BLERDgirl

I was just going to post that pumpkin puree mixed with greek yogurt and allowed to set in the freezer makes a good snack, but I like the idea of using ricotta . May have to try that.

@@Alex Brecher - I do belong to LAFitness and they are very good about demonstrating the machines. I just want to build up a routine of sorts. @@VSGAnn2014 - I agree, an activity tracker is like your personal Jiminy Cricket reminding you to get up and move!

It pushes the food through before you can digest it and for some people it fills your tummy up and doesn't leave room for food. Remember the real estate down there will be considerably smaller.

My doctor had me on colace stool softener or first 30 days post op. Worked like a charm. First BM on day 5 & regular every since. I would try adding something on a regular basis whether it be benefiber, miralax or prune juice. Many also like smooth move tea.

That's why I look at the source of the carbs and how active I am. Good complex carbs aren't gonna kill you. Fruit for example gives you fiber & Vitamins. It helps your digestive track work properly w/o resorting to laxatives. Ditto for yogurt and all that yummy protein and Calcium it brings to the party. Then look at lifestyle. There's a reason why athletes carb load before a meet. It gives them energy without depleting their muscles. So if you're working a long day on the job or doing a heavy workout, those carbs are being put to good use. What you dont want are heavily processed carbs that your body can't quickly break down. Those are the bad guys that turn to glucose and can then turn to fat.

Those are the Protein drinks, look for the no carb protein. They are 40 gms. The unflavored powder isn't entirely flavorless. It just doesn't ave any added sugars or flavorings. There is a slight taste to them, but I find it tolerable and easily masked with seasonings.

I usually got for the wake up wrap from dunkin donuts and peel away half the tortilla. Most drugstores carry Protein drinks of some sort. I buy the one with the least amount of sugar and get a cup with loads of ice. I also keep Protein Bars and single serving packs of nuts in my glove compartment for this very reason.

I used Nature's Made. ETA: correction my B12 was by Nature's Bounty. It worked really really well for me. I no longer need to take it at all.

The amount of food drastically reduces. I'm a year out and still only eat between 850 - 1,050 calories a day. Up until month 9 I was only eating 750 - 850. It's one of the reasons why it's important that we have regular bloodwork to make sure we are getting the proper Vitamins and nutrients.

Second this. After so many sweet drinks it's nice to be able to have some soup with added protein. I almost exclusively use the Isopure unflavored powder and then use the bottles for my water. I divide a bottle into 3's and add to my 24 ounce water bottle. That 72 ounces of fluids not counting any other beverages I may have. I use regular vanilla whey from CVS instead of cream in my coffee.

I have only tried the green tea, black tea w/ lemon and coconut. I can't have food dyes. Don't feel bad if you don't like them. There are literally thousands of Proteins drink, shakes and powders out there. You have to find what works for you. Just save your receipts. You can then return any powders or unopened bottles.

^^^^THIS^^^^ You simply can't live your life on shoulda, woulda, coulda. This was the easiest surgery I've had in my adult life. I was in my 50's when I had my surgery, and yes I wish I had done it sooner, but I am darn sure going to live my best life now. Modern medicine evolves all the time. I'm sure one day they'll be like, "why were removing wisdom teeth? " or "Why take out someone's tonsils?" What I do know is right now, VSG is safe. I have zero regrets.

Sounds like you are doing well. I would clarify with the doctor that it's 64 ounces of Water and not Fluid. If it's fluid, pretty much all liquids count. If not, then you'll have to get more creative. I would add a tiny bit of water to the Protein drinks. I also added plain 0%Fage greek yogurt to my Protein Drinks to up the protein. I liked them cold so in addition to adding a tiny bit of water, I also served them over ice. It helped me get in more water. Otherwise you sound well on your way. Congrats!

1.Step away from the scale. If looking at those numbers makes you crazy, put it away. Personally I only weigh once a month or when I go to the doctor's whichever comes first. However if you must weight more frequently than that, I recommend no more than once a week. 2. It isn't "only" 13 lbs. It's 13lbs of fat gone forever. CONGRATULATIONS!!! 3. Do not compare yourself to others, some are fast losers, some are slow losers. People who start at a higher weight will have a faster weight loss than those who start in the 200's. Men lose faster than women. There are just too many variables; co-morbs, age, hormones, etc... all play a part in how you lose. 4. There is such a thing called the 3 week stall. It just happens. Keep in mind no matter how short or long a stall is, if you are following your program, it will eventually break. You body is adjusting to all the changes happening at once. Once it gets the message you are not dying, the weight loss will resume. 5. Make sure your are hitting at least the minimum Protein and Fluid goals. Personally speaking I think exercise does help. In short, you are fine and as long as you are not gaining, you're doing well. Hang in there, stay positive and keep going! A better way to measure you progress is to take your measurements. I measure neck, boobs, waist and hips. even when the scale isn't moving, your measurements will show how your body is changing.

Try a protein made with either egg whites, pea protein, Bob's Red Mill makes a plain soy protein. Biochem makes a vegan protein powder and so does Vega. It's going to be trial and error. A lot of vegan protein powders may taste a little gritty unless you mix them in a nutra bullet.

Took a quick gander back. I seem to average between 8 - 15 gms of fiber daily.

I'm going to try that. Pre WLS I used to make one that I adapted for my allergies. I used half the sugar and subbed the flour for a half powdered flax, half whole wheat flour or almond meal and I use coconut oil instead of butter. I already figured out making pancakes with protein powder. Maybe I'll play around this weekend and try a protein powder one. I'd love a chocolate cake.

I'm much too lazy to figure put net carbs vs what the number says on MFP. I work out 5 - 6 days a weeks. I include small amounts of fruit and whole grains like rolled oat and quinoa. On rare occasions I've even had brown rice.

But they are complex carbs, they aren't going to sit and turn to glucose. I'm vegetarian, most of my Protein comes from beans, it hasn't adversely effected my weight loss in the least. True, but pure protein first. Just quoting the rationale of the NUT Beans are protein.

I don't do low carb. I look at the source of the carb. I eat complex carbs and avoid things like breads, pastas, and processed "white" carbs. I also try to have my carbs earlier in the day when I am most active, particularly around my workouts when I am more likely to burn them off. I'm a year out today and my calories vary from 850 -1,050, I get a minimum of 100gms of Protein a day and my carbs run anywhere from 40 -70 gms.

The concern is chewing gum introduces air into your tummy and may cause problems with gas (as in tummy ache). Mileage varies. I'm not a gum chewer so I never tried. I'm an altoid gal.

I would eat the red Beans without the rice. In fact one of my favorite meals is beans topped with a sunny side up egg. Good Protein, plenty of Fiber and filling. You should check with your nutritionist. I could have grits once I hit purees, but I didn't do it often because there's not a lot of protein in it and it wasn't worth it to me. I made my own bean Soups because they were allowed during all liquids. I puree cooked beans then strain out the skins. If I needed to I'd thin it out with a little vegetable broth. I'd serve it with a tiny bit of Fage 0% greek yogurt (similar in taste/texture to sour cream) or a sprinkling of shredded cheese.

But they are complex carbs, they aren't going to sit and turn to glucose. I'm vegetarian, most of my protein comes from beans, it hasn't adversely effected my weight loss in the least.

I'd add a tablespoon of nut butter or even a tiny bit of rolled oats to the Protein shake. Just mix the whole thing up in the blender or nutra bullet. The nut butter is a healthy fat and rolls oats have protein and Fiber. Both will keep you fuller longer. For lunch, I'd swap the goat cheese for a hard boiled egg. Again good protein and a food that sticks with you. If you use salsa instead of the vinaigrette you'll save a few calories without sacrificing flavor. Instead of meatballs and mushroom caps try a cup of Italian wedding Soup. The broth will help fill you up. Cucumbers as an afternoon snack is a great idea. I marinate mine in a lime/sriracha mix. It's a great crunch and filling.

There are several on the market. Personally I avoid them. The temptation to overeat is too great.