MaggieMay702

Hello all! Today I would like to share a triumph! I was able to get to my local gym and do the elliptical trainer for 35 minutes, burning over 600 calories. I could feel my endorphins rising, and my heart rate going up...all that good stuff.
Now, that being said, I'm NOT a fitness guru. Faaaaaaar from it. I hate exercise. It's a chore, but I'm doing my absolute best to readjust my attitude and embrace this new lifestyle. That said, I'm very unfamiliar with what can happen with your body after you become active after periods (long, in this case) of inactivity.
About five minutes after I stopped my workout and got to the car, I immediately felt the need to cough up some congestion in my chest. I was able to get some up, but I definitely feel like a lot of gross stuff (sorry if this is too graphic) was loosened after this workout. It makes sense? Right?

Just putting another "plug" in for my fitness pal...I'm loving it as another tool to log food, share recipes/foods and track calories and weight loss. Would love to add more friends on there!
My username is westcomk or email: westcomk@gmail.com.
Research proves that success breeds with more support and encouragement...sounds like common sense but these forums really do help. I love myfitnesspal! You can use it on your desktop computer, tablet or smartphone.

Trying to catch up, I missed a lot! Lol. I had a looooot of posts to read. Y'all are providing support and doing so well. Proud to be a part of this group.
I've been under the radar because I was bridesmaid in a wedding on Saturday and believe it or not, am still recovering lol. I strained the muscles near my incisions, I was only 10 days post-op and didn't have any pain meds for the day so it was a suck it up (and in, might I add) kind of day. The dresses we wore we're gorgeous, but had bowing in the abdomen which pushed onto my port site (OUCH). So not only a rough day physically, I got to dinner and when I sat at the head table and realized I was the ONLY person in the room not eating anything, I almost cried. I held it together but it was a very emotional experience. I felt bitter, "entitled" to my meal, and excluded. But, thankfully the chef came out and asked what he could do. He brought me out a cup of French onion without the cheese or crouton. So sweet! I definitely recommend avoiding any and all major commitments like this if at all possible while recovering from surgery. Being professionally photographed, all of that pressure, etc was a lot. However, it truly was a gorgeous wedding and I'm so blessed they asked me to be a part of it.
Now, I walked too much on Monday. I walked our small(er) zoo and my port site has been yelling at me since. I'm so sore guys. The nurse at my surgeons office was very stern that 1. They don't refill pain meds and 2. NO ICE on my muscles near my incisions, only heat. Even though I could sworn the hospital told me different. I go back for my two week post op on Friday. Excited to find out when my first fill, when I can use my gym membership without feeling like I can't walk the next day, etc.
I'm enjoying this site as well as my fitness pal. If you'd like to add me on there, my email is westcomk@gmail.com and username is westcomk. How do I get a hold of the woman who started the Facebook group? I only use this app on my phone and it doesn't seem to be as friendly with clicking on usernames. Thanks!
Keep it all up guys. Remember, one day at a time. If you fall, get right back up. We are all human.

Is this the email we use for Facebook? If so, it'll be ILuvEeyore702@aol.com.
Is this just a more private forum? Thanks!

In a little more than twelve hours my surgery to begin my banding will be underway! I'm scheduled for 11:30am EST, reporting to the hospital at 9:30am. I am SOOOO EXCITEDDD! Spending the evening taking my "before" photos, making sure everything is packed, and then it'll be time to try and sleep and get up to start driving at 7am for our commute to the hospital. Can't wait to report further!
Keep it up,
Maggie

Thank you so much for takin the extra time! I will read in the morning when I'm more "with it." Lol

In a little more than twelve hours my surgery to begin my banding will be underway! I'm scheduled for 11:30am EST, reporting to the hospital at 9:30am. I am SOOOO EXCITEDDD! Spending the evening taking my "before" photos, making sure everything is packed, and then it'll be time to try and sleep and get up to start driving at 7am for our commute to the hospital. Can't wait to report further!
Keep it up,
Maggie

In a little more than twelve hours my surgery to begin my banding will be underway! I'm scheduled for 11:30am EST, reporting to the hospital at 9:30am. I am SOOOO EXCITEDDD! Spending the evening taking my "before" photos, making sure everything is packed, and then it'll be time to try and sleep and get up to start driving at 7am for our commute to the hospital. Can't wait to report further!
Keep it up,
Maggie

I would just like to commend everyone on their progress with their liquid diets! It takes a lot of will power and endurance and you're all doing so well!
My liquid diet isn't required, but I decided to do a ten day one due to the safety perks, added weight loss and most off all to start getting me psychologically ready to let go of food...and let me tell you, best decision I've made! I'm just wrapping up day seven and I feel good. Tonight, I really struggled with a fast food craving. I found myself rationalizing "my surgeon only requires liquids after midnight the night before....this isn't required...I could do it and get back on track in the morning." But then I thought of all of you. You've all done so well. Keep up the good work and this forum really does help!

Sending warm wishes your way!

I would just like to commend everyone on their progress with their liquid diets! It takes a lot of will power and endurance and you're all doing so well!
My liquid diet isn't required, but I decided to do a ten day one due to the safety perks, added weight loss and most off all to start getting me psychologically ready to let go of food...and let me tell you, best decision I've made! I'm just wrapping up day seven and I feel good. Tonight, I really struggled with a fast food craving. I found myself rationalizing "my surgeon only requires liquids after midnight the night before....this isn't required...I could do it and get back on track in the morning." But then I thought of all of you. You've all done so well. Keep up the good work and this forum really does help!

I would just like to commend everyone on their progress with their liquid diets! It takes a lot of will power and endurance and you're all doing so well!
My liquid diet isn't required, but I decided to do a ten day one due to the safety perks, added weight loss and most off all to start getting me psychologically ready to let go of food...and let me tell you, best decision I've made! I'm just wrapping up day seven and I feel good. Tonight, I really struggled with a fast food craving. I found myself rationalizing "my surgeon only requires liquids after midnight the night before....this isn't required...I could do it and get back on track in the morning." But then I thought of all of you. You've all done so well. Keep up the good work and this forum really does help!

That's good news! So to clarify, your doctor wants you only to be in the Water for relaxation and not exerting yourself cardio wise, right?

I was told by MANY physicians and professionals during the process to do bypass, not band. However, two women in my family nearly died from complications of the surgery and are continually malnourished to this day. I refuse to go through that. I chose band because of the gradual progress and minimal invasion. YOU CAN DO THIS! You have the control and you have the power

Congratulations on your weight loss so far! I give you so much credit. Those carbs are tough to give up!!

I had to do a physician supervised diet for six months prior as well. You can do this! I was able to lose 10 lbs, my requirement was 15, but was still approved. Here are some tips:
-log your food! Myfitnesspal is a great tool. The more support you have the better, you're not alone. My username is westcomk
-give Protein shakes a whirl, maybe one a day to get used to them for your pre-op and/or post-op protocol. I've bought them from the nutrisystem website, canisters off of Amazon, and at Walmart. You can also buy extracts in the baking aisle to help switch it up. I had a coconut banana chocolate shake last night and a peppermint chocolate this morning (I'm on my pre-op 10 day/500 cals a day liquid diet right now)
-find the exercise that you enjoy. I'm horrible at following this advice. I HATE exercising. I find it discouraging, annoying and pretty much all things negative. But I recently joined a gym with a pool and found I love swimming. Any exercise will help!
-filling meals: Protein, protein, protein! I liked to buy low carb tortilla shells and pack small tupperware containers of refried Beans, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, salsa, taco sauce, and I would make ground turkey with taco seasoning. Very filling! I'm not sure what you like so that's just one idea. But another tool to use is Pinterest, it has a TON of recipes and good fitness/health ideas
-practice chewing and slowing down your meals! It'll help with the prep!
-BE KIND TO YOURSELF! If you fall off of the wagon, get back up. We are all human, but hold yourself accountable. You can do this
-Water, Water, water! It'll curb your appetite. Even if you pee 50 times a day (drove me crazy at first)
-enjoy the journey and don't look back! You're brave for taking this step and we are all here to support you.
Maggie

I only have a blender...will that do? I don't have a food processor or anything like that. Wasn't sure if it would work.

I had to do a physician supervised diet for six months prior as well. You can do this! I was able to lose 10 lbs, my requirement was 15, but was still approved. Here are some tips:
-log your food! Myfitnesspal is a great tool. The more support you have the better, you're not alone. My username is westcomk
-give Protein shakes a whirl, maybe one a day to get used to them for your pre-op and/or post-op protocol. I've bought them from the nutrisystem website, canisters off of Amazon, and at Walmart. You can also buy extracts in the baking aisle to help switch it up. I had a coconut banana chocolate shake last night and a peppermint chocolate this morning (I'm on my pre-op 10 day/500 cals a day liquid diet right now)
-find the exercise that you enjoy. I'm horrible at following this advice. I HATE exercising. I find it discouraging, annoying and pretty much all things negative. But I recently joined a gym with a pool and found I love swimming. Any exercise will help!
-filling meals: Protein, protein, protein! I liked to buy low carb tortilla shells and pack small tupperware containers of refried Beans, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, salsa, taco sauce, and I would make ground turkey with taco seasoning. Very filling! I'm not sure what you like so that's just one idea. But another tool to use is Pinterest, it has a TON of recipes and good fitness/health ideas
-practice chewing and slowing down your meals! It'll help with the prep!
-BE KIND TO YOURSELF! If you fall off of the wagon, get back up. We are all human, but hold yourself accountable. You can do this
-Water, Water, water! It'll curb your appetite. Even if you pee 50 times a day (drove me crazy at first)
-enjoy the journey and don't look back! You're brave for taking this step and we are all here to support you.
Maggie