TheRealMeIsHere!

Congrats on starting on the right track to a healthier lifestyle!! I was NEVER a fan of exercise. In high school, I was the one who failed gym, basically because I either didn't go or was purposely unprepared. About 6 months post op, I decided that I needed to add regular exercise. I went to a local gym, and requested that they give bariatric surgery patients a discount. They agreed that all bariatric patients would get the hospital employee rate. Day one, I drag myself there, meet with someone to show me the ropes and set me up with a routine. Day two, force myself to go to the gym and endure my workout. Somewhere around day 3-5, I realized I was enjoying my workouts!! ENJOYING?? Seriously, ME??!! I would put on headphones and lip sync to my favorite music, probably looking like a crazy person but I was in a zone and having a great time!! Some days, I actually WANTED to go again! The energy it gave me throughout the day was awesome. Those endorphins give you such a high and energize you, it's wonderful! Just start and once you get over the hump, you'll feel the difference. What works for me is to set my alarm, put on workout clothes (cute workout clothes can motivate also), and just start, almost on autopilot. It helps if you tell yourself, I will do ________ at this time, this many times a week. Be VERY specific. Find what works for you, something you enjoy and have fun with it.

I used to wear the bodysuit kind of shapewear. May be a bit warm for exercising, depending on what you do. I did find it to be very comfortable and supportive. I no longer have them, so don't remember the exact brand. Was similar to this: http://www.amazon.com/Maidenform-Flexees-Shapewear-Bodybriefer-Decadence/dp/B004P8579M?ie=UTF8&keywords=shapewear%20bodysuit%20underwire&nodeID=7147440011&qid=1458731464&ref_=sr_1_6&s=apparel&sr=1-6 I also made sure to get firm or extra firm control, depends what you feel comfortable with. Also this one: http://www.amazon.com/Maidenform-Flexees-Womens-Shapewear-Control/dp/B0007QMK2S?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

You are both so lucky to have this opportunity for change at such a young age!! Congratulations. My thought, is the earlier you change bad habits the more likely it is to become a wonderful, healthy new lifestyle. So I think you will have great success, best of luck!

Really looking for ideas to change my mindset regarding my workouts. You know those games we all play, such as, Once I finish this I get to______.

Yep, I love them! Can only do a few minutes at a time, due to the A.S. in my spine & especially neck.

I, personally, would suggest another place. That atmosphere tempts me too much. Post bariatric surgery you have an uber low tolerance for alcohol. I'd be afraid I'd be tempted to have "just one" or even a sip and feel it too much.

AWESOME!! Whatever you did differently, worked!

YES, that is awesome!! And I may get a tracker, that might be motivating as I can set a daily goal and challenge myself that way.

@@Inner Surfer Girl Thanks for the great ideas! Once warm weather comes those are things I enjoy. For now, anything outside is just too painful, due to Raynaud's. There really is nothing in this county, except a lot of closed & abandoned businesses, lol! That is why, the only thing I can change is my thinking. I need to find a way to motivate & challenge myself from within, in my current situation.

WLSResources/ClothingExchNo need to be sorry. I appreciate you taking the time to respond, even though short on time! I am not in the apartment complex yet, that is why I am so limited in social opportunities and keeping busy. Until my name comes up on a waiting list, I am trapped in a situation where I have no options. I really just want to get ideas for some mind games I can play with myself to make my workouts feel more fun & challenging, But not sure how to go about that

You are helpful, if only for the simple fact that you offered understanding rather than suggestions that are not options. Thank you! I am trying to just go with the flow until I am able to move. The monotony is soooo hard, though. I'm terrified that I'll actually stop working out, due to boredom. I'm sure I won't, because I know where complacency will lead. I certainly NEVER want to give in to complacency in my exercise or diet. I just need more variety and ways to feel challenged. That is why I'm looking for mind games that people play to make a workout feel challenging. My motivation really needs an upgrade.

Thanks for the great ideas! I actually only watch TV, because my sis has it on, lol. I'd rather be active and doing something. Our internet is VERY limited, so streaming is not an option. The local hospital is a joke, and offers nothing, lol! My A.S. limits arm movements so the hand cycle is out. No pool within several hours drive. No one can fathom how trapped I am at the moment, by finances, location, social opportunities and disabilities. I really have looked into so many options, but there are none. That's why I'm not looking for suggestions, mainly just ways to change my mindset until I get that apartment. That is why people found my post amusing, because they have no idea how hard I try to get out of isolation or meet people or find activities social or otherwise to do.

I'm actually looking into that as I thought it would be a great idea. In the meantime, movies on DVD are awesome!

Thanks for your reply. I do have 2 cats, can't have a dog. I do many of the things you mentioned. Volunteer opportunities are few, in this area and require many hours of training which won't allow me to help at the deli. The money I make there is crucial to survival, as SSDI only barely covers my expenses. Outside is not possible unless it's over 80 degrees. But in the summer I greatly enjoy being out in nature and enjoy long walks. I just have a lot of energy and few outlets besides the routine workout.

Darn, that's too bad. Maybe they will surprise you and cover more than you expect. Mine covered TT & panni. I was SHOCKED! I actually started with a referral from my pain management dr. due to spine issues. The insurance website had criteria for panniculectomy & TT, I printed and brought to him. His referral touched on every point they were looking for. Then I included a letter stating how much weight I lost and the fact that exercise is crucial to maintaining. I also mentioned that I am already limited in exercise options, and extra skin was limiting me further. Then my plastic surgeon took pictures and The moon & stars aligned and my info landed on the right desk and I had an approval in less than 2 weeks! Best of luck!

could you pay out of pocket for the additional work to be done at the same time as what insurance covers?

You are lucky! For many, pasta, potatoes, rice, bread, flour & sugar cause cravings and hinder weight loss.

Eating several small meals is not grazing it actually keeps your metabolism up by keeping your blood sugar level. Maybe plan what you would eat for the day, and divide that into 4-6 servings. It is still the same amount of food, but this way you are not eating more than you can handle at one sitting.

I had the same problem, a lot of swelling inside made it difficult to consume more than a few bites/sips of anything. My NUT instructed me to avoid anything not a high protein source. No veggies, fruits and of course no sugar, Pasta, rice, potatoes or flour, until I could get all my protein. This took me a year and a half! I missed salad more than anything! Now I eat salad DAILY, lol! I was in constant contact with her & she told me just to keep taking my vitamins. I still avoid all simple carbs & starchy veggies/fruits, except for an occasional bite as they do cause a day or two of hunger & cravings.

Just some info and articles regarding protein: http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bcumbo_group/discussion/4460021/Protein-Requirements-after-Weight-Loss-Surgery/ Usual protein recommendations for the post-bariatric surgery patient are anywhere from 1 to 2g protein per kg of adjusted body weight—calculated as current body weight (CBW) minus ideal body weight (IBW) multiplied by 25 percent plus IBW [CBW-IBW x 25% + IBW]).25 A minimum of 60 to 70g of protein per day should be ingested. http://www.shape.com/blogs/weight-loss-coach/double-your-protein-lose-weight-while-maintaining-muscle http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/Are-You-Getting-Enough-Protein-2012.html How much protein do you need each day? To calculate your protein needs if you have higher requirements, multiply your body weight in pounds by 0.5 (moderate) to 1.0 (high) to get the number of grams of protein per day. For example: If you weigh 250 pounds, multiply 250 by 0.5 = 125 grams of protein per day for moderate intake or multiply 250 by 1.0 = 250 grams for higher intake. People not needing these higher amounts can multiply their body weight by 0.5 to 0.8 to get their recommended grams of protein per day.

Try this, it's quick to throw together. I use it any place I would use Italian sausage and no one can tell the difference! I make burgers with it, lasagna (replacing most of the noodles with sliced, roasted eggplant), spaghetti squash & marinara, etc,,,,, ITALIAN SAUSAGE 4 servings 1pound(s)uncooked 93% lean ground turkey 2tspgarlic clove(s) 1 1⁄2tsppaprika 1tsptable salt 1⁄2tspfennel seed 1tspblack pepper 1⁄4tspcayenne pepper 1⁄8tspfennel 2tspfresh parsley 1TbspRegina Wine, cooking, red Instructions 1 MIX ALL INGREDIENTS, USE ANY WAY YOU WOULD USE ITALIAN SAUSAGE

I know what that's like, I have severe reflux, also. I have a prescription for Omeprazole, 20 mg twice a day, that helps. Have you told your doctor? Maybe a prescription PPI would help.

I found this: http://5daypouchtest.com/plan/theplan.html

Quite a variety of tastes for sure!! Hint: A dash of gravy Master to ground turkey makes it taste like hamburger meat

Hopefully you can find some recipes that you ALL like. Healthier eating could be a bonus to everyone.