Crossfit4Me

Sorry about the use of "hate" in my last response. haha Wish I would have conveyed at some point before your purchase that I had heard that the chocolate and vanilla were the least desirable flavors. So, by no means am I a doctor or a medical professional (unless you concider me qualified to speak as such being that I am a dental assistant! hahah). The wesite that you posted has great information about the positive effects of fish oil on the body. The one thing I don't really understand about this article is that it contradicts itself with regards to depression/bipolar. In the beginning of the article is says that "Taking fish oil with the usual treatments for bipolar disorder seems to improve symptoms of depression and increase the length of time between episodes of depression". But at the end of the article is says "Taking fish oil might increase some of the symptoms of this condition (bipolar/depression)". You have to pay special attention to the adverbs they use like "might". It might increase symptoms. In most of the discussion about fish oil that I have read or heard it has always boasted that fish oil improves depression. I have never heard that it makes it worse or "causes" it. As for your other concerns, I have never heard anything about it supressing immune systems. IMO I have never been healthier since taking fish oil but in the same sense, I have never been healthier period! I Crossfit, run, bike, hike, walk, eat healthier, etc. I think if you have the expectation that you can sit of your butt, take fish oil and its going to be a cure all, you'de be sadly mistaken. If you were someone like that (which I know you're not), and/or if you had immune issues like the article talks about "High doses of fish oil might also reduce the immune system’s activity, reducing the body’s ability to fight infection. This is a special concern for people taking medications to reduce their immune system’s activity (organ transplant patients, for example) and the elderly" there might be more of an issue to consider. And last, as for the bleeding, "Taking more than 3 grams per day might keep blood from clotting and can increase the chance of bleeding". Again, they use the word "might". From what I know, fish oil does keep the blood from clotting to a point which is why I had to stop taking it before my surgery. But it does not keep it from clotting to the point that if you get cut or something you are going to bleed out. Even in this article it talks about the benefit of taking it during certain surgeries "Reducing the risk of blood vessel re-blockage after heart bypass surgery or “balloon” catheterization (balloon angioplasty). Fish oil appears to decrease the rate of re-blockage up to 26% when given for one month before the procedure and continued for one month thereafter. Apparently, taking fish oil before surgery is important. When taken for less than one month before angioplasty, fish oil doesn’t help protect the blood vessel against closing down." Just one example. So, as for your question about taking more than the 1tsp, I wouldn't be concerned for a certain duration to treat your inflammation (or to see if it at least helps). Would I take high does long term? If only the high doeses (2tsp) help with your inflammation and the 1tsp didn't, I would talk to your Dr. about the long term pros and cons of using it for treatment. I know that was a long winded response for that short opinion at the end but I hope it helps to support my reasoning and thought process.

I hate that you got the chocolate. I have heard the chocolate and the vanilla taste the worst but I guess whatever flavor you get it is still going to be oily. The good thing about SFH fish oil is that you don't get the nasty fishy burps. I take mine in the morning in a medicine cup. I put a sip of Water in my mouth and hold it there while I put the fish oil in and drink them together followed by another sip of water. It seems to take away the oilyness of it so that it doesn't coat your mouth. The other thing that I used to do is mix it in your Protein shake if you have one. I have always gotten the mint fish oil and mixed it with my chocolate Protein Drink. Was very good. My crossfit gym didn't have the mint in stock when I needed it last week so I got the new tangerine flavor and it is good as well. How much are you taking? You should be taking at least 1tsp (5ml) or up to 2tsp (10ml) per day. I might try the 2tsp until your inflammatin gets under control. Give it time though. I swear it works. Good luck!

To all you post sleevers, at the point that you can start eating anything, what foods do you find fill you up best and keep you full the longest?

My body does not do well with carbs either. AT ALL! I hate it. Breakfast is hard because I get sick of eating eggs or having to cook in the morning. But I think I am going to have to revert back to doing eggs like I did before surgery as the yogurt isn't cutting it and I obviously can't have pancakes, french toast or some other kind of sinful carbs!

I had no idea. I've never had an issue with constipation.

Ok, so I get the dense proteins. And I know I need veggies and want them but not sure why I will be sorry if I don't eat them?? What other foods. Especially breakfast foods? I have been eating plain greek yogurt but it's not really working for me anymore now that I have pretty much progressed to trying to eat anything. I love the yogurt and love all the protein in it but it doesn't keep me full for long at all. So advice on breakfast foods and any other foods other than the dense proteins that you listed?

With you being a runner and crossfitter, I would STRONGLY recommend trying the Stronger Faster Healthier fish oil. When taking a fish oil the biggest thing to consider is the ammount of EPA and DHA. SFH fish oil has 3100mg per teaspoon. They recommend athletes take 1-2 tsp and people with inflammation to take 2-3 tsp a day. That would be 6200 to 9300mg of EPA and DHA. So you could put that into perspective as to what you are currently taking. It is an AMAZING product along with the protein powders. I HIGHLY recommend them too. I use the chocolate Recovery formula after workouts and have recently started using the chocolate Fortified to get in extra protein since surgery. I have to admit even though they taste pretty simmilar, I don't like the Fortified as much as it has something in it (maybe the cherry powder) that doesn't mix in. It's kind of grainy or something and settles at the bottom of my shaker jar. Anyway, hope this is helpful. Our crossfit coaches are a big supporter of their products for good reason. Here is a link to the SFH website. http://www.strongerfasterhealthier.com/products/omega_3-oil/10_oz_so3_super_concentrate_om

Fiddleman, I am not an expert by any means but I wanted to offer a possible option that you could research. A good fish oil goes a long way at reducing inflammation. I am big into weight lifting and running which can cause inflammation. I use a product that is only available online or possibly at certain independant businesses that choose to carry it. It is called Stronger Faster Healthier (that's the brand) and it's Super Omega 3 fish oil. It is a liquid that comes in several flavors. I use the mint and mix it with Stronger Faster Healthier chocolate Protein power. The other thing thing that I would look at is your diet. There is a lot of food out there that can cause inflammation, especially grains. Do your research on the foods. Let me know if there is anything I can do.

Where can you find Ak Mak crackers? They sound really good.

Just a though as I drank a lot of protein drinks before surgery after lifting weights. Try mixing them with water instead of milk if you aren't already and add extra water if they are still too sweet. It helps a lot as they are sometimes too sweet for me as well. Also not sure what protein powder you have but I use Jay Robb, it is the cleanest and probably the most pure you can get in stores (there are a few others that you can only get online) and tastes good.

Thanks for everyone's feedback. It has really helped calm me a lot. Everyone's goals are not the same and I don't expect that my goals will necessarily be in line exactly with everyone else's. For me, I just want to be able to live like what I feel is normal, which is being able to indulge from time to time without feeling guilty and to be able to eat a small portion and be satisfied. And not always be obsessing about food because I am hungry!! I have lost a lot of weight already on my own with diet and exercise (I'll be going into surgery Thursday at about 190 to 195lbs) but it is always a struggle as I always feel hungry and deprived. My biggest issue is portion control because it takes a lot for me to feel full and satisfied. I look forward to not feeling hungry all the time but want to get back to being able to choose what I want to eat to fuel my body for my active lifestyle. I hope this all makes sense as I feel like I'm rambling. I just keep thinking about how I may never be able to eat something I like again and it's kind of depressing.

I'm having surgery Thursday and just want to know when you post op'ers were able to eat "normal" again? Meaning, being able to eat pretty much what ever you want just smaller amounts and making good choices. 3months? 6 months? I just need to have a goal to work towards. I'm starting to freak out and feel like I will never be able to eat "normal" again. Again, to me normal is eating healthy about 80% of the time and eating smaller meals. This is what I try to do already, which is okay. Just looking forward to not feeling hungry no matter what I do and unsatisfied. Help please!

I am big into crossfit and am wondering how long after surgery until I can get back to lifiting? Also wondering if I will even have the energy post op to do Crossfit or long distance running?

You walked 5-7 miles a day?!? That is like 2 hours of walking!! Not that I couldn't do it, just the time that it would take. But I guess with driving time it takes me 2 hours for crossfit too. I totally get the jumping in with both feet thing. Hope you are not too sore from the other day. Makes you walk and move like you are 90 years old! haha What are you doing to keep your Protein and nutrient levels up? That is a HUGE concern on mine. I went to crossfit yesterday morning after having only 150 calories (I am on 2 week 800 calorie liquid only pre op diet) and I was sluggish. Could feel my muscles fatiguing quickly and wanting to give out. It was a bit brutal. And I am sore as hell today. I now FULLY believe in my after workout protein recovery drink. I NEVER feel this sore normally.

Hey Fiddleman, Good for you trying something new! So my advice is several things. First, make sure that you are going to a reputable crossfit gym. One that focuses on proper lifting technique and safety. Not all crossfit gym's are created equal. If the coaches are not watching you like a hawk especially in the beginning and helping you with the form of your lifts, you may want to reconsider going to another crossfit. Second, you are at an advantage already endurance wise which is a big part of crossfit. It is not all about heavy lifting. When is does come to the lifting portion though, realized that crossfit is adaptable to ALL people in any way, shape or form. EVERYONE can do crossfit, even with injuries or disabilities. With that being said, it is great to have other people around you to "compete" with to motivate you to do your best but you CAN NOT compare yourself to others. Everyone is at different levels. What you need to do it focus on yourself and the strides you are taking to increase your strength. And increases in strength WILL COME. You may find like a lot of us that you are stronger at some lifts than others and increases in strength come easier and not so much with others. That can sometimes be frustrating but continue to push through and work on your weaknesses and celebrate your strengths. I hope this helps some. I could tell you more if you are interested, just PM me.

What are the best tasting, highest quality clear protein powders for post op?

haha John. I will be looking forward to getting back to kipping right away! abetter, I have been hoping that all the exercise that I do will help with my recovery and get me back to things as soon as possible. I hate the thought of being away from what I love. I think my surgeon told me 4 weeks for heavy lifting but I will have to confirm with him again. I would love to know what exercise you did post surgery and how often? And did you lift today since you were cleared? I started my pre op diet yesterday (800 calorie liquid Optifast a day) and went and did crossfit this morning. Our Saturday classes are usually pretty intense with heavy lifting and cardio and boy did it kick my butt after only 150 calories this morning. Plus I was RAVENOUSLY hungry post workout!

Thanks for the input! My Dr did give his recommendations just wondering how others are doing. Especiallly ones that are into crossfit, lifting or long distance running, mudders, etc. Stuff that takes a lot of energy. I love Crossfitting and running and don't want to be gone from it for long. I do want to concentrate on healing and I will but want to get back to what I love as well.