sueBhoney

thanks for all the info..Butterbean, I love swimming, unfortunately I cannot afford to join another gym and I really like the one I am at now.

Thanks aroundhky, my gym does have kettle balls and a great staff. You reminded me that I did do dead lifts with a personal trainer many years ago. Not lift and jerk or whatever it is but dead lift up to the chest. I did get a great workout in the abs with them. As soon as I finish my 2 12hour shifts I will be in the gym working on a routine.

thanks everyone. The gym where I go has a recumbant eliptical bike which I like but find it boring after awhile ,Lissa, the regular stand up eliptical did bother my knees. I do watch the calories but think the weightlifting will help in the muscle loss department. Plus, after kayaking for two hours yesterday I realized I needed the arm workout. Susan, what is "TDEE"?

I was concerned about a weight gain as well. They told me it was because of the IV given during and after the operation.

as long as your doctor gives the ok,,have at it.

I have many friends who hoop..I need to work on my knees before I can try it. I do miss bellydancing ever so much.

I do get a little discouraged at losing slow but I know if I followed the rules better I would lose quicker. I had my 6month check-up today. I have lost 68 pounds since surgery. Doc St Jean says I can expect to lose half of that in the next 6months. That is if I continue as I am doing now. I will have to do better about exercising and diet to exceed this goal. He says I am right on track, But I know I can do better. Slow is ok. I carry most of my weight in my tummy area and is a challenge.

My surgeon told me my stinging pains were muscles spasms. Felt like bee stings. I didn't have anything but ice chips then sips of water for two days after surgery. Then I had to drink 4oz of protein drink with no prob before I could go home the third day. I felt fine after surgery considering I had had most of my stomach cut out. Up and walking and all. But I can't imagine how some of these people can go home the day of surgery or the day after.

make sure you document all your rashes and such. pictures. sounds rough but needed. they also measure how far down the skin flap hangs. below the pelvis is a definite go. check with your insurance company. or your surgeon should be able to tell you.

I have always been sensitive to salt in "store bought" foods. It is just a matter of reading labels. Luncheon meat is high in salt. there are low salt cheeses. You have to learn to cook with spices more. Garlic is a favorite of mine. Since my sleeve I have a difficult time with hamburg so I tend to eat steak instead. buy unflavored fish and add your own seasonings to them. check the labels on the seasonings the are all mixed up.. sometimes salt is the first ingredient.

I guess I am a lucky one..I never did drink while I ate. Had to save room for more food,lol. I am having trouble getting my alotted ozs of water though. I consider the water in the fruits and veggies I eat. I had surgery in Nov of 2012. When they told me I couldn't drink 30 minutes before or 30 minutes after eating., then I wanted water with my meals..it is all such a mind game. I liked the video of the applesauce.

I gotta agree with Frank..the hungry feeling is still there. but the sleeve is one hell of of a portion control device. As far as living on a liquid diet..my Dietician didn't want me to have more than one protien shake a day. The rest had to be solid foods. This was of course after the two week liquid diet postop. I did two weeks of liquid protein/jello/pudding /boullion/yogurt. pre op and two weeks post op the same. It wasn't bad. I needed the strictness of it. She wanted me to learn to eat solid foods responsibly. The sleeve is only a tool for losing weight. It is still calories in and calories out.