LisaMergs

@@Babbs Truth. What IS normal??? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I went for a plastics consult last month to get a handle on the costs so I could financially prepare for it.. Surgeon was willing to do the procedures immediately. Basically said what you did-- skin removal would take care of the last few pounds. Because my gain was directly related to meds and my now in-remission disease, he wasn't concerned with me maintaining a year after I was finished losing. Lottery tickets need to be purchased lol. Plastics is EXPENSIVE!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@BigViffer Thank you. Funny enough, I don't see myself NOW as overweight. Because my weight GAIN was so fast (meds etc caused it) I was always startled by my heavy appearance then-- I always expected to see the trim, fit person I've once again become. Like many, it became "who" I was to others-- But your suggestion to smile and laugh it off---excellent. I appreciate your insight. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

At 7.5 months out, I mostly consider eating an inconvenience still. A necessary measure and means to continue walking the Earth... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Dub, don't do that, have some class, there are ladies present. Literally just spit my coffee out... @@ShelterDog64 Someone got me back for you. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Don't start this carp again, Babs!!! Srsly. You must not like @@Babbs You spelled her name wrong. Which category does that fall into?? I'm thinking P/A lol Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So sorry to hear this... As stated above, it is often a viral attack on the 7 th cranial nerve- the facial nerve. In my experience, any of my patients who experienced it did well on anti virals ( think acyclovir which is used for herpes simplex ) prednisone and anti inflammatories can help alleviate the symptoms. Bells Palsy is self-limiting. When it resolves, that is typically it. The grade does have an impact on lasting effects. Since you are under a doctors care now for it, rest and treat as s/he prescribed. Should you find that you have lasting and noticeable facial droop, know that we now use Botox to help lift the sagging. Not what you want to hear now, but file that tidbit of info away should you need it. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Lovely idea to bring this post about... My favorite time of year is always Autumn... which makes Thanksgiving my favorite holiday, as well. My Thankfulness this year... First, and foremost, to MYSELF. For having the courage to seize the opportunity presented to me and to make the most of it- which brought me back to the person I was 10 years ago, albeit a HELL of a lot wiser. Obviously, my children. They are my heart. (Even though they are literally arguing right now in a group chat I'm in with them...notifications dinging like crazy! Lol...not even in the same states, they're debating...) The joys of discovering new people, new experiences, looking at life in HD vision with clarity. Today, these are the things I'm grateful for. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Um yeah. I've heard of cravings. My opinion ? Get over it. You (globally speaking) were overweight, had surgery and are supposedly trying to get better. Why TF anyone is going to blow it is beyond me- and they should have been flagged as not ready for surgery by their psych eval. I find it minblowingly STUPID that people ask about chips tacos etc early on or during weight loss. And even MORE idiotic that they don't have BASIC COMMON SENSE. So yes. I know what cravings are... And I also know that I can run a 15k and wear a size S dress and 6/8 skinny jeans 7.5 months out because I GAF about myself. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Man, not to be rude or anything but take it easy. Life goes on, breath and don't take it personal... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App The only thing I take personal is my own weight loss, health and the well being of those I love. The rest? Ancillary, at best. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had to have shoulder reconstruction about 9 weeks ago, so I haven't been able to do squats, leg presses, etc....I hope when I get to the gym, I can work on building the muscle back up Mine is GONE too. Flat assed gone Planks and lunges... Still nada. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Um yeah. I've heard of cravings. My opinion ? Get over it. You (globally speaking) were overweight, had surgery and are supposedly trying to get better. Why TF anyone is going to blow it is beyond me- and they should have been flagged as not ready for surgery by their psych eval. I find it minblowingly STUPID that people ask about chips tacos etc early on or during weight loss. And even MORE idiotic that they don't have BASIC COMMON SENSE. So yes. I know what cravings are... And I also know that I can run a 15k and wear a size S dress and 6/8 skinny jeans 7.5 months out because I GAF about myself. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm allergic to latex, as well. Steri strips after a section sent me into my first full blown anaphylactic reaction Thankfully they've developed ones now that are latex-free! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Lol, I was waiting for the one. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App U always have to have this one. I promise you to GOD I didn't get fat from eating chips but from over eating chips. I will not deprive myself a snack sometimes as long as my sleeve likes it. Omg. Ppl kill me…… so what she askes about chips. Who are u to judge.. Woww Sent from my SM-G928T using the BariatricPal App Because of the comment... "I was waiting for the one.." Seriously- I have to think some people come on here to post things JUST to see what reaction they can elicit from people. Truth is- I had NO intention of telling you not to eat a chip. My diet did not allow- nor did I ever WANT to allow it that early out. And I was right in my initial impression that you were interested in shaking the hive. People who take their surgery seriously will not only try and tell you it is likely a bad idea, they will worry about newbies coming on reading it thinking it is ok... Not a good thing. But the fact that you laughed and made that comment?... You were gunning for bear. And got the chorus to chime in to complain about anyone who "passes judgement" by telling you the truth. Ugh. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I add Protein powder to anything I can lol. Can't STAND shakes much, will drink them if I have to. I target 80-100g protein per day. And can't eat more than my 1/2 c at a time. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm following. As a woman I AM interested in strength. I work out with free weights to build endurance. Don't want guy muscles- I'm too feminine for that- but having muscle tone to keep up with my need to run, is important. I'm not a BCAA person- only WP isolates for me- casein if I'm working out. I'm also a firm believer in taking in 30 ish G of it at a time- So. Again. Following this for more info. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Oh sweetie. Get to KNOW him first! You have no idea who or what he is actually about yet. Go sllllloooooowwwww. And then slower still. No amount of anything can take the place of knowing what makes a person tick, what brings them joy, or sorrow. Only time gives you that. And hey! You may 1) not like him after you get to know him or 2) find yourself with a casual, occasional date/partner OR 3) find the person of your dreams. But the only thing that will get you there is time... Talking, sharing, and such. He is actively dating- and so, too should you be until you mutually decide differently. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Wondering what your restriction is like now? I'm 7.5 months out and and am still restricted at 1/2 -MAYBE 2/3 a cup of food. I definitely can only tolerate 1/2 c if it is dense Protein but can finish an entire 5 oz of Greek yogurt if I wanted to. I try to stop before I finish it to keep at the 4 oz. I'm still around 800 cal a day. My exercise is a bit less these last couple weeks after running a 15k and then spraining my ankle. ( Chipped a little bone in my foot too but oddly that hasn't bothered me much.) Following this for future reference. I'm 12 ish pounds from goal and yup. It's slowed but I'm not concerned. Knew it would happen. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Amazing Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using the BariatricPal App God Bless you. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using the BariatricPal App Why thank you! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Lisa.. can you recommend a brand of powder you like?do you ever do shakes? Sent from my XT1585 using the BariatricPal App If I'm doing a shake powder, it is usually the Syntrax Nectars. I've come to like Caribbean Cooler as its flavor is very mellow- just above neutral. I always add a half scoop of an unflavored powder to it, as well. Brings those 8 oz up to around 35g of whey isolate. There is a RTD product called Protein2O that I love as well. Over 20g whey isolate in it as well. Flavors are EXCELLENT!!! And no whey -forward taste at all. Pretty clean flavors. Again, no milk to it which I prefer. As for the unflavored...I really like Unjury, but it needs to be ordered, so I keep a stash of other brands at home to use if I run out. I add it to anything I can- usually by the half- scoop. Works well in my Oikos Triple Zero yogurt!!! I'll add it to coffee, tea, you name it. Hope that helps!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App It does! Thank you. One more question...is there one site where I can purchase samples first instead of buying in bulk? I would hate to be stuck with it if the taste wasn't for me. Sent from my XT1585 using the BariatricPal App Don't know about specific sites that allow you to purchase single packs, but i DO know that the Vitamin Shoppe stores sell them for most brands- which, by the way, is exactly what I did when I first began this journey. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Sooooo Had my plastics consult today. Top notch guy, did my moms reconstruction after mastectomy. First order of business- breast lift. No implants- don't need more size. Would also remove the waterfall area that we ladies are all too familiar with that occurs under our arms over the bra strap. Even though I still have 25 ish left to lose, he could do this procedure as soon as I wanted. Basically nothing left to lose above the waist. Would be done in a surgi-center, all told $10k Ugh! What I'm having a hard time dealing with are the scars- the "keyhole" or "anchor" scar. I don't know if I can live with it, quite honestly. If it were only on the underside or side of the breasts, fine. But the fact that it comes up the bottom center of the actual breast all of the way to the nipple? Ugh I'm almost thinking take them all off, pop in some implants and voila! No need for a lift, no worry about breast cancer, done. Anyone have a lift only? How bad are the scars once they've healed a couple of years?? Also- no drains for lift or the body lift we discussed. That's a plus! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Lisa.. can you recommend a brand of powder you like?do you ever do shakes? Sent from my XT1585 using the BariatricPal App If I'm doing a shake powder, it is usually the Syntrax Nectars. I've come to like Caribbean Cooler as its flavor is very mellow- just above neutral. I always add a half scoop of an unflavored powder to it, as well. Brings those 8 oz up to around 35g of whey isolate. There is a RTD product called Protein2O that I love as well. Over 20g whey isolate in it as well. Flavors are EXCELLENT!!! And no whey -forward taste at all. Pretty clean flavors. Again, no milk to it which I prefer. As for the unflavored...I really like Unjury, but it needs to be ordered, so I keep a stash of other brands at home to use if I run out. I add it to anything I can- usually by the half- scoop. Works well in my Oikos Triple Zero yogurt!!! I'll add it to coffee, tea, you name it. Hope that helps!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Get thee to Trader Joe's post haste! lol People go NUTS for this... I would suggest doing the corn chips with it for others--- like the Fritos scoops---it is a sturdy vehicle to hold the lentils and the salt balances things beautifully. Yes the bruschetta is in the jar. Some people use the one in the plastic container. This one tastes better! And those pre cooked lentils EXPLODE out of the bag...like triple in volume!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Great topic! At almost 8 months post op, I find eating to be a huge inconvenience still. Don't really care for food, don't care about it either. It is a necessary evil as far as I'm concerned. Making certain I actually eat is just as big of a PIA. For those of you wondering about calories- most docs/NUT don't focus on that. If you follow plan, portion size and target your Protein, you will usually end up between 750-900 cal. I'm typically at 800. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App