massindex

I'm back from my Sprint Triathlon over the weekend with some observations. Spending a week and a half before the race changing my diet from Protein based to carb-based helped. I feel like I had sufficient stores to complete it and without any cramping in the legs or toes. I tried to maintain atleast 200 carbs per day and went all the way up to 400 carbs two days before the race before I tapered off leading into the race. I did gain 2 pounds before the race but I lost it during the race. oatmeal, raisins and bananas were my primary sources for carbs but also tried graham crackers (that could become a slider for me so I might avoid that in the future). The 60 degree Water was enough to shock my system and start my heart racing at 7:30 am in the morning and the 750 meter swim kicked my butt but I made up time of the 20k bike ride and 5k run. Even with a cold (did I forget to mention that I came down with a cold two days before), I was only 2 minutes off my projected goals and most of that was because the transition area was further from the swim area than I had on my other triathlon. I want to thank everyone for their input. It's a wild ride but now I'll include nutrition as part of my training plan and goals.

That heavy heel strike will lead to shin splints and sore knees every time. Sounds like you are on your way!

I actually feel less hunger when I work out. I think Rootman is correct in that boredom is usually our worst enemy here. When I feel that coming on, I try to hit the gym or get out for some exercise one way or another. After I've finished working out, hunger is not really what I feel. I've had to try and force myself to eat to restore what I've lost. If I'm burning 600-700 calories on a 30 mile bike ride, it's hard to consume those calories in one sitting so I have to spread it out over time which is a more 'controlled' snack method. But I think I might be in the exception here in what I feel.

It could be... I'll take a look at that and see.

I had mine done in Mexico ($4.5K) also and I'm more than happy with it. I have heard of a North Texas operation (http://www.mybariatricsolutions.com/lapband-bariatric-pricing-specials) for a little less than $11K.

Globetrotter - Glad to have you join this discussion. I always start where John Wooden said. "You begin at the bottom and work up from there." The most common cause of injury happens because of poorly fitted shoes. You have to go to a knowledgeable store or expert and get checked for your foot type and running style. Especially important for us because of the stress and damage we have put on our knees because of our weight. Next move up. Try compression socks on your calfs. The pain in your knees may have started from one of these two things. Without more information I hesitate giving advise. There are a lot of good running programs (C25K for example) that can help you keep to a proven routine. Moderation is the key and allowing for recovery time.

Thanks fern for the update. That's really good information. I'm up to 275 carbs today leading into my tri on Saturday because of your post. It sounds like you had a good race. One question... I was experiencing cramping in my legs and toes which started this discussion. Did you experience any physical issues?

PdxMan and I have been posting under "Muscle Depletion?" in the Exercise forum about the tribulations of being sleeved and storing enough reserves to be effective at running. I've run 2 half marathons and without nutritional advise, I completed them but failed miserably with my times because I hit walls at around 7 miles. We are trying a bunch of things out and posting our results and would like as much additional input as we can get. There isn't a lot of information for WLS runners...

Oh wait...this is for women? Because I've been losing my hair for 35 years and it will only stop when it's gone...

My wife and I just did a 5K today, she after being sleeved only a month ago. She walked most of it with my son (next on the sleeve list) and I ran it but we all had a great time and the sunshine did wonders for our disposition.

All things are possible. I started out at 427 at my highest, 407 pre-surgery and I'm getting close to breaking the 200 lb barrier after 13 months. I finally moved my BMI into the "normal" range. It takes some work but I also am starting to stabize around the 200 lb mark.

An update... I worked on cardo loading, even though it was only a 5K and I noticed that I had much more energy. My time dropped to 26 minutes for the 3.1 miles which was a little longer than I hoped for and a lot less than I expected nased on my past two races. I got up early, eraly and prior to the race was able to comsume 2 bananas, a 1/2 serving of oatmeal, and some raisins and dried blueberries. The day before the race I got up to 241 carbs so I felt like I had enough reserves put away. This week will be telling. I'm going to focus on carbs as I complete my triathlon training, which is next week end in Palm Springs. I'll post again after the race.

I was denied on final approval after Cigna had tentatively approved it. I filed the appeal and it was denied also. I ended going the self-pay route in Mexico and never regretted it.

There are two answers for this. Medically, your nurse practitioner is correct. Emitionally, why go down that path? Alcohol is a slider with nothing but empty calories. No nutritrional value at all. I'm like you, 2 or 3 times a year I would socially drink. I think I waited a year and was almost to my goal weight before I allowed myself to have a drink. I didn't want allow anything between me and my goal. But I'm probably a little overboard of this .

First of all, don't be too afraid of stretching your stomach. It will eventually stretch some so instead of worrying about it, learn the proper foods to eat and stick with it. You've made a big investment in your life and that's the way to live long with it. As far as Protein, it was 6-7 weeks before I succeeded at getting all my protein via food. I looked for the highest protein per oz of foods I could, things like scallops, lobster, shrimp and eventually beef Jerky. Luckily, I love seafood. I went for 3-5 smaller meals per day just to get the protein. Protein shakes were pretty good for a while but eventually you have to move to more solid food. Good luck and don't be a stranger here. Nobody judges here.

I chopped mine up also but my wife is using the gummy vitamins. She is having great success with those.

I agree with Worm and BettyBoop. This is your chance to change things. Avoid ice cream at all costs. It's a slider...

You have to find something that will work. This is the most important thing. I couldn't handle water but I could handle water will MiO in it. So I bought a ton of the stuff. Also, I couldn't handle cold fluids so I went with room tempurature fluids and that seems to work. Whatever it is, you have to find it and make it yours.

Even 20 minutes on the bike will burn calories and speed up your metabolism. Keep it up. I'm up to 20 miles a day and I'd like to do a century ride before the end of the year.

My wife, who just had the surgery three weeks ago, reminds me that she is handling the recovery amazingly, which I agree.

I think men are probably more "it is what it is" in their approach. I think most women and men would agree that women are more open to expressing their feelings. I'm not so sure that the recovery process is handled better, just differently.

Typically it's the fat that causes dumping. And this can be any type of fat. I once had a chicken stock while on the road that had a lot of fat and it caused dumping.

Love Roberto's!!! And one chicken taco does the trick when you are back on regular foods!