laguerr13

I chose to learn nutrition and educate myself on eating healthy, it's been a year since I started and I keep learning, it provides me a chance to not eat the same foods everyday and to be more savvy when choosing what to buy, my journey is a bit different I don't follow the norm, I am 6 months out as of December 10th, and I followed my dietician's recommendations to the letter for the first 2 months, I patiently waited Til I was ready to incorporate certain thing into my diet, my goal is to reach a balance but remain patient and focused, I look at nutritional values and disregard calories and fats, I also have found several helpful websites that provide bariatric friendly restaurants, another good thing for me was to learn different cooking methods such as slow cooker, indoor grilling and my favorite, stir fry, the benefits of teaching and learning new methods is that you are able to omit certain ingredients that are bad for you, good luck in your journey, you will be successful but this is where you should begin, I learned lots of bad habits growing up so now I am relearning long lasting good habits, BTW I started at 388lbs in January and on June 10th my surgery date was at 342.2lbs, today I am at 269lbs , with 75 more to go, and I have had 2 stalls but will keep going forward because I feel better everyday, find your rhythm and stick with it, it ultimately is your body and we are all very different

@ Jess9395: Hence my belief that educating others can lead us away from all the stigma attached to this, I pay it forward everyday and have a friend doing this in late December and another early next year, I feel as if I can just provide this to few people it can make the difference for not only them but those around them, I think it comes from working in psych so long, I have seen so much needless loss of life in my years and everyone focuses on the victims but hardly stop to think of the long lasting impact on family and friends, in fact this may be my last year, I've gotten to the point of feeling too much when I hear one our patients passed, so selfishly this is a good thing for me, the surgery gave me a new lease on life and a different outlook so I gotta keep doing this, we must also remain open minded about people who feel differently, the encounters and experiences of our past are what makes who we are today, to be ridiculed and looked down on can only do two things, either make you very guarded private person, or crazy enough to wanna show off every step of the way......... I chose to show 'em every chance I get

I think sometimes we get so passionate in our beliefs and our rights that we blur the line between being ethical, and common courtesy, Things like HIPPA are in place to protect our rights to privacy in any and all medical procedures with very limited exceptions like life or death situations, which then in brings into the light things like "Living Wills" "DNR" etc. although most of us are adults on this forum( since minors don't have that freedom), we should n vet be foolish to believe that in time it does not become noticeable to others that there have been very extreme changes in a short span of time, so maybe in the interim we may choose not to talk or make omissions regarding this, but at some point there may have to be preparations that ultimately we must come forward, I try to be objective but I also don't find anything negative about disclosing our procedure, especially since education of those in the dark is what creates a more accepting scenario....... But we are all different and so is my view, still respect each other's choices

December 10th will be my 6 month "surgerversay" I'm 119lbs down, and 75 lbs to go, my weight loss has really slowed now and I've already had 2 stalls, but instead of regretting anything I am concentrating on getting my proteins in again and I've amped up my weight training, I've been really sick this past week and the only thing that helped was Spite or 7UP, last night my wife reminded me that I had drank atleast one the past 6 days, I never realized and remembered that the reason I got this surgery was because I never had a problem following my diet, I would forget and fall back on old habits, without wasting a second I replied "your right, sh**, thanks for telling me" what is my regret??? Don't know, I have yet to think of one........

Congratulations you are amazing, I recently posted some pics on FB for my friends, I started in January @ 388lbs and on my surgery date June 10th I was @ 342.2, today 5 months out I am @ 269lbs, I was a size 60w and the last time I bought scrubs I was at 52w, I was shocked last Wednesday when I had to go with a size 48w pant, I told my friends to excuse my pic but I wasn't going to try to hold my stomach in or hide anything, while I am proud and continue my weight loss I also never want to forget to be humble, but your pic is truly amazing and believe it or not it's people like you that make me wanna keep going, fortunately you will never see me in a bikini lol, but I want to take a pic in swim trunks when I hit 200lbs, keep going.......

@Pea523: I was having trouble with my protein the first month BEFORE surgery, both with getting enough, and my financial situation, as time went on the more I educated myself I became a much better shopper, on average I now save between $150-200 every 2 months by buying comparable bariatric products through alternative sources, but my favorite is the "Body Tech" protein from The Vitamin Shoppe, I pay $49.00 for the 5# can and it gives me 72 servings (that's about 2 1/2 months worth) I buy the 24g protein chocolate, so if money is not an issue you can break it down into twice a day giving you 48g of protein, I also do weight training at the gym 3 times a week so I will always need to supplement, I put mine in a shaker bottle with about 3-4oz of water and it takes me 3-4 minutes to drink it, but I also learned a cool trick from one of the body builders who knows about bariatrics, 1 scoop chocolate protein I packet instant coffee(non- caffeinated) 2 tablespoons non- dairy creamer 1 packet sweetener Ice 1 cup vanilla silk Mix in blender Awesome Starbucks alternative and a nice treat once in awhile, also try to make 1oz packets of cashews, or beef jerky and cheese and carry it with you to get protein throughout the day......

Before I say anything, yes I went to my surgeon first, no I haven't been to my PCP since I went NPO and they blew out both my arms trying to get a blood draw and told me I should've drank lots of fluids, 2 side effects, 1 minor, 1 beginning to have a negative effect on me, I live in South Texas BTW. #1 I have a sneezing side effect almost every time I eat, and no it's before I even feel full, my nose gets runny and I sneeze uncontrollably, surgeon and dietician are at a loss since they've only seen it when people were full. #2 this one hurts, before surgery had trouble keeping warm, thought it was my circulation and obesity, was at 388lbs in January, now at 269lbs 10 months later, surgery was on June 10th I weighed 342.2lbs, now it's worse than ever, last night was our first major cold front here, 34 degrees( yes I know northerners lol) My last blood work showed everything good except vitamin D, took care of that blood pressure and circulation great, taking all my proteins and vitamins, and my nurse at work suggested B12 which I started taking 1 week ago, any suggestions or resources would help, don't mind the sneezing thingy and it's kind of funny but this regulating body temp has me hurting, I only slept 3 hours last night, and yes we had our central heat on, and I had a cover, but it's all day even at work, and I work out at the gym 3x a week and I'm more mobile than ever, help please.......

Thyroid is great, electric blanket is out, have an OCD about anything electric on me while I sleep, I wear shorts most nights and take off my shirt, it's even hard to sweat anymore, I drink my fluids, and then some, I wore a long sleeve at the beach this year in 93 degree weather and I was very comfortable..... At a loss here my peeps

I think Alex was right, I guess I just associate "blurring out the face" with victims and children, I need to be more accepting of it, and I yes I pay it forward the way I know how, but in my context I failed to mention that "If" it was decided to go forward it wouldn't be a bad thing, especially since we need to get rid of the stigma attached to these surgeries, especially " you took the easy way" which we know firsthand as completely opposite, I respect all peeps on this forum and I support any decisions that we come to, as long as we did it as informed and consenting individuals, ultimately it is our lives and our bodies and no one lives in them but ourselves........BTW I'm also happy that the trollers have been kept at a minimum!!! Lol

I would go on FB first and come out about my surgery( Hollywood Style) then I would it, if only for one reason, If you can even inspire or help one person because of your actions it may be that one life you helped save, and with the state of this world at this very minute it's not a bad thing and it's really needed. I promised myself several things after surgery, to continue my healthy lifestyle even after goal weight, to pay it forward( I've helped 3 people already, (2 of which went my same surgeon) and to always remain humble, this is my latest pic that I took Wednesday after I went to buy some pants for an upcoming vacation, my last size was a 52w, down from a 60w, and I ended up with a 48w pant, 12 sizes down since June 10th, 388lbs in January, 342.2lbs I'm June, and 269 six days ago, how did I remain humble? I didn't try to hide anything or hold in my stomach when I took this pic, I'm very proud of myself and that I turned my life around and the wrinkles and excess skin don't embarrass me at all....... Just do it, help others

I haven't been posting as much as I want or should, but my work schedule and home have been crazy, I am now down to 269lbs since my surgery on June 10th, at which point I was 342lbs and I started my journey in January at 388lbs, I went through my first stall a month ago and my loss has significantly slowed, I have not let any of this deter me in any way what so ever thanks to many wonderful people on this forum who cautioned me on what happens, I went without my protein or vitamins for a couple of weeks, but was able to purchase a new supply last Sunday, I am posting to share my emotion and happiness that occurred on Wednesday, I was off from work as a thank you and took advantage by going to shop for new pants and a shirt, I am taking my wife on our first holiday vacation on December 19th - 21st, to a town called Rockport TX. I tried on the last size I thought I was which was 52W, and they slipped off, I then tried on a size 50W, and they were still loose, so I grabbed a size 48W and thought what the hell, lo and behold they were a little snug but fit, I didn't know why at the time but I began to cry, I realized I hadn't been a size 48W since sophomore year of high school over 35 years ago, I could've probably grabbed a size 46W but I didn't want to deflate my elated state, I have only purchased shirts and scrubs since my surgery, that means that I am now down 12 waist sizes, I am still going hard at the gym and it has been tough sing I added free weights to my routine, but I am not stopping, I wanted to share these pics and I apologize for my stomach but I didn't want to hold it in or hide anything, I want to stay humble through all this, it's a huge difference paying $17.99 for cargo Dockers, when I used to pay between $65-$70 for a pair of pants, my next goal is to be able to go into an Old Navy store or similar and buy off the rack........

Miss you Elode, I'm the go to guy at work again, I get sent all over our hospital again, and I love that I can keep up, still prepping to retire though, time focus on my kiddos and finish raising them, I love being around those Minions

I had to wait a few months Til I had money for new clothes but here it is, me in my old green 7x scrubs and in my new 3x grey scrubs, I could of gone with a 2x as you can see, but I was already excited and would of stressed if the 2x would have been tight, 93lbs to goal weight and going strong even on this small stall...... For you Elode as promised, thanks for your support!!!!

Sorry I haven't been doing very well posting updates, too much going on at home and work, but I'm still on track, 388lbs in January, 342lbs on June 10th surgery date, and down to 269lbs last week, only 75 more to goal weight, also been making great strides at the gym, more definition and muscle, have had to miss a few times due to my wife's schedule and appointments, I think I'm able to fit into 2x clothing now, but I'm not satisfied about the fit so I'm sticking to 3x Til next year, also planning another mini vacation with my wife in December, gotta get back on track with my vitamins(ran out) but otherwise healthier and stronger, I've missed some of you guys and I hope your doing well, no more stalls so I would like to hit goal weight within the next 6 months and begin my next phase of maintenance.........

You should consolidate and pack up only the necessities, 2 pants 2 shirts etc. remember that the hospital and hotel may provide some of you toiletries, and you won't ado same picking up more, also you could utilize any valet services, good luck

So I posted that I got an early weekend, and was given Friday and the weekend off from work, my 90 day follow up ( it was delayed by a month because of scheduling with my surgeon ) went too well, so I need opinions and help ( I won't get offended) first my dietician was upset because I told her I started drinking natural fruit juices, I drink them 2 or 3 times a week, about a cup, I am more regular and feel better, she said NO!!!, then my surgeon said I was at 277lbs ( I weigh myself at work and I thought 280lbs) so I've lost 32% of my total body weight and my BMI is down from 56% to 42%, I started at 388lbs in January and was 346.2 on my surgery date June 10th, basically he says I'm doing too good since I'm 2 months ahead of where I should be, then he said I would be upset on my first stall, and was shocked when I said I already had one, so basically they want me to slow down, I feel like I can't since I'm not doing myself harm short or long term, I think I'm just really addicted to all the gym, and healthier lifestyle thing, I love that I can actually see my muscles growing and can see definition, give me your take on this, BTW I'm only 82lbs from goal weight, and it is getting harder but it's not phasing me at all......

Sleeved June 10th officially down from 346. 2 to 277.2 on Friday , -79lbs since surgery, unofficially was at 388.0 in January and started prepping for surgeon visit, so -111lbs???

I did debunk it.......... I've had massive muscle increase the last few weeks, I just move slower, which my woman loves...... Lol

Aye que locos son ustedes!!!! Jejejeje

I go 3 times a week also, I'm 51 and i have to give my body time to heal, I'm in for an hour and a half to almost two hours, I am on a new program, aerobic weight training, it's like speed golf but with weights, a and its fun, I just finally mastered it two weeks ago, but I maxed out last Wednesday on the circuit curl machine @ 90lbs X 4, so soon I will break my PB on the the free weights of curling 90lbs, I try to pace myself because since I started going again I've injured myself twice, but I'm being patient and steady, good luck to you.......

I appreciate that Jenn, I'm only obsessive because it's the only thing I have ever excelled at, I can't run and walk much because of my knees, I'm waiting to lose another 40lbs to get a mountain bike, and my kayak, but weight training has for some weird reason come very easy to me, and because of circuit machines I can get my knees going fairly well, this time around I can see the effects of the training and every time I do I want to go further, I can now see muscle increase and definition, it drives me to do more, it also helped that I have recently read articles that debunk the myth that you can't get bigger muscle after 50, you can actually and have better chance because you are more apt to be disciplined, but it takes longer and you need to have recovery time for your muscles, I don't think that my surgeon sees this side often since he said he wished more of his patients took it serious like me, but because of my knowledge on body building and years experience I won't be changing it anytime soon, atleast he understood why I told him my protein intake above average, I won't have a body builder physique, but I also won't be gaunt, which is a big fear for me since I hate the lean look........(for me)

She needs help, she is 4 months post op and found out she is 7 weeks pregnant, I believe she wants advice and guidance, I'm embarrassed to say my Spanish is a little rusty, since I don't use it much these days, but I believe that some of you on this forum are more proficient and can help her, there are apps on IOS and Android that can translate words from Spanish to English and visa versa, will someone convey this to her...... Thank you

So usted tiene programa de translacion en su telefono se puede saber en este forum lo que dicé, buena Suerte, perdon con mi espaniol, Pero no a escribido en mucho tiempo.......

My gateway is caffeine, and I can't even go near Energy Drinks, I hate going into convenience stores and seeing the coolers lined with them, Friday night my wife made burgers and chips, and I bought them donuts for dessert, and I was craving a Monster Energy Drink the whole time, I don't crave sweets much, but caffeine..... Yeah that's bad

Took me two years to make sure, so your not and don't have to be alone ????