BigDaddyJoe

If no one does it by morning, I will add you. I can't do it from my iPad for some reason, only my computer.

You've been invited

I should be all caught up with the invites to the group at this point. Let me know if I missed you. Also, anyone who is already a member can invite other people, so you could help me out so I don't have to do it all. There is a link at the top of the group page that says 'Invite by email'. Thanks

Sunette, I just tried to invite you again, but it says you've already been invited.

Done!

Done!

I hope I have a very similar story to tell! Congrats!

I'm in New Jersey, and had a BMI of 36.9, and have sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and GERD. I think most surgeons will do it if your BMI is over 35, and you have at least 2 comorbities. It all depends if your insurance will cover it or not.

OK, I have some questions about nutrition, and how there are so many contradicting opinions. 1. Which is better, low fat or low sugar? It seems all the low fat or no fat options out there are high in sugars, and all the low sugar or low carb options are high in fat. Which should we go with? When I was on the Atkins diet, I was told to stay away from low-fat versions of things because they put so many fillers in them to make them taste good and have good texture. But now it seems they want us to eat low fat. 2. Some of the things they recommend for us to eat or drink, especially in the beginning, are full of artificial sweeteners and chemicals. Things like Crystal Light, sugar-free Jell-O, sugar-free popsicles, etc. I've always been told that sugar is better than artificial sweeteners, and to stay away from them. Now, they are recommended. I'm looking forward to seeing people's opinions on this.

Wrong forum, but I added you!

I started going to the gym last week (was sleeved a month ago on 3/8/2013). I've been doing the elliptical machine, by the third day I got up to 25 minutes. My question is this - when I first get on the elliptical machine, the heartrate monitor on the handles of the machine say that my heartrate is 115 at the start of my workout. By the time I finish my 25 minutes, it is up around 180. This seems really high to me. I don't get lightheaded or dizzy or anything. When I go to the doctor and they put the thing on my finger that tells me what my oxygen level and heart rate are, it's usually around 70-80, so I don't think my heartrate is abnormally high. Why would it be so high on the elliptical machine? I know I'm out of shape, that's why I needed the surgery, LOL. Are they inaccurate or is my heartrate really that high? Why would it be 115 at the start, did it get that high just from changing clothes in the locker room and walking to the machine?

Thanks for the info/advice. This might all seem like common sense to you, but it's all new to me, which is why I asked the question. I figured as long as I was doing what I could, the heart would catch up. I was only able to do 10 minutes the first day, 22 minutes the second day, then 25 minutes the third day. It's been getting easier every day, so I figured I was progressing nicely. I question the accuracy of the monitor, it doesn't make sense that I would be at 115 when I first set foot on the machine.

So are you saying I would be better off NOT working out?

Thanks! I thought it was really high, but since I didn't have any lightheadedness or dizzyness, I figured it was ok, and would just come down as I got into better shape.

Thanks for the input. I am 42, and my starting weight was 274, as of this morning I am 239. I am on blood pressure medication. About 5 years ago I went for a cardiac stress test, and was told that I had a slightly leaky valve. My cardiologist and primary doctor didn't seem too concerned about it at the time, just that it was something we would keep an eye on. I had to do another stress test to get clearance for surgery, and haven't been told of anything alarming. I have an appointment with my primary next Thursday, I will definitely bring it up to him.

You've been invited

I'm pretty sure I invited you already, but will try again.

It's funny how everyone is saying they lost weight after cheating. I was stuck at the same weight for 9 days (the dreaded third week stall), and said screw it, I'm eating Taco Bell. I was only able to eat 3/4 of a soft taco. The next morning I was down 2 lbs.

You've been invited

No problem, you've been added!

Hey PeacockMama, no problem! I came up with it myself, but it's too good not to share!