macman

Pre surgery I took Lisiniprol for high blood pressure, plus a diuretic every day. I was instructed to stop the day of surgery and have not taken them since. 140 pounds later my blood pressure is the no longer an issue. I understand some of the best results from gastric surgery impact blood pressure and diabetes. Something t,o look forward to!

I agree with the taking time to adjust part of the equation. Every time I put on my new (40 waist) pants I say to myself "You are never going to fit into these"! But I do! I am not a vain person but I find myself looking in the mirror and asking myself "who is that"? I think it does take time to develop a new self image. I have also had some very real balance issues that the doctors are attributing to my weight loss. I was told that the body has made adjustments in gait and balance based on my pre surgery weight. I was at the peak weight for about 10 years. The body and brain need time to co ordinate at the newer, lower weight.

I feel like i am in a similar spot as you. I met the goal I established when I began this program. I have continued to loose weight albeit more slowly. I always assumed my body would tell me when to stop but I am not sure. Bottom line is that I am very comfortable with where I am and will continue to try to tone and strengthen, assuming that the weight will stabilize

I had the sleeve operation 8 months ago at 58years old. I wold absolutely do it over again. I am much more active and regularly exercise. I had high blood pressure, knee and back issues and used a CPAP. All gone! Wish I did this sooner, I know I have added years to my life

Welcome! This forum can be a valuable source of info!

I had surgery eight months ago. My wife has been the best! I could not have a stronger supporter, cheerleader or advocate for what I am doing. She has made this lifestyle change so much easier for me. I think this has been a crucial part of my success with the program Our eating habits have changed, as have the foods we eat. She has lost about 25 pounds along the way and looks and feels great! We walk together and are planning to join a gym in a couple weeks. It has been good for both of us!

My energy started to return when my diet changed to include all foods. It was at this time that I also added a daily iron supplement. This was about 10-12 weeks out from surgery. I also used a CPAP machine but did not have to take afternoon naps. I am going to be retested shortly but feel like I do not need the CPAP anymore. The. CPAP is another factor in the energy equation. I did have to increase carbohydrates at about 4 months because I needed the energy for exercise

So there will be multiple answers to this question depending on your comfort level with certain foods. I had the sleeve and the guidelines given to me were : minimum 60 grams of Protein a day, monitor carbs and keep below 50 while you are in a weight loss mode. Fats fall in place if you are following the other guidelines. Increase calories, protein and carbs as needed to meet the requirements of increased activity and exercise. I use sugar free foods and drinks. I do not add sugar to things I eat. I personally do not have any problem with artificial sweeteners. They are prevalent in a lot of drinks that I consume. The guideline regarding sugar was that any food should not contain more than 12 grams of sugar per serving. I read labels and know what is in the food I eat. I could care less about Desserts or snack foods like chips etc. "fat free" foods are usually a signal for me to avoid them. Good fats are needed by your body to function. I usually get fat in my diet through nuts, Peanut Butter, olive oil or eggs. I do not avoid fatty foods but I am careful not to eat too much of it, such as bacon or sausage. I make sure it fits into my daily requirements. I use My Fitness Pal to track food intake on my phone and that allows me to make adjustments as the day progresses depending on what I have eaten. I think that you will be able to eat most anything you want. As long as it fits your daily intake requirements and you watch the amount of food you eat. There is no reason to be afraid of some of the diet foods, just know what is in them and wether they fit into you lifestyle change.

HW 362 SW 320 CW 225 TPL 137 TGP 132 1 pound lost this week! Past the bout of Bursitis, started walking again.

I think what you have listed coincides with many of my pre surgery feelings. Many of us were where you are. My only advice is to turn your list of feelings into motivation to be successful. It can be a powerful thing! The toughest part of this entire journey is mental. You will be in ruts, stalls and at times be frustrated and doubting the decision. The willing commitment to follow through on your personal reasons for doing this ill get you to where you want to be

I prefer Protein powders: unjury chocolate Splendor, Vanilla or strawberry Sorbet Syntrax Nectors Fuzzy Navel, Apple Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard - Rocky Road I also add PB2, Chike coffee flavored protein, frozen banana and Torani syrups to add additional variety

I am a big fan of Unjury Chocolate Splendor. I enjoy the taste and it mixes well with fat free milk for extra protein. When you are able try mixing with PB2 ( peanut butter protein powder) or frozen banana. I also add Torani Salted Carmel sugar free syrup to the mix for a change in taste

Since you are early post surgery and still on liquids you might try something that worked well for me. My NUT suggested that I drink 4 ounces of protein shake on the even hours and 4 ounces of water or liquid on the odd hours, all day long (8am-10pm). This was a big help getting in fluids and protein. My program also let me count protein shakes as fluids.

Something to think about when considering hi Protein sources in shakes and shots, etc.: Whey Protein Isolate is the best source of protein for bariatric patients. You can find it in most protein powders. When mixed with fat free milk it is a great source of quality protein. Many of the pre made Protein Shakes, like Premier, contain whey concentrate or Whey blend, which is not as effective. Some, like Atkins use a milk protein blend. The other factor to think about is do you need such high amounts of protein at one time. The body is limited in the amount of protein that can be absorbed at one sitting. I was told around 30 grams. Also Whey protein Isolate is among the fastest absorbed by the body of at 10-15 grams an hour. I drink my homemade Protein shake on the morning commute each day. The 60-90 minutes I take to ingest the shake is probably a good amount of time to absorb the 30-35 grams of protein. I did use Premier at times early after surgery since anything was difficult to get down. Bt have not used pre made shakes since the liquids only stage.Some people like the Isopure drinks, I did not. I thought they were the most foul tasting drink I tried and could not get them down, even when mixed with Water. However everyone is different. One suggestion made to me that was very helpful was drinking 4 ounces an hour all day, alternating protein shake and liquid. That helped me get in both protein an Fluid requirements

I have used MFP for almost 10 months now. I find it easy to use and a must do for anyone tracking food intake, which I highly recommend. One of the best features for me is tracking of Protein and carbs. I found this very helpful as time progressed. I am eight months post surgery and every time weight loss slowed for me, I was able to increase calories in the right places to continue weight loss. I also make regular adjustments in what I eat each day depending on how the day has gone for me Pay particular note when trying to increase activity or exercise levels. I found that I needed to increase carbs to get the energy I need to increase exercise levels. I have gone from 600 to 1200 calories during the last eight months and weight loss has been very steady for me. MFP has been a very useful tool in managing the food intake. I have also aded a Fitbit Flex which syncs seamlessly with MFP

I have used Opurity Chewable vitamins from the beginning. They are made by Unjury. The thing that impressed me was the quality ingredients. They advertise, "china free", which is a big issue with vitamins and knowing what is actually in your vitamin supplements. They are a bit more expensive than others out there but I have been very satisfied with the vitamin and the Protein

Lot's of good suggestions, I agree as well. One thing you might try is a back to basics approach. Measure foods, protein first, then vegetables, eat mind fully and slowly. Drink lots of fluids. I have not had to do this but heard others talk favorably about revisiting the original diet to reset your stomach. Fluids only at first, progress to soft foods and then a full diet to reset your digestive system

I do not eat rice, pasta, white bread or potatoes. Because I love sushi so much I had to try to see if I could eat it. At about 4 months I ate a few pieces of sushi and an hour later wished I had not. The rice swelled in my stomach and I felt terrible. That was the last time I tried. It is not worth it to me.

It was suggested to me early on, while on liquids, that I plan on drinking each hour. 4 ounces of protein shake on the even hours, 4 ounces of water on the odd hours until I met the goals. I found this very helpful as it is pretty daunting to look at a large bottle of water in week one and be frustrated that you cant drink it. I had trouble getting in all the liquid for awhile after surgery. It does get better with time

Congratulations on your success! You are a great example of what following the program can do!

Congratulations Kindle. Amazing job!! Keep up the great work!

HW 362 SW 320 CW 226 TPL 136 TGP 132 1 pound lost this week! I will take that considering I developed a little bit of bursitis and haven't done any exercise the last 10 days.

Hello, I had my sleeve surgery on 12/31 at UMass Medical Center and live in Douglas, Ma, (just over the RI line.)

I completed the survey. Thanks

Your ability to drink water improves over time. It is difficult to get volume post surgery but at about 4 months post op it was no longer an issue. I can guzzle water if I choose. I am in the camp of flavored drinks. I can drink some water but prefer to add vitamin water, propel, crystal light and Dasani flavored drops that I can add to a bottle of water