ATLGirl

All the liquids on the clear diets count towards your "water" intake

Since all weight loss comes from calorie deficit (burning more than eating), the key to all successful weight loss is to create a calorie deficit. There are many great tools to help track this and most of them are free. My favorites are the iPhone app, "LoseIt"; www.FitDay.com and www.Livestrong.com go to Calorie Tracker and myPlate and create an account. These programs track your deficit and help point out areas of improvement. In general, you should get about a third of your calories from each of the main food groups: proteins, fats, carbs. If you see higher percentages of fats or carbs, replace those calories with protein calories and it will really help you eat smarter instead of just less. Over the past 20 years we are eating many more calories and burning far fewer calories. The secret to weight loss is to work toward a calorie deficit whatever it takes. Most people losing weight successfully are eating about 1200 calories per day (women) and 1400 calories per day for men. Below this, your body tends to start freaking out and hanging on to everything you eat. It is also important to drink at least 64 ounces of water per day. Our bodies store environmental toxins in the fat and when you lose weight, all this stuff is coming out and your kidneys will really appreciate it if you drink plenty of water. This helps battle constipation as well. Also, take a multi-vitamin every day. The calcium and B-vitamins really help with weight loss not to mention the other minerals. Nutritional psychology is a hot new topic. Bad nutrition causes depression and low energy which makes us want to eat more to feel better and we snowball into bad weight gain. Better nutrition is required for successful weight loss and we feel better. Also, we eat way too much sugar and this raises our insulin levels which takes all that blood sugar and turns it into fat which drops the blood sugar which makes us hungry and we eat more sugar and this snowballs into weight gain. We eat way too much processed food and we have to get back to healthy foods. Brilliant food chemistry has not helped us. Cheap food sweetener (HFCS - high fructose corn syrup) is in everything now (sugary drinks, pasta sauce, ketchup) and our bodies don't know what to do with this stuff so we store it as fat. We consume massive quantities of this stuff and it doesn't help us lose weight. High tech fats such as trans fats and hydrogenated oils allow foods to have a much longer shelf-life because bacteria can't break it down but the problem is that we can't break it down either and we just store it as fat. A great rule of thumb is that if it doesn't spoil we shouldn't eat it. The classic example is an oatmeal pie that our kids drop in the mini-van and we find it a year later and it still looks good. We shouldn't be eating brilliant food chemistry. The more we preare our own meals and take our lunch instead of getting most of our meals at restaurants, the easier it is to lose weight successfully. Proteins - we should get about 45gms of protein a day (women) and about 60 grams per day for men. A 20gm protein portion (meat, chicken, fish, etc) is about the size of the palm of your hand or a deck of cards. Protein keeps us full longer because it doesn't mess with insulin and we need protein while we're losing weight so that we lose fat and not muscle. Fats - are the highest caloric density food. Each gram of fat has twice the number of calories as proteins and carbs. Believe it or not there are actually "good" fats (unsaturated). You want to avoid saturated (bad) fats. Saturated fats raise our cholesterol and clog our arteries. Unsaturated fats actually lower our cholesterol. To lose weight, you should limit fat grams to 20 gms per day and keep saturated fats below 10gms per day. Trans fats and hydrogenated oils should be zero. All this is easier these days with nutrition labels. Examples of good (unsaturated) fats include avocados, peanuts, soybeans, olives and oils such as olive, canola, peanut, corn, safflower, sunflower. French fries from peanut or safflower oil are actually healthier than those fried in saturated oils - ask your restaurant which they use. Fats actually release a gut hormone called CCK (cholecystokinin) which causes the gallbladder to contract and it is a powerful natural appetite suppressant. If you give CCK to rat they won't eat. Therefore, if you snack on a handful of almonds or dip vegetable sticks in olive oil, you manage your hunger and it is healthier. Bison (buffalo) has a great beef flavor and it has much less saturated fat than cow beef. Bison burgers and steaks are a much healthier way to enjoy beef than the cows that predominate our diet. Carbs - when eaten shoot up the insulin levels which turn blood sugar into fat and this drops our blood sugar level which makes us hungry. If you want to lose weight you have to manage carbs (sugar, bread, potato, rice - "white foods"). I see a lot of patients who go all day without eating and then eat a huge pasta dinner before going to bed. This is a perfect way not to lose weight. Carbs are best eaten earlier in the day when you have a chance to burn off all that energy. Eating three meals per day will keep us out of intense hunger and we eat fewer calories overall. I don't like Atkins type diets simply because they are hard to sustain. Better to manage carbs - keep them below 33% of total calories and eat them earlier in the day. Ice cream is enemy number one for weight loss. A great substitute is to make your own fruit smoothies at home. It is a sweet dessert but it is fruit instead of sugar and fat. Many stores have smoothie blends so you just toss it in the blender with diet apple juice or plain yogurt and it's easy. Be careful and avoid sugar added smoothie blends. Just get plain frozen fruit or make your own from fresh fruit. Great way to spoil yourself and eat healthier. I will post topics on Fitness and Brain Stuff (I don't like terms like behavior modification) which are the other two main disciplines of successful weight loss. I put this info and much more on YouTube if you search Watkins Weight Loss Class. Weight loss surgery simply makes all this stuff much easier but knowledge plus change is where you will find success. I hope this helps. Brad Watkins MD Source: Maximizing weight loss - Nutrition

Hi my fellow January Sleevers! I was sleeved Jan. 22 by Dr. Ramos-Kelly in TJ. I started this Journey at 281 and I am 254 (with 11 pds lost pre-op) I just moved to mushies. I am trying to get all my Protein in BUT I hate the shakes. I found an unflavored whey shake from GNC that I am adding bananas and strawberries to, so we will see how it goes. I am vomiting from time to time BUT I think its because I am trying to figure out this "full" thing. This morning I ate half of a scambled egg and 1/4 of applesauce and up it came. I am really struggling with NOT drinking and eating. I think if I am able to take a sip while eating it will make the food move down. I think I am in the stage where I question whether I made the right decision. I know it will past. Glad to see everyone doing well.

Thank you guys for your encouraging words. I am feeling a lot better today. I have been thinking about the positives and I KNOW things will get better. I just needed to hear it from my other wonderful sleevers.

Hi All, I almost feel like a cry baby writing this. Today makes it exactly 2 weeks since my sleeve surgery. I have been reading enough on this board to kinda know the emotions to expect. I weighed today and have not lost a pound since Wednesday. I am okay with that. I did a self-check and realize that I am not getting enough Protein in everyday (fluids probably around 40-45 ounces). I stocked up on some (what used to be delicious) whey protein that is 52 grams of protein per 8 ounces. Now I can’t stand the stuff. I mean every day I try to get at least half of it down, but it just makes me want to vomit (TMI?). I plan on buying an ice cream maker (recommended by Eggface) to see if that helps. I have been working out on Your Shape Fitness (Xbox Kinetics) for about 15 minutes a day and doing so very lite weight lifting (mainly for my arms while watching TV). 15 minutes is all I have in me with no food. I was thinking about stretching my full liquid stage out for 2 more weeks, but I don’t think I can do it without some good protein options. Maybe I should end the full liquids on schedule and stretch out mushies? I don’t know anymore. I am very happy for the weight I lost so far. I started this journey at 279 and I am now 255. So its progress. I am just in need of encouraging words. These emotions are taking a toll and I am trying to stay strong. I keep telling myself “Anna you’re new to this.” “Anna you can and will do this” but its getting harder. Thanks for letting me vent. Tears and all, I have no other choice.

Congrats!

So I am 10 days post op and I am wondering if everything is on track. I just started Protein shakes and I can only get about half down (so I will say its 28 grams of protein) and I track my calories on MyFitnessPal and I am averaging around 450 cals a day. I know I'm early out so I'm not sure. I am moving on to Full liquids for the next 18-20 days, but I think I am not on track. I only weigh myself twice a week (Wed, Sat) so I don't know what the lost had been since Saturday (-7 pds). I started Your Shape Fitness yesterday and burned 100 cals (about 10 mins). I am starting out slowly, but my job is pretty stationary (at my home office) so I am trying to do something. Any tips or suggestions?

I changed my surgeon (not entirely for this reason) because of the Juarez situation. The doctor was willing to fly into TJ. If you are having someone come with you, I would recommend ANYWHERE besides Juarez. being couped up in the hospital for 4-5 days when they are not a patient can cause other issues. In TJ, I had a driver and even though I didn;t have anyone with me, on my fourth day I was able to leave the very nice (and provided) hotel for walk around while feeling safe.

I have egg drop soup for the past couple of days (I ordered a large and its still some left) but I attempted to strain as much of the egg as possible. It was soooooo good. I am 8 days post op and so tired of chicken, veggie, and beef stock. I moved into full liquids today (where I will be for the next three weeks) but I feel fine. If you are trying to eat the eggs then I don't think that's liquid stages. But sans eggs, it was still heaven

Shelia, I would love to be your sleeve sister. You left the day before me with Dr. Kelly. I am feeling kinda groggy, but overall no pain pills needed. I haven' been tracking anything yet (only liquids) but this next week I plan on sticking to a plan. I aim to get 63 oz of fluids daily, but I think I am around 40. I plan on trying to clean the Living room to do something with my boredom. Glad you are doing well.

So I am two days post op and I feel about 98% myself again. I mean I am still sipping away at my Water and broth, but I have been walking just fine and doing homework! Cant say it has anything to do with age, but I am soooo ready to get home and finish this clear stage so I can begin my Xbox Kenetics workout! Anna Ae 25

Dr. Ramos Kelly patients: I thought I'd update here since no one is really revisting my other post. As someone who is 2 days out from surgery. I wanted to let you all know that Day 1 is going to be hell. This is not to scare you but more so comfort you. When I woke from surgery I was out of my mind. The gas pain was enough to have me think I was dying. In the midst of the all the dram, one thing popped in my mind... WALK. From the hundreds of post on here, there was one common thread... WALK. So I asked to walk, The nurses thought it was too soon, but Dr. RK said It I could manage itm then let me. Walk I did for 7-10 mins every couple of hours. And gurggling burps later, it got better. While there aren't any words to explain the feeling, I want you to remember what you have been reading on the board for the past few months. Suck it up and ealk (my attempt at tough love) Day 2 is better and Day 3 is great.

I will be updating in this space over the next few days. Right now I'm at the airport waiting for my flight to San Diego (from Atlanta). I feel awkwardly at peace. I mean I cried this morning because I knew I was going to kiss my daughter. This is the first time I am going to be away from her since birth (she is 7 months). I am use to traveling without my husband because of the 5 out of state conferences I attend for my job. But my daughter tore my heart to pieces. I did being her teddy bear wearing her onesie as motivation to get better and.walk around. My husband prayed with me this.morning so all is well. I'll keep you guys updated. Please excuse all typos, I'm on my Evo. Update---------------- Day1 post op Well my my my. I am the other side. I had my surgery is Dr, Kelly Ramos Saturday and like I expected Day 1 was pure hell. Thu built uo CO2 had me thinking I was literally getting ready to die. I went walk probabky 20 mins after coming throgh in my room, The urses didn;t really think I could, but Dr. Kelly said if I want to try let me try. I walked for about 7 mins. Slow, but walking. I was burping along the way feeling a tiny bi better with each hallway trip. The Hospital is quaint, The all have private rooms with the essentials. The meds for the gas and nausea has really helped. I did vomit a few times, not since last night. I have been walking every couple of hours and mainly sleeping. I feel like I am 75% back to my old self. I haven't had any to eat. I feel sorta kinda hngry. But this Water is serving me well. Well that all for now peeps. Thanks so much for the positive vibes! Anna

I make my daughter's baby food. So its really just regular food smashed to pieces. I think I will make some tonight (to freeze) just a little fruit and veggies. I will make sure I focus on proteins, but since I have the liquid protein I'm not too worried.

Hi All, While preparing my daughter's baby food (pureed sweet potatoes, apples, pears, squash, green Beans, sweet peas) I began to wonder if I should prepare some for me during my "mushy stage." I will be taking a Protein "shot" (liquid) of 18 grms of proteinsper tablespoon (2X a day) in addition to my other "liquids" the first month. I really want to make sure I get my protein in. So I thought with the added boost of the protein "shot" it may be okay to incorporate fresh pureed veggies during the mushy stage (3 weeks out) to mix it up and add other nutrients. What do yo think? PS- Tommorow is the day!

Congrats!!!! So much in such a little time. I hope you start feeling better.

Oh I can not wait until the day my husband can pick me up like a sack of potatoes! I hoope to be living this dream soon!

HI All, Thanks so much for your words of comfort. Thank you to the dozen of Dr. RK patients I spoke through over PM, e-mail, and phone. I got a chance to speak to Dr. RK myself and he seemed wonderful. He answered all of my questions and eased my concerns. He explained to me the new hospital, the process, and why he does things different that Dr. Rod. I started his preop diet, which does have a calorie restriction, today. He explained why he prefers his patients go on all liquid (clears) 3 days before surgery (following the ABSA guidelines) though not all doctors see a difference. He even explained to me why some patients have paif $6300 and others $5300 (its all in who schedules you and when you schedule mainly). I am speaking to him again tonight and then tomorrow (ny husband has questions). I am beginning to feel a lot better. Thanks again

Hi All, I got around to speaking to Dr. Ramos and he seems really great. Eased my fears and answered all of my questions. In our discussion he told me he uses a 36 French Bougie. With Dr. Rod, it was a 32. Dr. Ramos said he could do a 32 if I would like, but he normally does a 36 and the way he sutures makes it a little smaller. I was going to ask him is opinions on a 34 bougie. If you could respond and let me know your bougie size and weightloss at 6 months (even though I know everyone is different), I just wanted to see if there was a huge difference. Thanks Found out he uses a 36 bougie but sutures over the staple line making the stomach smaller. Wondering if it makes it as if he had used a 34 bougie.

I am in my final week and I thought everything was ago and planned to the T. Well, there are bumps in the road of every journey. I just need to listen to the Lord to make sure I am making the right decision. I want this so badly to better myself. I look over at my daughter, who means the world to me, and I want to be better for her. Better for myself. Today has been a long day. But I am still breathing, so I thank the Lord. Earlier this week I posted a topic about what happen with my financing and the screwed up mess MyMedicalLoans is putting me through. For those who didn't see it here it in a nutshell. I applied with MyMedicalLoans for $4200. I was approved for $5000 (CosmetiCredit). All of the loan orgination fees, and etc brought my total loan amount to right under $600. Still alot in fees, but what the hay. I planned on paying off my sugery early (hopefully through before the interest started) and I was all set. Found out earlier this week that Dr. Rod never got paid and the money went to Dr. Ramos-Kelley. Fastforward to today, Belite called and said MyMedicalLoans only sent them a check for $3700. They were trying to charge me $1200 to borrow $5000. I said no way and told them to cancel my loan contract with them since that is NOT what I agreed to. Belite said since my date is so close, I would need to self pay almost all of it with them helping out with a very small amount. While I could pull the $6700 from my savings, I promised my husband I would not at the beginning of this journey. I told him I would save by not shopping, no QVC orders, and doing my own hair and nails to pay for the surgery (I am even taking a second job 3 months post surgery to pay it off faster). My husband recommed for me to call Dr. Ramos-Kelley since they has already been paid (the bank said it would be a few days before the money reversed) and ask about their patients and do some research. I called Sandy at Dr. Ramos office and she was such a sweet heart. She told me their sleeve was $5300. I can pay that with almost no problem. I have $4500 saved, so I will ony need to take a small loan from saving. But is the price relfective of the service? I am been researching Dr. Ramos Kelley for the past 7 hours straight. I don't know what to do. Sandy said he will try to call tonight or tomorrow. Why is the price so different? The hopsital pics look much better than INT and Dr. Ramos keeps you for 4 days. I only found one thing negative and I think it could of happen anywhere. He says he can work me in on my orginal surgery date, this Saturday. I don't know what to do. My husband is saying leave the surgery alone. Its too much going on for him to wrap his head around. I really want to make this happen. My flight is booked, my bags are packed. I am trying to stay prayed up and listen to the inside voice, but its telling me to don;t get any sugery with anybody. My eyes are bloodshot red. I felt like I was sooooo close and now I am as lost as I was 6 months ago.

If you wouldn't mind speaking on the phone with me about your experience, current weightloss. and any other questions I have can you please send me your number and the best time to call. Thanks. If you want to know why I requesting this information please click here to see my recent post.

Today has been a long day. But I am still breathing, so I thank the Lord. Earlier this week I posted a topic about what happen with my financing and the screwed up mess MyMedicalLoans is putting me through. For those who didn't see it here it in a nutshell. I applied with MyMedicalLoans for $4200. I was approved for $5000 (CosmetiCredit). All of the loan orgination fees, and etc brought my total loan amount to right under $600. Still alot in fees, but what the hay. I planned on paying off my sugery early (hopefully through before the interest started) and I was all set. Found out earlier this week that Dr. Rod never got paid and the money went to Dr. Ramos-Kelley. Fastforward to today, Belite called and said MyMedicalLoans only sent them a check for $3700. They were trying to charge me $1200 to borrow $5000. I said no way and told them to cancel my loan contract with them since that is NOT what I agreed to. Belite said since my date is so close, I would need to self pay almost all of it with them helping out with a very small amount. While I could pull the $6700 from my savings, I promised my husband I would not at the beginning of this journey. I told him I would save by not shopping, no QVC orders, and doing my own hair and nails to pay for the surgery (I am even taking a second job 3 months post surgery to pay it off faster). My husband recommed for me to call Dr. Ramos-Kelley since they has already been paid (the bank said it would be a few days before the money reversed) and ask about their patients and do some research. I called Sandy at Dr. Ramos office and she was such a sweet heart. She told me their sleeve was $5300. I can pay that with almost no problem. I have $4500 saved, so I will ony need to take a small loan from saving. But is the price relfective of the service? I am been researching Dr. Ramos Kelley for the past 7 hours straight. I don't know what to do. Sandy said he will try to call tonight or tomorrow. Why is the price so different? The hopsital pics look much better than INT and Dr. Ramos keeps you for 4 days. I only found one thing negative and I think it could of happen anywhere. He says he can work me in on my orginal surgery date, this Saturday. I don't know what to do. My husband is saying leave the surgery alone. Its too much going on for him to wrap his head around. I really want to make this happen. My flight is booked, my bags are packed. I am trying to stay prayed up and listen to the inside voice, but its telling me to don;t get any sugery with anybody. My eyes are bloodshot red. I felt like I was sooooo close and now I am as lost as I was 6 months ago. Need words of comfort and advice.

My surgeon has an in house finance through Belitemexico. Dr. Rod has some good reviews. Also, if you have a home phone I know a couple of work from home places hiring. I am going to supplement my main job with my work from home job. Its part-time inbound customer service (they have FT) but that extra $225 a week (900/mo) will have the rest of my surgery paid off my the end of the summer (year at the most). PM if you are interested.

I was thinking that we should have a newbie dictionary/ abbreivation topic. I was very confused when I first came to the board. I am not sure what all we need to include. Just a thought. NSV- Non-scale Victory PPI-?

You can get Botin from Walgreens