TheRealMeIsHere!

@@ausmith That one, is just a waist nipper, no bra. The Walmart one is a bodysuit and does have a flexible, plastic underwire. Very comfortable, did not dig in at all

Until you are hitting your protein goal every day, it's best to stay away from foods that are not good sources of protein, such as fruit or cream of wheat. I had such a hard time reaching my protein goal, due to a lot of swelling, that it took me 18 months. My NUT is the one who advised against ANY non-protein foods. No veggies, salad, fruit (which I still limit due to high carbs) and of course the usual sugar, flour, Pasta, rice, potatoes and bread. That first salad after 18 months was HEAVEN, lol!!

@@Googler I don't remember at what point I felt comfortable sleeping without compression. It is OK to sleep with though. It doesn't effect circulation the way compression stockings do. I, too, had muscle repair and was walking within hours.......like Quasimodo, lol!! Pain was really minimal, more just discomfort & tightness.

@@Googler I looked up Tubigrip, hopefully it provides more support than it looks like it does. I, personally, preferred VERY firm compression. It just felt better on my healing muscles and my surgeon told me that the longer I wear compression, the better. Since this was my one and only shot, I wore compression for 6 months. The hospital gave me this: http://www.staples.com/Medline-Premium-Tri-Panel-Abdominal-Binders-Small-Medium/product_521329/ Once the drains were out I bought this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007QMK2S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1/ and this: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Cupid-Extra-Firm-Control-Bodybriefer-Style-5908/20931991 That was just my preference, You will find what suits you best.

Aren't those moments of realization of how far you've come and how well all the hard work is paying off, WONDERFUL!!?

I also drank Isopure Zero carb. Mainly you want to focus on hydration and whatever protein you can get in. You won't hit your protein target for a while, just do your best and don't consume foods that are not a low calorie, low carb concentrated source of protein. There is only a small amount of space in your tiny tummy, everything that goes in must count towards your protein goal.

More than likely, the surgeon will put one on in the OR. After the drains are removed, then you will be able to buy others. I, personally liked extra firm waist nippers and bodysuit types. I was told that the longer I wear compression, the better the final result. Since this was my one and only shot, I wore compression for 6 months.

I'm surprised, as that is higher in fat, carbs & calories and less Protein dense than many other options. Such as: Plain fat free Greek yogurt or Dannon Light & Fit Greek Fat free cottage cheese or ricotta Egg whites or egg substitute Turkey or chicken breast 93% lean ground turkey or beef, etc......

@@SalOdyssey I just wanted to congratulate you on your amazing, ongoing success!!

Completely normal AND scary as well! If you eat DENSE Protein when you are hungry, you will stay full longer and consume less calories. Learned that through trial and error, myself. Continue to leave a 1/2 hour before and after eating for liquids. Again, you'll stay full longer. chips, Cookies, bread etc... are slider foods, that is why you can eat more of those. Keep them out of the house if they are trigger foods plus they can CAUSE hunger. You will find the balance that works for you. It is extremely scary, when you begin to tolerate larger portions. I was TERRIFIED, until I found what worked for me.

I'm sure I remember seeing a where to buy section on their websitewebsite

For me, it was close to 2 years out, before I could eat a whole cup, even now at 4 1/2 years out,it depends on what it is. With dense Protein, I can eat far less AND keeps me satisfied longer, so less calories in the long run. With soft foods or slider foods, I can eat more, but am hungry sooner.

Sounds like you are doing MANY of the right things, great job!! You may want to reconsider smoothies, though, unless you make them yourself with high Protein, low carb ingredients. Smoothies are one of those things that sound healthy, but are really too many carbs, fat & calories. Even the 20 oz has 310 calories. Even if they don't add sugar, the fruit alone is high in carbs and will increase cravings and is probably equal to much more than 1 serving of fruit. You are better off eating a small piece of fruit and/or making protein smoothies with Protein powder, ice & Water. chocolate protein powder is great with PB2 added. If it's the fruity flavors that you like, Syntrax nectar has many flavors. Best of luck in your ongoing journey, keep up the many positive changes that you have made

Can you, please, post the link to the one you bought? I would LOVE to find a small one.

I do that at home, sometimes. It really makes you unaware of the length of time passing when watching a DVD, since there are no commercials

So now I have to ask @@Dub , what's in the magical pre-workout energy drink....sounds like good stuff Yes, it DOES sound good, lol!

It's easy to take your favorite recipes and divide all measurements by whatever to make 1-2 servings, I do it all the time. Also www.hungry-girl.com has a lot of single serve recipes. Here are some of mine: https://ormcbariatric.wordpress.com/2012/08/22/thank-you-to-de/ and here: https://ormcbariatric.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/high-protein-yummy-great-recipes/ Eating out frequently will give you a lot of sodium, which for me causes dramatic weight fluctuations. When I do eat out, I specify no oil/butter, no bread, potatoes, rice or Pasta. Most places are great at accommodating. Chinese is the easiest to choose a healthful meal. Just, obviously, stay away from breaded or fried things. Choose something with Protein and veggies and request no oil, no cornstarch.

After a while, once you heal and the internal swelling goes down, you will be able to drink normally. At first, the tiniest sips hurt like H#@L!! after many months (I had a lot of swelling) I was able to drink normally, I now drink over a gallon a day!

You shouldn't be "black balled" for any reason. You are the patient paying for a service, no one has a right to judge. They may, however, advise you that for the best result that you be at and maintaining goal weight.

They cut your abdominal muscles for the sleeve? Did you have an open procedure? With laparoscopic, the incisions are minimal.

Just click on my name and go to gallery to see the pics

I'm 5'2" and started at close to 300 lbs. My before/after pics are on my profile. I wouldn't let the fear of having an apron (pannis) deter you, most insurance will cover a panniculectomy. You can go to your insurance's website and search for criteria for panniculectomy. Take that to your doctor when the time comes.

A few months ago, I changed up my workout routine. I now do 10 mins each recumbant bike and treadmill then various strength training exercises, working most every muscle group. I do this 7 days a week with very few exceptions. Recently I've noticed a 1-2 lb fluctuating weight gain and my pants seem really tight on my thighs. How do I know if I'm gaining lean muscle or fat?

I'm more than OK with gaining muscle weight, as long as that's what it is. I'm not, necessarily looking to build muscle except for the reason that it raises RMR, although I would't mind. Like I said, I'm not capable of doing a lot, which is why I workout daily, I need the calorie burn. I've been in maintenance for 3.5 years and it's a thin tightrope. I prefer to be 115, but had been maintaining at 120 which was acceptable. Now to see 121/122 on the scale is scary as I don't know if it's fat. I'm not sure if the calipers would work for me as I have a lot of loose skin on my thighs and arms. But need to find out if it's fat or muscle. Very informative article, thank you. My workout is only about a half hour, 7 days a week, so I don't think that is overtraining and my activity options are limited so I need to burn calories through activity every day or I DO gain fat.

I'm not doing crazy weights. 5 lb leg weights for lifts, 15-20 lb dumbbells for arms, treadmill/recumbant bike 10 mins each, thigh exercises with black theraband. I'm disabled so need to be really careful what I do. I'm afraid to take days off, as it's such a thin tightrope to maintain as it is. That's why this gain is scaring me. I'm already 5 lbs above my personal goal and to add 1-2 lbs to that is terrifying unless I can know if it's muscle.