one can match that! The only thing about you that really needs tweaking is your self-image! So go ahead and stand a little taller today. You are fabulous! You are beyond compare!"
Personal Note:
~~ I am so glad that God created us in His image but unique to ourself. Only He could do that!~~
http://www.renewedreflections.com/gastric-bypass-information/gastric-bypass-pouch-rules/#more-31
http://www.thinnerself.com/files/Expect_Chart-Inches-BP-52.htm
http://www.shapefit.com/cardio-exercises.html
http://exercise.about.com/cs/weightloss/a/day_two.htm
http://www.smarthealthstore.com/pdf/protein101.pdf
http://www.ritecare.com/nutritional/vitamins.asp
http://www.misila.org/Misi/FAQ.asp
http://searchwarp.com/swa5818.htm (profect & Actinase)
http://www.calorie-count.com/calories/calories-goal.php
http://www.nikkiinmd.com/pouch_rules.htm
http://www.karlloren.com/diet/p117.htm
http://www.annecollins.com/how-carbs-affect-blood-sugar.htm
http://www.curezone.com/cleanse/liver/huldas_recipe.asp
http://1stholistic.com/Nutrition/hol_nutr_does-excess-protein-turn-to-fat.htm
http://home.howstuffworks.com/food.htm
http://www.fitday.com
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/information/post+op+planner.php
Ideal Day with Vitamins (daily)
Vitamin A (Beta Form) 10,000 mg
Vitamin B1 (thamine) 100 mg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) 100 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 100 mg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) 250 mg
Vitamin B6 (Panthothenic Acid) 100 mcg
Vitamin B12 (Methocobalamin) 1 gram
Folic Acid 800 mcg
Biotin 300 mcg
Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid 1 Gram
Vitamin C Ascorbyl Palmitite 500 mg
Vitamin E 800 IU
Calcium 1,500 mg (Same as Magnesium)
Chromium Polynicotinate 800 mcg
Magnesium 1,500 mg (Same as Calcium)
Selenium 200 mg
Zinc 30 mg
Amino Acids
L-Carnatine 200 mg
Acetyl-L-Carnitine 1500 mg
Qc10 300 mg
Glutamine 3 Grams
Pycogenol 100 mg
GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid) 40 mg in 1000 mg of borage oil
CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) 4 Grams
Other
Alpha Lipic Acid 1 gram
Fish Oil 6-9 Grams (3 grams with each meal)
Astaxanthin 2 mg
Maitake Griron SX Fraction for health
DMAE 100 mg
Atkins Suggests also...
Choline 1500 mg
Inositol 2000 mg
SAMe 800 mg
Phosphatidyl serine 400 mg
Phosphadtidyl Choline 400 mg
Ginko Biloba 240 mg
Octascosanol 20 mg
I saw the following information on Cajun Girl's website... I copy it here to keep for my records, and hope you find it useful as well.
Cajun Girl Wrote:
April 5, 2006 ~~ Luann wrote this to a lady on the Grad Board that is struggling with weight-gain and unwise choices, it really has merit and wanted to "save it" for the future.
RE: Keep getting fatter
Response from Luann Champeau at 10:55 AM PST on 04/05/2006
Green Bay, WI
Kevin Wasco, M.D.
Deb. I'm fighting a 20llb weight gain in the last year. My lowest was 147lbs a few days prior to my TT on 4/9/2005. Today, my weight has risen to 167lbs. Everyday I fight the battle NOT to snack. That is my downfall and weakenss. I take each day, on day at a time and try and follow the rules below: My support to you!!!, You can do it!!!
Rule 1: Protein First:
The first rule for living after Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) is Protein Firs. That means eating protein for three daily meals, and protein must be 50 percent of food intake. Animal products are the most nutrient rich source of protein and include fish, poultry and meat. Dairy protein, including eggs, is another excellent source of protein. Nuts and legumes are also good sources of protein, but sometimes difficult for the bariatric patient to consume.
Science is proving that a protein rich diet will prompt weight loss and increase energy. The body contains over fifty-thousand different active proteins all made out of the same building blocks: amino acids. Amino acids are made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen as well as sulfur, phosphorus and iron. Many diseases, including obesity, indicate an amino acid deficiency.
Weight loss surgery patients don't have a choice, they must eat lean protein or they will get sick, anemic, and weary. Weight loss will cease if they eat processed carbohydrates instead of lean protein. Dumping or vomiting may also result if patients do not eat lean protein for the first half of every meal.
The distinction must be made between high fat proteins and lean proteins. A gastric bypass patient cannot tolerate high fat proteins such as bacon, fatty beef or sausage products or greasy fried chicken: these foods cause nausea and vomiting. In addition, these high fat protein rich items are contributors to obesity and should be avoided by anyone wishing to control their weight.
Rule 2: Drink lots of water
Dieters are often told to drink water. Drink a minimum of 64 ounces a day, which is eight glasses a day. Gastric-bypass patients don't have a choice: they must drink lots water. Other beverages including coffee, tea, milk, soft drinks and alcohol are forbidden. Water is the essential fluid for living. Water is one of the most important nutrients the body needs to stay healthy, vibrant and energetic. A tell-tell sign of a gastric bypass patient is the ever-present water bottle.
The human body is a magnificent vessel full of water. The brain is more than 75 percent water and 80 percent of blood is water. In fact, water plays a critical role in every system of the human body. Water regulates body temperature, removes wastes, carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells, cushions the joints, prevents constipation, flushes toxins from the kidneys and liver and dissolves vitamins, minerals and other nutrients for the body's use.
Nutritionists say a precise measure of the body's need for water is to divide body weight (pounds) in half and drink that many ounces every day. That number could well exceed 200 ounces a day for morbidly obese people actively engaged in weight loss.
The body will panic if actual water intake is significantly less than required. Blood cannot flow, waste processes are disrupted and the electrolytes become imbalanced. Proper hydration prevents inflammation, promotes osmosis and moistens lung surfaces for gas diffusion. It helps the body regulate temperature, irrigate the cells and organs and promotes all functions of elimination. Certainly by drinking plenty of water many people could resolve inflammation and elimination problems that result from insufficient water intake. Adequate water facilitates weight loss.
Rule 3: No Snacking
Gastric bypass patients are instructed to avoid snacking. No exceptions.
Snacking is the worst possible thing a WLS patient can do. If patients snack they cease to lose weight and could possibly regain weight. In addition gastric bypass snackers risk severe swings in blood sugar levels and glucose overdose, they fail to move forward to the healthy life that surgery makes possible. They feel like failures when the WLS does not result in weight loss.
The nature of gastric bypass surgery gives patients an edge on beating the snacking habit. When a patient eats three protein-rich meals a day the body's fuel requirements are met and satiation results. Hunger does not occur if water is sipped throughout the day. If a patient is taking vitamins they will not be nutritionally wanting. Given that, patients who snack are doing so out of the very habit that contributed to obesity.
If a dieter must snack they must be mindful of their choices. Fruits, vegetables and lean proteins will contributed to wellness and weight loss. Processed carbohydrate convenience foods fail to meet nutritional needs or facilitate weight loss and should be avoided.
Successful WLS patients understand that snacking is bariatric purgatory. When they begin to snack weight loss will cease and weight gain will certainly result. Successful weight loss patients who maintain their weight loss years after surgery do not snack. The same is true for all successful dieters regardless of the means by which they initially lost weight.
Rule 4: Exercise
The final rule, the one WLS despise the most, patients must exercise every day.
Nothing is more disappointing than hearing a gastric bypass patient brag that they didn't have to exercise to lose weight. Its true; patients will lose weight without lifting a finger. But patients who do not use the time of rapid weight loss to incorporate exercise into their lifestyle are doing themselves a grave disservice.
Obesity cripples the body. Bone tissues are compromised, joints are swollen, the vascular system is inadequate and the skeleton overburdened. As weight is lost, the burden on the bones, joints and vascular system is decreased. However, the body is a magnificent machine. Given proper nutrition and physical motion it will rebuild its broken framework. The systems can become strong and vital.
The most effective way to heal the body from the ravages of obesity is to exercise. Exercise means moving the body: walking, stretching, bending, inhaling and exhaling. Exercise is the most effective, most enjoyable, most beneficial gift one can bestow on themselves in the recovery from life threatening, crippling morbid obesity. People who successfully maintain their weight exercise daily.
Conclusion:
Successful weight loss surgery patients will tell you these are the four rules they live by, that the gastric bypass is only a tool to facilitate mindful behavior for better health. They will confirm that weight control, even with surgery, takes a lifetime of diligent attention to their bodies and behavior. They will assure you it isn't easy, but the results are worth the effort.
Breaking Plateaus:
Do this for 10 days to break plateau
1) Drink 2 quarts of water a day
2) You must have 45 grams of protein supplement and all your vitamin & mineral supplements each day
3) you may consume up to 3 oz. of the following high-protein foods, 5 times a day:
• beef
• pork
• chicken
• turkey
• lamb
• fish
• eggs
• low-fat cheese
• cottage cheese
• plain yogurt or artificially sweetened
• peanut butter
• beans/legumes
You may also have:
• sugar free Popsicles
• tea or coffee
• sugar free sodas
• sugar free Jell-O
• broths and bullions
• Crystal Lite drinks
4) IF IT IS NOT ON THE LIST YOU CANNOT HAVE IT FOR 10 DAYS
5) Keep a food diary and get up to 30 minutes of exercise daily.
My Weight was 228
The Obesityhelp.com Goal--135
My Personal Goal is 120
My height is 5'4"
My BMI was 39.1
My BMI goal is 20.6
June 1st..... 228
July 1st.....201
Aug 1st.....189
Sept 1st.....178
Oct 1st..... 172
Nov 1st......162
Dec 1st .... ??? not sure
Jan 5th ... 151
Feb 1st . . . 147
Mar 1st . . . 142
April 1st...... 138 Goal was 135
May 1st...... 136 Goal was 131
December 25th 2006 135 or 136
October 12th 2007 139 or 140
January 1st 2008 150 or 148
March 1st 2008 153 (Eating what I should not now.) Weight shot up almost 10 pounds in about 3 weeks.
May 22, 2008 158 (more or less)
May 22, 2008 NOt on a diet
Drinking with meals and consuming approximately 2 cups
of food per meal. 4 to 5 meals per day. Now I understand why I should only eat 3 meals and 2 snacks max. Because those "tiny" mini meals, started at 200 calories and now are full blown meals. 5 times a day. Gotta do this, but am depressed and figure I am using food like I used too. Okay we'll see what next month looks like.
October 12th, 2007
Finally able to edit my profile. In June of 2006 I weighed about 129 to 131 pounds. I was wearing about a size 8. Some sixes would fit on my body. Being excited, of course I just had to have them because the label read "size 6" : - )
As of this point October 12th I weigh about 139 or 140... maybe I weight 138 on a good day, but I am counting it as 140. That's approximately 5 pounds more than I weighed about a month or so ago. Becoming depressed and experiencing a HUGE life changing event ...food was being inserted into my mouth when I wasn't really hungry. I couldn't quite tell when I was hungry, angry, scared or just didn't quite know. So my mouth and my hands had a fight. The scale didn't jump fast. It was slow, but one day I was shocked when I could no longer fit in my size 8 pants.
If I could have a lap band put on me I would do it. Thought about shots to my stomach which act similar to botox in that they numb the stomach. Hunger then becomes abated. Also thought about this new procedures out in Europe which physically closes the stomach a bit and makes it smaller. Didn't like that idea because I'm not interested in stretching the stomach... I want the hunger pangs removed and the opening into the stomach consistently small.
Anyway, that's my latest update. Seeking to have a full body lift. Am worried about this surgery much more so than the RNY surgery I had performed on me. Not sure why... guess I fear infection or some type of damage.
December 25th 2006
Reading my profile... amazed I have not gained over 136 for over 7 months. Still wish to lose about 15 pounds... but when I weighed 129 everyone said I looked ill and sickly. We'll see how I do in 3 months.
(During May or June the least I had weighed during this journey was 129. The most I weighed during April was 140 and the least I weighed was 133. Though I am meeting the Obesityhelp.com weight loss planner monthly goal, I was a bit shy of my personal goals the last two months. I am about 15 pounds shy of my ultimate personal goal. My personal goal for May 1st was 131. The month previous month's goal was 135 ... scheduled to reach 120 by June 1st. IL'll be happy if I weigh 135 by June 1st)
The surgery went great. The results are wonderful. However, people are telling me I am looking bad right now. When I look in the mirror, at times, I do see a scrawny neck and emaciated shoulders... but my stomach is still quite large. I can fit into a 10 as well as most 8's. With Plastic Surgery, such as a body lift, I have no doubt I could fit in a 6 easily. ... )
My goal is to continue to lose, but more specifically to look good. I'm wondering if it is the stress making me look bad, or if in fact I have lost too much MUSCLE in my face/shoulders/ etc..... )
Dr. Agurrie oversaw/performed superiorly. He and his staff are as good or better than anyone I know here in the states. I can say that with confidence since I have been with family members in the hospital 9 out of the last 12 months. His skills are exceptional.
I want to beat the odds. Having had surgery in Mexico I am acutely aware I have no followup surgeon. This is my responsibility to observe and obtain yearly tests and follow "the rules" to ensure success. Studies indicate that "Gastric bypass isn't a surefire cure for obesity. Within the first 2 years of surgery, patients typically lose 75 percent of the extra weight they were carrying. Five years out, 85 percent of patients have regained about half of the weight they've lost. The other 15 percent have gained back even more." (Prevention Magazine http://www.prevention.com/article/0,5778,s1-1-77-286-4885-2,00.html)
Reprint:
T-H-I-N-K For Weight Loss SUCCESS
T - Take a step back
H - Is this a Habit or are you Hungry, (or Angry, Lonely, or Tired?)
I - Is this food/behavior worth it?
N - NOW is the time to act!
K - Know your triggers (both foods and moods and face them)
Determine hunger by asking "Am I physically hungry?"
Identify feelings that are provoking the urge to eat.
Manage feelings with alternate activities
Address the problem by asking "What am I hungry for?"
The following message is from Women's World Magazine 1/31/06 issue. It was such an inspiration, I forward it to you in hopes it inspires you as it did me. I originally saw it in profile of fellow member Luvit~ Sunny
A Moment For You --
"So many of us measure ourselves against others -- and feel like we fall short. Or maybe it's someone else's expectations you think you don't live up to -- or your own impossibly high standards you're anxious about meeting. But you are kind, capable, smart and strong. You've got your own special brand of beauty, and a unique blend of great qualities. No one can match that! The only thing about you that really needs tweaking is your self-image! So go ahead and stand a little taller today. You are fabulous! You are beyond compare!"
Personal Note:
~~ I am so glad that God created us in His image but unique to ourself. Only He could do that!~~
http://www.renewedreflections.com/gastric-bypass-information/gastric-bypass-pouch-rules/#more-31
http://www.thinnerself.com/files/Expect_Chart-Inches-BP-52.htm
http://www.shapefit.com/cardio-exercises.html
http://exercise.about.com/cs/weightloss/a/day_two.htm
http://www.smarthealthstore.com/pdf/protein101.pdf
http://www.ritecare.com/nutritional/vitamins.asp
http://www.misila.org/Misi/FAQ.asp
http://searchwarp.com/swa5818.htm (profect & Actinase)
http://www.calorie-count.com/calories/calories-goal.php
http://www.nikkiinmd.com/pouch_rules.htm
http://www.karlloren.com/diet/p117.htm
http://www.annecollins.com/how-carbs-affect-blood-sugar.htm
http://www.curezone.com/cleanse/liver/huldas_recipe.asp
http://1stholistic.com/Nutrition/hol_nutr_does-excess-protein-turn-to-fat.htm
http://home.howstuffworks.com/food.htm
http://www.fitday.com
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/information/post+op+planner.php
Ideal Day with Vitamins (daily)
Vitamin A (Beta Form) 10,000 mg
Vitamin B1 (thamine) 100 mg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) 100 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 100 mg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) 250 mg
Vitamin B6 (Panthothenic Acid) 100 mcg
Vitamin B12 (Methocobalamin) 1 gram
Folic Acid 800 mcg
Biotin 300 mcg
Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid 1 Gram
Vitamin C Ascorbyl Palmitite 500 mg
Vitamin E 800 IU
Calcium 1,500 mg (Same as Magnesium)
Chromium Polynicotinate 800 mcg
Magnesium 1,500 mg (Same as Calcium)
Selenium 200 mg
Zinc 30 mg
Amino Acids
L-Carnatine 200 mg
Acetyl-L-Carnitine 1500 mg
Qc10 300 mg
Glutamine 3 Grams
Pycogenol 100 mg
GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid) 40 mg in 1000 mg of borage oil
CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) 4 Grams
Other
Alpha Lipic Acid 1 gram
Fish Oil 6-9 Grams (3 grams with each meal)
Astaxanthin 2 mg
Maitake Griron SX Fraction for health
DMAE 100 mg
Atkins Suggests also...
Choline 1500 mg
Inositol 2000 mg
SAMe 800 mg
Phosphatidyl serine 400 mg
Phosphadtidyl Choline 400 mg
Ginko Biloba 240 mg
Octascosanol 20 mg
I saw the following information on Cajun Girl's website... I copy it here to keep for my records, and hope you find it useful as well.
Cajun Girl Wrote:
April 5, 2006 ~~ Luann wrote this to a lady on the Grad Board that is struggling with weight-gain and unwise choices, it really has merit and wanted to "save it" for the future.
RE: Keep getting fatter
Response from Luann Champeau at 10:55 AM PST on 04/05/2006
Green Bay, WI
Kevin Wasco, M.D.
Deb. I'm fighting a 20llb weight gain in the last year. My lowest was 147lbs a few days prior to my TT on 4/9/2005. Today, my weight has risen to 167lbs. Everyday I fight the battle NOT to snack. That is my downfall and weakenss. I take each day, on day at a time and try and follow the rules below: My support to you!!!, You can do it!!!
Rule 1: Protein First:
The first rule for living after Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) is Protein Firs. That means eating protein for three daily meals, and protein must be 50 percent of food intake. Animal products are the most nutrient rich source of protein and include fish, poultry and meat. Dairy protein, including eggs, is another excellent source of protein. Nuts and legumes are also good sources of protein, but sometimes difficult for the bariatric patient to consume.
Science is proving that a protein rich diet will prompt weight loss and increase energy. The body contains over fifty-thousand different active proteins all made out of the same building blocks: amino acids. Amino acids are made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen as well as sulfur, phosphorus and iron. Many diseases, including obesity, indicate an amino acid deficiency.
Weight loss surgery patients don't have a choice, they must eat lean protein or they will get sick, anemic, and weary. Weight loss will cease if they eat processed carbohydrates instead of lean protein. Dumping or vomiting may also result if patients do not eat lean protein for the first half of every meal.
The distinction must be made between high fat proteins and lean proteins. A gastric bypass patient cannot tolerate high fat proteins such as bacon, fatty beef or sausage products or greasy fried chicken: these foods cause nausea and vomiting. In addition, these high fat protein rich items are contributors to obesity and should be avoided by anyone wishing to control their weight.
Rule 2: Drink lots of water
Dieters are often told to drink water. Drink a minimum of 64 ounces a day, which is eight glasses a day. Gastric-bypass patients don't have a choice: they must drink lots water. Other beverages including coffee, tea, milk, soft drinks and alcohol are forbidden. Water is the essential fluid for living. Water is one of the most important nutrients the body needs to stay healthy, vibrant and energetic. A tell-tell sign of a gastric bypass patient is the ever-present water bottle.
The human body is a magnificent vessel full of water. The brain is more than 75 percent water and 80 percent of blood is water. In fact, water plays a critical role in every system of the human body. Water regulates body temperature, removes wastes, carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells, cushions the joints, prevents constipation, flushes toxins from the kidneys and liver and dissolves vitamins, minerals and other nutrients for the body's use.
Nutritionists say a precise measure of the body's need for water is to divide body weight (pounds) in half and drink that many ounces every day. That number could well exceed 200 ounces a day for morbidly obese people actively engaged in weight loss.
The body will panic if actual water intake is significantly less than required. Blood cannot flow, waste processes are disrupted and the electrolytes become imbalanced. Proper hydration prevents inflammation, promotes osmosis and moistens lung surfaces for gas diffusion. It helps the body regulate temperature, irrigate the cells and organs and promotes all functions of elimination. Certainly by drinking plenty of water many people could resolve inflammation and elimination problems that result from insufficient water intake. Adequate water facilitates weight loss.
Rule 3: No Snacking
Gastric bypass patients are instructed to avoid snacking. No exceptions.
Snacking is the worst possible thing a WLS patient can do. If patients snack they cease to lose weight and could possibly regain weight. In addition gastric bypass snackers risk severe swings in blood sugar levels and glucose overdose, they fail to move forward to the healthy life that surgery makes possible. They feel like failures when the WLS does not result in weight loss.
The nature of gastric bypass surgery gives patients an edge on beating the snacking habit. When a patient eats three protein-rich meals a day the body's fuel requirements are met and satiation results. Hunger does not occur if water is sipped throughout the day. If a patient is taking vitamins they will not be nutritionally wanting. Given that, patients who snack are doing so out of the very habit that contributed to obesity.
If a dieter must snack they must be mindful of their choices. Fruits, vegetables and lean proteins will contributed to wellness and weight loss. Processed carbohydrate convenience foods fail to meet nutritional needs or facilitate weight loss and should be avoided.
Successful WLS patients understand that snacking is bariatric purgatory. When they begin to snack weight loss will cease and weight gain will certainly result. Successful weight loss patients who maintain their weight loss years after surgery do not snack. The same is true for all successful dieters regardless of the means by which they initially lost weight.
Rule 4: Exercise
The final rule, the one WLS despise the most, patients must exercise every day.
Nothing is more disappointing than hearing a gastric bypass patient brag that they didn't have to exercise to lose weight. Its true; patients will lose weight without lifting a finger. But patients who do not use the time of rapid weight loss to incorporate exercise into their lifestyle are doing themselves a grave disservice.
Obesity cripples the body. Bone tissues are compromised, joints are swollen, the vascular system is inadequate and the skeleton overburdened. As weight is lost, the burden on the bones, joints and vascular system is decreased. However, the body is a magnificent machine. Given proper nutrition and physical motion it will rebuild its broken framework. The systems can become strong and vital.
The most effective way to heal the body from the ravages of obesity is to exercise. Exercise means moving the body: walking, stretching, bending, inhaling and exhaling. Exercise is the most effective, most enjoyable, most beneficial gift one can bestow on themselves in the recovery from life threatening, crippling morbid obesity. People who successfully maintain their weight exercise daily.
Conclusion:
Successful weight loss surgery patients will tell you these are the four rules they live by, that the gastric bypass is only a tool to facilitate mindful behavior for better health. They will confirm that weight control, even with surgery, takes a lifetime of diligent attention to their bodies and behavior. They will assure you it isn't easy, but the results are worth the effort.
Breaking Plateaus:
Do this for 10 days to break plateau
1) Drink 2 quarts of water a day
2) You must have 45 grams of protein supplement and all your vitamin & mineral supplements each day
3) you may consume up to 3 oz. of the following high-protein foods, 5 times a day:
• beef
• pork
• chicken
• turkey
• lamb
• fish
• eggs
• low-fat cheese
• cottage cheese
• plain yogurt or artificially sweetened
• peanut butter
• beans/legumes
You may also have:
• sugar free Popsicles
• tea or coffee
• sugar free sodas
• sugar free Jell-O
• broths and bullions
• Crystal Lite drinks
4) IF IT IS NOT ON THE LIST YOU CANNOT HAVE IT FOR 10 DAYS
5) Keep a food diary and get up to 30 minutes of exercise daily.