lsereno

Hi Rootman, We're hitting a lot of the same benchmarks at the same time. Feels great just being overweight doesn't it? And I just checked with my Dr. yesterday after getting a couple of blood pressure readings like yours. His nurse said those numbers are nothing to worry about, but I am hoping when I see him I get off my last couple of blood pressure meds. Currently I'm taking 1/2 cozar and 1 atenol. That's already down from the 1 cozar, 1 atenol, a low dose aspirin and diuretic that I took pre-op. Of course, I agree with others: check with your Dr. We don't want them getting lonely just because we are getting healthier by the day! Lynda

Are you tracking your food? If not, try it. It really helps me. To see what I've been eating and doing for exercise the last few weeks, check out: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/21563-30-day-challenge-get-ready-to-kick-some-butt-here/ Lately, I'm the only one posting in the challenge thread, so you can easily see each day. Last week, I lost less than 1 lb, but most weeks I lose a little more than 2 lbs. Lynda

Hah! No snacking today. Yahoo! Now, if I could just get the lunchtime calcium in every day. And I'm probably more motivated than most: my paternal grandmother suffered terribly from osteoporosis. August 15, Monday: Breakfast: 3/4 C. Fage 0 Plain Yogurt, Splenda, 5 cherries: 15grams Protein, 115 calories Lunch: 2 oz. crabmeat, 1 T. cocktail sauce, ¼ slice bread, 1/8C. Clam Chowder: 10 grams protein, 150 calories Dinner2 oz. pork, 5 whole wheat crackers : 14 grams protein, 200calories Late Snack1 scoop unjury chicken Protein in 12 oz. water: 20grams protein, 90 calories Protein, 59 grams, Calories: 555, Water: 64 oz. Vitamins: Missed my lunchtime calcium Exercise: 30 minutes strength training

Lactose intolerance varies. I developed it after surgery, but I can tolerate Whey-based Protein drinks, yogurt, and semi-hard cheeses, such as light string cheese and the lite babybel cheese. At first, I did better with the unjury chicken Protein powder, which is mixed with Water. Lynda

Hi all, Today I stepped on the scale and was greeted with 184.9!!! I am officially overweight, not obese! I have not been merely overweight since the 1990s. I still can't believe it is true!! I'm on track to lose another 10% of my body weight by the end of month three post-surgery ( I lost 10% of my body weight in the first month post-op). I can't wait for my energy to be back to normal. I'm hoping that happens in the next few weeks around my three-month surgiversary. I've hit a number of little goals in my time following surgery: Lost 10% of my total body weight: A little over 1 month out In Onderland: 6/24 First number starts with 18: 7/22 Overweight BMI: Today!, 8/1!! Lynda

Hi all, I'd love to hear from others on this challenge. Overall, I'm doing pretty good, but today I had a little slice of cake ( 4-45 small bites). For the most part, I am full after eating my required Protein, but sometimes I do sneak in a treat. My other problem is remembering my lunchtime calcium. Lynda August 14, Sunday: Breakfast: Yogurt Smoothie (3/4 C. Fage 0 Plain Yogurt, 1/8 C.OJ, 1/4 C. Water, 2 strawberries, Splenda): 15 grams protein, 115 calories Lunch: low fat cheesestick, 1/2 oz. low fat salami, ¼ c. cubedmelon: 12 grams protein, 110 calories Dinner: 2 oz. pork, 1/8 C. green Beans with butter, 1/8 C. MashedPotatoes : 14 grams protein, 200 calories Late Snack: I small piece pineapple upside down cake:0 grams protein, 100calories Planned Late Late Snack: 1 scoop unjury chicken Protein in 12 oz. water: 20 grams protein, 90 calories Protein, 61 grams, Calories: 615, Water: 64 oz. Vitamins: Took my lunchtime calcium Exercise: Day off! August 13, Saturday: Breakfast: Yogurt Smoothie (3/4 C. Fage 0 Plain Yogurt, 1/8 C.OJ, 1/4 C. water, 2 strawberries, Splenda): 15 grams protein, 115 calories Lunch: low fat cheesestick, 1 oz. low fat salami: 15 gramsprotein, 130 calories Dinner2 oz. ground beef, 1/8 C. mixed veg, 1 t. oil : 14 gramsprotein, 185 calories Late Snack: 1 scoop Unjury Chicken Protein in 12 oz. water:20 grams protein, 90 calories Protein, 64 grams, Calories: 520, Water: 64 oz. Vitamins: Missed my lunchtime calcium Exercise: Worked 5 hoursat the neighborhood garage sale.

I am a little over month behind you (5/17). I have a sweet Protein drink after dinner every evening. Sure, I would rather have something sweet with no nutrition but the good news is the Protein Drink gets me up to my daily protein goal (65+) and after I have it, I don't want any other sweets. I switch it up a bit, adding coffee or cinnamon to the French vanilla flavor or sugar free choco syrup to the chocolate flavor. If that works for you, Eggface has a ton of tasty-sounding Protein drinks too: http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/ Lynda

I'm on Kaiser Fremont's Vitamin regime which you can view or download here: http://www.permanente.net/homepage/kaiser/pdf/63279.pdf Lynda

Hi, I agree with what the others have said. For me, walking helped the gas. It didn't eliminate it, but it did help. And I was lactose intolerant. I switched to soy milk and for the first couple of weeks I used the unjury chicken flavored Protein that can be mixed with Water. I didn't poop for the first three days, and on the fourth day, I had diarrhea, which then lasted till about two weeks out. The first two weeks are the hardest. I'm thinking about you! Lynda

Lolli, I agree with Foxbins. I'd start with your bariatric program. If you can't get in to see them, see your primary care doctor. 200 calories a day is way to low. I'm thinking of you, Lynda

12 more days to go! I fell off the wagon today with a bite of chocolate cake. It's so hard to resist the treats hubby brings home. One saving grace: one bite is really enough. I don't want to eat more than that. I hope that lasts, but we'll see. Hit the face to face support group tonight. August 12, Friday: Breakfast: Yogurt Smoothie (3/4 C. Fage 0 Plain Yogurt, 1/8 C.OJ, 1/4 C. Water, 2 strawberries, Splenda): 15 grams Protein, 115 calories Dinner2 oz. ground beef, 1/8 C. mixed veg, 1 t. oil : 14 gramsprotein, 185 calories Dinner: 2 oz.pork rib meat, ¼ C. mixed fruit, .: 14 gramsprotein, 165 calories After dinner Snack: 1 small bite chocolate cake: 50 calories Late Snack: 1 scoop French Vanilla Gold Standard WheyProtein, 1/2 C. Starbucks Via Decaf Italian Roast, 1/2 C. plain soy milk: 27grams protein, 155 calories Protein, 70 grams, Calories: 670, Water: 64 oz. Vitamins: Missed my lunchtime calcium Exercise: 40 minutes withthe trainer.

Hi all, I lost .7 lbs. this week. I think it's the least I've lost in a week except for the notorious stall at 3 weeks. But it's a loss and I'll take it! It looks like I won't hit my mini-goal of getting to 180 by August 17th, but you never know! I have my 3 month check-up on the 17th. Lynda Labor Day Goal: SW-197...............CW-183.6...............Labor Day goal-179 July 4: 197 July 8: 193.7 July 15: 191.6 July 22: 189.5 July 29: 186.3 August 5: 183.6 August 12: 182.9 August 19: August 26: Sept 2: Labor Day!:

Congrats! You look awesome-esp. those beautiful collarbones. I can't wait to see mine again!! And thank you for the info about "feeling normal." At nearly 3 months out, I'm tracking to stay focused on getting enough Protein, calories, and Water, but I am so looking forward to letting the sleeve do some of the work if I just eat protein first and avoid snacking. Lynda

Hi all, Hubby had popcorn after dinner tonight and I ate some. Right now, I can eat so little, I never eat enough Snacks to make much of a difference, but I am worried about down the road. And when I don't worry abut that, I worry about my hunger returning. For the most part, I am never hungry now. I eat to meet my Protein and calorie goals. I feel a little hungry before meals sometimes, but it is really minor compared to pre-op. I never get that "I have to eat NOW" feeling. August 11, Thursday: Breakfast: Yogurt Smoothie (3/4 C. Fage 0 Plain Yogurt, 1/8 C.OJ, 1/4 C. Water, 2 strawberries, Splenda): 15 grams protein, 115 calories Lunch: low fat cheesestick, 1 oz. low fat salami: 15 gramsprotein, 130 calories Dinner2 oz. ground beef, ¼ ear corn, 2 T. onions : 14 gramsprotein, 170 calories After dinner Snack: ½ C. popcorn with butter: 100 calories Late Snack: 1 scoop French Vanilla Gold Standard WheyProtein, 1/2 C. Starbucks Via Decaf Italian Roast, 1/2 C. plain soy milk: 27grams protein, 155 calories Protein, 71 grams, Calories: 670, Water: 64 oz. Vitamins: Missed my lunchtime calcium. Exercise: Rode bike 1 mile, worked garage sale 4 hours

Today after lunch I took a nap. Woke up feeling full and didn't really want dinner or my protein drink, but I had them anyway to meet my protein goals. Might have to do with the fact I let myself get a little "backed up," but with the help of some colace, that has been getting straightened out all day. Pooped out on my planned evening activity. I'm stronger, but not back to pre-op levels. Can't wait to begin reaping the energy benefits of being at a lower weight! Today at the gym I did some crunches on the incline bench and I noticed how much easier they are without so much body weight to huff uphill with. August 10, Wednesday: Breakfast: Yogurt Smoothie (3/4 C. Fage 0 Plain Yogurt, 1/8 C. OJ, 1/4 C. water, 2 strawberries, Splenda): 15 grams protein, 115 calories Lunch: low fat cheesestick, 1 oz. low fat salami: 15 grams protein, 5 whole wheat crackers, 2 T. avocado 200 calories Dinner: 1 cup Anderson Split Pea Soup : 9 grams protein, 130 calories Late Snack: 1 scoop French Vanilla Gold Standard Whey Protein, 1/2 C. Starbucks Via Decaf Italian Roast, 1/2 C. plain soy milk: 27 grams protein, 155 calories Protein, 66 grams, Calories: 610, Water: 64 oz. Vitamins: Took my lunchtime calcium - go me!! Exercise: 25 minutes with the trainer. I was 5 minutes late.

Haha! My driver's license says 180. I still have a few pounds to go to match that weight. I think I weighed around 190 when my pic was taken and the license was made more than 10 years ago I think. Here in California you can renew by mail for quite a few years. Lynda

Family and friends - it's tough! I know it will come off soon, but it's scary seeing how fast it can come back. Tiffykins has a good handle on having a good time and maintaining her weight. I hope I am able to emulate her when I am at goal. I'm rootin' for you rootman- I bet you might be back at merely overweight within a day or two! Lynda

Hi all, I was busy with the grandson all day monday and didn't get a chance to check in. My energy is coming back because I made it till 9 pm last nite before I conked out like a log. Here's my info for today and yesterday: August 9, Tuesday: Went to the park with grandson and fed squirrels and me some peanuts Breakfast: Yogurt smoothie (3/4 C. Fage 0 Plain Yogurt, 1/8 C. OJ, 1/4 C. Water, 2 strawberries, Splenda): 15 grams Protein, 115 calories Lunch: 8 peanuts and 1 cheesestick: 8 grams protein, 180 calories Dinner: 2 oz. Tortilla crusted tilapia, 1/4 corn on the cob : 10 grams protein, 170 calories Planned Late Snack: 1 scoop French vanilla Gold Standard whey Protein, 1/2 C. Starbucks Via Decaf Italian Roast, 1/2 C. plain soy milk: 27 grams protein, 155 calories Protein, 60 grams, Calories: 630, Water: 64 oz. Vitamins: Forgot my lunchtime Calcium. I am gonna go put some in my purse right now! Exercise: 45 minutes fast walk, rode bike about 3 miles August 8, Monday: Had the grandson all day. We made Cookies and he decorated one for me. I ate it all but one bite. Breakfast: Yogurt Smoothie (3/4 C. Fage 0 Plain Yogurt, 1/8 C. OJ, 1/4 C. water, 2 strawberries, Splenda): 15 grams protein, 115 calories Lunch: 3/8 C. Homemade chili: 8 grams protein, 120 caloriesSnack: small cookie: 100 calories (guestimate) Dinner: 3/4 of the filling from Taco Bell Combo Burrito : 15 grams protein, 250 calories Late Snack: 1 scoop French Vanilla Gold Standard Whey Protein, 1/2 C. Starbucks Via Decaf Italian Roast, 1/2 C. plain soy milk: 27 grams protein, 155 calories Protein, 65 grams, Calories: 740, Water: 64 oz. Vitamins: Took my lunchtime calcium and got in an Iron pill before bedtime Exercise: 30 minutes with trainer, 15 minutes stretching, 15 minute fast walk with grandson

We went to visit the kids today and they made dinner for us. I had a bite of each of my favorites, but it added up! Brought the grandson home for a visit for a couple of days and stopped and the store to get him and grandpa Snacks. I had a bite of grandpa's donut and then a couple of whole wheat crackers because I really wanted more chips and I'd like to eat more junk RIGHT NOW at 10:30 at night. I would love something salty and then something sweet. But I am going to take my nighttime pills, wash my makeup off, put my PJs on and call it a day. I know the scale will thank me tomorrow but right now I DO NOT FEEL LIKE BEING GOOD. August 7, Sunday: Breakfast: Yogurt Smoothie (3/4 C. Fage 0 Plain Yogurt, 1/8 C. OJ, 1/4 C. Water, 2 strawberries, Splenda): 15 grams Protein, 115 calories Lunch: 1 oz. 98% fat free lunch meat, baby bel lite cheese, 5 whole wheat crackers, 2 T. avocado: 11 grams protein, 160 calories Snack: 2 potato chips with ranch dip, 1 tortilla chip with guacamole, Peanut Butter pretzel bite: 100 calories (guestimate) Dinner: 2 oz. tri-tip, 1/4 C. watermelon,2 bites garlic bread, 1 bite potato salad: 14 grams protein, 225 calories Late Snack: 2 whole wheat crackers, 2 bites of donut, 1 scoop French Vanilla Gold Standard Whey Protein with1 C. plain soy milk and cinnamon: 31 grams protein, 335 calories Protein, 71 grams, Calories: 995, Water: 64 oz. Vitamins: Missed my lunchtime calcium today Exercise: Day off!

Hi all, Had a great time at the Art Car Fest yesterday, but I didn't take my Iron yesterday and didn't make it up today. It's hard to get everything finished 2 hours before bed so I can take the iron one hour after eating and then be up one hour after. Yesterday, I had a bite of a cake pop and a bite of dark chocolate. Not perfect, but both were small bites. August 6, Saturday: Breakfast: Yogurt Smoothie (3/4 C. Fage 0 Plain Yogurt, 1/8 C. OJ, 1/4 C. Water, 2 strawberries, Splenda): 15 grams Protein, 115 calories Lunch: 3/8 C. Homemade chili: 8 grams protein, 120 calories Dinner: 3 oz. Seabass, 4 spinach leaves, fortune cookie, small bite of chocolate cake: 21 grams protein, 225 calories Late Snack: 1 scoop French Vanilla Gold Standard Whey Protein, 1/2 C. Starbucks Via Decaf Italian Roast, 1/2 C. plain soy milk: 27 grams protein, 155 calories Protein: 71 grams, Calories: 615, Water: Drinking cup 8 after I finish my Protein Drink that I'm working on now. Vitamins: Took my lunchtime calcium today - Go me!! Exercise: Cleaned the kitchen for an hour

Me too. Also if I eat too fast or if my tummy just doesn't like what I had. My stomach actually bunches up and I have to put on something looser or undo my pants till it passes. Twice, I have also spit up a large quantity of foamy stuff and once I threw up- which was actually quite a relief because I immediately felt better. Lynda

Irene, I can't believe how different everyone's bodys are! If I was rocking size 4 pants, I would take it easy too!!! Our weight is close, but our size is so different. At 183.6 and 5'6" tall, I am comfortably in large or extra large tops and size 16 pants. And I workout with a trainer 3 times a week and do a fast walk for several miles twice a week, so it's not like I'm all flab!! I don't think I'll ever see size 4. I'm hoping to see size 6 women's and size 11 juniors when I get to 135. This is based on that I wore size 9 at 120 about 30 years ago . Thanks for checking in on us and for starting up this great challenge. It's really helped me stay focused on what I need to do to be healthy. Anyhow, here's my info for today and yesterday: I didn't eat dinner last night after I made myself sick at lunch, so actuals for Thursday were Protein, 56 grams, Calories: 47. August 3, Friday: Breakfast: Yogurt Smoothie (3/4 C. Fage 0 Plain Yogurt, 1/8 C. OJ, 1/4 C. Water, 2 strawberries, Splenda): 15 grams protein, 115 calories Lunch: 1/2 oz. lowfat salami, 1 lowfat string cheese, 3 whole wheat crackers: 12 grams protein, 125 calories Dinner: 1/2 C. Homemade chili: 10 grams protein, 150 calories Planned Late Snack: 1 scoop French vanilla Gold Standard whey Protein, 1/2 C. Starbucks Via Decaf Italian Roast, 1/2 C. plain soy milk: 27 grams protein, 155 calories Planned Protein, 64 grams, Planned Calories: 545, Water: On cup 7! Vitamins: Took my lunchtime calcium today - Go me!! Need to take my Iron tonight so I have to get my shake in by around 8 so I can wait an hour, then take iron and wait 1 hour before laying down. Exercise: Workout with trainer for 30 minutes, stretch for 15 minutes, plan to ride my bike about 5 miles this evening and walk around the art cars: http://www.artcarfest.com/

I was really super tired the first two weeks. Then I could feel myself slowly getting stronger. Everyone is different, but take it easy as you can and let your body heal. Sorry hubby is annoyed. Did you expect to heal faster? If there is a support group near you, perhaps you could get hubby to attend one with you? There he will meet other people who've had the surgery and now have more energy than ever before. And they can say how long it took them to get back to full-time normal life. If that's not an option, then maybe just a sit down where you explain you simply can't do it all right now and you guys work out what you can do that would be most helpful. Like maybe he really hates changing diapers, but is OK making dinner? Only you know your situation at home. If he's just being Jerky, then maybe you need to push back. One thing to keep telling yourself is that is does get better, and in a fairly rapid time frame! Lynda

Tiffykins, Thanks so much for all you've shared. I'm well past the age of having babies, so I love reading about your happy pregnancy progress. Your baby bump is adorable on you! Can't wait to see pics of little Tatum when she joins us outside :-) Lynda

I had my goal weight at 130, but today I changed it to 135. That will put me at 21.8 BMI and I figure that I can bounce between 135 and 140. I too have shrunk over the years. I was 5'6 and 3/4", but now at 54 years old I am 5'6" even. As a teen and in my 20s, I weighed 120. I felt great at that weight. During my 30s, weight went up to 185, then I dropped back to 145. At 145, I still felt a little large. After that, I piled it on to 200, then 220, then a couple of stints in the low 250s. Once when I started prozac and once to qualify for the operation.