Dooter

YAAAAAYYYY!!! It's such a great feeling!!! After getting up to 349 and coming down to- so far- 280, I feel like a "normal person!" I can reach my feet, my backside, if I drop stuff on the floor, I don't have to make my kids pick it up because the reflux would make me sick, I can fit in almost any chair, buckle the seatbelt on the plane, use ANY public restroom stall- not just the big one.... YOU ARE GOING TO LOOOOOOOVE IT!!!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

For Protein I was told that if I'm aiming for 800 calories, then 80 grams of protein, or 700 calories, 70 grams of protein, 600 calories, 60 grams...etc... I use MFP every day, and unless you take in about 1200 cals/day, it WILL give you the starvation warning. Just ignore it. I shoot for 800 calories. What's worse, fat or carbs? well, depends on your body and how it works. My body thinks carbs are very bad. I quit losing if I hit a certain amount of carbs. Doc said I'm "insulin resistant" which is true for a lot of us who have turned to WLS. on MFP I'm dooter69 if you want to add me.

Took you long enough!!

Wait a minute!!! we have TWO weeks!! Or, are you saying YOU're going to reach goal in a week? Don't scare me like that!

SEE? No need to get wrapped up in sizes....they're all so small!!!!

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!

Ya, for me, the fizz and burn was the addiction!

YES! YUMM!!

For something different, the Unjury chicken broth is quite tasty and packs a wollop of protein...

I tried the shots. It's like drinking grape flavored pancake syrup. **HURL** I almost DID hurl..

Bump...

I went for my four month followup last friday, and I was flat out told that if i'm eating more than half a cup of ANYthing at ANY meal....STOP. And that's like....forever. I can EASILY hold 6 or 8 oz of things that are not solid protein, so there is a real danger in failure. He gave me the half cup warning to keep a lid on things. I didn't think I'd be satisfied with only that much, but it seems to be working out. Sounds scary, but I think it's do-able and sensible. Something to aim for to stay on top of things. I don't know if that helps you or not....

Your friend doesn't want to lose her fat buddy. She'll be all alone and wants to be thin so bad she can taste it! And forgive me, but Mr. MAN needs a good swift kick in the 4$$ and to be there for his wife!! That can be depressing not having any support system around you. We will be your cheerleaders!! We understand and know you are making a great decision for your life. A lot of people with no support have had to rely on the folks here at VST for the shot in the arm they need. Keep coming around when you need some uplifting!! Fortunately for you, the surgery has a pretty quick recovery time. Nothing like back surgery, and not even as bad as a C section. Can't wait to see your results! keep us informed...

G2 is good too. There are a few calories involved, but if you're in the early stages, it's great.

Powerade zero is good too!

Eeeehhh, ya don't suck!! You'll be surprised how fast you get your act together once you have surgery. No choice in the matter then . You'll feel much better, because it's MUCH easier to control it with new sleevie!! (I also gained 10 pounds right after i made the appt, saying goodbye to all my faves. ) You'll do great!

Outstanding!!!! You look beautiful!! Love the haircut!

I concur...

They come in "spicy" too!

Low sugar protein bars and protein drinks on hand would help you to resist temptation. I would not rely solely on them, but get take out salads with chicken, or .....can you have a mini fridge? you could keep low fat cheese and meat type snacks, OH...those little mini cans of tuna!! no refrigeration required. A minifrige would help you out a lot! Just a few ideas.

Don't do it!! After a while you won't care any more. That stuff will rot you from the inside out and stretch your sleeve. (even if it didn't, it's not good for the gut.) Powerade zero is my new favorite. I'm a big baby when it comes to water, and I had trouble tolerating it for a while, so I drink this a lot now.

cucumbers? carrots? celery? Celery is virtually a freebie, nutritionally speaking. it actually takes more energy to digest it than it adds to your diet! Carrots aren't bad either. If you have celery, strip off the stringy stuff so it doesn't get caught up in your belly.

All i have to offer is what i've experienced in the last four months. Which is this: I was doing cardio, then some pretty aggressive weight training. My weight stalled at the usual three weeks where most of us DO stall....well, it lasted for six weeks. I think what was happening, is that I was building muscle as I was losing fat, so it looked like I was stalled out. I'm all about the scale, so I could not have that. For a time, i have been doing cardio only and slowly increasing my time. I can do 45-60 minutes on the elliptical now. I just went in for my four month follow up and the PA told me to do some strength training twice a week with very light weights and very high reps (up to 60) so I will not be a frail thin person. This way of strengthening will not add bulky weight to my muscles, just make them strong and add some burn to the metabolism. So far so good.

NOOOOOO!!!! Don't do it. This is a very hotly debated topic on whether or not carbonation will stretch your sleeve. My surgeon forbids it because of that. The way I see it...if something is going to endanger the effectiveness of my sleeve...it's GONE!! I was a serious soda addict, but I don't care now that I have given it up. The craving is gone. There is no redeeming features to it anyway. Anything that can clean battery acid off of car parts? hehe...ya....lose it!!

This is an awesome place to visit. I've spent quite a few hours hanging around! Welcome!