something2think

if you eat carbs before you work out, then that is what you body is burning off--the carbs you just ate. If you don't then it is burning fat. Why eat something to just work on burning it off? I don't often eat before I work out, but when I do, it's protein, like a string cheese and I will have some caffeine to give me an extra boost. It works for me and I put in about 70 min of cardio a day. After the workout I try to follow up with protein (like protein shake or solid protein). Just my experience--I am not a doctor!

I saw that episode too, while I was on the treadmill at the gym. I couldn't hear it, but I could tell by the expressions how ashamed the women were of their condition. I found it to be sad. But, it is good that Dr. Oz is trying to help!

I am right on the cusp of Feb/Mar since my surgery was 2/28. It is really working great for me. I have lost 56 lbs. The big difference is exercising every day and keeping a food diary and the weight falls off. If I don't log food then I gain I am very happy with the results!!

I had problems with my lapband within 2 months of my original surgery my port flipped. so I had a replacement. Then about 12 months later I stopped losing, I stopped having restriction and they found I had leak. I went to have a 2nd port replacement (3rd operation). And after that I still couldn't get restriction--so they suspected I had a leak again. In addition, I had horrible muscle cramping and pain from where my port was stitched in. It would literally double me over, felt like a charlie horse you get in your calf, but in my stomach port area. After it was removed, I don't have that anymore! The sleeve is SOOOOOO much better. With the band I got stuck, couldn't eat anymore, but I was still "hungry". With the sleeve I fill up fast and I am really full. I love it. I've lost 56 lbs in 3 months and couldn't be happier

me! "judykimchee"

I stall all the time. It seems I stall for 3 weeks at a time, then I lose 5 lbs or more. I am an emotional eater too and after a dr appt. today, I was so shaken that all I could think about was "where's the nearest drive-thru?" but I went to the gym instead The hardest part is figuring out when you eating emotionally (you got the hard part), then you have to consciously make the decision to do something else, or eat something healthy. We all do it, well, at least I do. I have reached for M&M's, but then I think about my goals and move forward and make better choices. ((((hugs))))))

in a heartbeat, without a doubt! the first couple weeks are tough recovery, but after that, smooth sailing and the weight loss is incredible! I feel great!

I have that happen to me when I take long flights. Try to keep them elevated, drink lots and lots of water, don't take any sodium and try bromelain, which reduces inflammation (found in pineapple).

I haven't had that problem. I don't want to eat, but it's just because I am not hungry! It also sounds like to me that you are having some irritation, so I would suggest sticking to liquids. Get your calories and protein that way...just like you are on your pre-op/post op diet. Try that for a few days and then see if you can eat solids again. I hope it gets better!

I have 45 bars left over from my pre-op diet. They all taste very good, but I found I have an allergy to one of the ingredients. For my pre-op diet I was allowed to have 2 of these a day as a snack. Here is the listing on ebay in case you are interested. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lot-45-Bariatric-Advantage-KetogenX-Snack-Bars-Asorted-Flavors-Metagenics-/280868542722?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item416511d902#ht_500wt_1156 Let me know if you have any questions!

BTW, they were $35 per 15 and I am selling them for $39 for 45 bars--so a great deal!

And thanks everyone!

I am almost 7 weeks po and have hit a huge milestone--losing 40 lbs (for me, it pushed me into the 220's which was my first mini goal). I love my sleeve! If you click this link- it will send you to my blog post that has the side-by-side pictures. http://thinspiration4me.blogspot.com/2012/04/picture-time-before-and-in-progress.html sorry about not posting the pics directly here, but having some problems doing that .... will try again later! Thanks for looking!!! <3

I started walking right away. I started back to they gym using the treadmill about 2 weeks post op (walking slow- about 2.5mph). Then I went back to the gym full time at 4 weeks, I go 6 days a week and exercise at home as well. Usually I exercise about 1 to 2 hours a day. A little walk with the dogs, a little dancing with my kinect, it all adds up!

You ahouldnt fel ashamed! You did nothingwrong! My sleeve surgeon told me I would not have trouble losing weight and I would "blow my band weight loss out of the water". Meaning I will lose a lot more and I have already in just 6 weeks! My dr said 600 to 1000 calories day plus Vitamins.

Ok, first let me start with the band. Band Loves: -that it was adjustable, I could get it deflated if I have long overseas trips or if I got pregnant, etc. -In the beginning it really worked for me and I lost 100# Band hates: -A lot of times I was hungry, but stuck--couldn't eat anything but my stomach was growling because it was stuck above the band. -There were a lot of foods that I couldn't eat, including eggs, which I normally eat every day (and now I do!) Sleeve loves: -I can eat EVERYTHING I want--not a single thing gives me problems, not even eggs or sandwiches or bread.The thing it is in moderation and it is a VERY different full feeling from the band. Like I said with the band, I didn't feel full often, I felt stuck. But with the sleeve I feel very full and the fullness lasts for hours (4 at least). -I literally do not think about food, nor to I feel like eating and I have to force myself to eat. Before I would think about my next meal while I was eating a current meal. It seems my food addiction is gone (with the exception of high emotional stress, I tend to think about getting something to eat). -I am losing so much faster with the sleeve, I can't stress how much I love it! -There is no maintenance for the sleeve like the band where you have to get fills (I went every 3 weeks for 5 years with my band). Sleeve dislikes: -I didn't like staying in the hospital--but it was must -I didn't like the lonnnnnng post-op diet, but made it through it -There is nothing else I don't like about the sleeve

congrats on getting your surgery date moved up! For insurance comapnies, VSG is way cheaper in the long end. You are going to LOVE your sleeve. I am only 6.5 weeks post op and it has already changed my life dramatically Good luck!! Go to my blog to see the pictures I posted today

I stalled Wk 5 and 6. Week 6 I was on vacation and ate pretty much everything I wanted. It was also my birthday and I had a piece of cake! When I returned home week this week (7 weeks po) i had gained 4 lbs. But now I am back on track and lost 7 lbs this week (incl. The 3 I gained over vaca I think upping my calories was good and now I am back down to about 700 cal a day, it has really kicked my plateau! Plus I saw my dr for my 6 week po and she said it was normal to plateau...my body has to catch up so don't rely on the scale but body measurements too. She set a goal for me to lose 40 more lbs by my 6 mo post-op check up, which is 10 lbs a month! I also work out 6 days a week for at least 45min to 1.5 hours. So my advice is to not sweat it, it WILL come off...it has to! That's what I kept telling myself while I was stalled

I haven't heard of being a non-responder but I have experience with this happening to me. I have worked out consistently for 12 years now, at least an hour (up to 3hrs) a day/5-6 days a week and my weight has fluctuated from 200 to 325. The challenges I found: - I was eating crap, keep a food diary - I truly have a slow metabolism and hormone problem which prevents me from losing like normal people - I love doing the same exercises. I trend towards dance and step. I started changing it up like cycle, running and adding more strength training and that has made a huge difference to me.

Carnie is on the NBC Today show. A great story on her journey in the last 13 yeras and about her decision to go back for a 2nd weight loss surgery (lap-band).

I was schedules to return after 2 wks but took off 1 more for 3 wks total.

If u know u r doing thevright things then it will come off! Some of us lose slower than others but we will get there!

Ultimately it is your decision. I can tell you that every single day since i got the sleeve (5 weeks ago) I think what a blessing it is. It is 100% better than the band. I only wish I had the option for the sleeve when I was banded 5 years ago, but I would have that instead and avoided all the headaches I had with the band (2 port replacements , multiple leaks and fills every 3 weeks for 5 years! Do it and don't look back!

I broke my leg in 2 places when I was in Europe and I was by myself (traveling for work) and had to travel 20 hours back to the U.S. I had 2 connections and had to depend on the kindness of others to help me with everything! Tell the airline that you need wheelchair assist and someone will be there to help you and wheel you around to your connection good luck!

I have 3 dark chocolate, chocolate chips. I use ghiradelli chips and let them melt in my mouth. Yummy. But I limit it to once a week. Also there is a tcby frozen fudge pop that is good w 80 calories.