Almost 3 Months Out...

I haven't updated in awhile, but here we go.  So far things have been okay.  I have a lot going on in my life as well as adjusting to this new lifestyle. As of today, I've lost 40lbs since surgery (11 weeks since I had surgery).  I think that's great, but I'm a bit down since no one has really noticed and someone even ask if I wasn't losing enough weight.  That comment really bothered me because I am doing everything by the book and adjusting to this new lifestyle the best I can. Ahh... Anyway, my daily food intake looks like the following:

• Breakfast - protein shake (protein powder + 1 cup of 2% fairlife milk) or 1/2 cup of greek yogurt
• Snack - protein shake if did not have one for breakfast
• Lunch - protein bar/leftovers (I have frozen ricotta bake and turkey chili that I like to eat)
• Snack - cheese and fruit or skinny popcorn
• Dinner - something high in protein (fish or something else high in protein)
• Snack - protein shake if need be to reach protein goals
• Plus so many vitamins!

My nutrition goals are: 

• 70 - 90 grams of protein
• 700 - 900 calories - This is self imposed, as my doctor just wants us to focus on protein for now.
• My nutritionist does not have rules on carbs, but I am staying around under 40 carbs per day.
• 64 oz of liquids ( I drink about 5 cups of water a day plus the milk and water in my protein shakes)

Since embarking on this journey, I have actually found some really tasty food.  Here's a list of things that I've tried that I like:

• Zoodles (Zucchini noodles) I bought a veggetti  at TJ Maxx for $5 and so far it's great.
• Artic Zero Ice cream
• Halo Top Ice cream
• Quest Protein Powders (I've tried Banana Cream, Salted Caramel Cream, and Vanilla Milkshake and I've liked all of them; I'm looking forward to trying more flavors - I've gotten samples at Vitamin Shoppe)
• Lenny and Larry's cookies; to be honest I've only liked Snickerdoodle and Double Chocolate so far
• Optimum Nutrition - I love their protein powder!  It's pretty inexpensive for the quality and I like their flavors (double rich chocolate, chocolate mint, extreme milk chocolate, and french vanilla).  I haven't tried other flavors yet, but I want to try cookies and creme and strawberry.
• Love these!  Honestly, since surgery red meat (actually anything besides seafood) doesn't sit well with me.  So, it looks like I am becoming a pescatarian...at least for now. 
• Power crunch bars!  Literally the best protein bars I've had.

My mom asked me if I am happy with having the surgery and I told her I would get back to her when I'm a year out.  It's been super hard.  Some days I can't eat much and end up vomiting most of the solid food that I eat, and other days I can hit my targets. My hormones have been crazy and the depression that comes with surgery is no joke.  Also, it's weird eating out or around others for me - I just end up telling everyone that I had surgery so it's not so awkward.  In addition, the hair loss is real.  I have pretty wild curly hair, so I feel like it's not too noticeable yet, but every time I wash my hair lots comes out.  However, even with the not so pleasant side effects, I am happy to be embarking on this journey and getting healthy and fit.  I'm also engaging in more self care which doesn't involve food...walking a ton, reading for fun, and coloring, ha.  I will run a 5k this year!

Thus far...

Wow, it's almost been a little over a week since my surgery and I've lost 12lbs since surgery (woo!). Until Tuesday of this week, I felt pretty crappy.  My energy levels were super low; however, that's probably from having like 200 calories a day and not being able to get all of my protein or liquids down.

The surgery and hospital stay went well.  The nurses were great and I only really had gas pain. I was able to get up and walk the same night as I had surgery.  Thank goodness for my husband, I really couldn't do it without him.  He was there for me the entire time and has been there for me throughout this week.

Once I went home, I took the pain meds they gave me for a few days.  I was very uncomfortable and felt sick for quite a bit.  The best thing I did was stopping taking the pain meds and getting some rest.  Originally, I thought that I would go back to work Tuesday after my surgery.  However, that did not happen!  I highly recommend taking at least 1.5 weeks off if not more.  Our bodies really need to heal and really need rest.

Anywho, I also cut out milk.  I'm not sure if I am lactose intolerant or what, but all I know is I definitely had lactose intolerant symptoms for a few days and during those days I was drinking a protein shake with milk, eating sf pudding, and eating creamed soup made with milk.  Now, I am doing protein powder with water.  I hope that I am not lactose intolerant and that the milk just upset tiny tum (my sleeve) in the beginning of all of this.  I'll probably try milk again once I move to the pureed food stage.

I had my post op appointment and my surgeon said everything looked great!  I go back one month out, three months out, 6 months out, 9 months out, 12 months out, and then once a year.

All in all, I'm feeling pretty good.  Energy isn't 100%, but it's getting there.