massindex

Ditto...

There are a couple of entries somewhere on this site on how to do it. I went to Http://www.tickerfactory.com/weight-loss to create my entry and account. After that was done, it gives you a URL to copy. That is applied as a link to your signature in your profile. You can add other items in and around the ticker. There are some step-by-step processes here somewhere though.

My life is so different in so many ways it would be hard to describe. Let's just say that I control my life now and I'm not controlled by the food anymore. Just remember, each of us is our own vehicle and the journey time is our own.

Lot to cover here, from my view. I'm year out but almost at maintenance so I think I can qualify for answering from my perspective. I'm about 1200-1500 calories per day and I exercise regularly, although somewhat competitively. I could have pretty much anything I want but I've changed my lifestyle and I'm pretty religious in choosing a healthly lifestyle so I don't want anything to do with my old lifestyle. I still can only eat small amounts and I'm really used to asking for 'to-go' boxes or 'doggie bags'. I can eat socially with friends but I just don't focus on the food so much. All of my friends are very supportive and question what and how I'm doing it so it's not much of a problem. I also snack occassionally but again, because I cna only eat a small amount, it never really gets out of hand. I'm changing from a protein diet to a slightly higher carbohydrate diet because I'm running half marathons and doing triathlons on nearly a monthly/six week basis so I can achieve better results but at age 55, that will change at some point and I'll go back to a higher protein diet for weight maintenance. Does that help?

This is all good to know. I'm going to meet with my doctor and nutritionist tomorrow and work on a plan. I'll let you know what we work out and then I'll share how my training goes. I think there are a number of people who need this kind of education, especially myself.

And here is what I shared.... Thanks so much for sharing. As you said, there isn't a whole lot out there for us VSG runners. I started with the Sprint Triathlons because I like the variety so the longer distance running is newer to me. I had so much damage to my knees from Div 1 football that I wasn't sure I could do it anymore. So, on a lark, I did a 13.1 on January 15th in LA. I finished it but ran into the issues I described although my knees didn't bother me at all. I figured it was my training (non existent) so put myself on a regime. Then I scheduled the last marathon I did 3 weeks later (I know, I'm an idiot, but that's my style). I'm running at an easy 10 min per mile pace right now. I'm around 1200 - 1500 calories a day, mostly Protein (80-100 grams per day) but I hadn't done any carbs (swore off most carbs) until the day before race (old style). I have a 5K coming up in 2 weeks and another Tri in a month. I'll try the process and see what happens. Maybe we can break some new ground here :biggrin5: .

Yu know its funny but these little milestones like "I ate 3 shrimp", "No nausea or vomiting" or "I had 3 oz of ground turkey" are such big things for us! I guess that's why we need these forums to share the uniqueness of what we put ourselves through to change our lives.

I sent him a message. I'll wait for his response.

I just recently hit my 200+ lost number after my first year and I'm nearly at my goal weight. But don't anyone measure themselves against me! Each person is their own vehicle and on their own journey.

Thanks dorrie. I'll do that. He must have some info on this.

Thanks, KellyL. I had the help of a lovely wife who supported me. She was sleeved two weeks ago and now I get to repay her!

I take multi-vitamins every day and I double up the two weeks leading into a race. I also take Magnesium and Potassium supplements. My blood work was done a couple of months ago and everything was perfect. I think I'll see my doctor anyway and see what he has to say.

I travel nearly every week and have done so since the first week after after my surgery. TSA doesn't have much of a problem with prepackaged protein, especially Jerky, Protein Bars, etc. However, drinks are another issue. Still can't get pass that one. You can bring protein powders, however, which I have done. Also, prepackaged Water additives are allowed.

Boy, so many have said it so well. It does change life and kills the old life as well. I started at 407 lbs a year ago and I'm now at 209 lbs. A year ago, I could barely get up the stairs to my place with out losing my breath. I've just completed my first triathlon and first marathon in the last month. If you go into this knowing you need to make the change or your old lifestyle will kill you, you can accept anything thrown your way. It's not just a lifestyle change but getting your life back.

It won't be easy but you can do it. I've lost 192 lbs in the last 11 months and I just completed my first triathlon. Set the goals (don't worry about stalls, they will happen) and reward yourself. Also get to know your local Goodwill center (the place where you drop all the clothes you currently off... and most of those that you buy on the way down). It's a really exciting trip to Healthville!

Congratulations and welcome!

I agree with the running and incline. Both are great. Make sure you throw in some time every other day where you are doing leg lifts (I'm starting P90X Ab Ripper X and it's a killer) or other calisthenics to give your knees a break. You can set some goals like looking for a sprint triathlon 4 months out, etc. That's my goal.

I use it on my Blackberry and I swear by it. I also manually enter the information when I use the treadmill to keep me up to date. Keep it up!

I get the same feeling from eggs, which I loved before the surgery. For that reason, I've been limiting my intake of eggs to one instead of two (or more before!). I've found that I really like the feeling I get when I eat Greek Yogurt so that has become my go-to food of choice. As far as mexican food, I still love it but I've changed what I eat, especially since I keep a log of everythng that goes into my mouth. I'm finding out just how much the tortillas count in the carbs and calories portion so I'm leaving that behind and just going after the Proteins and eliminating the fats from all cheese just about. Good luck.

I'm with you, Brian. I'm not at my goal weight yet but I used to go into the store and just pick out my size. No trying it on because it would fit. Now I have to do do 'scouting' trips to determine what my size currently is. I was 4XLTs and 56 pants five months ago and now I'm looking at XLTs and 42 pants. But not every size fits because NOW I don't have the small selection to choose from but can actually shop in most stores. Places I wouldn't have considered before I think about. Of course, I'm lossing weight so fast that I still can't buy what I want because I'm out of that size in 6 weeks . I felt a big step happened when I no longer had to buy in the 'Big and Tall' for men in my pants. I could buy 'off the rack' so to speak. I'm still tall (6' 4") and still have long arms (38") so I have to buy shirts there which now mens trips to two different stores. Used to hate shopping...not now so much. Grateful for these problems. Mark

By the way, I'm also in the area (Henderson).

I'll jump in here also. I fly nearly every week and I used to carry both types of seat beat extenders with me. At 6'4", 407 lbs, I was the person nobody wanted to sit next to when they got on the plane. The first time I got into a seat without having to use a seat extender was like heaven. I consider that one of the best benefits of WLS. I've lost 116 in first four months on my way down to the next 100 lbs lost and while I'm not thin, people don't dread sitting next me on the plane either. These are the small victories that make it worthwhile.

Can't tell you how important the water thing is... When I stall, I increase my water and it starts right back up.

Exactly! That's why I chose not to tell anyone other my wife and kids and their spouses. When I get asked how I've lost more than 100 lbs in 4 1/2 months, I just tell them I made lifestyle changes. Let then ask...

You will love the group down there. They are the best. Let us know how it all goes.