atPeace55

Good morning Day 1 of Fitness Challenge: 10 squats 30sec Burpees 15sec Wall Sits

Good morning Day 1 of Fitness Challenge: 10 squats 30sec Burpees 15sec Wall Sits

Cool we have a team!!! Yay!!

Here's another I found for us ladies regarding proper form for squats I like this one better. Squats

ALRIGHT! I'm so excited this is my first challenge i'm doing with my VST Fam!!! I'm thinking our name should be "Team Buttastic" for this challenge because it's all about the lower half of our body's! What do you guys think? Any other name suggestions? @Bridget Alati @Jenhort @ mlkthomas @indy9771 @ISleevedIt @DrmBig4Evr Here are some youtube vids that I found for each move we have to do for the month of April: Burpees Wall Sits Squats

@DrmBig4Evr Awesome! I will make sure I post on your profile and my profile feed each day!

Just know that your story is very common and that's not a bad thing just know that you're not the only person who thinks, have thought or is thinking this way. You're story is not too far from mind I was never a big kid, teen or even young adult if I post all my pic from birth to high school graduation I was considered normal or even skinny my weight gain started later in life mid to late 20's and I too felt that I should be able to loose this weight with out this particular tool - I put it on myself I just need to try harder! But you know I tried WW, Nutrisystem and every fad diet out there with some success but very short lived. This surgery was the best thing that happen to me and I knew I needed this particular tool to help me success and so far i'm 22 months post op and happy! Don't feel bad about having to have surgery if all of us were able to loose on our own i'm quite sure we would have and have tried! What ever you decide be selfish and make a decision for you and what's best for you what ever that maybe! Good luck in your decisions and journey!

I just posted a Blog on Guidelines Post Op Diet: Maybe this can help you! http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/blog/1836/entry-5815-dietary-guidelines-after-bariatric-surgery/ I personally ate: Cream of Rice - made very thin and easy to eat. Cream of Zuchini Soup Cream of Brocolli Soup chicken broth sugar free pudding Almond Milk Low fat or Fat Free Yogurt (Latosse Free)

Are you drinking enough Water daily? Not taking your Vitamins such as B12 or Iron they help with energy. Working out getting out and walking or taking a 30-60 minute cardio class or low impact water aerobics getting the blood pumping gives you energy. Not sure what you are or not doing but this are just some areas that may be why you are feeling exhausted.

I found this information and I thought it was good to post for "New Post-OP Sleevers" and/or if some "Veteran Sleevers" out there would like to review or restart their Post-OP phase because maybe the hit a stall: Dietary Guidelines After Bariatric Surgery General Guidelines Eat balanced meals with smaill portions.Keep a daily record of your food portions and of your calorie and protein intake.Eat slowly and chew small bites of food thoroughly.Avoid rice, bread, raw vegetables and fresh fruits, as well as meats that are not easily chewed, such as pork and steak. Ground meats are usually better tolerated.Do not use straws, drink carbonated beverages or chew ice. They can introduce air into your pouch and cause discomfort.Avoid sugar, sugar-containing foods and beverages, concentrated sweets and fruit juices.For the first two months following surgery, your calorie intake should be between 300 and 600 calories a day, with a focus on thin and thicker liquids.Daily caloric intake should not exceed 1,000 calories. Fluids Drink extra water and low-calorie or calorie-free fluids between meals to avoid dehydration. All liquids should be caffeine-free. Sip about 1 cup of fluid between each small meal, six to eight times a day. We recommend drinking at least 2 liters (64 ounces or 8 cups) of fluids a day. You will gradually be able to meet this target. We strongly warn against drinking any alcoholic beverages. After surgery, alcohol is absorbed into your system much more quickly than before, making its sedative and mood-altering effects more difficult to predict and control. Protein Preserve muscle tissue by eating foods rich in protein. High-protein foods include eggs, meats, fish, seafood, tuna, poultry, soy milk, tofu, cottage cheese, yogurt and other milk products. Your goal should be a minimum of 65 to 75 grams of protein a day. Don't worry if you can't reach this goal in the first few months after surgery. Supplements You must take the following supplements on a daily basis to prevent nutrient deficiencies. Please remember that all pills must be crushed or cut into six to eight small pieces. You are not able to absorb whole pills as well as before surgery, and it can be difficult for the pills to pass through your new anatomy. Multivitamins Take a high-potency daily chewable multivitamin and mineral supplement that contains a minimum of 18 mg of iron, 400 mcg of folic acid, selenium, copper and zinc. Brands that contain this formula include Trader Joe’s and Centrum Adult chewable multivitamins. Take two tablets daily for at least three months after your surgery, and then one tablet daily for life. Calcium Supplement Take 1,200 to 2,000 mg of calcium daily to prevent calcium deficiency and bone disease. To enhance absorption, take the calcium in two to three divided doses throughout the day - for example, a 500 to 600 mg supplement taken three times a day. Calcium citrate is the preferred form of calcium. Vitamin D Supplement Take a total of 800 to 1,000 International Units (IUs) of vitamin D each day. This total amount should be taken in divided doses of 400 to 500 IUs twice a day. Vitamin D should be taken with your calcium supplement. If you prefer, you can take a combination calcium-vitamin D supplement to avoid taking multiple pills, so long as it contains the proper dosages. Vitamin B12 Supplement Take 500 mcg of vitamin B daily. It can be taken as a tablet, or in sublingual forms placed under the tongue. Other Supplements Some patients need additional folic acid or iron supplements, particularly women who are still menstruating. Your dietitian will discuss this with you. Diet Progression After Bariatric Surgery Immediately following surgery, you will begin with a clear liquid diet. You may gradually start adding thicker liquids to your diet after you are discharged from the hospital. Two weeks following surgery, you may progress to blended and puréed foods. You may use high-protein (more than 20 grams protein), low-calorie (less than 200 calories) liquid supplement drinks or powders to meet your protein requirements during this period. It is important to know that following surgery, your stomach size is very small - less than 1/4 cup, or about the size of an egg. The opening that allows food to pass out of your stomach is also very narrow. For this reason, it is important to take only two to three sips or bites at a time of any new food and then wait 10 minutes before taking more. This will help you learn your limits and tolerance. Liquids will empty faster from your stomach than soft solids. If you overeat or eat too quickly, you may experience nausea or pain. You should avoid rich, creamy liquids such as gravies, sauces and ice creams. Diet for the First Two Weeks Post-Surgery You will begin adding thicker liquids that are high in protein and low in fat and sugar. (For examples, see the list below.) You may use high-protein, low-calorie liquid supplement drinks or powders to meet your protein requirements during this period. The goal is to consume small portions that will empty easily from your pouch. Begin with 1 tablespoon portion sizes and increase to 2 tablespoons as tolerated. Begin drinking 1/4 cup of liquid at a time and increase to a 1/2 cup as tolerated. Your daily caloric intake should not exceed 400 calories. It is also very important to stay well hydrated. Drink 1 to 1.5 liters of water or other non-caloric liquids per day. Recommended thicker liquids: Nonfat or 1% milk, if you can tolerate milk Lactose-free or soy-based low-calorie drinks Sugar-free pudding Sugar-free, nonfat yogurt Low-fat cottage cheese Blended broth-based soup or other low-fat soups Refined hot cereals that are low in fiber, such as cream of rice or cream of wheat. Make them with extra liquid to create a soup-like consistency. Do not eat oatmeal. Optional high-protein, low-calorie liquid supplement drinks (drinks containing less than 200 calories and more than 20 grams of protein in an 8- to 11-ounce serving). To increase your protein intake, add 2 tablespoons non-fat dry milk powder, egg substitute or powered egg, or other protein powder to each 1/2 cup of nonfat or low-fat milk. You can also add these to soups, hot cereal and other thick liquids. Remember to drink 1 cup of water or other non-caloric fluids between meals. Take a multivitamin supplement every day. Diet for Weeks Two to Four Post-Surgery Begin adding very small portions of puréed and soft foods as tolerated. Take very small bites and chew everything very well. Do not take more than two bites every 20 minutes when adding a new food. Recommended puréed and soft foods: Applesauce Yogurt Cottage cheese Well-cooked, puréed vegetables Hot cereals Mashed potatoes Noodles Scrambled egg whites or egg substitute Canned fruits Canned tuna fish Lean fish Tofu Lean ground meats or poultry Avoid all bread and meats that are not easily chewed. Recommended Meal Plan For Weeks Two to Eight Until Two Months Post-Surgery At this time, your caloric intake will probably be no more than 500 calories a day, divided into six to eight small meals. Recommended portion sizes are 1/4 cup for solids and 1/2 cup for liquids. Sample Menu This sample menu includes different foods that are safe for you to eat. You may adjust the menu to fit your tastes and tolerance. Breakfast 1/4 cup hot cereal made with non-fat milk Mid-Morning 1/2 cup nonfat milk* Late Morning Two scrambled egg whites Lunch 1/2 cup low-fat chicken noodle soup Mid-Afternoon 1/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese Late Afternoon 1/4 cup sugar-free, nonfat yogurt Dinner 2 ounces lean ground meat 1/4 cup puréed or well-cooked vegetables Bedtime Snack 1/4 cup non-fat milk * Add 1 tablespoon non-fat dry milk powder to each 1/4 cup nonfat milk for additional protein. Remember to drink 1 cup of water or other non-caloric fluids between meals. It is important to take a multivitamin and mineral supplement every day, plus additional iron if required, and calcium and vitamin D supplements two to three times per day. Recommended Meal Plan for Two to Six Months Post-Surgery Consume 900 to 1,000 calories and at least 65 to 75 grams of protein a day. For balanced nutrient intake, your daily servings should include: 3 servings milk and dairy products (nonfat and low-fat) 3 servings meat or meat alternative (lean and low-fat) 3 servings starch (limit bread and rice) 1 serving fruit (avoid dried fruits and fruits with skin) 2 servings vegetable (well-cooked only) Recommended portion sizes are 1/4 cup for solids and 1/2 cup for liquids. Discontinue taking high-protein liquid supplement drinks or powders if possible. We recommend meeting your protein needs with food. Sample Menu This sample menu includes different foods that are safe for you to eat. You may adjust the menu to fit your tastes and tolerance. Breakfast 1 egg or 1/4 cup egg substitute 1/2 cup hot cereal Mid-Morning 1/2 cup nonfat milk Late Morning 1/2 cup chopped melon Lunch 1/2 cup low-fat chicken noodle soup Two Saltine crackers Mid-Afternoon 1/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese 1/4 cup canned fruit packed in water or juice Late Afternoon 1/2 cup sugar-free, nonfat yogurt Dinner 2 ounces lean meat or fish 1/4 cup mashed potatoes 1/4 cup pureed or well-cooked vegetables Bedtime Snack 1/2 cup nonfat milk The sample menu offers eight small meals per day. You may wish to eat more or less often, but be sure to eat at least six times each day. Remember to drink 1 cup of water or other non-caloric fluid between meals. It is important to take a multivitamin and mineral supplement daily, plus additional iron if required. In addition, you must take calcium and vitamin D supplements two to three times per day. Recommended Meal Plan for Six Months Post-Surgery and Beyond Continue consuming 900 to 1,000 calories per day Decrease to three meals and only one to two snacks per day Discontinue taking high-protein liquid supplement drinks Increase the variety of low-fat, low-sugar and low-calorie foods, as tolerated Avoid raw vegetables, fresh fruits with skins, dried fruits, breads, popcorn, nuts and red meats only if poorly tolerated Long-term Dietary Guidelines Over time, you will be able to increase the variety and consistency of foods in your diet. Some foods may continue to be poorly tolerated, including red meats, chicken, breads, and high-fiber fruits and vegetables. Focus on low-fat, low-sugar and low-calorie foods and continue to count your calories every day. Try to meet your serving goals for all food groups based on the 900 to 1,000 calories diet plan described above. To stay well hydrated, drink at least 2 liters of water or non-caloric fluids daily, unless this is contraindicated due to a medical condition.

Yeah it happens and you feel so much better after. It usually happens for me if I eat too fast or if I don't chew my food well. Nice tip you can sometimes stop the vomiting by putting cold water or ice on your head it makes the symptoms go away if you catch it early enough.

I pray for much success for you. I have United Healthcare and had it during the time of my WLS so feel free to ask me anything that comes up with regards to them if I can help I will most definitely. I didn't have any CoMorbs and they still approved my surgery.

I had my gallbladder removed two weeks after my WLS in May 2011. I can remember having gas pains because again they back into the same incisions as the WLS. I remember not being able to sleep on my side and having to sleep sitting up because I felt like there was a void or an open hole in my side and everthing felt moved around. It sounds like gas but I am not an expert by no means if it persists I would contact your surgeon or NP to advise them of what you are feeling.

Congratulations on your WL thus far!!

It is a constant battle that you will face from time to time throughout your journey, I'm 22 months post-op and still can catch myself eating too fast. What I try to do is go back to what I learned which is take a bite of food and then put the utensil down and chew, chew, chew it works if you are consciously eating and not eating looking at tv. LOL just a thought! I'm not perfect at it either so you're not alone - I also eat and do at 1 or 2 crossword so I don't just continue to put food in my mouth I concentrate on something else while I chew. Foods that still make me gurgle are salsa (anything tomato based) beef and chicken - pork not so much which is odd and crabmeat I can eat like no ones business.

Congratulations on your WL thus far! You look great!

Getting ready to go to my Hula Cardio class. 60 mins of fun and sweat....but in a sexy way!! Love this so much more than Zumba!!! But for my Zumba lovers it's all good as long as we're having fun working out and taking care of our new bodies! If you haven't tried Hula Cardio - don't knock it until you try it! It's a lower body workout that you will fill in your hips, thighs and core! I'm off

Congratulations and welcome to VST! I hope all is well with you.

That took courage and I respect your decision to let your circle know what you did and they way you wrote the letter was very detailed. If anyone is negative after that....well that tells you alot about them! Good luck on your journey!

Congratulations!!!

Congratulations on your weight loss!

Well I live in Northern California - I got to InShape Gym and my instructor as has their own studio saw she teaches outside of the gym, gives one on one instruction and has a dance group that does live performances. I would google - cardio hula classes or tahitian dance class and see what comes up in your area.