Paul11011

Thank you. Here's a copy of a running total I'm keeping on one of my blogs. These are all in reference to my intitial consultation weight on Nov 23, 2010. From that date until my surgery date, Jan 10, 2011 I lost 36lbs. 3-7-2011 I have lost a total of 94lbs, which makes me 80% of the man I used to be. 3-14-2011 (-)103lbs, 78% 3-21-2011 (-)108lbs, 77% 4-11-2011 (-)123lbs, 75% 5-16-2011 (-)150lbs, 69.5% 6-20-2011 (-)180lbs, 63.4% 7-18-2011 (-)204lbs, 58.5% 8-1-2011 (-) 212lbs, 56.9% 8-15-2011 (-)221lbs, 55.0%

No I don't track carbs. The one thing I hang my hat on from all the conversations online and in person with WLS patients is getting in the protein. I think that is so vital. I would think that 800-850 is a bit low, especially if you're getting in any kind of regular exercise. Try shooting for 1000 cals and 100 grams of protein/ day for a week and see how it goes. Good luck!

No problem, glad to help out. Keep in mind I'm a little over 6 months out. Here's a typical day for me: Breakfast Calories Fat Protein 1/2 cup egg beaters with 1oz 2% cheese 140 5 19 AM Snack Protein Bar 170 5 15 lunch Small Wendys Chili (yep fast food) 220 7 19 dinner 4 Oz chicken Breast with 1 oz 2 % Cheese 180 6 29 PM Snack 12oz GNC whey Isolate 28 Protein shake 280 2 40 with 1/2% Milk Total 990 25 122 I am less regimented on my workouts now because I'm back in college and don't set enough time aside to focus on workouts, shame on me. Having said that. I play alot of golf, usually walking at least 9 hole once a week and hitting golf balls at the driving range for 1 1/2-2hours 2 or 3 times a week. Let me know if you have any other questions and thanks for the comments.

Outstanding post! Thanks for sharing your story. You have made such a great decision for your health and life. Please continue to share your experiences. Take care.

Last night I was feeling irrationally down because I had a goal in mind to be at by 6 months out and I did not quite get there. I say irrational because had anyone told me on the day of surgery where I would actually be at 6 months, I would have bet the farm against it. So as a way to get over myself I looked back in my weigh-in log book ( I weigh once a week and record it). It was looking back at the hard numbers that made me snap back to reality. Other "tools" I've used to get over such pity parties are periodically taken pictures, measurement logs and my "progress shirt" experiment. Good lord this is becoming a long post. So my request of y'all is: what things you've done to establish reference points along your journey? I strongly encourage all "newbies" to take a few of the suggestions that will be given and make them your own. The primary reason for this is that we will all reach points where it will be helpful to look back and realize just how far we've came.

Last night I was feeling irrationally down because I had a goal in mind to be at by 6 months out and I did not quite get there. I say irrational because had anyone told me on the day of surgery where I would actually be at 6 months, I would have bet the farm against it. So as a way to get over myself I looked back in my weigh-in log book ( I weigh once a week and record it). It was looking back at the hard numbers that made me snap back to reality. Other "tools" I've used to get over such pity parties are periodically taken pictures, measurement logs and my "progress shirt" experiment. Good lord this is becoming a long post. So my request of y'all is: what things you've done to establish reference points along your journey? I strongly encourage all "newbies" to take a few of the suggestions that will be given and make them your own. The primary reason for this is that we will all reach points where it will be helpful to look back and realize just how far we've came.

I think you made a wise choice Greg. Congrats and continued success!

Thanks for the outstanding replies people......keep 'em coming!

Welcome! Nice to have you here. I am on the other end of the 30s and I guarantee I will not be entering the 40s room until the day after I turn it.

Jenison represented here.

I was soooo looking forward to being able to have mashed potatoes. The first night I could have them I was so excited. I took about a half of a cereal bowl and started to eat. About 4 bites into it I was stuffed...I literally laughed out loud at how little I had eaten and was full. I think I ate from that same half bowl for the next 3 meals.

Sure can. It's usually a group between 18-26 surgical patients and a GHP staff member. We talk about issues we're having, how things are going, etc. There are those that have been post op for 4+ years and there are those that just had their surgeries last week. It is a peer led discussion session and always informative, not a lecture format at all. I usually get there about 4:30pm. I'm currently taking classes at GVSU so I have to cut out of group early, usually around 5:20pm, last week I have to do that, thank goodness. If you would like to try it out Monday I'd be happy to look for you, that way you have at least one person you "know" there. If your appointment is in the afternoon it would work great to hang around, like I said I'm usually there about 4:30. No problem if you're shy, talk as much or as little as you'd like. Check it out, it really is a great group.

Hi Madison Yes they are still happening. Every Monday night from 5-6pm at the GHP office. Also if you're on facebook we have a peer ran group page too. Both the meetings and the facebook page are terrific. If you want to find the facebook page search for GHP Support on facebook. Who was your surgeon? I had Dr Baker and can not say enough great things about him.

I was a bit nervous tonight as I prepared for my weekly weigh in. The past week has been high stress and I know I did not get in all of my calories , exercise or water each day. I was expecting the worst. So as I slowly lifted my eyes to the digital scale display on the wall I see it............bam! 7 more pounds gone. Wow I love surprises like this. I am happy to announce I am now smaller than I have been in 10 years!

Stick with it, it'll come around. Yes, dear. Being very conscientious this week.