lsereno

Yum! That looks delish! Lynda

Early out, I'm sure it's because those kernels could play havoc with the healing area of your stomach. You know how they stick in your teeth? Now think of that big staple line going down one side of your stomach. And there's very little nutritional value. If you can only eat a tiny amount, it needs to be nutritious. Later, you can have some if you can control your portion. For most, popcorn is on the list of slider foods: you can eat a lot of it. Throw on a little oil and butter and it can be a diet disaster. I've been enjoying popcorn since about month 5 or 6. I don't have it often and I do watch my portion size and toppings. Lynda

Congrats and Happy Sleeveversary! Lynda

Congrats to you and hubby Laura-Ven. I know he was proud to show you off! Lynda

I was active before surgery, so not much has changed excet I am less pooped at the end of the day, I can do more back to back activities, and my feet and joints are not screaming at me. My husband of 30+ years and I have always had different interests and I do many things he doesn't. I do save several days a week for him and we do stuff we both enjoy. Lynda

There is also a group for Slow Users http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/forum/45-slow-losers-unite/ . Lynda

Wow. That's a new one to me and I've been reading this board for almost three years now. Glad you are feeling better! Lynda

I bought at GNC but I only bought what my personal trainer recommended: GNC Gold Standard whey Protein. My trainer was a competitive body builder for years and she also specializes in health issues for seniors. I trusted what she told me and stuck to it, other than the unjury protein which I also used. That was recommended by my bariatric program because I had issues with food for the first couple of weeks post-op. You might have better luck at a small local gym that carries products or a local health food store if your area has one. It's kinda like shopping at most other stores these days. You simply aren't going to get a good answer or a correct answer unless you are lucky. Sometimes, you can build a relationship with the few smart people you find. I have that at Walmart. I only ask one person where things are because experience has shown me she actually knows whether they carry it and if they do, where it is. Lynda

I drink more warm drinks that are calorie free or very low calorie. My favs are sleepytime tea with a little splenda and sugar free apple cider mix. I also like just plain hot Water or hot water with a little sugar free caramel syrup. I am a very seasonal eater. In the winter, I crave more hot, heavy foods like stews, roast beef, and chili. In the summer, it's easier because I love salads, fruit, and light seafood, but I have to watch the fruit and salad dressing so it doesn't get out of hand. Lynda

Find us in the Vets Forum: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/forum/352-gastric-sleeve-veterans-forum-new-forum/. There are quite a few of us more than two years out. My surgery was May 17, 2011. Lynda

Where did you get your surgery? Have you had follow up appointments? Did you have a post-op plan? Here's how I would tackle this if it were my issue: Make an appt. with my program doctor. Bring documentation of how I have been eating and exercise I have been doing. If I felt like I could eat more than average (more than 4 oz. of firm protein), I would ask if the sleeve could be evaluated to see if there is a physical issue with the surgery results. If that doesn't bring results, I would step up exercise - particularly strength training to build muscle, track my food and exercise with a tool that allows me to review it ( either online or in a paper journal) and weigh or measure my food. Also, I would keep carbs reasonable (one small serving per meal at two meals per day) and get them from whole grain or starchy vegetables. I would re-evaluate Protein vs calorie and look for lower calorie protein sources. The 5:2 plan is good, but I would be very careful of what I ate even on the non-fast days. I would ratchet back calories until I began to lose. If the calorie count that losing occurs at is super low I would make another appt with my Dr. to discuss why, bringing my food and exercise journal. If that doesn't work, I would consider revision to RNY or DS. Lynda

Not everyone hits a stall. I lost just a few ounces but I consistently lost every week until 4 moths out when I gained a couple of ounces one week. After 5 moths out I had occasional weeks where I gained a few ounces, but I always lost the following week. I went into surgery with a huge muscle mass and I think it really helped. Post-op I did strength training three days a week and walked foe an lour two days a week till I hit goal. Lynda

Still at goal. Had a big day yesterday: two cocktails, a small French roll, a small ice cream cup and two pieces of candy. Hello Santa Cruz!! Weight 136.5 this morning. Back on the wagon today. B: Medium Soy Latte, then about an hour later 1 slice WW bread, 2 oz 98% FF ham L: 1 slice WW bread, 2 oz 98% FF ham S: 1/2 peach, 1 oz Special K crackers, lite string cheese D: Bistro chicken Sausage, 1/3 C. Pasta with sauce, 1/3 C. Spinach, 6 cherry tomatoes S: 1 C. Fage 0 with Splenda and blueberries

Some people choose a higher goal weight because they want a curvier or more muscled look. And most people look a little jagged for a few moths after the rapid weight loss. I did. My hair was still thin (it's since grown back and looks thicker than ever) and my face was more sunken. I have yet to see the person who looked better with more than 100 lbs of extra weight weighing them down. Lynda

Sorry I meant consistent exercise. Although cocci stent sounds interesting!! Lynda

It's gonna take time to get used to the smaller you. I didn't see myself as thinner till I looked in a three way mirror. I was like "who's that? Oh, it's me!" After 16 months at goal, I am getting totally comfortable with my size, how my clothes look, and how I feel. The emotion thing is rough too. It's a big change even though its a positive one. Congrats on your loss so far. Buy yourself a present. You deserve it! Lynda

Congrats and Welcome to the Century Club! Love the pics. I also vote for the pink shirt pic for your new profile pic. Lynda

Wow! I think you're gonna set a record for rapid weight loss! I think the cocci stent exercise really helps. You'll be joining the century club any day now! Congratulations! Lynda

Congrats and welcome to older land!! Lynda

Only thing I have to add is look for something to fill the hole that food leaves. Make a list of soothing things you enjoy that are calorie free. When the urge for a sweet hits, refer to the list and pick something. Lynda

My top benefit is health. Next up is energy, followed by clothes. I don't like shopping still, but its way easier to grab a tshirt and jeans now. Weight was the one area in my life that was totally out of control. I had been working to fix it for years. I feel in control now. Lynda