lsereno

My surgeon never mentioned a goal weight. I selected my goal weight based on my body type, age, and my weight into my 30s. I weighed 118 in high school and early 20s, up to 125 as I entered my 30s. My weight climbed slowly from my 30s till I had WLS, with brief dips when I did best with Weight Watchers and hypnosis. I set my goal at 135, which puts me at a B MI of 21.8. It adds 10 lbs to my weight in my late 20s, which allows for extra skin and age. I worked with a terrific trainer though out my weight loss to maintain muscle. Lynda

I got the card but I haven't used it. I just order off the kids menu if I want something. Generally, I get an appetizer if I want something smaller. Lynda

So far, so good for me in maintenance. I hope Oregon Daisy chimes in. I believe she is one who did well till after three years out. I do think a relaxation in attitude contributes to long term weight regain. For me, I'm hyper-vigilant. I weigh daily and changed my bounce range to 2 lbs. I still track my food. I do eat junk, but I limit it. We'll see how this pans out in year 3. Lynda

The biggest thing I can say is "ever vigilant" At two years out it would be so easy to gain weight. I control my snacking and choose lower calorie healthy foods most times. Check the Vets Forum and you will see we are talking about how to maintain or get back to goal after gaining a few pounds. I set a weight range for myself and when I get near the top of it: NO SNACKS! So far, that's working for me and I've maintained at goal for 15 months. I still weigh and measure my food most of the time and I weigh myself every morning when I first get up. Lynda

Yep, that's my experience too. I can eat a ton of crap but still have restriction on dense protein. I stick to max of three ounces of dense protein per meal so I have room for veggies and a little starch. I also still measure my foods. And I have to really watch the snacking and junk foods. Lynda

I used the Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% whey Protein in French vanilla, which I bought at GNC. Pre-op I also enjoyed in chocolate but after surgery I didn't care for Chocolate. One scoop of Vanilla has 120 calories, 3 grams carbs, and 24 grams protein. Lynda

Congrats! We have the same goal weight. I'm saving you a spot on the goalie's bench. Lynds

Oh I love my veggies. I eat whatever is in season. In addition, I like frozen whole green beans and frozen roasted pepper strips. Today, I used a mandoline slicer to cut a yellow crookneck sqaush, a japanese eggplant, and some maui onion. I sauteed them in a bit of olive oil, and added some chopped frozen roasted pepper and a few cherry tomatoes cut in half, and a basil cube (http://www.dorot.co.il/?CategoryID=27&ArticleID=36) right at the end. Yum! Lynda

I don't have to take Iron, so I'm not the ideal person to address your issues. But I do take lots of other Vitamins and a couple of meds every day. I put them in a pill holder by my toothbrush and take them morning and night when I brush my teeth. My program recommends taking the iron just before bed. Here is a great Vitamin chart from my program: http://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/Images/ADA-07-Vitamins%20Chart%20-%20RYGB%20%26%20Sleeve_tcm28-532135.pdf Lynda

Wait a few months and try the V8 again. I couldn't tolerate anything acidic at first, but now I can eat about anything. Lynda

15 months at goal, 26 months post-op B: Soy Latte, then an hour later Sara Lee Whole Grain mini bagel, 1/2 laughing cow light cinnamon cream cheese wedge, 1/2 cup stone fruit, 2 oz. 98% Fat Free Ham L: 2 oz. salmon, 1 slice WW bread, 1/2 cup sauteed summer squash S: 1/2 pkg. Weight Watchers gummy candy D: Lemondrop cocktail, 1/2 slice bacon, 3 scallops, slice sourdough bread, 1/2 cup salad with pear, blue cheese and candied pecans S: mini tootsie roll, 1/2 c. raspberry sorbet

Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE). Fiddleman is our resident expert on this. Lynda

Sleeve was 4 years ago.Lap Band 7 years ago. From her Sig: lap band 12-29-06 / revision to sleeve Dr. Alberto Aceves 4-29-09

Hi Paul, Just want to give you a shout out. That's quite a loss in your ticker. Congrats on getting to goal! Lynda

Ask your Dr. if possible. If not, you might consider using the Kaiser Fremont Guidelines in Chapter 3. http://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/facilities/region/gsaa/area_master/departments/Bariatrics/binder.jsp For me, tomatoes were too acidic for several months post-op. But everyone is different! Lynda

My system is slow. It took several hours before it started working for me. But never fear! It will start and work very effectively. Lynda

Glad to hear this. Laura-Ven, everyone owes you a thank you for sticking with this ugly topic and getting some resolution. Lynda

Hi Sindylu, I'll be thinking of you on the the 3rd. I was sleeved at Kaiser Fremont in May 2011. Use that nervous energy to get ready. Clean the house, stock up on staples, pay your bills, and buy yourself some post-op treats. Lynda

Hi, I think I've answered your question, but just want to reply here to so it's in the thread if others want to know. Generally, I use cold water, the instant starbucks decaf, and the Protein powder then shake it all together in the shaker cup. You can also use hot tap water, but not hot enough to clump the protein. (think it has to be be less than 120 degrees.) If you have coffee available, you can use premade coffee. Just let it cool enough to not clump the protein before shaking it up. .