TexasFire

Yes, ma'am! You need more focus on resistance training. Cardio will do nothing to tighten things up. If you want help with a routine, message me and I can set something up for you. I had ZERO issues with skin when I dropped from a size 24 to a 10 using weights and ab/core work. Now if anyone can tell me how to make stretch marks disappear, I'd love ya forever! LOL

Of the choices you present, I would add weight. For me, I would alternate slowing down the movements to make them more difficult, as well. (Just like adding time to your planks.)

I don't know of any DVD's for heavy bag workouts, but I will do a search later and let you know if I find any. As for finding a bag, I see them on Craigslist fairly often. Sometimes with a stand, sometimes not. For new I really thought Power Systems would have the best deal, but was I wrong!!! Academy Sports (if in your area) has an 80# bag and gloves for only 50 bucks! That's a really good deal! That's really cool that you have this positive interest! Follow it...have fun and get fit!

Thank you for extending this invitation to the BariatricPal community! I hope your event this Saturday is a huge success!

Fantastic idea! Hopefully this new forum will serve to assist many, just as the other surgery-type forums do!

Good for you BOTH!!! Congrats!

Sam's is where I normally go since there is one close to my home, as well. My Sam's doesn't carry them, unfortunately. LUCKY YOU!!! I wish mine did. But it's okay....when I trek out to costco, I usually stock up with about six cases so I don't have to go very often.

That's good you reverted back to clears. You are minding your body and that is important. Rushing things can really cause problems. That being said, first of all check with your doctor, but it is very likely a mucus issue. Not like you are sick or coughing or the like, but we all have mucus in our esophagus...some more than others, and definitely more at different times than others. It is very common to have more difficulty eating in the first half of the day, then be able to eat/drink just fine in the latter half. Many things can affect mucus production: weather, sleeping habits (i.e. with your mouth open), current health/allergies...numerous things. You now have a much more narrow passage to work with. If you are dealing with mucus, it is only serving to make that passage even MORE narrow. Also, if you are dealing with Thrush, then the membranes are likely producing even more mucus to protect itself. If your Thrush is chronic, working with your doctor to manage the symptoms will help. Otherwise, I'm sure you've gotten medication to correct the imbalance and you should be on your way to having some relief. Stick with your Protein, slow and steady and try not to get frustrated. I know it can be difficult. As you heal, it should improve. Just remember the body needs lots of protein to aid in the healing process. Good luck and keep checking in!

This is EXACTLY what I was going to recommend! I had my surgery in 2007 and I STILL drink these. I keep my Costco membership and drive past three Sam's Clubs to get to Costco just for these! Half of the top shelf in my fridge stays loaded with these RTD babies! I do use Protein powder in recipes, though. I add unflavored protein powder to anything I can. I use the flavored ones in blender recipes. By themselves they are atrocious, but in recipes they work very well. (i.e. chocolate protein powder with a scoop of natural Peanut Butter and half a frozen banana) I have several flavors of powders that are disgusting by themselves, but great in recipes. To use the powders you have, it's just a matter of finding recipes to "mask" the "ICK FACTOR" of the powders. LOL If you would like help with recipes, let me know.

I'm one to advocate common sense. If it is something like diet phases or when to start exercising after surgery, PLEASE know that you must defer to your surgeon's wealth of knowledge and experience! But drinking through a straw? Naaaawwww! If it doesn't cause problems and you can drink more, that is a great thing! Me personally....I would do that. I've always used a straw with no issues, though. In fact, I wouldn't even consider drinking a Protein shake that uses powdered Protein without a straw. The straw helps sooooo much with the nasty settling that can occur. LOL Whatever you decide, make sure you get all of your recommended Water and protein in, or more. It is CRUCIAL to healing and weight loss.