Settling In , the Dreaded 3 Week Stall, & Exercise

Things have been going pretty well. I was instructed by my dietician to get in at least 65 grams of protein per day along with 64oz or more of water as well. I have been hitting the protein target by eating six small meals per day. My meals consist of 2oz of protein in the form of shrimp, fish, chicken, cheese, protein shakes and beans. I have not had any substantial amount of milk since surgery. Ever since eating yogurt and getting sick from it (nauseous and a golf ball sensation in my throat) I have been reluctant to have any milk products. I tried a very small amount of yogurt for second time and it went ok, but I still don't want a repeat of the previous experience. This weekend I plan on getting some greek yogurt and Silk milk to try. I am now on a soft diet and can eat most things except those with hard pieces, nuts, seeds and raw fruits and vegetables. I am cleared to add those things slowly into my diet next week on Thursday. I really feel like I am slowly but surely settling into my new life with my tiny stomach.

Eating is becoming somewhat boring, believe it or not! I loved meat prior to surgery. A meal was not complete if there was no meat!! I never could understand how a dish like macaroni and cheese was considered a main entree as it was meatless. So when I realized that protein was the main food choice with the VSG surgery I knew it was for me. Well, here it comes...I AM SICK OF MEAT, LOL!! I want a salad and some fruit. I can have the fruit (not raw) at this point but only after I have eaten my protein and I just don't have any room in my stomach yet. I am full and satisfied after my 2oz of meat. In terms of hunger, I do experience it but it is easily satisfied with the small portions I eat. Speaking of small portions, I am consuming just under 600 calories per day and I have been the same flippin weight for 15 days!! How is that even possible??... it's called a stall.

I knew to expect the stall around the three week mark from the many posters on the VSG Obesity Help Message Board. That place has been a wealth of information for me and I visit it daily. My body is most likely trying to figure out what the heck I have done to it and adjust to my weight loss up to this point. I consulted my dietician today and she said that stalls and plateaus during weight loss happen and to keep following my plan. My mind comprehends all of the technical information regarding stalls, but it is still frustrating to see the same number on the scale everyday. I went a few days without weighing myself as I was driving myself crazy obsessing over the lack of weight loss. However, of course I pulled out the scale again shortly thereafter. I started exercising in an effort to change things up. I went to the gym and walked for thirty minutes on the treadmill. I was really proud of myself! I was a tad bit shaky and dizzy when I stopped walking.

Overall, exercising is not going too well. I was EXTREMELY sore after the intial work out and had a headache for three days afterward. I don't know if I was having a Rheumatoid Arthritis flare up or if I overdid it. I waited until today to workout for the second time and I got sick again; lightheaded and nauseous. I drank plenty of water afterward and then had a protein snack. I guess I will have to address these issues with the doctor and exercise physiologist at the weight control center. My 6 week follow-up is next week.

My incisions are healing up nicely but itching like crazy! Hydrocortisone cream helps along with making sure my skin stays moisturized. My energy level is slowly returning but I still don't feel 100%. My abdominal muscles are sore by the end of the day, but nothing major. One thing that has changed is my teeth brushing habits. I used to brush twice per day but now I brush several times per day as I have this awful taste in my mouth, which according to the doctor comes from being in Ketosis and losing weight so rapidly. All in all, most of the things I am experiencing are minor and just a normal part of recuperation and my new life with a sleeved stomach.

Emotionally I feel so much better. I was very reliant on food to get me through boredom, tough times and for just plain old enjoyment. I am now trying to discover who I am without the unhealthy dependence on food. I am still journaling and really trying to make time for much needed introspection into my feelings about many past issues and hurts. Overeating allowed me to take brief escapes from those things I didn't want to face or deal with. I realize that it is time to move on and make room for new, happy memories. There is so much life left to live and dwelling on the past is a waste of precious time! Until next time...