massindex

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.

So I just finished my second half marathon and I've noticed something consist with each race. About half way through, my body seems like it completely depletes of any energy stored. I don't seem to be able to store enough energy to keep me powered, my legs begin to cramp and my toes stand straight up. I don't feel like its fluids because I'm pretty well hydrated and I'm drinking both Water and electrolytes on the course. Has any one got tips or ideas what is going on? I don't seem to have these with my sprint triathlons, which are shorter distances (at least on the running and swimming side). I'm wondering if my inability to consume enough calories because of the VSG will prevent me from running these half marathons all the way. I end up having to walk in the last 5-6 miles, which goes against my 'overly' competitive nature. Thoughts?

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.

I recommend 2 different ones. I regularly use Propel packets but I also carry a couple of little MiO bottles with me. With the MiO you squeeze a shot into the Water so you can control your flavor better.

I see 16 carbs in my morning Trader Joe's Greek Style Non-Fat Yogurt with Blueberries. Most of that is added. I understand that Fage Classic Greek Yogurt has 6 carbs per 7 oz serving.

Cheryl, Few people will understand why you have chosen this route except the people here. I still haven't told anyone in my family. Just my wife and two grown sons know. I've asked them not to discuss it. Personally, it's nobody else's business and when I need support or to talk, I come here. They may suspect what I have done but I don't need their approval. What I have done is make changes for my life. You will find acceptance here...

Personally, I had never had Greek Yogurt before my surgery. I looked at the Protein when I was on the mushy part of my diet and said "I gotta try this." I love it now, especially with fruit. It's a regular part of my morning Breakfast. By the way, Epicurious just a taste testing and I pretty much agree with their results. http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/everydaycooking/tastetests/greekyogurttastetest

I should add that my job requires me to be on the road. I was back on the road 1 week after surgery, lugging my suitcase and 30 lb computer bagpack around the country. Just got off the road this week after 11 straight weeks, home just weekends. I loved the challenge! You have to exercise care but you'll be surprised how resilient your body can be....

You won't regret it. Once you start down this path, it's life changing!

I had my surgery done in Tijuana by Dr. Mario Almanza at the Jeruselum Clinic. The clinic was as clean or cleaner than anything I've seen in the US. I too paid cash however, if its at all possible, I'd recommend going with someone. It makes it much easier. In talking it over with the doctoer there, they said they have seen a higher success rate with the gastric sleeve than the Placation but its certainly your choice. There are some tests in Mexico, including blood tests and they will provide you with those. There is some history you have to fill out but nothing you can't deal with. Having part of the stomach is a good thing actually, I think. There is some information recently out that the stomach has its own 'brain' and can take control of the hunger process. Removing it removes the issue and I notice far less hunger (only 'head' hunger) issues and much easier to eat small amounts and be full. Best of luck to you and you are making a great choice!

I just saw that and I've downloaded it to check it out. I'll post my evaluation.

I downloaded on my wife's EVO. It looks pretty good.