lsereno

Yes, it is. I've read other complaints about being cold on these boards. My gas bill doubled the month after surgery between running heater and using my gas fireplace to take the chill off. And three months later, I still am colder than anyone else I hang around with. I think it's the rapid weight loss. Lynda

Thank you for sharing your successes and struggles with us Irene. You have inspired and comforted me so many times. Congratulations on reaching your goals and best wishes for a safe surgery and speedy recovery. You are already gorgeous - you are going to have to beat the boys off with a stick! Lynda

You look great! Thanks for sharing your success - it helps me to stay motivated when I see it really does work. Hope you had a great day in your rockin' outfit. Sometimes hubbies do know best :-) Lynda

Wow-your calories and carbs look good to me and you are doing everything you are supposed to: tracking, exercising, keeping a healthy calorie and carb count. Everyone loses at their own pace. Every ounce is an ounce towards a healthier you! Lynda

OK, people. I know we are all used to having me be the fattest one in the group, but times have changed and you HAVE TO GET OVER IT!!! For those of you who now outweigh me, Yes, I do weigh less than you now. And I'm taller than you so my BMI is lower, but we won't talk about that. Please pull your face back into a look that approaches normalcy. I promise I will never bring up my weight or yours. I did this for my health, not so I could lord it over those who are still struggling with weight. I realize you have spent years patting yourself on the back because you are not as big as me, but those days are past. Pull up your big person panties and move on. And for many others, yes, my goal weight is less than what you currently weigh. No, I will not be anorexic at a healthy BMI of 22. Please don't compulsively ask how much I now weigh each time you see me and then calculate how much I have to lose before I weigh less than you. Please see the notes above for how I prefer you to handle this brave new world. Best wishes, Lynda

Haha. My license has been renewed so many times that I actually finally weigh about what it says on my license: 180. Which was a lie: I'm sure I actually weighted around 200. But you can bet I never once heard anyone say "Man you have gained weight since you got that license"!! Lynda

I have Kaiser for individual plan. I paid around 2K out of pocket. I have the second from the best level of coverage available to individuals. Lynda

Hi Rootman, We're hitting a lot of the same benchmarks at the same time. Feels great just being overweight doesn't it? And I just checked with my Dr. yesterday after getting a couple of blood pressure readings like yours. His nurse said those numbers are nothing to worry about, but I am hoping when I see him I get off my last couple of blood pressure meds. Currently I'm taking 1/2 cozar and 1 atenol. That's already down from the 1 cozar, 1 atenol, a low dose aspirin and diuretic that I took pre-op. Of course, I agree with others: check with your Dr. We don't want them getting lonely just because we are getting healthier by the day! Lynda

Are you tracking your food? If not, try it. It really helps me. To see what I've been eating and doing for exercise the last few weeks, check out: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/21563-30-day-challenge-get-ready-to-kick-some-butt-here/ Lately, I'm the only one posting in the challenge thread, so you can easily see each day. Last week, I lost less than 1 lb, but most weeks I lose a little more than 2 lbs. Lynda

Hah! No snacking today. Yahoo! Now, if I could just get the lunchtime calcium in every day. And I'm probably more motivated than most: my paternal grandmother suffered terribly from osteoporosis. August 15, Monday: Breakfast: 3/4 C. Fage 0 Plain Yogurt, Splenda, 5 cherries: 15grams Protein, 115 calories Lunch: 2 oz. crabmeat, 1 T. cocktail sauce, ¼ slice bread, 1/8C. Clam Chowder: 10 grams protein, 150 calories Dinner2 oz. pork, 5 whole wheat crackers : 14 grams protein, 200calories Late Snack1 scoop unjury chicken Protein in 12 oz. water: 20grams protein, 90 calories Protein, 59 grams, Calories: 555, Water: 64 oz. Vitamins: Missed my lunchtime calcium Exercise: 30 minutes strength training

Lactose intolerance varies. I developed it after surgery, but I can tolerate Whey-based Protein drinks, yogurt, and semi-hard cheeses, such as light string cheese and the lite babybel cheese. At first, I did better with the

Hi all, I'd love to hear from others on this challenge. Overall, I'm doing pretty good, but today I had a little slice of cake ( 4-45 small bites). For the most part, I am full after eating my required Protein, but sometimes I do sneak in a treat. My other problem is remembering my lunchtime calcium. Lynda August 14, Sunday: Breakfast: Yogurt Smoothie (3/4 C. Fage 0 Plain Yogurt, 1/8 C.OJ, 1/4 C. Water, 2 strawberries, Splenda): 15 grams protein, 115 calories Lunch: low fat cheesestick, 1/2 oz. low fat salami, ¼ c. cubedmelon: 12 grams protein, 110 calories Dinner: 2 oz. pork, 1/8 C. green Beans with butter, 1/8 C. MashedPotatoes : 14 grams protein, 200 calories Late Snack: I small piece pineapple upside down cake:0 grams protein, 100calories Planned Late Late Snack: 1 scoop

I am a little over month behind you (5/17). I have a sweet Protein drink after dinner every evening. Sure, I would rather have something sweet with no nutrition but the good news is the Protein Drink gets me up to my daily protein goal (65+) and after I have it, I don't want any other sweets. I switch it up a bit, adding coffee or cinnamon to the French vanilla flavor or sugar free choco syrup to the chocolate flavor. If that works for you, Eggface has a ton of tasty-sounding Protein drinks too: http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/ Lynda

I'm on Kaiser Fremont's Vitamin regime which you can view or download here: http://www.permanente.net/homepage/kaiser/pdf/63279.pdf Lynda

Hi, I agree with what the others have said. For me, walking helped the gas. It didn't eliminate it, but it did help. And I was lactose intolerant. I switched to soy milk and for the first couple of weeks I used the

Lolli, I agree with Foxbins. I'd start with your bariatric program. If you can't get in to see them, see your primary care doctor. 200 calories a day is way to low. I'm thinking of you, Lynda

12 more days to go! I fell off the wagon today with a bite of chocolate cake. It's so hard to resist the treats hubby brings home. One saving grace: one bite is really enough. I don't want to eat more than that. I hope that lasts, but we'll see. Hit the face to face support group tonight. August 12, Friday: Breakfast: Yogurt Smoothie (3/4 C. Fage 0 Plain Yogurt, 1/8 C.OJ, 1/4 C. Water, 2 strawberries, Splenda): 15 grams Protein, 115 calories Dinner2 oz. ground beef, 1/8 C. mixed veg, 1 t. oil : 14 gramsprotein, 185 calories Dinner: 2 oz.pork rib meat, ¼ C. mixed fruit, .: 14 gramsprotein, 165 calories After dinner Snack: 1 small bite chocolate cake: 50 calories Late Snack: 1 scoop French Vanilla Gold Standard WheyProtein, 1/2 C. Starbucks Via Decaf Italian Roast, 1/2 C. plain soy milk: 27grams protein, 155 calories Protein, 70 grams, Calories: 670, Water: 64 oz. Vitamins: Missed my lunchtime calcium Exercise: 40 minutes withthe trainer.

Hi all, I lost .7 lbs. this week. I think it's the least I've lost in a week except for the notorious stall at 3 weeks. But it's a loss and I'll take it! It looks like I won't hit my mini-goal of getting to 180 by August 17th, but you never know! I have my 3 month check-up on the 17th. Lynda Labor Day Goal: SW-197...............CW-183.6...............Labor Day goal-179 July 4: 197 July 8: 193.7 July 15: 191.6 July 22: 189.5 July 29: 186.3 August 5: 183.6 August 12: 182.9 August 19: August 26: Sept 2: Labor Day!:

Congrats! You look awesome-esp. those beautiful collarbones. I can't wait to see mine again!! And thank you for the info about "feeling normal." At nearly 3 months out, I'm tracking to stay focused on getting enough Protein, calories, and Water, but I am so looking forward to letting the sleeve do some of the work if I just eat protein first and avoid snacking. Lynda

Hi all, Hubby had popcorn after dinner tonight and I ate some. Right now, I can eat so little, I never eat enough Snacks to make much of a difference, but I am worried about down the road. And when I don't worry abut that, I worry about my hunger returning. For the most part, I am never hungry now. I eat to meet my Protein and calorie goals. I feel a little hungry before meals sometimes, but it is really minor compared to pre-op. I never get that "I have to eat NOW" feeling. August 11, Thursday: Breakfast: Yogurt Smoothie (3/4 C. Fage 0 Plain Yogurt, 1/8 C.OJ, 1/4 C. Water, 2 strawberries, Splenda): 15 grams protein, 115 calories Lunch: low fat cheesestick, 1 oz. low fat salami: 15 gramsprotein, 130 calories Dinner2 oz. ground beef, ¼ ear corn, 2 T. onions : 14 gramsprotein, 170 calories After dinner Snack: ½ C. popcorn with butter: 100 calories Late Snack: 1 scoop French Vanilla Gold Standard WheyProtein, 1/2 C. Starbucks Via Decaf Italian Roast, 1/2 C. plain soy milk: 27grams protein, 155 calories Protein, 71 grams, Calories: 670, Water: 64 oz. Vitamins: Missed my lunchtime calcium. Exercise: Rode bike 1 mile, worked garage sale 4 hours

Today after lunch I took a nap. Woke up feeling full and didn't really want dinner or my protein drink, but I had them anyway to meet my protein goals. Might have to do with the fact I let myself get a little "backed up," but with the help of some colace, that has been getting straightened out all day. Pooped out on my planned evening activity. I'm stronger, but not back to pre-op levels. Can't wait to begin reaping the energy benefits of being at a lower weight! Today at the gym I did some crunches on the incline bench and I noticed how much easier they are without so much body weight to huff uphill with. August 10, Wednesday: Breakfast: Yogurt Smoothie (3/4 C. Fage 0 Plain Yogurt, 1/8 C. OJ, 1/4 C. water, 2 strawberries, Splenda): 15 grams protein, 115 calories Lunch: low fat cheesestick, 1 oz. low fat salami: 15 grams protein, 5 whole wheat crackers, 2 T. avocado 200 calories Dinner: 1 cup Anderson Split Pea Soup : 9 grams protein, 130 calories Late Snack: 1 scoop French Vanilla Gold Standard Whey Protein, 1/2 C. Starbucks Via Decaf Italian Roast, 1/2 C. plain soy milk: 27 grams protein, 155 calories Protein, 66 grams, Calories: 610, Water: 64 oz. Vitamins: Took my lunchtime calcium - go me!! Exercise: 25 minutes with the trainer. I was 5 minutes late.

Haha! My driver's license says 180. I still have a few pounds to go to match that weight. I think I weighed around 190 when my pic was taken and the license was made more than 10 years ago I think. Here in California you can renew by mail for quite a few years. Lynda

Family and friends - it's tough! I know it will come off soon, but it's scary seeing how fast it can come back. Tiffykins has a good handle on having a good time and maintaining her weight. I hope I am able to emulate her when I am at goal. I'm rootin' for you rootman- I bet you might be back at merely overweight within a day or two! Lynda

Hi all, I was busy with the grandson all day monday and didn't get a chance to check in. My energy is coming back because I made it till 9 pm last nite before I conked out like a log. Here's my info for today and yesterday: August 9, Tuesday: Went to the park with grandson and fed squirrels and me some peanuts Breakfast: Yogurt smoothie (3/4 C. Fage 0 Plain Yogurt, 1/8 C. OJ, 1/4 C. Water, 2 strawberries, Splenda): 15 grams Protein, 115 calories Lunch: 8 peanuts and 1 cheesestick: 8 grams protein, 180 calories Dinner: 2 oz. Tortilla crusted tilapia, 1/4 corn on the cob : 10 grams protein, 170 calories Planned Late Snack: 1 scoop French vanilla Gold Standard whey Protein, 1/2 C. Starbucks Via Decaf Italian Roast, 1/2 C. plain soy milk: 27 grams protein, 155 calories Protein, 60 grams, Calories: 630, Water: 64 oz. Vitamins: Forgot my lunchtime Calcium. I am gonna go put some in my purse right now! Exercise: 45 minutes fast walk, rode bike about 3 miles August 8, Monday: Had the grandson all day. We made Cookies and he decorated one for me. I ate it all but one bite. Breakfast: Yogurt Smoothie (3/4 C. Fage 0 Plain Yogurt, 1/8 C. OJ, 1/4 C. water, 2 strawberries, Splenda): 15 grams protein, 115 calories Lunch: 3/8 C. Homemade chili: 8 grams protein, 120 caloriesSnack: small cookie: 100 calories (guestimate) Dinner: 3/4 of the filling from Taco Bell Combo Burrito : 15 grams protein, 250 calories Late Snack: 1 scoop French Vanilla Gold Standard Whey Protein, 1/2 C. Starbucks Via Decaf Italian Roast, 1/2 C. plain soy milk: 27 grams protein, 155 calories Protein, 65 grams, Calories: 740, Water: 64 oz. Vitamins: Took my lunchtime calcium and got in an Iron pill before bedtime Exercise: 30 minutes with trainer, 15 minutes stretching, 15 minute fast walk with grandson

We went to visit the kids today and they made dinner for us. I had a bite of each of my favorites, but it added up! Brought the grandson home for a visit for a couple of days and stopped and the store to get him and grandpa Snacks. I had a bite of grandpa's donut and then a couple of whole wheat crackers because I really wanted more chips and I'd like to eat more junk RIGHT NOW at 10:30 at night. I would love something salty and then something sweet. But I am going to take my nighttime pills, wash my makeup off, put my PJs on and call it a day. I know the scale will thank me tomorrow but right now I DO NOT FEEL LIKE BEING GOOD. August 7, Sunday: Breakfast: Yogurt Smoothie (3/4 C. Fage 0 Plain Yogurt, 1/8 C. OJ, 1/4 C. Water, 2 strawberries, Splenda): 15 grams Protein, 115 calories Lunch: 1 oz. 98% fat free lunch meat, baby bel lite cheese, 5 whole wheat crackers, 2 T. avocado: 11 grams protein, 160 calories Snack: 2 potato chips with ranch dip, 1 tortilla chip with guacamole, Peanut Butter pretzel bite: 100 calories (guestimate) Dinner: 2 oz. tri-tip, 1/4 C. watermelon,2 bites garlic bread, 1 bite potato salad: 14 grams protein, 225 calories Late Snack: 2 whole wheat crackers, 2 bites of donut, 1 scoop French Vanilla Gold Standard Whey Protein with1 C. plain soy milk and cinnamon: 31 grams protein, 335 calories Protein, 71 grams, Calories: 995, Water: 64 oz. Vitamins: Missed my lunchtime calcium today Exercise: Day off!