Chancie

The only contraversay I've heard about the Body Fortress Whey Protein shots is there was a re-call on them. They thought the lids had been tampered with. I've heard nothing more and they wouldn'be be on the shelf if that hadn't been resolved.

I had my 6 month check up on Thursday- my Surgiversary was yesterday:001_smile: He was really pleased with my progress.... I'm at 65% of my weight loss ( wants us to be at 50% by 6 month mark ) So he was pleased. I didn't have to have any Labs done, we kinda strayed off the usuall routine because I lost so much weight so fast so he did them earlier... but since they all came back GREAT, we'll do them at 9 months. I've lost another 2 pounds:thumbup: One thing I did ask him about is that I started my period again, I hadn't had a period for about 3-4 months prior to surgery and that was in Feb...then I am like "Clock work" since June, and I notice the week prior.... I am craving sweets:scared0: He said this was normal, my body and my harmones are getting to a healthy level, and thats why I'm having a period again. I also asked him the coffee ( caffine ) question.... he explained that in the beginning it doesn't count towards your Fluid intake, and that caffine can make you have "cravings" and want to "snack". I gave up coffee a year prior to surgery, but this past month I was tired of cold Protein drinks in the morning so I started adding Cookies and cream whey protein to my coffee.... ( and it's pretty Yummyyy!! ) And....... I did notice I want to snack... but this could also be due to the fact I started to menstrate again....So- I'm going to decaf. He also had a consult with a band patient that is wanting to get sleeved- and asked if I would mind talking to her.... I said OF COURSE I'll talk to her!!! He brought her in with me, and we chatted a bit and I told her how happy and glad I chose this surgery, we exchanged e-mails and I also told her about this site... I havn't had a chance to write her yet, been getting ready for inventory at work and putting in some long hours, but I hope she joins! I know alot of you have had the band and could probably help her in her decision making! OK.... gonna post some numbers.... can't believe I'm gonna do this.... but I have been measuring my body since my first consultation w/ my surgen...... Monday-8/10/09 False Total lossNeck19.5154.5Wrist86.751.25Forearm12.5102.5Upper Arm16.5124.5Bust5543.511.5Waist594316Hips644618Thighs5236.515.5Upper Thigh30228Calf19.514.55Ankle10.759.51.25Ribcage4639.56.5Weight35421694.25 If you're not measuring... I'd suggest it... it's great on those weeks when the scale doesn't move.... but you'll be surprised at how much the inches do!!!

I LOVE The Super Whey Protein shots.... I still use them! I had ordered some from Proflect ( a case in fact! ) and they have an awful after taste. So I tried the Body fortress and they are good! And they were Cheaper! AJW- glad to hear your doing better!!

I went to subway about 5 months out... I ordered a turkey and cheese flat bread. I asked them to cut it in half ( they don't cut that for some reason ) and I was only able to eat the half. Taking my time too. I just can't eat bread.... which for me is a GOOD thing!!

Ok... I'm gonna say it.... excercise SUXS:001_tongue: But know its necessary! I've been lackin' in that department! Since I had total knee replacement in OCT prior to WLS( main reason for WLS ) I couldn't exercise- now I have no excuse. I did and still do my physical therapy exercises along with some stretching- but know I need to add some cardio to the mix. I've made all the excuses- Working tooo many hours- too hot and humid here in TN to walk outside... yadda yadda yaddaa.... But after my 6 month check up- and weight slowing down, and able to handle the heat better now that the weight is coming off... I have no excuse. So am going to start walking. Still tracking EVERYTHING- carbs, protein, calories. Carbs are my "Trigger" foods... so thats why I stay away from them!

Hi WayupNorth... I get the body Fortress at Wal-Mart in their pharmacy section, along with the EAS- The Body Fortress comes in alot of flavors...I'm not a fan of the strawberry or Vanilla- which surprised me ( I LOVE vanilla) it's about $15 for a big tub of it!

Thank you all for the kind words!! I still can't believe I posted that "before" pic:scared0::scared0: The only words I can say right now... is if I can do it... I KNOW you all can.... Just wish at times I had done it 10 years ago.....

I'm 6 months out... had my VSG on 2/9/09 I count EVERYTHING! lol Read your labels... takes me foreva to grocery shop, but it's worth it. I completly stay away from bread, pasta, rice and dairy. I might have some cheese and yogurt ( kroger has carb masters, great numbers and taste REALY good ) Sice I have so much weight to lose, this has worked for me. And my Protein drinks... I mix with water... not too terrible- and I didn't want the extra calories. Breakfast I use Body Fortress "cookies N'cream" and add it to my coffee... it's really yummmy. 1 scoop= 130 cals 3 g. carbs 26 g. protein or I'll have a ready to drink EAS 110 cals 2 g carbs 17 g protein Lunch and dinner are basicly the same every day- 3 oz of fish, chicken, turkey, tuna etc. and a veggie My plan calls for no red meat until goal ( but I have had a steak:blushing:) No pork- salad or fruit until 6 months- but I HAD to have salad... I love it. How much weight do you have/want to lose? I think that has a lot to do with it too.... I think because I have so much to lose- it came off faster. The less you have to lose- the slower. I have 55 pounds to goal- and my loss has slowed down. As long as the scale isn't going up- I'm ok with it. And it will go up 1-3 pounds and I lose that and stay on track. I know alot of people don't weigh every day- but I do- it holds me accountable for the day. Hope this helped some- you can PM me any time-

This is just my experience and my Doc's plan ok? My doc has a very strict plan- *400-600 cals *60-80 gr protein *64oz water ( or MORE ) *NO snacking *Stop drinking 30 minute prior to meals, and don't drink for 30 min. to an hour after meals. *Exercise I think most plans call for this, but I know alot of docs say to have a "snack" of cheese etc... I didn't and the past month is when I have "cheated" more, meaning I have snacked. I still can't eat in the morning, so I still use protein drinks for my breakfast. One of the things that got us overweight is not eating 3 times a day, so I always make sure to eat, even if it is a protein drink. Start keeping a journal, not just a food journal, but write down your thoughts, feelings, moods, when you eat and what you eat. I do this every morning after I weigh and take my shower.... it's my time to reflect.... I post my weight, plan my day, set my goals... and then I try to write at night, mainly putting down everything I have eaten... ( not always successful there) Water is also good when we think we're hungry, and we're actually dehydrated... Start measuring yourself! Do it once a week, I do it every Monday... and even if the scale doesn't move.. the inches do! Have patience! I will happen, just follow the rules. It's just frustrating and thats what groups like this is for to help us thru those ruff times! G'luck and keep us posted on your progress!

Congratulations on your surgery date!! I've always been curious as to why people got the band? It never crossed my mind to get it done...I guess it's because I knew if I was going to have WLS it was going to be PERMANENT. It was between the sleeve and Duodenal Switch, and that was because I had so much to lose, but am very happy with the sleeve! I know you will be too!

Tiffykins asked if anyones bodyshape had changed, and yes, mine did... I found out i have a waist! :lol0: More of an hour glass shape now, but won't tuck in my shirts 'cause of my belly... I've been researching about plastics.... sighhhhhhh........ all about the $$$$ and I don't have a green thumb so the money tree I planted died.... But I have heard that some plastic surgens do "package" deals... gotta research, and have been saving for it... Tummy tuck and legs still first on the list... I was a bit surprised by the legs... didn't think I would lose that much to make them do what they are doing:scared0:

CONGRATULATIONS Bob!!! Great news about the blood pressure! I was really lucky that even at my heavist I wasn't on BP meds, but after the weight loss my BP had come down ALOT and Doc was a bit concerned that it is too low, but said as long as I'm not dizzy or light headed he'll just watch it for now, so keep an eye on it. Keep up the good work! Isn't it such a GREAT feeling!!?

Hi Steve... First off congrats on your weight loss, and sorry I didn't see this thread sooner... I too had it BAD!! Doc put me on nexium at my first visit after surgery. It's a small world... I use to live in Cally too.. I started out in Monrovia, then we move out to San Bernardino County to Montclair. glad you're feeling better, sounds like you're on your way!! G'luck!! And thank you VA and soonto be skinny for the recipes!! Gonna give them a try!! They sound Yummmmmy!!

I REALLY hated pics at my heavist weight... and avoided the camera, but my sons friend snapped this one, I almost deleted it, but now I'm glad I didn't so I can remind myself how far I have come.... ( I can't believe I'm posting this!!!:scared0: ) Next pic is 3 months out.... I felt really good to be able to wear a dress... This was my 6 month check up pic.... I bought that blouse and pants about 5 weeks ago, and already tooo big!! ( look "frumpy":blushing: ) Thanks for all your support!!!And the nice comments!!:biggrin:

Good luck Cajun!! You can do it!!! Do you have a surgery date? Hope everything falls into place for you!!

Grr..... my chart from my excel page didn't work,.... so am posting it again so you can see the difference.....

I've accomplished alot of my "goals" already! * Get HEALTHY- BP is normal, cholestol normal- Sugar-normal! * Be able to wear pants with a button and a zipper- NOT stretch pants! * Be able to cross my legs * fit in a booth at a restraunt * Be able to tie my shoes like a "normal" person * Be able to fit in a lawn chair ( and not think I'm gonna break it:blushing:) * Be able to walk and talk at the same time and not get so winded * Be able to clean my house in one day, and not have to stop every 15 minutes for a break * I can pull my car seat up and my belly doesn't touch the steering wheel! * I don't get up 5 times a night to go pee!! New Goals- * Be a size 14 ( or smaller) * Wear sexy lingerie ( matching bra and panties ) ( Not big Bloomers!! ) * Stop Smoking * Get to "ONEderland" * Make "Goal" by Dec. ( drastic... but am hoping ) I know ther is alot more... just what came to mind...

Forgot to say YESSSSSSSS to the EZ recipes! Post away Jaffa Steve!! Post away!!

Welcome Paloma!! Yep- quite natural what you're going thru- but it will soon be a blur and a bad memory!!!

Boy... You guys are eating GOOD!! And VegasAngel.. I'm with you.. I hate to cook!! I can't stand lunch meat anymore.... havn't had bread since Jan. I don't eat Pasta.... so now whats left?? I do like turkey cutlets- I'll use that 30 minute marinade and put them on the grill and then I either have them for dinner or luch thru the week. Pretty much it's chicken or fish and oh yeah.... SHRIMP!! I loveeee shrimp and it was one of the things I could eat early. ( strange huh>?? ) Lots of good ideas from you all tho:thumbup:

I can't wait to be able to make you all a card of your own!!! You'll be there before you know it!!!:clap2: HUGZZZZZ!!!

I got sleeved on 2/09/09... a week shy of my 6 month mark:wink1: I still think it's pretty amazing tooo!!! as for the ticker in kg's and lbs..... at least you can calculate them.... I am uh... at a loss.. :thumbup: Again.... welcome!!

WOW... How did I miss this post??? I too had knee replacement... My doc said it was one of the worst cases he had seen in his career..... and I was afraid my left knee was going to need it too... but he said if I got the weight off, I would be able to get more "milage" outta it.... I told him I was looking into weight loss surgery and he was soo supportive and told me he would do anything he could to help me, write any letter needed, but my insurance did not cover it, so I became a self pay patient. I gotta tell you, the surgery (knee replacement) was one of the most painful things I have ever gone thru... but I would do it all again in a HEARTBEAT! It was the final deciding factor on my decision for weight loss. My surgery went well... rehab excellent.. but my stamina was pitiful... I couldn't walk much because of my weight... out of breath and new I would never be able to do my current job.... Now... almost 6 months later and 136 pounds "lighter" I can walk with no trouble... my left knee does NOT hurt at all!!! I go back to see my knee surgen in Oct... and I can't wait!! My PCP knows him, and said he is gonna be floored at my progress and weight loss!! I can't wait for that doctors appointment! :thumbup: LOL I would love to lose the first 100lbs in 12 months. I personally don't think that is unrealistic considering that's 2lbs a week. I'm going to set some goals next week once I find out about the TPN. I can't wait until I can exercise again. I loved when I started working out after the band, and then my old surgeon made me stop when I started having so much port pain. My neighbor has a pool, and told me I can use it once I get released. I'm walking a little right now, but I run out of gas pretty quickly. 50lbs gone by end of September would be amazing, and maybe that will be my first goal. Losing more than 100lbs is so daunting to me. I know it can be done, but does anyone else ever feel like it's not going to happen? My husband said he can't imagine me weighing 150lbs. He says it's going to be awkward because he's never known me to be "small". It IS Possible!! I lost 100 pounds in 3 1/2 months! I never dreamed I could.. 100 pounds... crazy stuff.. I am a member of the "century club"... Anyone else want one>?? be glad to hook ya up with your own card!!

Welcome Burnout!! And congrats on your surgery! Of course we all think you made the right decision!:thumbup: Good luck and keep us posted on your success!!

Got a question.... My Doc's goal for me is 160- a weight loss of 194 pounds... I think at 170 or 175 would be more realistic.. I am very "big boned" and don't think I weighed 160 even when I was considered "thin"..... Question being... am I being pesimistic? defeatist??(sp?) I'm really trying not to be... but I think in a way I am just trying to prepare myself in case I don't make it... But I REALLY want to. And I will be 6 months out on the 9th...and think I have done a good job to date. I go see my surgen on the 6th... and will compare scales and weights... and see what he has to say. Just kinda curious as to what all of your "goal" weights are and how you feel about it.....