Katnroyal

There are so many products out there that can assist you through your weight loss and maintenance phases. The problem is there are so many different brands and fads that is can be very over whelming. I have decided to create a list of my favorite products that I used or use: Gas Ex- For the first month after surgery I used these strips like candy! shakes I can still drink even 4 years out! unjury Protein Powder- Get the unflavored and make your own shakes, the flavored ones taste weird and you get sick of the same flavor. liquid phase you can sip on these and get a good source of concentrated protein. Iron Supplement- Not everyone will need to take this but I like this brand. Biotin in it! http://www.oneaday.com/womens Under Armour Sports Bra- Sorry guys This is my favorite! I am chesty and this holds the girls in place and is not as pricey as the Victoria Secret ones! https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/women-s-ua-heatgear-armour-printed-mid/pid1273505-918 Nivea Skin Firming Cream- SOOOO worth it. It is inexpenssive and when applied consistently for two weeks you will see results! I took pics. http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=prod320006 Aquaphor- This is the duct tape of the medical/beauty industry. I use this on my tattoos, dry skin, heat rash, but especially scars! http://aquaphorus.com/healing-ointment/#14oz-jar This list should get you started, there are a million other products I use, if you ever have a question let me know and I will share.

I used to track calories, now it's fairly routine for me. I know what foods should do what. If my weight creeps up a bit I will start tracking my calories again just to hold myself accountable. I eat roughly 1600 calories a day in 6 meals.

My iron has been good the last few visits so I haven't worried about it. If this is a concern take your iron at the end of the day.

Did it hurt? Yes, it is a surgery plain and simple there is physical recovery time. Just remember everyone has a different pain tolerance and based on any complications that may arise could affect this as well. Did you have any complications? Yes, I had a lot of internal swelling that wouldn't let me sip my liquids so I got very dehydrated and had to stay on an IV two extra days until the swelling went down. How much weight did you lose and how long did it take? I lost 131 lbs in 2 1/2 years. Did you have any stalls? Yes, I had quite a few week to two week long stalls, and I had one three month long stall. The thing to remember with a stall is you are losing inches because your body is catching up. So instead of weighing, measure! How long until you could have sex? For me it was three weeks. It was a little uncomfortable but oh so needed . Have you had plastics? Yes, my tummy and boobs did not perk back up so a year ago I had a tummy tuck and breast augmentation to fill back out the skin. Do you have any regrets? Yes, that I didn't do it sooner. What do you eat? See my other post "VSG- A Day in the Life 4 Years Out" Have you gotten more attention? Yes, losing the weight increases your confidence and confidence is sexy, you will notice the looks. Who did you tell about your surgery? I only told my family and close friends. What are your biggest tips? Follow the doctors orders, sip all day, walk walk walk, do not weigh more than once a week, exercise, don't let the surgery change the person on the inside. If you have other questions, please let me know and I will be glad to answer them if I can!

That's great! It's really just getting into a routine! Once you're in it you will feel healthy and energetic. On the weekends I eat more carbs and red meat, not necessarily cheat meals but different ones, and I have found so many healthy recipes so I am not eating the same meals every day and week.

Since I am considered a "Weight loss or VSG Veteran" I have been asked many questions. All of which are valid and important to ask! I had many of the same questions myself. SO I figured I would create this post to explain a day in my life now, almost 4 years out. 5:00 a.m. -I wake up and take a b-12, one a day women's, and Iron supplement. 5:15 a.m.- I start my mornings off with an 8 ounce glass of Orange juice (trop-cal 50 with calcium). 6:30 a.m.- For Breakfast I drink a Premiere Protein shake (11 ounces) and a piece of fruit, usually an apple or banana. 9:00 a.m.- For my morning snack I eat some grapes/cheerios/mixed nuts etc 11:30 a.m.- For lunch I eat 4 ounces of a lean meat (chicken/turkey/fish) 1/2 cup of veggies, 1/2 cup of carbs 2:00 p.m.- For my afternoon snack I might have (lite string cheese/jerky/a piece of fruit) 3:30 p.m.- I will eat a cliff or Protein Bar before my workout. 4:00- 5:30 p.m.- I work out at the gym 5 days a week (every weekday) 6:30 p.m.- I have dinner which is the same as lunch but I add a sweet treat. 8:30 p.m.- I have a bedtime snack raisins/grapes/a few crackers/glass of milk/etc. 10:30 p.m. Bed time. *I carry a bottle of Water around with me all day and refill it multiple times. I make sure I am getting at least 64 ounces of water daily and 80 grams of protein. I am 28 years old and 5'2 here are my stats: Before: Weight- 261 lbs Pant Size- 22 Shirt Size- XXL Bra Size 42 DD After: Weight- 130 lbs Pant Size- 8 Shirt Size Medium Bra Size 34 DDD

Oh I remember those days! I know it seems so little, and it is, but just make sure you are drinking it. Soon, if not already, they will get you up walking it sucks but is so necessary to try and alleviate chest shoulder and back pain.

I am in the chat room now if anyone cares to join me

I am in the chat room now

You go girl! You deserve to be happy! I have dated in a very long time so good for you

My doctor also recommended not drinking anymore, weight loss patients have been known to become dependent upon alcohol because it goes through our system fast. Meaning it hits us fast and then we sometimes feel like we sober up and go again. Which in turn can really harm the body. That being said I am almost four years out and drink socially. I drank almost an entire bottle of wine last night! The biggest thing is make sure you are getting your nutrients first before alcohol. Also start with liquor beer is carbonated and fills you up (not fun). Keep in mind it will hit you fast!!!!!

I will be hanging out in the chat room until around lunchtime. Come on in and say Hey! Happy Hump Day y'all!

I will be in there for a while this evening.

On weight training days, increase your protein a touch (5-10) grams. Make sure you stay really hydrated.

I am 5'2: Before: 261 After: 130

What an amazing feeling that is!!!! I am so happy for you! Be proud of your accomplishment and let that be a continuing motivator!!

I have a very close knit group of friends and strong support system. I did have one friend who became very jealous and mean to me and we are no longer friends. The way I look at it, its a long hard journey that we are on and we don't need that additional stress. True friends will be there through no matter what, yes they might behave a little differently sometimes but they still have your back.

Make sure you are staying hydrated! Also like people have mentioned your hormones are going crazy. If it continues go see your OBGYN again.

It's the buyers remorse. I experienced this also. Just remember why you got the surgery and look at the progress you have already made. Surgery is hard on the body period. Everyone's body reacts differently and have different pain tolerances. This is a long trying journey both mentally and physically. Lean on your family and stay active on here to get the support you need. Follow doctors orders and try and stay as positive as you can!

I will be in the chat room again today! There was some decent traffic yesterday, I got to meet lots of cool people and quite a few wls veterans!

I am so excited for you! Today is the first day of the rest of your life! Stick with it, follow the doctors orders, ask questions, and DO NOT weigh daily! Go get em champ

I am so excited for you! Today is the first day of the rest of your life! Stick with it, follow the doctors orders, ask questions, and DO NOT weigh daily! Go get em champ

I can tell a huge difference! Way to go stick with it and you will love your results! Looking good girl

A silver fox is a sexy older man, I think.

What is the age a women must be to be considered a cougar? I guess I shouldn't really worry I never wen't for younger! lol