mrsclooney918

Wow. This was me exactly! My nutritionist was super helpful to maximize what I ate when, how much and what type.

Here are her instructions to me:

About 20 minutes prior to exercising enjoy something that will give you a spurt of carbs. I do no sugar added applesauce or a little melon or even a small banana. Then within 30 minutes post workout get the Protein in because your body is craving it. (If it is an AM workout, it's a Protein shake which usually is lunch. If it's dinner time, salad with chicken, edamame, other veggies--and if I am feeling naughty a little bacon.) I feel fully full!

This combo has really worked for me! I really doubted the "carb loading" beforehand but I am a true believer now because I seem to stay on the treadmill longer and harder.

PMS is like that I have no band at all. It's very frustrating because I don't realize right away. I can justify eating anything at that time.

The other 22 days are just fine. Still learning how to deal with this.

I use the smoothie as a Meal Replacement in a pinch (usually Breakfast when I'm running late). It has 17g of Protein. They recently upped the calorie count to 300 (It was at 260 before) so I have slowed down a little on it. You can have it made with skim milk but it only brings it down 20 calories. (Which is odd to me.)

What I have done is invest in a Blendtec (the brand of blender they use) and have become really good at making my own smoothies and I can get the Protein level up to 30g+ for 250 calories.

If you are in the neighborhood, swing by! I'll make you a chocolate Peanut Butter smoothie Meal Replacement that will knock your sock off for 300 calories and 38g of protein!

The program I am in was you go to either PCP or seminar first. But I had to do both before I could even get anywhere near my surgeon. Then comes the satisfying your insurance...psych doc, health tests, blood tests. It took 10 months from 1st consult to surgery. It seemed like it took forever but it really was the best thing and it made me understand the big commitment I was making.

My free advice is make sure your medical professionals treat you like a partner. If you ever feel like you are not getting the support you need or seem like another number, look somewhere else. It IS all about you!

I just dumped my surgeon's nutritionist for a FABULOUS one that also works in the same group. It has made all the difference for me. And insurance is OK with that!

Awww. I am kinda jealous. To have an anniversary date of 2/29 would be so cool!

Good luck! Your life is about to change like nothing else you've ever known!

Oh. And one more thing...

When I get a stitch in my side, it's a dehydration thing. That's what the MD said and I thought she was totally wrong. So when I get it, I push down Water. You know what? It works. I guess that medical degree and students loans paid off!

CAVEAT: I am not a medical doctor!

I have had heart fluttering all my life. I've been tested for all sorts of heart things with nothing wrong.

Mine usually happen when I am starving and when I am really anxious. So when it happens, being anxious makes it worse. My doctor believes its an electrolyte thing so usually it's time for food and drink and Vitamins. Without fail, after a snack or meal, it's like it never happened.

You should have it checked out but try not to worry too much.

It's so ironic that this topic was posted!

I was out yesterday and really needed some new bottoms to wear to the gym so I swung by Old Navy not sure if there would be anything...well...there was. I had my choice of everything. I couldn't believe it. I had a moment when my whole mind shifted. I had to tell the girl showing me the pants "those I know will be too big." "That's a good thing, right?" she answered. And then she handed me the next size down. HELL YES!

I am now out of W sizes! What? I still can't help but look online, in stores. It's another mind shift that I still am wrestling with. Weird. And I kinda feel like I don't deserve it. Until I look at my scar as I slid on smaller pants.

My mind is still blown and now I know what my psych doc and I will have something to talk about!

Thanks for posting! I'm relieved that I'm not the only one in this boat.

Interesting because this topic was my first post!

My gurgles seem to happen at night but honestly, no one can ever hear them when I'm sitting next to them. Similar to no one can really hear my stomach (the lower one!) growl.

My NP says it's "being really in tune with your band." Um. I guess so.

You'll hear many tell you that it can take a few fills to restriction.

I always did feel some small restriction but it seemed to dissipate after a few weeks. It wasn't until my December fill that I know understand what that is suppose to be.

Don't get discouraged. Follow your plan. Find new avenues for support. Success is not based on restriction, IMO, but everything working together.

Good luck!

your Protein Drink is way too small amt of protein! I drink Jay Robb 25 grams of Protein + 7 with soy milk. half your day is covered!

this tastes good, no carbs, stevia instead of belly fatting sugar or suralose sweeteners.

Yeah! Another Jay Robb fan! I also love the fact it's 120 cals. Most are 140+. So a cup of milk and a scoop of Jay Robb, well chilled is my PM snack! Throw it into the blender, you gotta great smoothie!

My only object is the photo on the packaging. Really? A peek-a-boo shot of the dude in a Hawaiian shirt?

Oh one more thing, I wear the wrist cuff at night and put the fitibit in it. Twice it has fallen out, but I'm lucky because for some reason it ends up in my panties?!?!? Anyway, just be sure you have it clipped in to the cuff real good so it doesn't fall out.

Seriously...one of the funniest things I've read online today. No wait. It IS the funniest thing I read online today.

For the liquid stage I just got tired of not having any flavor in food. So I had my dad get me a big container of hot and sour Soup from the Chinese restaurant. I strained out all the good stuff and had that. It was like a man on a deserted island having a steak. And I mixed it with flavorless Protein if I was hadn't enough that day.

For mushy week, cottage cheese (one of my favs anyway) was awesome and oatmeal with cinnamon...oh my. The great thing about cottage cheese is you can mush it down quite a bit. Many recommend ricotta with spaghetti sauce and that's good too.

Soft foods are just that soft. I was told "anything I can cut with a fork" and I replied "I can cut a lot with a fork!"

I started with the chewables but after several months (and really hating the flavor and texture) I asked if I could do it the old fashioned way. One pill w Water.

Big mistake. I has to break them in half to get them down and not once did it not hurt like crazy. And it was the beginning of my reflux issues. Which I have to be careful about with everything I put down my gullet.

I went back to the chewables (blech) because the taste and texture is way better than the pain.

BTW. I found the Walmart children's chewables are the best priced and not that bad tasting relatively speaking.

I think people don't want to comment about weight loss because they feel it brings attention to the fact that you are overweight in general. I kind of prefer people not saying anything to those who want to know how much you've lost and won't take a vague answer. They want a NUMBER.

Yep. I agree with this. I had lost 40lb before surgery and very few comments. When I came back after my 3-week leave, there were a few eyes popped then. It's the people that see you day to day that can't really tell but it's people like your hairdresser that see you about every six weeks that notice the most, I think.

It's funny that you ask this. I asked this to my PCP last week. She has a hip replacement and said she thinks it depends on the airport's system. She flew out of O'Hare and was stopped and searched. But coming home had no issues.

I'm flying in April so I'll be curious if I set anything off. She advised that if it does go off to just have them wave the wand over my abdomen. Yeah. That would be too awkward.

Congratulations! You are about to cross the threshold into a new life.

I felt the same way! You'll do great!

I had to google this because i didn't know what it was is. Now that I do, it looks like a lot of side effects that I wouldn't tolerate very well. I have never been on any kind of "diet drug" until the month before my surgery when I was put on Byetta. Claims it totally kills the appetite and it really did! I was reluctant but my endo doc felt it might be a good thing so I agreed to do it the month before surgery only.

Ah. But then I had an allergic reaction about 3 weeks in: Itchy, huge welts. I stopped immediately and it took 3 days of discomfort to get back to normal. It's made from deadly gila monster poison of all things.

Wow. Sorry you're not doing well. I am not having any issues like that but I do believe you are NOT crazy.

I won't give you any medical opinion but I would ask if you have been in constant contact with your doctor(s) during the last six months? You didn't mention that. I would see if they could squeeze you in earlier since they cancelled in the first place so you can get the process started and not have to suffer any longer.

Good luck. You are in great hands at NYU.

I have sort of a straw obsession..no way I could get my Water in without them! I have heard nothing from my support team suggesting that I should not use them. Good luck!

Hmmmm. A straw obsession? That sounds intriguing! ;-p I do prefer the reusable ones. Have to wash but they are larger and I don't break a rib if my Protein shake is a tad thicker.

I was, too, was never told no straws. It seems to be a 50/50 split on it here. I am a believer to follow your medical professional's advice. But I also know that this whole process is not an exact science.

Bravo! You look amazing!

I've found when I start to forget why I am on this journey I need to go back to liquids. The liquid diet has taught me a lot about why I eat and what triggers the desire to eat. I've found a lot of strength in denying myself things that are bad for me. When I make myself go back to liquids I do allow myself fruits and vegetables throughout the day if I feel the need to eat is overwhelming. Everybody's journey is different but I've found that once I feel strong and empowered with my weight loss my actions follow. Each day I wake up and tell myself "If I fail to plan for today then I am planning to fail." It's become my mantra. Every day is a fight but you have to just reminding yourself of the reasons it's worth fighting. If you lose your way one day, start back the very next day. In the end it's going to be worth all of the mental and physical energy.

I love this response! Love the fact that you use liquids they way you do. I assume that includes Protein shakes, yes? And that you pointed out that everyone's journey is different! Well said!

To suznty: you are not a failure! Never. As Winston Churchill said: "Never ever give up."

Ok I had a revelation today as I was answering a post. I never thought that I would ever get to the point I liked weigh ins. As I was answering the post I was telling the person that I couldn't wait to be weighed in again. Then it hit me. Me. Liking weigh ins? What's wrong with this picture? Wow. I really can't find the words to explain this. It feels exciting, new and even like having the monkey off your back. A goal perhaps? It just feels plain WONDERFUL! I don't have almost 140 lbs to lose now it's more like 97! Never thought I would have less than 100 lbs to lose in a long long time. I guess I am just in heaven right now and I want to keep this euphoria going as long as I can! Happy Monday to all!

PS

I tried on everything in my closet and 99.9% of my clothes fit as opposed to less than half!!!! I threw out ALL clothes that were too big...NO LOOKING BACK! Look out world, here I come.....

I hear ya sister! As a rule, I only live by my official weigh ins and don't weigh myself in between. So it's exciting to see what has happened every 6 weeks!

Congratulations! I love cleaning out the closet too! And know that I have some nice clothes to donate to someone.

Never heard no gum. I chew it to ease anxiety mostly at work so I can refocus and not eat stupidly. I have swallowed gum since I was under the age of 10.

No nuts as per the medical team. popcorn I can have but need to be mindful that I might all of the sudden not tolerate. But I don't eat a lot of it anyway.

What is interesting is that my NP tells me I can try all foods but need to watch the tolerance thing. My 1st nutritionist was very black and white about what to eat (kinda like out of the manuel) so if a raw nut slips in, it's not biggie. But I don't eat them unless they are in butter form.

Does anyone else have no sausage on their "do not eat" lists? I was told no because the casings don't break down to slip through. Just wondering.

I LOVE MY FITBIT! I call it Fittie.

A tip: It's sold through Amazon and if you put it in your cart and check mid week, the price may go down to $90. That's how much I got it for and free shipping.

I have a friend who has the Body Bug and loves it but it's too much equipment for me. Plus if you walk by your computer it syncs up with the Fitbit. I also use the food journal as my journal. I like it because I can also write in a few thoughts and how I am feeling. It's a great tool!

PS: I find bargain hunting online is a passion of mine!