gamergirl

Oh and here are the pictures I used to determine ideal body fat. Of course, we won't look like these young beauties who are photo-shopped, our skin will sag, our tummies won't be this smooth, but blur your eyes and look and pay attention to the arms, thighs etc. and pick. I picked 25% for two reasons: one, i like curves on me and two, there don't seem to be any health advantages below 25% for women.

hah! I can solve this for you. My son created a calculator based on my formula which I need to find a place to host. But to give you the answer, tell me what percent body fat you want. Btw, I want to be 25% body fat, and based on that and my current lean body mass, my goal is at 162, which is decidedly higher than the 135 the actuarial tables dictate for my 5'6 frame.

OMG that looks so good! Can you eat raw spinach with no issues? I'd like to try again.

hey Lyn! There's a thread here where some of us have been posting too: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/289716-my-lunch-a-pictorial-attempt-to-show-you-life-will-be-normal/page-12?hl=%2Bpictorial#entry3288857

Do you roast them in the oven with the balsamic?

Oooh maybe I'll do that. I made shepherd's pie with mashed cauliflower crust and it was yummy.

RJ I love reading your posts so really glad you're sharing more on the forum over the last few weeks. I am not far enough out for my life to have changed that much so I can't add too much to your post. All I know is, I discovered I was a carb addict, that I really wish I had controlled that before I got sleeved. I don't believe in regrets, but I do wonder if that would have made a difference in my body and in my health if I had given up my sugar and carb habit before resorting to surgery. But it took surgery and the pre-op to make me recognize that, so I put it down the fact that the Universe unfolds the way it should, not according to my plan. And I already knew I wasn't a patient person so no news there My friend tells me that I have all the patience I was born with--because I've never used any of it since then! But I do realize how often that lack of patience sabotaged my weight loss efforts because I used to just quit when I didn't get the results I wanted. This time, not only is that not really possible, but I also refuse to quit.

I tend to agree with you and that's what I meant about if I am stupid enough to keep "trying" it, I'm sure it will tolerate it just fine. I mean, everything gets easier with time, why wouldn't sugar? I was going to make corn and potatoes for the kids' Christmas meal and the experience yesterday has told me that if I do, I better not have any. Too slippery a slope and why? There are plenty of other yummy veggies instead that are not starchy.

This was so cute and funny! Cracked us up. My good compliment lately is also from my husband. He says that when we go to the stores together now, he has to remember what color shirt I am wearing because otherwise he doesn't immediately recognize me. How cool is that?

Yesterday was a revelation for me in another way as well. I ate 1,100 calories for the first time in 5 months. I've been having trouble hitting 800 so far. But it was so easy to do yesterday. You know how? 1 Italian sausage and 4 bites of mousse. That right there was almost 400 calories. It was SO easy to go over on calories simply with two "bad" choices", that was quite an awakening. So far, I've been extremely strict with myself and have not eaten anything "off plan". Yesterday was a very educational day in that sense. Very grateful for it.

Ice bath is figurative in my case. The water temp at the spa is 65-70 degrees. Not ice by any means, but still super cold and effective for my inflammation. I'd say tap water in a Seattle winter ought to do it. I'd fill the bathtub with body temp or colder water and get in quickly, and just stay there until the water gets cold and then some. You really need to "soak" in it.

how far out are you from surgery?

And I haven't updated in a while, I'm at 42 miles for the month. Eight more to goal. Haven't planked or crunched in a while. Will have to try again next month. On the plus side? Easing up has meant only ONE flare up this month yay! and it only happened because I didn't take my meds, not because of overdoing it. So it's a bit of a mixed blessing. I would like to where I can exercise a bit more and still not have a flare up. Maybe one day.

I do that during a flare up to ward off inflammation pain. Best. Thing. Ever. I go to the Korean spa and get into the coldest pool they have there and at first, I can barely breathe. But then you get used to the cold and the aches and pains start to ease up. So much better than the hot water pools.

Yes that would work! Just be sure to not put into really hot soup and it should be good. Enjoy

if the protein shakes are making you sick, you could be having trouble with the lactose in them. Try taking lactaid chewable pills or put a couple of drops into your shake as you drink it and maybe see if that helps with the runs and nausea.

That sounds amazing! If you put in a bit of shrimp or chicken and cook it with that and include in the puree, maybe it will sub for one of your protein shakes? I really enjoyed blending meat and veg together as a savory way to get my protein post op.

I wonder if it would work to try the same recipe with peanut butter first? Less expensive mistake it if doesn't work out!

I had one bite of bread once at a restaurant at thanksgiving. That was it. I was done eating. I had only had 2 bites of meat before then, but I couldn't eat another thing after that bread. Learned my lesson.

Yup! I've always said that the loss of anything you love can hurt you--whether it's man, woman, child, dog, or lazy boy. I do think that things own us, we don't own them, And get a bunch of smart, opinionated people together and nothing is too esoteric. Buddhist you and raised-as-Hindu me can have a good discussion about Maya and whether we were really born or not. Butter started a GREAT thread in this forum that's worth a read where we all talked about ourselves and our beliefs. I have to find it and link to it. It's a good example of the type of thought sharing that's possible on this forum.

Me!!!! Since yesterday! Lol well now if we're talking about kissing girls, let's talk about THAT! .....

So when I first posted this, the things I had thought we might discuss were whether was was represented here resonated with our beliefs. I see how the points serve a poetic purpose, but I had hoped to spark a discussion on what we believe on the points themselves. Posted as it is in the agnostic/atheist forum, I had thought that would be food for a good discussion on what we believe to be true for us. For me, the following are points made in the poem that I do not subscribe to: 1. That we can do whatever we want without (Eternal) consequences. and 2. The more we have the happier we will be. Of course, once you post, the discussion goes where it will and that's fine, but that was my original intent. What is it they say about the road to hell and good intentions? :-D Oh come on, you didn't think I could resist THAT opportunity for a little irony did you?

What she said. I didn't see what you said as negative at all, you were simply sharing your POV which we all enjoy. NO worries

Try the protein puddings I posted. Super easy, a yummy treat and have 17 gms of protein. You'll get there