Chrystee

@@xochtlem I went to the seminar in August of last year, had my consultation in September and my surgery March 18th 2015. I could have done all my nutrition appts in 3 months, but honestly, it was over the holidays last year, and I had so many things I had to do (heart clearance, pulm clearance, sleep apnea test, etc) that I ended up doing one nutrition apt a month, so 6 months. I could have completed them every 2 weeks, because of my insurance. I had no PCP, or letter or anything. but I have BCBS federal, so it all depends on ins. let me know if you have any other questions.. feel free to shoot me a message.

Thanks, @@Chrystee! I saw that Howard has a program as well, I'd have to check to see if Tran takes Anthem BCBS. I see he's in the BCBS network, just not sure if he accepts my plan. I didn sign up for the seminar in a couple of weeks, tho. My sister in law lives in silver spring too

@@xochtlem no. I went to Howard university and used Dr Tran. Highly recommend him.

actually, not for me. I've learned that even a "healthy" bowl of oatmeal will cause me to crave more carbs. or a "healthy" pizza. There are certain foods that cause me to crave more and more.

<p>@@swimbikerun Not for me, I have to keep my carbs lower. However, my point is that a banana is not a low carb fruit. A better option would have been berries. And oatmeal goes against my surgeons low carb recommendations.</p> <p> </p> <p>And that just goes to show that we all have different recommendations or beliefs on a "healthy" diet.</p>

I also learned in a leadership class that it takes 7 times for someone to hear something before it sinks in..

I chose my surgeon based on his surgical skills. I was astounded at the people in my first nutrition class who didn't know basic nutrition. Even my 7 year old knew more than they did. I think many people really are just clueless. I only had to do a group class for the first, and the other five were solo with my nutritionist, but even some of her statements were counter to what she would say one month to the next. My surgeon preaches low carb.. no grains or sugar.. but then she would tell me to try oatmeal for Breakfast.. and have a banana.. then tell me to keep my carbs under 25 a day.. Also the products they pushed weren't the best as far as calories and Protein content, so I found my own.. They didn't really talk about stalls either.. just that the average was 8-10 pounds a month with the sleeve.

I know what you mean! It is amazing!

That is a great loss.. don't be jealous..

You just had surgery.. You are still doing well.

I've seen quite a few folks go the opposite after surgery and have low BP too.

Sometimes a little pickle juice after a big workout helps me also!

Maybe you can talk your friend into guest posting on this topic for us! Doesn't matter to me though.. I'm short, and I used to ONLY wear bootcut, cause of my wide thighs.. and now skinnies ARE IT FOR ME.. I look good in skinny jeans! and I can wear my boots! Clearance prices at JcPenney!

Are you eating before or after? 30 grams of quick protein is good right after a workout, esp after lifting. I've had it when my calories have been super light.

Probably that I never want to go back to where I was.. and I have an automatic bullshit detector with men, with always being the third wheel.

I was walking several days a week until about 3 weeks ago. I've having difficulty with a nerve that goes into my leg (unrelated to surgery) as well as plantar fasciitis in one foot, so I've backed off for a while. I'm also 5 ft 7 inches tall, which helps me carry the weight in a "thinner" looking way. I saw some friends tonight that I haven't seen since before my surgery. I got lots of "oh my gosh, you're skinny!". I had to laugh, since I'm still in the 300's. do you go to a gym? Try to still get in weights if you can.. also, my gym has a bike for the arms.. which helps those who are not able to walk still get their heart rates up.. or rowing.. or we have a rope machine as well.. Swimming is also an option if you have an indoor pool around.

You've done well, eventually it will slow down too.. and you have to look for your body pattern.. I found mine will stick to the same weight for about 2.5-3 weeks, then I lose 5-6 pounds in one week, then I'm back to my mini plateau.. however, now.. during that 2-3 weeks of non weight loss, I'm losing inches like crazy.

No, I don't. My surgeon's office is in Washington DC and it takes me almost 2.5 hours to get there. There are local groups however. I attended the group years ago when I was first contemplating surgery, and it was kind of a negative group.. Honestly, I don't find in person support groups that helpful. I like online support groups much more. I also am in a few FB groups. However, my best friend has RNY 5 years ago, and her mother had it before her. I have a lot of support in my life too, but having my BF having been through it was very helpful.

I was going to suggest a trainer too.. I think my husband got me one for Christmas... another alternative I HIGHLY suggest is spinning/cycling classes at the gym.. trainers are good, but aren't going to give you strength rides, unless you do it yourself.