Finding MeMe

I do good old fashioned push up's and pull-ups. You can first start on your knees and as you progress move on to full push up's. For pull up's I use the pull up machine at the gym. In addition I use smaller wts. 10 lbs for overhead press to work the shoulders as well as arms. Small wts like Lissa said can define your arms.

I like Dr. Oz one of his shows was discussing celiac disease, gluten intolerance and allergies. His show helped me discover that I was allergic to wheat/gluten products. He has a lot of good information from a Dr's point of view and I appreciate that.

WOW it looks like you have every thing we were told could happen. I hope you get better soon and wish you a speedy recovery. This is a serious sometimes life altering surgery.

Oh forgot to mention you can also have the beans for dinner or lunch. Just warm two corn tortillas add some cheese to the center , add your beans fold in half and you have healthy bean and cheese tacos. Enjoy.

Beans, Beans, Beans and you can make your own healthy refried or sauteed beans. You can add cheese to them too, yummy. Take one can of black beans and one can of red kidney beans or pinto beans. for your first time I would use one can until you decide you like it, add some salt, pepper and a little garlic powder or chicken seasoning to it and then us a potatoe masher to mash and squash them up really good in a bowl. You will be stirring and mashing at the same time. Then add 1/2 chopped onion to your frying pan with two tbls spoon of olive oil. Once the onions are sauteed, add your beans, cook and stir for around 10-15 min or until all the liquid is gone. Then eat them with some tortillas or whole wheat toast. I'm gluten free so no bread for me.

My opinion, 30 min is not enough and 5 min upper body wts is also not enough. Recommend as others have said at least 45-60 min of cardio most days of the week and wt. lifting 15-30 min three days per week. Try to do some leg work like (squats/lunges) to tone up the legs and glutes. Good luck to you and you are doing great.

I love before and after pics. You look great and look so much more confident. Keep up the great work the one on the left looks like your mom.

It's normal to feel nervous and have second thoughts. You will also change your relationship with food after having 80% of your tummy removed, you won't have the ability to eat huge meals at one time. And for some people like myself, I forget to eat sometimes and I just don't want to eat because I'm not hungry. I now eat for nutrition because I have to eat to remain healthy and nourished. As for making healthy meals, you can do it because you will have to plan your meals like some one else stated (at first liquids, then puree foods, then soft foods, etc). During that time you will be surprised what you can prepare at home (like healthy chili's, stews in the crock pot and learning the best foods with protien (beans, eggs, cottage cheese and such). This is a learning process and you will do great, see you on the loser's bench.

Remember that we also have international people on here and English is their second language. I usually look at the name and realize that they are not from the US. The few that I find full of misspellings and difficult to read I usually don't comment.

I would also say make all your support group meetings and explain to them/your coordinator that you would like the surgery before the Tri-care prime expires. I hope you find someone who will work with you.

Honestly, I don't count calories (and I know I should). I am in the habit of eating what I want, and when I want it, I also work out daily. If I happen to eat ice cream or frozen yougurt or baked whatever, I know I will burn it off the next day. I work out every day for at least 60 min so I know that what ever I eat, I will burn it off during my next workout session. Calories in calories out, bottom line, too easy.

Hey Linsey, My name is Angela and I am not ashamed to say my name. Welcome to the forum, I am here for you girlfriend. If you have any questions or concerns please friend me and get ready for the train ride of your life.

You go girl, If I was down 100 I would just melt away started at 250 and at 180 I am the ultiimate "Hotness".

I just walked into the beauty supply store, they had like one million wigs. I just tried them on and purchased 3. I still wear them to give myself a break from messing with my hair.

Mine was thinning and I wore wigs. I purchased three cute ones and rocked them with head bands and head wraps. Before you knew it my hair was back to normal after 7 months. Take care and good luck to you.

I haven't read them and not tracking.

Yes, Yes, Yes, look at me I am fabulous.

OMG LOL and at dexter you guys are hallarious, reading this is too funny but true. I can't wait to read your latest blog post because you guys will be losers before you you know it.

Ohhhh that's sweet enjoy your sleeve and your new life...

Lissa is on point, I always worked out heavy before surgery and so was doing the eliptical, power walking, and lots of lower body workouts at around 10 days out. Talk to you physician it depends on how you are healing, your previous fitness level and your energy level. Good luck to you.

Keep up the good work, as long as you are happy in your own skin that is all that matters..

It sounds like you know that you are addicted to food and carbs and understand that you must make better food choices. Now you must have a discussion with yourself and say my sleeve is only a tool and I must make the right food choice or I will gain the weight back. Keep only foods that are healthy in the house I know that I like (chips, cookies and ice cream) so they don't come into the house. Instead I stock up on healthy foods like (soups, eggs, beans, veggies, chili, potatoes and cheese). I also exercise daily and If I do overeat I know that I will work it off the next day. It is hard to maintain wt. with calorie restriction alone so maybe crank up the exercise or find a workout program/gym which will work for you.

I am 45, 57 started at 250 now down to 180 and I have no, zero excess skin. I do however workout everyday and I lift wts so I have quite a bit of muscle mass. I wouldn't be afraid of the excess skin issue, it depends on your age, genetics (body type) and how long you have been fat/your skin has been stretched out. Good luck to you.

Mine was to take pictures...

Hi friends, I just had to post some vegas vacation photos. I haven't taken photos that I was happy about in years so here I go. What a difference from my "fat days"