Kristi Twisti

Well, here is to hoping that one day, someone will make you cry!

Oh, I am still here
I've been hitting the gym everyday religiously, and doing two miles on the treadmill. That burns a bit of calories and I feel a lot more energized after a session.
I'm seeing some slow movement in the weight... but we were on a 10 day vacation during which I enjoyed a few liquid refreshments. The good news is that I probably still lost a very modest amount of weight despite a bit of indulgence.
I'll know better in another few weeks of tracking stats, since my weight can move up and down I have to use a longer term average to really be sure the pounds are really gone.
My doctor has excellent support groups and staff, and they will keep after patients who haven't been into the office for followup visits. They definitely don't forget a patient after surgery, as all too many surgeons seem to do.

I was at the gym when it opened at 6 am this morning. I'm planning to make this a weekday habit. Yes, it's one day down but it is another accomplishment for the new me. Every positive decision is a step in the right direction. Hope you all are taking positive steps!

I don't do any Protein shakes. I am eating solids for 3 meals and one snack a day.
Breakfast can be Cereal (high protein) and milk, or hot Cereal (high protein), or weight watchers smart ones Breakfast sandwich, or egg beaters omelet.
lunch is usually egg, chicken or tuna salad with crackers (wheat thins, melba toast, pita chips). Sometimes I'll have leftover Protein from dinner the night before.
Snack between lunch and dinner (usually 3) is laughing cow baby bell cheese or 100 calorie blue diamond almonds or cottage cheese.< /p>
Dinner is 3-4 oz of protein (93% ground beef, chicken parts or cutlets, pork chops or tenderloin etc) with a veggie and a little carbs. We eat in way more than we eat out.
If Im running and need a quick "meal" on the go I always have a Pure Protein Chewy chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter bar...20 grams of protein for one...low in sugar too.
No eating occurs after dinner...not hungry and not really looking for anything.
Thats what I'm eating these days and it is working for me and I am enjoying what I'm consuming and feeling good!
Hope that helps.

I was at GNC last night buying some Quest bars to try out and they have that special going buy 3 get 1 free. I'm not sure if that's all the time or not but it made it nice to buy 1-2 of every flavor I want to try.
My NUT recommended them to me. When I was in the store, the (rather attractive) muscle-bound guy at the cash register tried to talk me out of them, saying they weren't a complete Protein, had sugar alcohol in them, blah, blah, blah and how I should try these other Protein shakes instead. He even used "air quotes" when he said my "nutritionist" shouldn't be advising patients to eat these and that I should see a new NUT. So funny... I'm trying to just get out of the store with my products.
Wonder if they get better profit or commission on selling GNC Protein powder???

To the original post...I have researched and tried only two Protein bars- Quest and Pure Protein. For the most part the bars you find readily available at grocery stores or Walmart are the "over glorified candy bar" types. Too much sugar / calories/ carbs etc for what protein benefit they have. I just tried the Pure Protein last night for a change. I did not care for it. The bar I had had an off flavor and was coated in the faux chocolate coating...I did not care for it. I am a Quest bar girl. I see some folks categorize Quest as junk and so on. I personally find them to be a satisfying Meal Replacement. Today I had Coconut Cashew. Here is the nutritional info directly from the package: 170 calories for 1 serving. ( 1bar = 1 serving) Total fat = 6g. (saturated fat 1.5g, Trans fat 0) Cholesterol 5mg. Sodium 250mg. Potassium 90mg. Total Carbs 25g ( Dietary Fiber 17g, Sugars 1g, Erythritol 4g) Protein 20g ... The Quest bars are filling. Early on I could barely finish a whole bar, but now I can. I am satisfied ( ie: full) for several hours after eating. I am getting good nutrition, especially protein, in a single bar. I typically eat one a day for Breakfast. ( hardest meal of day for me to eat) They also have fiber that helps things keep "moving along", which is important after WLS. I have tried every flavor and there are only a couple I do not care for. They are the consistency of a Tootsie Roll more or less so it takes a while to chew them. ( which is great after all the liquid) I purchase mine at GNC. I buy them singularly, not by the box. ( I like to switch up flavors daily) They are sold buy 3 get 1 free so that makes them more cost effective than anything I have found online. Bottom line is it is up to personal taste. I suggest you take some time and do your own research. Pick what you find to be the most nutritionally sound and give it a try, the rest will be up to your own personal taste.

You only eat 400 cal per day?? Wow!!!!! How do you have any energy?

I have been reading “The 5 Day Pouch Test Owners Manual” written by Kaye Bailey. It isn’t a well written book but it contains some very useful information. It’s worth $10 to download the Kindle Edition.
Bailey isn’t a medical professional. Her information & advice seems to come from her own personal experiences with being banded. So, keep this in mind when reading my post & while reading her book should you go on to read it. Come to think of it, I’m not entirely sure if she was banded or had a gastric bypass but the information she shares is relevant to both.
The 5 Day Pouch Test (5DPT) mimics the healing process that we went through following surgery. Day 1 and 2 is a liquid diet and then in Day 3, you begin to reintroduce Protein. It isn’t a no carb diet but it’s definitely a low carb diet. On Day 3: soft Protein, Day 4: firm protein and Day 5: solid protein.
The 5DPT was designed for those that have stalled in their weight loss efforts, reached a plateau or have lost their way & need to get back on track. I’ve heard of some people following the 5DPT as a preventative maintenance measure to make sure everything is going well with their band and in an attempt to reduce possible stretching of their pouch or esophagus.
I’ve had several banded friends that have completed the 5DPT recently & have commented that they felt it brought them back to basics & reconnected them to their band. All of the ‘participants’ felt their band was a little tighter after completing the 5DPT. Most, if not all of them, lost a couple of pounds too – though weight loss is not the focus of the 5DPT, just an added benefit for some. They also said that the 5DPT helped rid them of their carb cravings.
There is a website for the 5DPT. It’s http://www.5daypouchtest.com/
The website gives you enough information to complete the 5DPT without having to buy the book. Saying that, after reading the book, the book provides more detailed information & a number of recipes that the website doesn’t provide.
It’s my plan to begin the 5DPT on Tuesday, April 8. I’ll let you know how it goes.
I thought I’d post this information because someone is always coming to the site looking for the inspiration and motivation to get back on track – this is one possibility that is (at least) worth exploring.

How much Protein are you getting in? If you're on a plateau, I would recommend at least 80g a day for 7 days and drinking plenty of Water. You should also take your measurements and see if your progress isn't hiding there.

Thanks for this! I've always been active, but with the last 30 pounds, being as active is hard (at 300). I've been working out prior to surgery.. It sucks that I wont be able to do much for 4 weeks other than walk and light weights.
I love HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workouts because I HATE cardio and they make it go by quick. Even if you aren't very mobile, you can still do it on a stationary bike or elliptical, as long as you get your HR going!

This study is specific for lapband patients but I have to believe this cuts across all WLS techniques?
AE=Aerobic Exercise
EWL=Excess Weight Loss
PubMed Commons home
Obes Surg. 2013 May;23(5):608-12. doi: 10.1007/s11695-012-0826-6.
Aerobic exercise is associated with improved weight loss after
laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.
Shada AL , Hallowell PT, Schirmer BD, Smith PW.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a common surgical
treatment for obesity. Evidence for and against the association of aerobic exercise (AE) and
weight loss after LAGB exists. We hypothesize that aerobic exercise is associated with improved
weight loss and resolution of comorbidities after LAGB.
METHODS: A review of a prospectively collected database identified patients who underwent
LAGB over a 3-year period at a single institution. Body mass index (BMI), comorbidities,
frequency, and duration of exercise were collected preoperatively and at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months
postoperatively. Excess weight loss (EWL) was calculated. Groups were analyzed using Fisher's
exact test and ANOVA.
RESULTS: Of the 145 LAGB patients, 120 had adequate data for analysis. AE had no
association with weight loss at 6 months. At 12, 24, and 36 months following LAGB, patients who
reported 150 min or more per week of exercise had an EWL of 35.5, 47.3, and 54.1 %,
respectively, while those reporting 0-59 min per week of AE had an EWL of 25.3, 32.1, and 33.0
% (p = 0.03, 0.03, and 0.02, respectively). BMI and age was not statistically different among
groups. Diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea were significantly improved in patients exercising
at least 60 min per week as compared to those exercising 0-59 min.
CONCLUSIONS: AE is significantly associated with weight loss and comorbidity resolution after
LAGB. We propose that patients who perform more AE will have higher levels of EWL.
PMID: 23196991 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Thank you for the posts. I've been married for 14 yrs and it's been up and down for the past 2 years. I know a huge part to the problems is my self esteem and how I feel. I've been diagnosed with a major mood disorder, anxiety disorder and depression. I have sleep apnea and use a cpap---going on 2 years. I have a 6&13 yr old boys and it's almost impossible to keep up with them and their activities. Today they are heading to six flags and I can't go because the walking and I can't ride any rides. It is depressing and I'm really havering a hard time with all of it. I've shared this with my husband but maybe not enough. Tonight, I think I will let him know I need this for me. Goodness, this is such an emotional process and I haven't even had the surgery! Sorry if I'm rambling, I just never had a place where I can talk about my weight freely without feeling judged. Thank you all for that. I'll keep y'all posted.

Whether it be spouse, parent, best friend...anyone who has considered WLS has had someone in their life - some more than others that were against them having the procedure. It's one of the first steps you deal with on this journey, welcome aboard! He obviously loves you or he wouldn't be concerned, so consider yourself a lucky woman in that respect. Without knowing your specific situation (how many WL attempts, how long overweight, any comorbids or risks) it's hard to help you with a more detailed "reasons to have the surgery" list, but here is my two cents:
1. Yo-yo dieting is more dangerous than never having lost weight.
2. You can lose the weight on your own, but are you able to maintain it?
3. There are more risks to staying overweight than in having WLS.
4. People who have deadly diseases have been "cured" through WLS.
I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes in February 2013. Six months after my surgery, I am happy to say that my blood glucose levels are normal without medication. I was diagnosed with Severe Obstructive sleep Apnea only after my band surgeon required a sleep study prior to my surgery. I have likely had it for years and it could have killed me, quickly...it certainly reduced my quality of life. Six months after my surgery, I no longer need my CPAP, I don't snore and I get the best sleep I've had in my life. I also need a lot less sleep than I did before. My blood pressure was starting to fluctuate in crazy numbers. After I lost 20lbs. my blood pressure stabilized and is back to 120/80 or less each time I check it. 5. Being overweight affects your psyche. Your self esteem, outlook on life, drive and ambition climb with each pound lost.
6. Being smaller feels good.
7. Being smaller looks good. I thought I was the cutest thing walking the earth at my highest weight but I didn't do it for vanity.
8. It will increase your chances at living a longer and better quality life.
9. He will benefit in many ways: better nutrition, a happier wife and better sex (trust me on that) to name a few.
10. You want it. You go out of your way to make sure your loved ones have what they need as long as it is in your control. You should do the same thing for yourself. No one else can or will ever live in your body, therefore the decision is ultimately yours to make.
Good luck in whatever you decide. I'm very happy with my decision, I don't miss anything (I can eat whatever I choose to) but have gained so much...things that I didn't anticipate. My only regret is that I didn't do this sooner.

My picture is from one month post op (I'm now 2 months) and I'm knocking on 44's door in a few weeks, BUT most new people that I meet think I'm at least 10 years younger and now that I'm slimming down, I feel 10 years younger!!

My dog Kaity is much cuter then I am, and she's only 3 (of course that's 21 in dog years), and no, she's not fat, just fluffy.

So I don't think there's anything wrong with this, but I can't help but notice that the profile pics for almost everyone (especially the ladies on here) make everyone look like they are about 21 years old and not a single pound overweight.
Even people that haven't had any surgery or lost any weight, the pic of their smiling face appears to be that of a 21 year old who is not overweight in the slightest. Do people just post pics that are from before they gained weight? Pics from when they were 21? Or are some people finding the "perfect angle" that makes you look really thin? How does one do this?
Maybe I want to make a "glamor shot" picture so I can also be a sexy 21 year old woman. How can I accomplish this?

I have only ever seen a tiny bit of the show, but what I saw disgusted me.
There was some contest and the loser had to eat donuts (or maybe it was some other crappy food).
Clearly not a show about gaining health.

I actually adutioned for season 9 with my cousin. I am thankful that I didn't get the call. Now my cousin did, the next season. She was part of the season 10 cast. She did an awesome job while being on the ranch, lost 96 pounds during the season. I will say, she has reminded me that it is a "contest" and they really do try to win the prize. I know that she had a really unforgettable experience while being on the ranch and is happy she did it, but I think this last season just went to far! The winner looked ill.. too skinny.. not healthy.
I just can't wait to get my sleeve on!!

Because it's an open forum and Terry has much insight and valuable information to offer?

Best of luck to you. I had the urge to date once but wasn't really seriously dating; so maybe it was the vibe given off, I don't really know. I've watched my friend struggle with the same thing; he has Asperger's syndrome and comes off as really strange, so the only time I saw him actually relax, laugh, and start getting asked out by women was after he had smoked some MJ for the first time (no joke)....not that I'm advocating that, as the appetite increase could actually work against the lapband....
But maybe if you had a drink and went to a venue that more obviously advertised you were open to dating, such as a bar, a singles group at church, or even a place like eHarmony.com, it might yield some results? I don't really know.

From my perspective, that thing that really sends alarm bells off for me is your comment about "needing a another fill".
Please make sure that you do not make it too tight. If the band becomes too tight it will often hold you back from eating the ideal foods to lose weight.
If you wake up and begin to feel hungry about 3-4 hours later ,the band is likely to be very close to the ideal fill to control your interest in food.
From my experience when my clients make the band too tight, they can'teat sufficient quality food and then crave the sweeter foods as the body needs fuel from somewhere. So when cutting down on the treats/sugar also think about why am I eating them? Is it based on emotional reasons or requiring some fuel?
Hope this helps. I am a big fan of a food diary also to check in/clarify exactly what we are eating.
Also keep in mind that I do run monthly online support group meeting if interested. http://lapbanddiet.com.au/lap-band-support-group/
Good luck

Okay, so since the last time I had logged in, I went up to 159 (the high end of what I fluctuate at) and am now back to 155.2, since I did mostly liquid Protein this last week. Ate more regular this weekend. I'm concentrating on my portion sizes and I feel I am making better choices. I missed out at the gym most of last week, but that was because of my work schedule. I'll be back to it this week and will do high Protein this week again also.
I've found I really like those little clementine oranges. They are a good little snack. They're so little that I snack on usually two at a time. But, I don't shovel them in, just enjoy slowly.

Motivation, attitude, morale, and opportunity for me all improve the harder I work at doing something, no matter how tiny it seems at first, to take control of my life
It was too easy for me to set around inventing reasons I was 'fail' in my life, until I took a step that seemed to break my unconscious fixation on being somehow a 'victim.
Doing just ONE thing a day lifted me from the mucky bottom of the Pit, and helped see that each daily step allows an ever increasing sensation of control over my own life.
At the depths of my despair, I told a friend 'each day is a s**t sandwhich and each day I take another bite'.....
Here's the payoff: She blinked her sweet brown ER nurse eyes and said (without a hesitation) "Have you tried taking a smaller bite?"
From that sparkling moment I was on the mend.
Hope we can do something here to help OP.....
work like you don't need to
love like you never been hurt
dance like no body's watching
wag more bark less
It all helped me.
Cheers on your journey.

I agree with Terry re: single. I have a friend divorced for 7 years...no weight problem but her attitude exuded from her even when she didn't realize it...it told people she was NOT interested. As soon as she said to me that she was ready to 'consider' dating she got asked out within the month. No kidding. I think our attitude and the way we feel about ourselves is broadcasted to other people. A size 10 is a GREAT size! Work on the inside and see what happens. And yes, keep the Protein, even up it, and cut out sugary Snacks. Good luck to you.

i am not a veteran but can offer you some advice. don't cut down on your meat, or Protein. that is what fills us up so we don't eat all the rest of the stuff. make sure you are taking the supplements. i really wanted to talk about you single status. when i got a divorce i was at a normal weight so had no reason not to date, but i had a toddler. i watched my friends bring men in and out of the kids lifes'. i didn't want that for my daughter. so for 7 years i didn't date. i wasn't even asked out. but it was all to my stand offish attitude. i wasn't approachable. as soon as i said okay now its time for you, its time to date i was asked out constantly and was married within a year. that was 28 years ago and i am still married to the man. so perhaps you are putting out those signals. make yourself available, turn on the charms and i bet someone will ask you out. and if they don't than you ask someone out. good luck. the veterans are around. it's the weekend.