LilMissDiva Irene

Every day we wake up is a new opportunity to try it again. Best thing to do is to not beat yourself up... so you enjoyed your Valentines Day with your grandbabies and hubby... it's ok! Just make today a much better day!

How 5 Lbs of FAT measures by volume to 5 Lbs of muscle. So, if you're confused on how you can be working so hard and not seeing a loss on the scale - this could be a huge factor.

I totally agree with PDXman... working out more and weight training will cause lots of fluctuations on the scale. It is not a bad thing... there are many reasons for this. It should never be used as a reason to discontinue with very healthy habits, nor should it be used as a reason to be upset with ourselves. I found this picture on facebook just today and thought this is a perfect forum to share it.

LOL I love it!!! Yes YOU WILL get there if you just keep, keeping on. Only things to remember: Plenty of fluids, get some exercise/workouts, and Protein first, and last but not least... PATIENCE!!! That's it!!

I took a day off yesterday from working out. The day before yesterday and today I'll be burning about 600ish calories. After that it's back to 1,000 a day burn through the end of this month. Next month I'll do 1,000 a day burn 4x per week, 2x per week 600 and one day off completely. Hope everyone's doing well!

Well this is my opinion only but... when I do any kind of weight training I always do a light cardio to "warm up" my muscles. I've always felt my muscles are more receptive this way. Then when finish I do a cool down and stretch. It works for me. AND... I don't know why anyone would think we really need that much protein. Too much protein makes our kidneys work extremely hard, so I would never tell anyone to take in that much. Anyone who works out normally (like you and me... non athletic but good workouts) should be ok with about 80-100g per day. It's not failed me yet, and the last thing I want to hear is that my kidneys are having issues. http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=50900 "How Much Protein Do I Need? The amount of protein you require depends on your weight and your daily caloric intake. Most Americans consume more than enough protein in their daily diets. A few specific groups of people are at risk for being protein-deficient, including elderly women and people with illnesses or eating disorders. A protein deficiency is defined as eating 50% to 75% of the recommended amount of daily protein, Butterfield explains. Ideally, you should consume 0.36 grams of protein for every pound of body weight, according to recommended daily allowances (RDA) set by the food and Nutrition Board. So if you weigh 170 pounds, you need about 61 grams of protein each day. Protein should also make up approximately 15% of your total daily caloric intake, also according to the RDA. In a diet of 1,800 calories a day, for example, about 270 of those calories should come from protein." Here is a quiz regarding protein consumption from WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/rm-quiz-protein-myths-facts Another great source from WebMD: http://women.webmd.com/guide/high-protein-low-carbohydrate-diets "What Are the Risks Linked to High Protein, Low-Carb Diets? High protein, low-carb diets can cause a number of health problems, including: Kidney failure. Consuming too much protein puts a strain on the kidneys, which can make a person susceptible to kidney disease. High cholesterol . It is well known that high protein diets (consisting of red meat, whole dairy products, and other high fat foods) are linked to high cholesterol. Studies have linked high cholesterol levels to an increased risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Osteoporosis and kidney stones. High protein diets have also been shown to cause people to excrete more Calcium than normal through their urine. Over a prolonged period of time, this can increase a person's risk of osteoporosis and kidney stones. Cancer. One of the reasons high protein diets increase the risks of certain health problems is because of the avoidance of carbohydrate-containing foods and the Vitamins, minerals, Fiber, and antioxidants they contain. It is therefore important to obtain your protein from a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Not only are your needs for protein being met, but you are also helping to reduce your risk of developing cancer. Unhealthy metabolic state (ketosis). Low-carb diets can cause your body to go into a dangerous metabolic state called ketosis since your body burns fat instead of glucose for energy. During ketosis, the body forms substances known as ketones, which can cause organs to fail and result in gout, kidney stones, or kidney failure. Ketones can also dull a person's appetite, cause nausea and bad breath. Ketosis can be prevented by eating at least 100 grams of carbohydrates a day."

It is almost like Pilates... sort of. You're using the weight of your body against itself in a series of Fluid movements. It was designed by someone with a back problem, so it's supposed to be able done by those with joint issues. That said, I cannot do all of the techniques... I too have bad knees and not able to apply too much weight agains them. Good luck!!

I think the best tool you can have with your sleeve is to log your food intake. Also pay close attention to what your eating and if you post a plus or minus on the scale. Drink plenty of Water too!! 64 oz should be your minimum, that and minimum 60g Protein... It should work. You have to be patient with the process. I didn't lose weight every single day. Some days or some weeks I stayed the same, I just kept doing the best I could and eventually the weight just fell off. No stress!!

Amen!!!

Oh my dear!! Big big hugs to you!! :-( Please take care of yourself, and know that you and your students family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Hi!! I almost missed this message! :blush2: I never had babies, but I did carry around a lot of weight on my belly for a few decades so I suppose that's something... I can tell you this, semi-low carb eating is excellent for losing the belly fat. I did around 60g per day of complex carbohydrates during my weight loss phase. The only exercise I can truly say worked my abs too is running. It is the most excellent for overall body toning that I've seen. I'm picking it back up again and slowly but surely and getting my flat belly back. Good luck!!!

Hi there! It seems you are about 2 months out so you're likely able to eat almost anything. Probably not salads or steaks, but near anything. I'll tell you what, I also didn't like to eat much then either. I had almost zero appetite and NOTHING was appealing to me. It was as if food was disgusting but I only consumed it because I had to, to survive. I really really did enjoy a few things though. My favorites were cream of wheat, refried Beans with a touch of salsa, Wendy's Chili with some cheese added, I liked to puree some rotisserie chicken (it's actually really good) adding some mayo, eggs anything or egg drop Soup, or tuna and mayo. I was pretty limited on what I liked. I pretty much ate mostly chicken or tuna fish for my protein. I couldn't fit much in either. I did supplement A LOT with Protein shakes because all I could get in were a few tablespoons of food at that time, and I didn't like to eat more than a few times per day. It wasn't even until about 4 months out that I started feeling semi-normal with my eating. Take your time, it's no rush. Be kind and easy on yourself. Time will heal you and eventually you will be back to normal. Note too that this is the best time post op for weight loss, so take full advantage!! All the very best to you.

Gratzzz Papa Jack!!! Doing great!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Whoohoooo you did it!!! What a fabulous moment for you!

I lived at Goodwill!! They do have some great clothes there, you just need to have the time to sift through everything. In my area they also have great deals on Holidays where everything in the store is an additional 50% off!! I'd come out of there with 20 pair pants for 60 bucks! Are you kidding me?? That made my day. Not only that I would also buy a few sizes smaller than I really was too, as incentive. I'd try them on every few weeks to see how I was doing and even if I couldn't get them on all the way it was still a victory for me, because of how they fitted on me the last time I tried them on. If at last time I could only get them up to my thighs and this time I got it over my bum, well I knew I was losing! It was great. Good luck!!

You've gone through so much, and you sooo deserve to have awesome moments like this!! CONGRATS!! You're on your way for sure!!

Awww!! And self confidence is the BEST thing to come out of all this hard work. CHEERS!!

I'm so glad you spoke up and out! Sometimes thats all that really needs to happen. I do think though he WAS being insensitive, but he's not going to know what you're feeling or thinking unless you express it. I feel women put way too much emphasis on expecting a man to just know what we want. They don't and the sooner any woman in a relationship figures this out, the better their relationships will be. Either that or at least the woman will realize that she really is with a bum and it's time to go, rather than spend years wasted on a guy that's just not worthy of her. Heal well, and I do hope things will turn around now that you've said your peace. :smile1: If that were my hubby I'd flat out tell him NO, I am NOT fixing you a chocolate cake for Valentines Day. If he asked why not, I'd tell him that he is diabetic and I love him enough not to. In answer to your questions, why don't you ask him why he doesn't do those things for you. I've actually told my husband that before many years ago when we first got together. I had no shame, and I expected to be treated like a lady because that's exactly what I am. He answered me that undoubtedly yes, I am a lady - needless to say we never had to have that conversation again. Good luck to you! I have to comment on this, and maybe it can be seen as a bit harsh but the truth is the truth. Yelling at you is considered mental abuse. I know it, I lived it with my Mom and Stepdad growing up. As you lose weight and gain confidence you will see what I mean, and I do hope that if he can't change then you will see to it that you find yourself looking for it elsewhere.

Score Kelly!! That sounds amazing. I'm sooo printing this one off. Thanks for sharing!

For the most part this is a very supportive forum. Most might think I'm being biased, and perhaps I am little bit - but I just do my best to not allow a few bad apples spoil my whole bunch. Everyone's entitled to his or her opinion as long as it's not done in a manner in which anyone is singled out personally and/or meant as a personal attack. That forum rule in its simplest form has kept order here for years now. Post away!!

Lots of stores have put their sweats on clearance recently. Go get some!! I know WalMart did for a fact, and I'm sure they won't last long. Also, get them loose on you because the incisions will be a bit sore - including perhaps a sports bra or maybe some camisoles that won't rub against them. All the best!!

Wonderful!! You will love your entire experience. Keep me updated on how you're doing!

Only a few weeks away!! How exciting!!

Thanks for the add!!

Excuses Excuses Excuses... Just take the bull by the horns and do what you set out to do. Become healthy, fit and fight for a better longer life!!!