Butterthebean

I think (without getting into a debate) that the whole reason for the existence of this subforum (vet's forum) is to talk about issues that relate mainly to the vets. VST burnout is a real deal. Notice the incredible lack of people who have been posting for more than a year. To me, that's a vet....posting here for a year or more. I don't know where I got that number, except that it was about the 1 year mark that it took a real act of will to keep coming back. I had to decide if I wanted to keep coming here...and I decided I did. Many people do exactly what you suggested, they simply quit coming around. Those people are MOSTLY takers...they came here and got what they needed and split. Good for them, no criticism from me about doing that. But the people who are still here after a year are generally givers, because there's not much reason to stick around after that other than to help other sleevers. And we have this subforum so those people can come here and discuss whatever they please (within reason) and not be subject to judgements from people who have not yet walked in their shoes. My point is....you seem to be suggesting Cheri not answer PM's if it annoys her and not start threads about people who annoy her. You could just as easily have followed your own advice and not posted in this thread. I don't say that to be mean, but just to help you understand that she is coming from a different place than you. I get the feeling she'd like to stick around and help more people, and in order to do that sometimes you have to vent a little with people who have been in the same position you're in.

It's well documented that eating brains will bust a stall.

You mean Laura-Ven? Doh.... Now I'm in trouble.

Mashed potatoes are a huge slider and one of the worst things you can eat if you're trying to lose weight. I would agree that all docs give slightly different advice but keep in mind that doctors (and nutritionists who work with patients for that matter) can't take the time to get to know each patient thoroughly and tailor their advice accordingly. They have to Water it down to the lowest common denominator....meaning for their dumbest patient. So they give advice that will help the biggest majority of patients....or just save the really stupid ones from making a huge mistake. When in doubt I'd follow your docs advice but some intelligent research to learn more details will only help you. And by research I don't mean reading VST. This is a support group, not a medical research think tank (no offense to anyone).

Another Texan here. Southeast though. Welcome aboard. Good luck with the upcoming surgery. You're gonna do great.

Chia seeds added to my shakes helped a lot but what has helped me more than anything after 9 months is a serving of Fiber One cereal everyday just dry....no milk. Just a half cup serving more than doubled my fiber intake without waking up my carb monster.

Nicole, there's a link about stalls in my signature. It will explain your stall. At this point, your calorie count is not as important as your Water and Protein intake. BTW....my intake was probably 600 calories at that point so you're right in the normal range.

I would like to comment on this thread but that would just keep it going.

Got some pics from the 10K.

I've read many times that you need to set the incline at 2% just to simulate running outside on level ground. No personal experience but it makes sense. I will add, I've been freezing all winter. I've never been this cold in my life. But it's amazing how light I can dress while running in the cold weather and still feel good. It's the one time the cold doesn't bother me...except my hands. Anything under 50 and I feel better wearing gloves but I still wear shorts and a long sleeve heavyweight dri fit shirt plus a compression shirt underneath.

If you have excessive muscle mass, it's likely you will lose some because its impossible to maintain it on our limited calorie intake those first couple of months. People with moderate or normal lean muscle may possibly lose less because they need less calories to maintain it. But the good news is you can get it back easier than someone who has never had it can pack on new muscle. Keeping up your Protein and Water intake are your biggest keys. And get into the gym as soon as you're cleared to do so.

I'm so happy for all of y'all brave enough to tackle running. When you're obese, running can be one of the most daunting forms of exercise. But conquer that, and there will be nothing you can't do. BTW, here's what it's going to look like when you're done.

I would go easy on your running and hard workouts until you get this figured out my friend. You don't want to overtax an already ill body.

There is another test called DEXA which is even more accurate for measuring body fat than the submersion test....or at least that's what they say. I have never had it done.

I had similar dizzy spells, but not as severe as you describe. My blood work also came back normal with no signs of dehydration....but when I increased my Water and sodium intake I felt much better and the symptoms went away. Many people who are going low carb (as we pretty much are right after surgery) end up in a higher level of ketosis than we are used to. Sodium management becomes even more important and yet our intake goes down, and often times on purpose because most people think it's healthy to eat low sodium. It usually is except in ketosis, then it's important to get in a regular amount of sodium because you are not hanging on to what you have. Anyway, my point is you might try adding some sodium packed flavoring to your water (I like propel) and drinking more. It helped me.

Exactly....I ran by a guy the other day. All of a sudden I heard....thump thump thump....I thought "what was that?" Oh yeah, it was his feet trying to bang holes in the ground. I'm over here trying not to make a sound running in my vibrams.

Some docs don't even use one.

Double hell yeah. There has been absolutely no correlation between smaller bougies and more weight loss. Not to mention that each surgeon sows differently, so he could use the world's smallest bougie but still sow loosely and your sleeve will be larger. Even the largest sleeve is so small that it can never be used as an excuse not to lose the weight. Your behaviors have way more affect on the outcome and your prospects for success.

That pretty much sums up the whole process Jane. Nicely done. It's no real secret, it's just a matter of doing those few right things.

I got a DVD by a guy who had a dozen surgeries on one leg. He basically shattered his femur. That leg is now 3" shorter than the other and looks like a franken-leg....and he runs marathons barefooted. I personally have 1 torn ACL and 2 torn meniscus (never repaired) and I ran my first 10K last weekend. It can be done if you start small and progress carefully and intelligently. Learn about good running form, it makes a world of difference. Here's a good link... http://www.goodformrunningaz.com/ You can't develop that kind of form overnight, but since you're starting from the beginning you will do better to start with good form. By the time you're half way through with C25K it will be second nature and you will be leaving your hubster in the dust. Since you live in sunny California I'd say treadmills are a no go. Get outside and do it. I started at the local track. That worked for a couple of months. Believe me the other people there will not be looking at you while you run because they are too busy panting and wheezing.

Yep, anytime is a good time to get in a little activity.

Most docs want you to start walking right away. Mine allowed me to start doing the elliptical and cycling at week 3....but told me to take it easy at first. By 6 weeks I was given the okay to do anything I wanted, but again with the caveat to ease into each new exercise.