WHATS MORE IMPORTANT ??????

What is more important getting 64oz of water in a day, or eating 500-800 calories, its seems I can't do both.

I am almost 3 months out  from my sleeve (surgery Nov. 13, 2012), I have lost 50LBS and started at 410LBS, it feels to me like the weight loss is very slow due to my starting weight, and I am wondering if it is the lack of water I am probably drinking about 8oz a day. Would it be possible for me to only drink (3) high protein drinks a day, and the 64oz of water at least until I have lost more weight. I am so discouraged.

Thanks for any HELP!!!!!

Cheryl

IMO.. protein and water are a must. If you drink three premier protein shakes a day that is 36 oz of fluid and 90 protein. That is half the fluids you NEED and 480 calories. Calories arent important.. it is the protein and the fluids. Good luck!

Hi Cheryl,

The water is hard at times... I can tell you that you are likely about to be told eventually you should be aiming for 100oz a day but...

Let's start at the beginning.

8 oz of water and what other fluid are you getting in a day. What are you eating. Break it down. What, when, how.

Switching back to 3 protein shakes a day and water is a thought I guess but would you still be eating food?

Are you drinking shakes now?

I am just trying to get a feel for things... We have a REALLY active local community as well FYI. Do you go to any of the support groups?

Shell

FYI... if that 50lbs is since surgery you are losing approximately 4.5 lbs a week. That's not bad...

I'm 3 months out from the surgery. I count my protein drink as part of my liquids for the day. I count any liquid that doesn't have caffeine in it towards my 64 oz.  I was at a bit lower starting weight and lost 47 pounds in 3 months. I know from reading other people's posts on here that the water/liquids is a very important part of losing the weight. Also, if I understand what my surgeon told me, the eating is important too since when you aren't getting enough food/calories our body just keeps holding onto our fat instead of burning it. They specifically told me to eat 4-5 small meals a day and my protein drinks do not count as "meals". I generally stay between 600-800 calories per day and when I do eat it's just a very small amount at each meal.

I hope this helps...

Definitely increasing your water should be your priority. It is likely that this is slowing down your loss as you need water to flush everything through as fat breaks down (and you need a lot more than 8oz just to stay healthy).

Im just over 4 months out and doing around 400-500 calories a day ( I was a high start weight too at 169kg/370lbs). I have 3 meals and sometimes 1 snack. If I eat more than this, like you, I can't get enough fluids in. As Im fine with the amount of food Im having, personally I prioritise water rather than eating more.

You can't just live on protein drinks as most aren't full meal replacements so are missing a bunch of nutrients you need from food. You also don't want to live on shakes for the rest of your life, so learning to get the balance of food/water is important.

I really suggest you talk to your doctor and NUT to get their advice as they are the most familiar with your body.

I am 7 weeks out and have lost about 60 pounds.  I had trouble getting in fluids and my weight loss slowed right down.  Then the seasoned vets helped me realize I had to find a way to increase my fluids and protein.  Now I get in about 80 oz of water and 80 grams of protein.  Is it a struggle?  yes.  I set alarms on my phone to space out of my eating.  I have to be diligent about the water and set goals to get so much in by a certain time.  The struggle is worth it because now I am losing about 1.5 to 2 pounds every 2 days. I use water bottles that I fill each morning with Crystal Light and that is how I measure how much fluid I am getting.  Good Luck!

That's pretty much what I do as well, at 9.5 weeks out.  I eat my four meals at roughly 7-8am, 11am, 2pm and 5-6pm, and I drink in between and after my last meal of the day.  That schedule allows for the 30/30 rule of eating vs. drinking, and I get everything in. 

That is the timeline I follow also though I shift it when I sleep in. *looks innocent*

     :)

Your priorities should be fluids, protein, then calories.

Fluids are anything you're allowed that will fit through a straw. (Not saying you need to use a straw unless you happen to like them) That's water, crystal light, tea, broth, coffee (no, coffee and/or caffeine is NOT a diuretic), milk, almond milk, coconut milk, protein shakes. Those need to total at least 64 ounces - 8 ounces a day of fluids WILL land you in the hospital in real trouble,

Next priority is protein - whatever goal your surgeon's team as given you. Even if you have to go over your calorie allotment to get it all in.

Next of course is your calorie range - work to stay within it.

50# in only 3 months? When was the last time you lost 50# in 3 months? Quit being so impatient!

Work your plan, get off your bum every day (walk, swim, bike, doesn't matter - do SOMETHING) and the weight WILL come off.