sweetbaker

Everyone's metabolism is different. While 800-1200 is the range most of us are giving by our nutritionists, that might not work for you. It didn't work for me. I wasn't losing and after discussing with my dr and doing a metabolism test, the target number for me was 1400. That's how many calories it takes for my body to shed pounds. Hope you find your number!

My elliptical has the moving arms so that helps give more of a full body workout for me. I can't do the ellipticals that only the legs move on a tract, too up & down for me and heck on my hamstrings. I'd say just start out slowly with resistance at 1. After 5 minutes, see if you can increase the resistance a notch. Gradually increase every 5 minutes, etc. until you reach the goal you've set for yourself. Considering it's all about getting your heart rate up, if you can only keep resistance at 1 or 2, just get your speed up until you're feeling stronger and muscles are adjusting to the new routine of working out. I've worked my way up to resistance 15 and start at 1...I increase resistance every 2-3 minutes and it keeps me from getting bored (mentally & physically)! Good luck and keep up the good work!!!

Give them to a crafter/scrapbooker to keep up with things like buttons, safety pins, brads, letters, and other small items!!

Give them to a crafter/scrapbooker to keep up with things like buttons, safety pins, brads, letters, and other small items!!

That's awesome!! Congrats. Sometimes it's the small victories that keep us going!! Keep up the great work

I'm sorry your weight loss has stalled. Are you tracking calories? Protein? Exercising? Getting all your water in?

I used to take prescription Naproxen for my TOM but now take 3-4 Aleve to equal the prescription dose. It's the only thing that works for me and I usually have to take it 2-3 days during my cycle. I asked pre-surgery if I could continue taking them after surgery and she didn't see a problem with it, only if I took them on a daily basis. I think everyone's dr might have their own opinion. Just ask yours.

I follow this website called hungrygirl.com and just today she did a slimmed down version of the Starbucks Mocha Coconut Frappucino. I love her ideas on making stuff that we love with the same taste as original but lower cals.

You are right...slow & steady wins the race!!!! I ate more calories yesterday and had a great loss today so hoping that's the start of a new trend. I'll definitely friend you because it's neat to get ideas from other's eating plans!

lea3277, you are still so early in your journey that I wouldn't worry about it telling you that you need more calories. I know at about 2 weeks post surgery I was only at around 700 myself. If you are still in the mushie stage, it's hard to get enough calories. It'll get easier as you transition to solid foods. Best of luck on your journey!!

I'd definitely add the protein shakes back in but what about beans/legumes? They're an incomplete protein so if you had them with a small portion of a carb, such as rice or quinoa, you'd get more protein in that way as well!! Good luck to you

Thanks Vicky. My dr recommends 1300 but that hasn't been working...no pounds lost. I might up it slightly based on the calories I'm burning through exercise (2500/week+) and see if that makes a difference. I know I've never lost well on high protein (via Atkins) but it's important for us a bandsters to get it so I'm trying! Thank you for your input!!!

I've been tracking my calories and protein the good old fashioned way...paper & pen. Calorie intake around 1100-1300 (based on dr recommendations following metabolism testing) and exercise (elliptical for an hour 5 times a week). Water intake 100oz/day. Protein intake 60-80g/day. So I see on the boards that a lot of people use & recommend myfitnesspal.com for tracking. Thought I would give it a shot....surgery was 5/4/11 and I've been stuck at 10 pounds pre-surgery loss and 10 pounds post-surgery loss (in first month and none since) and I've had one fill (that provided no restriction/hunger control). My question is....after you've entered all of your data (age, weight, goal, exercise, lifestyle) and it gives you a recommended calorie goal for the day.....who follows that and if you do, have you had success? Based on my input (lightly active) and current exercise, it recommends I eat 1950 calories a day. WHAT????? I know that what I've been doing is not dropping any pounds so I'm wondering if I should slightly eat more and meet the dr recommendation and the myfitnesspal.com recommendation in the middle and see how that goes? Needing feedback...thanks!!!!

hahaha...It's okay esch. We all have flavors we love the most. The only ones I drink and really like of the muscle milk lite is cafe Latte! It's like cold coffee

For pre-mixed shakes I like Muscle Milk Lite (about 110 calories) and I've found that at Kroger when I'm out of town. (small town with only a Walmart for shopping for me) and I've ordered it online. For powder, I order Jay Robb whey Protein Powder. It tastes amazing with skim milk or water. Pina Colada flavor is my favorite but all flavors are good. You can find it at Whole Foods or from his website www.jayrobb.com. I've tried a lot of protein powders over the year that taste chalky or just terrible in general and his is super good! I usually need to add a few more calories in my day so I'll make it with skim milk and fruit (like chocolate powder with frozen strawberries or vanilla with frozen peaches) for a smoothie. Hope you find one that you love as well.