VACookey

My pre-op counselor had bypass surgery and she told me she wishes she had lifted weights because she had "spagehetti arms" meaning she lost so much muscle she had very weak arms. So I asked my nurse the day I left the hospital after surgery if I could lift weights. She said no more than 10 pounds. So every day, I would take a 5 pound weight and do bicep curls on each arm. Then I'd do some triceps, maybe a little bit of chest. Nothing much, but just enough to work my muscles a little bit. I'm so glad I did. I have great muscle tone now and I'm at goal before my 1 year anniversary. Talk to your doctor and see if you can do the same. I highly recommend it.

So what's your weight now? You look friggin awesome!

Cheri, excellent post.

Lifting heavy is the answer

One time after surgery I had a fiber one bar. I thought I was going to die. I haven't had one since. Too much fiber after only eating Protein for so long. Not sure if that might be an issue for you but it was for me. The thought of a fiber one muffin scares me.

I take weightlifting classes but many of the exercises I do you can find on NerdFitness.com. I started out doing simple bicep curls, tricep exercises, squats, lunges, reverse delt flys, chest presses, and chest flys. You could probably find all of these on youtube to get a good idea of proper form. I actually do the bicep curls on a step. Step up, curl, step down. Step up with the other foot, curl, step down. You get your heart rate up while you're doing the curl. I lost 125 pounds in 9.5 months so I must be doing something right! I credit the weights more than the cardio, especially the squats and lunges.

I just read a post about losing weight without exercise and it got me thinking. Yes, you can do it. So why exercise then? I decided to make a list of the benefits I have enjoyed. Feel free to add yours! 1. More muscle means faster metabolism 2. Dropping dress sizes even when the scale remains the same 3. Biceps! 4. Awesomely toned legs 5. Feeling of accomplishment after completing a really tough workout 6. Running your hands down your legs and actually feeling muscle and not fat 7. Ability to squat down and get back up with little effort due to awesome leg muscles 8. Ability to run around with the kids and not get winded or worn out 9. Ability to participate in a class and not feel left behind because you can't keep up 10. Beginning your bicep curls at a wimpy 5 pounds and someday being able to lift at 12 pounds. What an accomplishment! 11. Squats and lunges no longer scare you 12. Ability to do 60 pushups in 90 seconds. Couldn't do that at 289 pounds! 13. People think you weigh less than you actually do because your body is so fit

Working out makes me eat better. Who wants to slave away at the gym then turn around and ruin it with a cookie? I don't!

Congrats! What a great Christmas present you gave to yourself!

Isn't that the truth!

That's pretty cool

My doctor said absolutely NO elliptical for 6-8 weeks because you twist your body while using it. I could however lift weights immediately but only 10 pounds worth. I started lifting weights the day I came home from the hospital. Not a lot, but enough to where I felt I was doing something to help maintain my muscle mass.

Congrats! Makeup is so much fun! I watch video tutorials on Youtube or go to MakeupGeek.com. Lots of good info on products and techniques. Thank god my husband supports my makeup addiction. Have fun!

Yes, it stands for original poster. I couldn't remember the name and was obviously too lazy to scroll back up and look. ~hangs head in shame~

I don't think you should take a vacation 3 weeks after surgery. You'll be on a 10 pound weight restriction. You won't even be able to lift your luggage. If you can reschedule, you should. OP, congrats on enjoying the cruise!

I know, it's horrible. Every time I wash my hair, I'm left with a tribble in my hands. I swear it looks like Donald Trump's hair piece. I'm on the biotin and I've upped my protein. Not helping yet. Thank god I have (had rather) really thick hair and you can't tell. But I can tell and I have to figure out how to fix my hair now that I don't have nearly as much. I'm at almost 6 months and I really hope it gets better soon.

Oh I know, the first few weeks were so hard. I was constantly thirsty but it hurt so much to drink. Have faith, it WILL get better!

I think you should start lifting weights. Just get some 5 or 10 pounds dumbells and check out youtube for some ideas on exercises. There are tons of things you can do easily at this point. I lift weights 3 times a week and not only has it helped my weight loss but it's also helped tone up my body better than I expected. Actually, on second thought, I have a set of dumbells where you can adjust the weight from 5 to 25 pounds. I do shoulder on 5 but can do biceps on 10. So having something adjustable is better than buying a bunch of different weights.

I'm almost 6 months out and mine are still visible. They're slightly pink instead of red, so I guess that's a good sign.

You look phenomenal! I'm on a really good pace and hope that I can match your success by my anniversary. I'm going to use you as inspiration to keep my focus

I read years ago that a donut was one of the worst things you could put in your body. Even at my highest weight, I could scarf down lasagna and enchiladas followed by a chocolatey dessert, but I wouldn't touch a donut.

Not that I'm sick or anything, but I was curious if anyone has been sick with the flu since surgery. Specifically, is it any worse than usual? Since you can't eat that much, you can't throw up as much, right? Also, is the risk of dehydration during the flu greater for gastric patients? Inquiring minds wanna know.

I've had dreams about sandwiches too! Specifically, I eat half a sandwich really quick and then remember that I shouldn't. Then I sit and wait for the pain. I've had this same dream several times since surgery. Weird!

I can only speak for what's been successful for me: Next to no sugar, lots of protein, low carbs, and plenty of exercise, specifically lifting weights. I work out 3-4 times a week with a combination of cardio and weights and I'm very happy with my results. I see that the weight loss is now slowing down but it hasn't stopped. I'll be at 6 months on September 7th and I'm just a few pounds away from 100 pounds lost.

I learned this when I had a gall bladder attack and was told I just pulled a muscle during sex (I kid you not): The ER's sole purpose is to make sure you aren't dying. Once they determine that, it doesn't matter what the diagnosis is. Call your regular doctor in the morning. I never rely on the ER to figure out what's wrong with me.