lsereno

congrats! I'm a little more than half the woman I used to be. I was 254 and I'm 135 now. You are so fit though and riding that bike! I love riding my 7 speed cruiser, but I only ride in my neighborhood. Lynda

SJ Athletic Club had an exercise bike with a built in program that allowed you to play a video game while biking. Man, I miss that. You collect coins and slay dragons. So fun! You can see a video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2sVAknaAjXg

Two years out, at goal for 14 months Breakfast: 1 slice whole wheat bread, 2 oz. ham Snack: Soy Latte Lunch: 1 Laughing Cow lite cinnamon cream cheese wedge, 1 mini cinnamon bagel, 2 oz. chicken breast, chopped with 1/2 small apple, 1 stalk celery, 1 T, mayo and 1 T. fat free greek yogurt Snack: 1 cup butternut squash soup Dinner: 3 oz. lean pork, 1/3 cup mashed potatoes, 1/3 cup green Beans with peppers and onions Snack: Not sure yet. Maybe yogurt with smashed strawberries and a crumbled graham cracker

Yup, it's the sternum for me too. I don't remember it being that big when I was young and I was thinner then by 20 lbs. Maybe it grows as we age? I also have a bony lump on my right collarbone. Got myself worked up thinking it was the big C for a few days before I had the Dr look at it and tell me it was just a bony protrusion. It didn't used to be like that when I was young. Sigh. And, after I lost weight, I finally got my rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed because it was very noticeable that my wrists and fingers where too big. When I was fat it didn't show. Lynda Lynda

I ate ceviche pretty early out. I had to wait a little while because anything acid really tore me up and first and the tomatoes and peppers were too much. But as soon as I could I ate it and still enjoy it. It's very low calorie and tasty. I've never had any made in a meat grinder. Just chopped fine. Also haven't had it with carrots. I guess its like any other recipe: varies by region and who's making it. A lot of the ceviche I've had also has avocado, but not so much that I worry about the calories. Lynda

It does sound like something is wrong if you can only eat a few small bites. I think maybe you mistyped 6 oz. of Protein. I don't know anyone here who can eat that much, Even at two years out, I can only eat a little of 3 oz. of protein on a good day. And most days it's 3 oz. tops for protein. As far as cheese doodles, everyone falls off the wagon now and then. Just climb back on. And throw the rest of them away pronto. Cheese doodles are one of the foods that just doesn't come in the door at my house. I know my limits! I even made myself sick as a dog while using Alli by eating them and I still would overeat them if they were here. Talk about a slow learner! Best wishes on a speedy recovery, Lynda

My program recommended returning to the previous eating stage for a few days I had any stomach issues. I had to do that a couple of times early out. I do think it helped give it a rest to heal up if something I ate bothered it. My go-to foods early out: Soy Milk Fat free plain greek yogurt Low fat string cheese Low fat ham or turkey lunch meat Saltine crackers Unsweetened applesauce Anderson's Split Pea Soup unjury chicken Protein GNC Gold Standard whey in French vanilla Sleepy Time Tea Lynda

I worked with a trainer for three years pre-op and till I got to goal weight. I took off 6 weeks post-op because that's how long my program recommended avoiding heavier exercises. My program recommended just biking and walking the first six weeks. I loved having a trainer, but at goal weight, I can no longer justify the expense. I am capable of taking group classes now and find them just as effective. I'm not an exercise fanatic. I'm sure my muscle tone was marginally better with the trainer, but it's perfectly acceptable with the group classes. Lynda

Oh boy. I sounded like a dump truck for months. But it does go away. And if you think that's embarrassing, just remember never trust a fart the first few weeks! Thank goodness I had a spare nightgown. Lynda

For head hunger, one trick I use is applying lip balm and hand lotion. The smell and feel distracts me. Lynda

I like the grilled chicken tacos, either Fresca or the ones sometimes on the dollar menu. I order two and don't eat much of the tortilla even now. Tortillas don't sit great for me post-op, even two years out. Too doughy. Lynda

I have a toothbrush with a timer built in. When I'm feeling energetic, I stand in front of the tub and squat down like I'm gonna sit on the edge of the tub repeatedly while I am brushing. Easy way to work in some squats. My butt's still a little flatter than I would like, but when I flex it - Booyah! Lynda PS I also walk about 3-4 hours per week.

Two years out, maintaining at goal weight: Breakfast: Small Soy Latte, then 1 slice whole wheat bread, 2 oz. ham about an hour later Midmorning snack: 1/2 banana Lunch: 3/4 cup lima Beans (they were brothy, not all beans) Afternoon snack: low fat cheese stick Dinner: 6" subway Sweet Onlon Teriaki sandwich on whole wheat with spinach, cucumbers and red onions After dinner snack: small blueberry muffin, cup of tea with Splenda

Call the Dr. Can't hurt to ask. Lynda

Every Kaiser Bariatric program is a bit different. I went through Kaiser Fremont. Their program guide is available online at: http://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/facilities/region/gsaa/area_master/departments/Bariatrics/binder.jsp Lynda

Congrats Aaron!

Amma, I just noticed you are only drinking very little Water. I used a shot glass and a timer to get my water in at first. One ounce sipped over 15 minutes Makes 4 ounces per hour. Teeny sips; take the whole 15 minutes to finish the ounce. I preferred room temp water. Not to cold or hot. Lynda

In addition to Laura-Ven's great advice, I strongly recommend trying out anything new at home first. You never know how new things may affect you and a little trial run at home can save you from a lot of discomfort and embarrassment in public. For me personally, I didn't drink for 6 months, and I started with wine because I couldn't take the acid in a margarita that early out. But everyone is different. Lynda

The diarrhea is common post-op, but check with your Dr. I remember they told me to watch and see if it was staying as bad or getting worse. I was lactose intolerant post-op. The only Protein Powder I tolerated well the first few days was unjury. After the first week, I did well with GNC Gold Standard whey. I mixed it with Soy milk. Lynda

I did. So many people seem to spring back and not need pain meds, but I was really pooped for weeks and needed pain meds for more than a week. Do get up and walk around a little even though you are tired. Be sure to get your fluids and eat your Protein. Both help promote healing. Give yourself time to recover and heal. Lynda

Thank you! Onward to year two at goal! Lynda

Hi there, Here's how I incorporated fruits and veggies early out: Yogurt shake for breakfast: greek non-fat yogurt, a couple of strawberries, a splash of OJ, bigger splash of Water, and some Splenda. Melons for snack:Watermelon and cantelope both sat well. Applesauce cups: another good snack 1/3 bananna: snack Frozen peas and carrots: Cooked them alongside whatever Protein I was having Zucchini: cut off a few slices with a mandoline slicer and cooked them alongside whatever protein I was having Soups: Split Pea, Veggie, Tomato, Butternut Squash Peppers and onions, spinach: Added to sandwich after I could tolerate bread again Spinach: wilt and serve under protein I couldnt eat much because early on protein took almost all my room, but I love veggies and fruit and would have felt deprived without any. To control constipation, I used a fiber supplement, benefiber and Colace stool softener. Lynda

Boy, I hear you! I'm at goal weight, but it doesn't look the same as it did when I was in my 30s. A few things I won't be wearing: Skirts or shorts that hit too far above the knee Bikini Halter top Shopping for a swimsuit and new underthings was not as enjoyable as I expected. I have extra skin that spills out and looks crappy unless I buy the right items. And on the way to goal, my midsection looked like the lumpy squash in the game Plants vs Zombies. I've found some cute capri pants that I wear instead of shorts. I have several cute skirts that hit at the knee. And I finally found a cute swimsuit at Macy's. You will get used to what is flattering and it will be easier to find as time goes by. Lynda

If you are tracking and getting 800-900 calories and you are still hungry, talk to your program coordinator about the PPI. For a lot of people, stomach acid feels like hunger. But with only 400 calories, you probably are legitimately hungry! Maybe add more calories at breakfast too. If you can't eat more at once, maybe the shake or yogurt early and then an hour later more Protein. Lynda

I have seen some people here that had the surgery while smoking, but my program (Kaiser Fremont) will not perform the surgery if you smoke. I'm sure this also covers e-cigs. I believe Kaiser tests for nicotine in the blood. I'd check with your program coordinator. Lynda