DonRodolfo

Why do you hate America?

I was told keep the same initial weight or lose all I want, but do not gain more than my initial weight or the insurance could deny me.

Are you getting the same indication on different elliptical machines? I don't trust those heart rate monitors and bring my own to the gym. Unless you're climbing stairs to get to the elliptical, 115 seems high. I'm 50 y/o 392lbs and it takes me a couple minutes of effort to get to 115.

I compared dried polenta to grits and the only difference I saw was the color - polenta has this deep rich yellow color and grits are white. Cooked in a pot with Water, polenta had the same consistency as grits cooked the same way (except that they took longer to cook). I'd like to try your baked polenta chips recipe, it sounds great!

No judgement here. I have my own past with alcohol and I'm a little scared of after surgery. I've been alcohol-free since the end of November of last year and trying to stay that way, one day at a time.

Have you had polenta?

I don't even know you but I like you already!

Your southerner card, please hand it over!

You're not alone, none of us are. We may be strangers, but we all have each other, and WE understand!

So I'm guessing none of you have seen the "As for me I'm bottom heavy so I can't wait to loose these theighs so I can have my legs up in the air longer lol." thread.

Well done, young lady. You look amazing!

<disclaimer> I am not a doctor nor do I play one on TV. </disclaimer> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proteinuria "Proteinuria can also be caused by certain biological agents, such as bevacizumab (Avastin) used in cancer treatment, or by excessive Fluid intake (drinking in excess of 4 litres of Water per day)." Could this be the reason?

Can't stand Colleen anyway!

"The VSG is the least successful wls out of the three (traditional bypass, lapband, and vsg, bypass being the most effective, then the band, and vs coming in last). She said I can only expect to lose 30 percent of my total excess weight with the sleeve, and that I "need to be realistic" in my weightloss goals. She also said the appetite would come back, and that many people learn to "eat around" the surgery." There is a mix of truths and untruths in what you were told. Bottom line: I'd ask for another doctor if available. You shouldn't have to put up with someone that makes you feel uncomfortable.

I was told to avoid those as they are made with collagen protein which does not include all of the necessary amino acids. The label says 42g of protein but you only end up getting about 11g. A better "protein shot" appears to be a product called "Yes Whey". https://www1.bariatricadvantage.com/catalog/group/77102/#gsc.tab=0

If you like chocolate, I recommend getting to a GNC and having them whip you up a sample of this: http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11043994&cp=4046468.18377296 You would want to drink only half a serving at time, but it's delicious!

Manuel Castro, http://www.nbsurgical.com/

Welcome and howdy from Texas! I'm new here too.

I entertained boxing as a fitness activity I could do after my surgery, still thinking about it. You get superior workouts and you could always have opponents stay away from your chest/stomach area while you heal, no?

Jessica, this too is one of the many things you should be doing. Right after the surgery is not going to be a good time to find out you just blew $30 on Protein Drink mix that you hate. http://www.unjury.com has a sample pack you can order that has different mixes for you to try - this would be a great place to start.

At my last nutritionist visit, I told her I'd crush and snort the No-Doze if I had to!

That's scary - I got lists from my nutritionist and my doctor. In addition to everything else I've mentioned, I was told to start walking 10 minutes a day 3 to 5 times per week. I've been working on that and am amazed at the energy I have now.

Jessica, you should have been given a list of goals to work on before your surgery. You should be working on not drinking fluids while eating, not drinking fluids until 30 minutes after you eat, giving up carbonated beverages and sugary drinks, drinking 64oz of water every day, and a whole list of things.

Kimmie, are you able to take your heart rate and take your temperature? A rate higher than 100bpm and/or a temperature over 101 F could be signs of an infection and time to call your surgeon or go to the ER.

I've tried several brands of protein shakes and I've come to the conclusion that they all taste yucky when they're made with water instead of milk. However, there is one from GNC called "Amplified Wheybolic Extreme 60" that I think is my favorite. To me it tastes incredible when made with water (I've let others try it and they agree). It's a little pricey but might be worth a try. They let me sample some at the GNC where I bought it.