Fiddleman

Any other thoughts from longer term sleevers? My diet is mostly whole foods with the exception of processed chicken (eg Costco products) and energy squares, shakes and protein bars. Do not know if you would classify energy squares as processed as they are technically made from organic foods. For shakes and bars, I try and choose the ones that have the most organic ingredient list in addition to low carb, fat. Sometimes energy squares give me a bit of gas and diarrhea so I think my dealings with carbs is going to be an uphill battle. Otherwise, I enjoy eating leafy green, peppers, edamame and other veggies. I always am mindful when I eat out to creatively choose or request menu items that are healthy, low carb and low fat. What else?

I think will power and the desire to make healthy choices is important post sleeve, especially when hunger returns post 6 months or so.

I still see her posting. You can try to PM her with that member name.

Used to really love apples and have at least one a day. Haven't had any in 10 months or so. It would be "hard" for me to get used to eating fruit again. Do not like oranges very much, never have. Kiwi, star fruit and passion fruit are good. I used to like the tropical, more exotic, fruits. Well, exotic to a person like me anyways.

That is great. Exercise is a nice "love" to have as so many benefits can be derived from it.

Generally, the doctors will want you to wait 6 weeks before getting into intense exercise or lifting. Walking can and should be done as soon as possible for many reasons. Start slow and build up your distances and intensity in those first few weeks after surgery. The first walk will feel like hell and probably be a block in distance or less, but it is part of the process to recover from surgery. Depending on your own goals and motivation, you might start the c25k after the 6 week mark. Some start later. Listen to your body in order to prevent injury. I like to champion the ChiRunning style because it focuses on a running technique that minimizes injury and maximizes efficiency / enjoyment. It is one approach to running. There are many in this forum that can help with running suggestions.

I am starting to up my daily calorie payload to keep up with my physical activity. Also want to up my good carbs. I have read that eating good carbs in the morning are processed more optimally then good carbs in the after noon or evening. Have you found this to be true? I am mostly getting good carbs through energy squares. No fruit or nuts in raw form. No breads or sweets. I do try and eat raw veggies when the sleeve cooperates. Still struggle a bit on raw veggies that have not been cooked or steamed. What I want to try is adding an extra 150 calories daily by adding two energy squares from nuts.com to my first meal. I eat 5-6 x a day, targetting about 150 calories per meal of mostly Protein. The exception is on running days when I pop 2 energy squares about 20 minutes before start. Traditionally, I eat only a shake for the first meal and it never "fills me up" Adding the energy squares should not be a problem in terms of volume. Should I have more then 2? This change will have a net affect of increasing daily calories to 1350 and net carbs to about 50. I feel like I want to try and edge my caloric payload up to 1800 a day, but I am still trying to figure out a balance between calories in and calories out. I haven't done the fancy tests that check BMR nor will I at this time. Do not have the finances to do these tests. On running days, I burn between 1000 - 1200 calories. My intensity is probably 8/10 so really pushing my body full out. Trying to make every training session count and be a building block for the next training session. On non running days, I probably burn about 700, depending on whether cross fitting, hiking, ellyptical, etc. Do you have other suggestions on how to increase calories and good carbs for a person who is very physically active and at goal weight?

Do you like adding the creamers like coffee mate? There are so many awesome flavors to choose from and having 1 tbsp is going to be ok calorie wise (I think). This has been my daily treat since month 1. Coconut is my favorite flavor, but there are also 1000 other flavors. Light soy milk and nonfat milk is also good to froth into a Cappuccino or latte. I do not know how I could ever drink the coffee without creamer and Splenda.

Benedryl or hydroxine might help if you do not have extreme insomnia. They both basically have the same active ingredients as Unisom. Unisom is usually 50 mg where benedryl and hydroxine are 25 mg per gel or capsule. They are also the only sleep aids that do not leave me feeling drugged in the morning. Quite the opposite - well rested and ready for the day. For me, I found two work the best to help me fall asleep and stay asleep until morning. However, if you do not need sleep aids, then it is best not to depend on them. Recently, I have started taking Amazing Grass (a green powder that can be drunk). I am happy to say it has been over a week since I have needed to take any Unisom. A miracle.

Yes, it is before Monte Christo trail @Barlow pass). That is a good hike also, 4 miles each way. If you keep going you end up at Glacier Basin - a steep climb into an alpine lake bowl. So many good hikes along the Mountain Loop Highway between Granite Falls and Darrington.

Maybe you can try tylonol 3 or Vicodin (500/5) until you are clear to take NSAIDs. I take them pretty regularly for back inflammation, but am not sure yet how much fire I am playing with as those doses are high. The doctor said I could take them post 6 months, but refused to prescribe me anything as it is at my own risk. Followed my doctor's orders and waited until post 6 months before taking any NSAID. As PdxMan said in his post, you need to do a cost / benefit analysis to determine if the pain relief outweighs the risks. For me the answer is clear. You are right in saying that Tylenol does not help with certain pain, especially if it is inflammation related.

Waited about 5 months before able to eat side salads. I still have trouble with raw veggies like red peppers if I do not chew them enough or leave enough space. You might want to give your some time to progress through the various food types. Beef was also a difficult one.

This is such a good resource. Thanks for sharing.

Very nice. You found a fountain of youth and are getting younger as the months advance! The difference is super noticeable.

Gman - how has the amazing Grass been working for you since we started taking it? I have not had to take a sleep aid since and feel pretty rested in the morning, even when rising about 30-45 minutes earlier now. It gives me a good perk and seems to help with overall focus and clear thinking throughout the day. My running times have also improved since taking, but I am not exactly sure it can be attributed to the green drink. I am going to keep taking this daily.

Sorry for the multiple posts folks. Sometimes the post hangs for a while so I cancel and press send again.