MrsSugarbabe

Add me in again - goal 196. Maybe this time around I'll get below 200 since I didn't make it for the July 4th challenge. Perseverance will eventually pay off. Thanks for setting up another challenge, Steph!

You are headed in the right direction so keep the faith! The process can be very frustrating at times, but it is all very necessary for your health's sake. I can't even begin to imagine having all the surgeries and complications you've had over the years. It's so important to have a great surgeon, NUT, and medical team support. I wish you well and hope the new group you've found will be a better fit for you personally and medically.

I'm sorry you're having to deal with the diverticulitis and the pain, unfortunately I do not have an answer for you on that front. Regarding using straws, my surgeon would like me to stay away from using them, but I have on occasion used one (use to use them all the time pre-surgery). I believe we're to avoid using straws because we suck up so much more air using a straw than when we just drink our beverages. Sometimes I'm so thirsty that a straw seems to help me drink more liquid.

This is a link to an article that was shared by another BP friend earlier this week. Good information to keep in mind. http://www.everydayhealth.com/news/ways-avoid-weight-gain-after-bariatric-surgery/

A lot of times I will make my shake the night before and bring it to work with me. Since I know that not all Protein powder shakes can be made ahead of time, I called unjury (my preferred powder) and asked about premaking and they said that was fine. Even if I didn't drink the shake within 24 hours of making it, it still tasted fine36-48 hours later. I have two different shakers I'll use along with assorted empty orange juice bottles (12 oz. +/- variety) when carrying my premade shakes. Also, I've started keeping a container of my powder in our kitchenette at work so I can make a shake anytime while at work. I've also used the snack baggies to put powder in and reuse those a few times.

Awesome!!!! @@Elode!!! Keep up all the great work you've been doing!!! I know what you mean about going sideways....I tend to pull to the right....

Awesome progress!!! What a difference a lifestyle change can make! You're looking fabulous!!

I'm in the same spot....losing inches but not pounds (at least not fast pounds). I chalk it up to building muscle, burning fat, thus the inches lost, but not the pounds. I changed up my strength building/resistance workout a couple weeks ago to hopefully ramp up the weight loss, but that hasn't resulted in that change.....yet. My clothes keep getting bigger so that's what I'm going with, and to keep doing what I'm supposed to be doing food-wise.

Do you like black Beans? They are one of my favorite foods right now. I make them like Cuban black beans and will sometimes add a little browned Jimmy Dean sausage. I freeze 1/2 cup containers of the beans/sausage mixture to keep at work for lunch. Believe it or not, that 1/2 cup can be rather filling. I eat a variety of Protein packed foods in any given week. I don't like it to get boring, and I've found that since surgery I'm wanting more highly flavored foods, not necessarily spicy hot, which I love, just lots of flavor. The more protein you eat over a period of time, the less you'll crave carbs, or have room for them. My NUT & surgeon's daily guidelines were at least 100 grams of protein, less than 50 grams carbs, and about 1000 cal. If you plan out your food well enough, it's amazing how much food you can get in 1000 cal.

Your best bet is to follow the program set out for you by your surgeon and nutritionist (NUT). Although most of us were given similar instructions, not all were the same. My thought is you should already be drinking Protein shakes which will also count toward your Fluid intake. Good luck on your journey!! It is definitely a learning process along the way.

Lane Bryant is having a sale NOW!!! Some styles of Cacique bras are buy 2, get 2 free and other Cacique styles are buy 1, get 1 for 50% off. I placed an order online last night -- free shipping to the store closest to you. Even though my last purchase was of the smooth balconette, only because I was told the back smoother had been discontinued, I noticed online last night that the back smoother was available again so that is what I ordered. Either style works well for me and my girls Happy shopping, Ladies!!!

Veggies........fit them in wherever you can. Since my meals are comprised mostly of Protein, I only get a bit or two of veggies in before I get full. So, sometimes I will eat a snack of celery stick or two with pimento or cream cheese between meals.

@@CanyonBaby -- You and your hubby stay in my thoughts and prayers. (I imagine you understand the concept of "popcorn prayers.") 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Agree with @@Bufflehead's statement - it's the perfect response. You are doing this for your health because we all know that WLS is NOT the easy way out.....it takes a lot of commitment and work - before and after. True friends will be supportive of YOU despite what they've heard about others' WLS stories before now. There is a certain amount of risk in ANY SURGERY and they should know that. Now.....take a few deep breaths, refocus on positive thoughts, and relax.

Fruit can be challenging no matter how good it is. I love fruit and have a hard time getting some in each day since the priority is Protein and fluids. You can always eat half the apple and add a ounce of cheese to the snack. Cantaloupe is a favorite and quite filling. Good luck on your journey! I'm sure you will find a routine that works well for you. Everyone's journey is a bit different although there are many with a lot of similarities.

Awesome progress!!! Happy to hear that you are doing well in your recovery. Re: eating out - maybe share an entree with whomever you're dining; that's what my hubby and I do - saves $$ plus I'm not tempted to eat more than necessary. Keep up the great work you're doing!

Terrific!!! Congratulations!!! Stylin' and profilin' Enjoy your new suit!

I'm a fan of unjury Protein Powder (whey protein isolate). Love the chocolate splendor, vanilla, unflavored, and chicken soup. The strawberry is good, too, but best when mixed with SF lemonade. The chicken soup comes in real handy for lunch while at work, and when I get tired of all the sweet shakes. I experiment with different concoctions using SF Torani flavored syrups and other ingredients. They guarantee their product, so if you don't like it, they will take it back. I like it so well I'm on their autoship program. I've also used some of the Syntrax Nectars. Fuzzy Navel is great and the coffee flavor is pretty good. I'm still working my way through the samples I ordered. In years past, I did experiment with other protein powders and found them quite lacking. It wasn't until a little more than a year ago that I learned the difference between the whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate. I find I do much better using the whey protein isolate (Unjury and Syntrax) in terms of hunger control and carb cravings. After about 2 weeks of using Unjury for Breakfast and lunch, I realized that my craving for carbs, i.e. Pasta, had subsided almost completely. I still do not crave carbs like I once did.

I'm a fan of unjury Protein powder (whey isolate). Love the chocolate splendor, vanilla, unflavored, and chicken Soup. The strawberry is good, too, but best when mixed with SF lemonade. The chicken soup comes in real handy for lunch while at work, and when I get tired of all the sweet shakes. I experiment with different concoctions using SF Torani flavored syrups and other ingredients. They guarantee their product, so if you don't like it, they will take it back. I like it so well I'm on their autoship program. I've also used some of the Syntrax Nectars. Fuzzy Navel is great and the coffee flavor is pretty good. I'm still working my way through the samples I ordered. In years past, I did experiment with other protein powders and found them quite lacking. It wasn't until a little more than a year ago that I learned the difference between the whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate. I find I do much better using the whey protein isolate (Unjury and Syntrax) in terms of hunger control and carb cravings. After about 2 weeks of using Unjury for Breakfast and lunch, I realized that my craving for carbs, i.e. Pasta, had subsided almost completely. I still do not crave carbs like I once did.

To answer your question, I do not believe it is a result of the surgery. I hate to say it, but it sounds like age is catching up with your hips. I've had hip pain for at least 15 years (I'm 59), but only because it is referred pain from what's going on in my lower back - osteoarthritis, bulging disc, facet joint syndrome.... The last x-rays of my hips showed NO arthritis. Also, I've frequently had bursitis in my hips. A day does not go by that my hips don't hurt, some days it's just not as bad as other days. I still exercise and get around well. Standing in one place more than a few minutes hurts a whole lot more than anything else. Since I have a desk job, I do make myself get up and walk around the office frequently throughout the day. If I'm not careful, I can be seated at my desk for 2 hours and not realize it's been that long since I got up out of my chair. I read recently that anyone with a desk job should get up and move around for 5 minutes every hour (at the least). Because my hip pain can disturb my sleep, any pain meds needed are taken just before going to bed. During the day I push through it and use Tylenol. Moving around helps the most because it keeps my joints warmed up. I hope you can find some relief that works for you!

Charlotte

@@FrankiesGirl - You are making great progress!!! Slow or not. Congratulations!!! 60 lbs. is fabulous!! And it's terrific that your hubby is improving his health along side you! I consider my loss slow as well, but as long as progress is being made, that's all that matters. And progress isn't necessarily just about pounds lost like you said--we're learning new behaviors, moving more, and getting healthier. This is our new lifestyle. Keep up the great work!!!

My hubby thinks my tummy noises are funny to listen to...... While at work, if the noises start and others are around and can hear it, I just tell them it's my new tummy (most folks with whom I work know about my surgery) and then apologize for the distraction. Most folks find it an interesting phenomenon.

It depends on if it is a casual type dress or one to be worn to work, social events, etc. If very casual, then I say go for it. If for work or social events, I like @@gowalking's suggestion of a shrug or lightweight jacket (assuming the dress would look good with a shrug or jacket).