Lissa

MK, It took me a LONG time to get up my nerve to try the elliptical. Then I could only do about 3 minutes before I thought I'd pass out. I tried the one at my community center and did 15 minutes with no problems. The second one is about worn out, so no resistance and easier to make it move, but it helped me figure out the motion that I'm looking for on the one at the gym.

Oh, and I just added a new exercise to my daily routine... kegels.

Pinky, Everyone loses at their own pace. NEVER beat yourself up for where you're at... Celebrate where you have come from!!! It's a journey. Enjoy it and have a great time discovering new things about yourself!!!

Personal observation: I think that most people who are obese (that's all of us pre-op, btw) have used food to cover up some problem rather than deal with the problem. It's just like they tell drunks that the problems will still be there once the drunk gets sober. Our problems are still there whether we're fat or skinny. Some people think that getting thin(ner) will solve their issues, but it doesn't. It just makes it so that we have to deal with those issues without the crutch of food to self-medicate. That's why crossover addictions (to drugs and/or alcohol) are so common. IMO, one or two psyche visits probably aren't enough for most of us.

Um, the outside has shrunk, but the inside seems the same at 9 months out and 100 pounds lighter. As a matter of fact, things seem to fit better/deeper these days. TMI?

Star, I'm in the low weights, high reps camp myself. Fluffy, I know that the trainers say you should be maxed out, and I am by the time I finish my reps. That high weights thing doesn't work for me. I'm toning up well, everywhere except my tummy, but that's a whole different issue. Ourborous did some research on low weights, high reps versus high weights, reps to capacity in another thread. That helped me decide on the way I'm going the weights.

I like the hand slap idea! You're in the most critical stage, healing that sleeve. Even though you may feel fine today, you can't do that to yourself. Your stomach is still numb, so it can't tell you Ow, that hurts! Give it time to heal so that you will be ready when it's time for solids. Right now the sleeve is working on healing itself and making it work extra hard while healing is not nice to your new sleeve. Good luck, and get back on your doctor's recommended plan asap.

You're a loser! You're a loser! YAY!!! Congrats!

Every single step helps, so I think it's a great idea. I started walking up and down the hallway in my apartment, then walking around the short end of my building. There's nothing little about adding more steps to your day! It's a tremendous thing to do!! Go Patrick!!

Wendy's chili, hands down!

Amy, It will happen fast. Don't push working out too hard. Right now, walking and, at most, 2 pounds weights for your arms. I'd even say wait on the weights until your six week checkup unless your doctor gives you the green light earlier. I'm just glad you're going home already!!

50 pounds makes you look 20 years younger, IMO! You're looking great and rocking that sleeve!

Skip the bread, eat the turkey, some cheese, and a slice of tomato. It will still probably make two meals for you!

I'd call the doctor. You may be having a reaction to the anesthesia from the second surgery, but a call won't hurt anything.

(((hugs))) It WILL get better. I agree that you should concentrate on fluids for now and let the Protein requirement rest until you're better able to tolerate fluids. Try changing the temp of what you're drinking to see if that helps. Also, decaf unsweet tea goes down the easiest of anything I drink these days, maybe it would work for you? Have you talked to a therapist? It might help with the mental issues right now. This is a tough journey for many. I had a stinking panic attack while on the exercise bike about a month ago. For some reason the thought crawled into my head that "I won't be able to eat enough to keep myself from starving to death!" That thought would not leave no matter how logically I talked to myself. I finally called my therapist and went in to talk to her. She's not a bariatric therapist, but she helped me deal with that stupidity quickly. Sometimes a little professional intervention is called for, no matter how strong or prepared we may be.

If it works for you, do it!

First of all, take your measurements. You may actually be losing inches. I know, quit saying it, but it's true! Second, shake up your diet. Add some calories to it for a day or two and see if that doesn't help. You're really in the low zone for food, so your body may be hanging on for dear life right now. Third, 28 pounds is awesome! And, you're rocking that sleeve by already getting started on your exercise program! Go girl!! :0

I agree that you need to call a lawyer. But, no amount of money is going to make this jerk of a doctor turn into a true healer. IMO, he should be taken out and shot at dawn every day for a year... that MIGHT be enough punishment for him. I read your previous thread and it seems you aren't his only victim. Please tell me that he's not "practicing" medicine. (((Hugs to you))) I'm sorry you didn't get your sleeve, but thrilled that they are going to treat the infection before you became septic and died!

Good luck!! Once you're up and moving that stiffness and pain will go away somewhat.

I think an elliptical would be great, but you should really use it before you buy it to make sure it's a good fit for you. Ellipticals have different stride lengths. The one I love at my gym makes my workout partner really hurt because we have different stride lengths. She prefers the one at our community center while it makes me feel like I'm taking baby steps. I love my recumbent bikes, though. You can vary the intensity and it's much easier to use than the elliptical, at least early in your weight loss journey. If you have knee problems, the bike is a great way to get in an intense workout without killing your knees.

I've had a couple of friends do the disappearing act as my weight has disappeared. It sucks, but it shows THEIR insecurity and jealousy. I suspect a couple more are going the same way before this is all done, especially one who keeps telling me how great I look at that I shouldn't lose any more weight. I still weigh close to 250 and have about 60 more pounds to hit goal...I'm not done. What has surprised me even more is the people who are suddenly dieting and exercising since I've started sharing my journey on my FB page!

Shortypants, Where did you get your info on Centrum vitamins? I've been taking them since surgery and they have been approved by all 3 of my doctors for me to use. If you have a source, I'd love to do some research on this. Thanks!

I think the cardio machines look like torture devices, too!

i'm not sure who the reply is aimed at, but my gym is planet fitness. They have a huge section of weight machines that are targeted at all of the major muscle groups. I do that entire section 3 times a week, alternating with an hour of cardio on the non-weight days. On the weight days, I do half an hour at least of cardio. I was doing twice daily cardio, but that did a number on every muscle in my body, so I've scaled back a little bit. In the beginning, I did 2 pound weights every other day: biceps curls, front arm raises, skull crushers, and triceps kick backs. I started with 10 reps per exercise and built up until I can do 80 reps of each one with a 5 pound weight. It's working.

I've seen others post that they had pain in that area. Did you have your sleeve done with the STARR system where they only use on incision? That may cause some pain beside the belly button since that's where they actually cut...and that may mean you have stitches in that area on the inside that are pulling a little as they heal. Please let us know what your doctor says, especially if you had a one incision surgery. I'm curious.