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Kindle

Gastric Sleeve Patients
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  1. Thanks
    Kindle got a reaction from Tripletsmom1971 in What do YOU order at Starbucks?   
    I make my own at home. This morning had a "Venti Salted Carmel Mocha decaf"....Italian roast Decaf coffee, premium Protein chocolate "creamer", and two squirts Torani SF caramel Syrup. 20oz, 25 calories, 4g protein, <1g carbs and about 50 cents. Compare to Starbuck's Venti Salted Cafe Mocha (with skim milk and no whipped cream)...400 calories, 17g protein, 77 carbs!!! and almost $5.00. Sorry to be a smartass, but I always thought Starbucks was a ripoff.
  2. Thanks
    Kindle got a reaction from Tripletsmom1971 in What do YOU order at Starbucks?   
    I make my own at home. This morning had a "Venti Salted Carmel Mocha decaf"....Italian roast Decaf coffee, premium Protein chocolate "creamer", and two squirts Torani SF caramel Syrup. 20oz, 25 calories, 4g protein, <1g carbs and about 50 cents. Compare to Starbuck's Venti Salted Cafe Mocha (with skim milk and no whipped cream)...400 calories, 17g protein, 77 carbs!!! and almost $5.00. Sorry to be a smartass, but I always thought Starbucks was a ripoff.
  3. Like
    Kindle got a reaction from SleeveToBypass2023 in My Gastric Plication Weight Loss Surgery Nightmare/blessing   
    No, you can still blow a stitch and get a leak with plication. They fold the stomach in on itself and stitch the fold. Unlike with the sleeve where the two cut edges of the stomach heal and grow together, the suture line of the plication is the only thing maintaining the fold. There is a lot of tension on those sutures and they can pull out at any time.....months even years out. And when it does pull out it can tear a hole in your stomach. Every surgery has its own set of risks, and this long term potential for pulling stitches is one of the ones for plication.
  4. Like
    Kindle got a reaction from KhaosG00B in I Want To See Before & After Pics! (Cont'd)   
    I just posted mine here...
    http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/300416-first-before-and-after-pictures/
  5. Like
    Kindle got a reaction from NneKK in New and improved "after"   
    Really no secret, just your basic, healthy meal plan.....
    For the first 6 weeks I followed my surgeon's meal plan and transitioned slowly through the food stages (very good restriction did not allow for "skipping ahead"). As hard as it was, I met Protein and Water goals 90% of the time. Once I was on regular food I focused on Protein and non starchy veggies. Steak, burger, ham, ribs, pork, chicken, BBQ, tuna, refried Beans, eggs, milk, Protein Bars, PB2, Greek yogurt, avocados, cheese, cottage cheese, mixed nuts, beef and turkey Jerky, broccoli, spinach, kale, green and yellow Beans, mushrooms, red peppers, edamame, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, Chinese mixed veggies, you name it....
    Now at just over 7 months out I have a 24-32oz protein smoothie with 30-40g protein everyday and eat 4-5 meals and Snacks. I get a MINIMUM of 64oz Water daily and I take whole food based Vitamins. I have had sweets, deserts, chips, fries, alcohol, bread, Pasta and rice, but in moderation and probably not even once/week. As I got close to and passed goal, I started adding more fruit and whole grains. Besides Protein Bars (Natures Valley Protein, GNC Lean Bars, Fiber One Protein) I added whole grain bars like Kind, Kashi pumpkin Flax, and Pure Ancient Grains. I snack on mixed nuts, pumpkin seeds, edamame, Peanut Butter and apples, frozen pineapple, melons, and plain Fage or Chobani Greek yogurt flavored with Protein powder. I add berries and other fruit as well as Metamucil and benefiber to my protein smoothie. But really, the simple answer is I eat a healthy, balanced diet of protein (always first priority) veggies, fruit and whole grains. I eat when I'm hungry and only until satisfied, not full. Besides protein and water, I never tracked anything. I have no idea how many calories or carbs or fat I eat.
    As for exercise, I've got no magic formula there, either. I haven't been to a gym in years. Immediately postop I walked a lot but that was pretty much to help with digestion and to decrease the bloated feeling I had. I rode my recumbent bike 20-30 minutes/day for awhile but I haven't been on it in a couple weeks. I actually just have a very active lifestyle. I work 60+ hours/ week. I am a vet tech, so I'm standing, squatting, bending, lifting and walking all day. On the weekends I ride my horse, sometimes 15-20 miles/day (which is an excellent Pilates and thigh master workout if you are riding "correctly"). And along with the horses comes chores...shoveling shit, fixing fences, hauling water, feeding and stacking hay. Last weekend I got 42 bales of hay. Each bale weighs 80 pounds and I had to lift and move each one 3 times (big stack to truck; truck to shed; stack in shed). So essentially I lifted 10,000 pounds in 2 days....and at least part of that over my head (Basically lifted weights and did stair master for a couple hours). I got another 21 bales yesterday and the day before went whitewater rafting and rowed a boatload of friends 8 miles (more Pilates and push-ups).
    Anyways, everyone's journey is going to be different. What works for me might not work for you. Just figure out what you are most comfortable with (establishing a workout routine and tracking everything is not a bad thing, it's just not what I did). And if you are still reading this, let me say my biggest advice is don't compare your weight loss to others. Concentrate on being healthy, don't torture yourself with guilt, keep a good attitude, and look for NSV's for validation, not the numbers on the scale.
  6. Like
    Kindle got a reaction from NneKK in First before and after pictures   
    Thanks everyone'! Actually I'm in a size 16 now. Yippee. As for my size, you know how fat folks sometimes say they are just "big boned"? Well I really am...I have a big frame so I've never looked as heavy as I really am. I was a raft guide and ski instructor in my late 20's and I was HOT. Well muscled and defined thighs, back, arms and literally six pack abs. Still wore size 14 jeans, men's M or women's L shorts and tops. I'll never be a tiny gal. It's my hardy Scandinavian genes.
  7. Like
    Kindle got a reaction from A1220M in Can you eat a low carb high fat diet after the sleeve   
    To me, "High fat/low carb" kind of implies it's OK to pig out on fried cheese curds, bacon and Pork rinds. I think a better post-VSG diet description would be "high Protein, moderate fat, low carb". Post op I've always eaten protein first, I don't really pay attention to fat content, and I avoid simple carbs and sweets. I focused more on protein while I was losing, but since passing goal, a balanced diet of protein, veggies, fruit and whole grains has been the norm and quite easy to achieve.
  8. Like
    Kindle got a reaction from ramirezchana in Dreaded 3-week stall?   
    If you are on a stall early on, eat more, drink more and stay off the scale. For those of you under 500-600 calories, you are starving yourself and training your body to get by with less and less calories. This will make it harder to lose and maintain when you get farther out. My longest stall was at my lowest calorie intake when I Was sick from a medication and too nauseous to eat. As soon as I Doubled my intake the pounds fell off. I don't track or measure anything, but a couple spot checks of my calories showed 1000 calories by 2-3 months, 1200 calories at 6 months and been maintaining 12 pounds below goal for 4 months on 1400-1600 calories.
    Eat Protein, drink Water, take your Vitamins, include a balance of veggies, fruits and whole grains. Quit making postop so hard and STAY OFF THE FUCKING scale.< /p>
  9. Sad
    Kindle got a reaction from bufbills in Popsicle warning for those newly sleeved   
    That makes perfect sense! Can't believe nobody has made that connection before.
    As for me, Artificial sweeteners hurt my sleeve postop so I didn't do sugar free anything for 4 months. I drank milk, Regular lifewater, regular Vitamin Water, pedialyte, diluted fruit juice, Powerade, etc. I had to find Protein drinks sweetened with stevia or real sugar or make my own with unsweetened powders. I used honey and Torani syrups to sweeten plain Greek yogurt. Made popsicles by freezing Protein Drinks.
    After 4 months I could tolerate the sweeteners but don't really like the taste.
  10. Like
    Kindle got a reaction from gwoodgm in Well that's an interesting development.   
    If your diagnosis comes through as positive, and you don't have any other health issues, please look into becoming a regular blood donor. My mom has hemochromatosis and the Red Cross LOVES her. Her blood type is B neg and she donates every 6 weeks on the dot.. She actually has a letter from her doctor which allows her to donate more frequently than the normal 8 weeks. If she goes longer than her 6 weeks she feels like crap. She holds some crazy record for the most blood ever donated at the local regional Red Cross district.
  11. Like
    Kindle got a reaction from Colchabay in Tortillas and chips?   
    From a medical standpoint, My plan listed chips as a "crunchy" food along with nuts and seeds and not to eat them till 3 months
    From a weight loss standpoint I wouldn't eat non nutritional carbs at least until you are at goal. Bad habit to start so soon. Put the queso on your refried Beans and call it yummy instead.
  12. Like
    Kindle got a reaction from KhaosG00B in I Want To See Before & After Pics! (Cont'd)   
    I just posted mine here...
    http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/300416-first-before-and-after-pictures/
  13. Like
    Kindle got a reaction from RosieQueenofScots in Anyone not need plastic surgery?   
    I'm 49 (had surgery at 45) 5'5" lost 100 pounds. Initially had major sags and wrinkles in my face, jowls, neck, upper arms, belly, butt and legs. My face, neck and arms tightened up nicely within a year. I Probably look older with the lines on my face than I did with chubby cheeks, though. Still have Looseness on my belly, but not too bad that I'm not afraid to show it off. Below my waist is a disaster. My ass skin is on my thighs and my thigh skin in on my knees. Despite wearing size 5/6 jeans, shorts and skirts are not a part of my wardrobe. But I'll take saggy skin over smooth fat any day!
  14. Like
    Kindle got a reaction from RosieQueenofScots in Anyone not need plastic surgery?   
    I'm 49 (had surgery at 45) 5'5" lost 100 pounds. Initially had major sags and wrinkles in my face, jowls, neck, upper arms, belly, butt and legs. My face, neck and arms tightened up nicely within a year. I Probably look older with the lines on my face than I did with chubby cheeks, though. Still have Looseness on my belly, but not too bad that I'm not afraid to show it off. Below my waist is a disaster. My ass skin is on my thighs and my thigh skin in on my knees. Despite wearing size 5/6 jeans, shorts and skirts are not a part of my wardrobe. But I'll take saggy skin over smooth fat any day!
  15. Like
    Kindle got a reaction from SacMary in 2 and a half years post op. vsg   

    "The emotional first aid kit" by Cynthia Alexander
    "Eat it up" by Connie Stapleton
    "Get out of your head and into your life" by Steven Hayes
    "Life Without Ed" by Jenni Schaefer
    "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Dummies" and
    "Feeling Good : The New Mood Therapy" by David Burns
    also check out www.smartrecovery.org
  16. Like
    Kindle got a reaction from SacMary in 2 and a half years post op. vsg   
    It's always possible to lose weight, no matter how far out you are. The whole point of VSG is to provide a way to limit your stomach capacity. But as you learned very quickly it only works if you put good food into it. Your restriction will work with Protein and veggies. You already know the secret to losing weight. You HAVE to cut out the carbs or your surgery will be a waste. Go back to basics ....high protein and plenty of Water.
    Sadly, you are one of the examples of the Bariatric industry focusing too much on surgery and not enough on the psychological aspect of weight loss. In the end, obesity is the product of addiction, not stomach capacity. Surgery took less than an hour, but it takes a lifetime of mental health support to achieve and maintain weight loss. Your story is unfortunately all too common.
    For me, committing to changing my behaviors and developing new emotion coping stategies is the key to my success. I read dozens of self help and addiction books, joined an online addiction recovery program and saw a therapist for a year. Every day is still a struggle, but at 4 years out, 104% EWL and still within 10 pounds of my lowest weight, it has been worth it.
    I suggest reaching out to whatever mental health support programs you may have available. I will try and compile a list of the best resources I found.
  17. Like
    Kindle got a reaction from RosieQueenofScots in Anyone not need plastic surgery?   
    I'm 49 (had surgery at 45) 5'5" lost 100 pounds. Initially had major sags and wrinkles in my face, jowls, neck, upper arms, belly, butt and legs. My face, neck and arms tightened up nicely within a year. I Probably look older with the lines on my face than I did with chubby cheeks, though. Still have Looseness on my belly, but not too bad that I'm not afraid to show it off. Below my waist is a disaster. My ass skin is on my thighs and my thigh skin in on my knees. Despite wearing size 5/6 jeans, shorts and skirts are not a part of my wardrobe. But I'll take saggy skin over smooth fat any day!
  18. Like
    Kindle got a reaction from RosieQueenofScots in Anyone not need plastic surgery?   
    I'm 49 (had surgery at 45) 5'5" lost 100 pounds. Initially had major sags and wrinkles in my face, jowls, neck, upper arms, belly, butt and legs. My face, neck and arms tightened up nicely within a year. I Probably look older with the lines on my face than I did with chubby cheeks, though. Still have Looseness on my belly, but not too bad that I'm not afraid to show it off. Below my waist is a disaster. My ass skin is on my thighs and my thigh skin in on my knees. Despite wearing size 5/6 jeans, shorts and skirts are not a part of my wardrobe. But I'll take saggy skin over smooth fat any day!
  19. Like
    Kindle got a reaction from logicwand in Anyone not need plastic surgery?   
    Oh yeah, forgot about my boobs. Picture two tennis balls dangling in a couple of socks. Went from a 44DD to 34 A/B. I really wouldn't even need a bra if I didn't need someplace to stuff all the excess skin. Actually hard to find bras I don't fall out of when I bend over.
  20. Like
    Kindle got a reaction from RosieQueenofScots in Anyone not need plastic surgery?   
    I'm 49 (had surgery at 45) 5'5" lost 100 pounds. Initially had major sags and wrinkles in my face, jowls, neck, upper arms, belly, butt and legs. My face, neck and arms tightened up nicely within a year. I Probably look older with the lines on my face than I did with chubby cheeks, though. Still have Looseness on my belly, but not too bad that I'm not afraid to show it off. Below my waist is a disaster. My ass skin is on my thighs and my thigh skin in on my knees. Despite wearing size 5/6 jeans, shorts and skirts are not a part of my wardrobe. But I'll take saggy skin over smooth fat any day!
  21. Like
    Kindle got a reaction from logicwand in Anyone not need plastic surgery?   
    Oh yeah, forgot about my boobs. Picture two tennis balls dangling in a couple of socks. Went from a 44DD to 34 A/B. I really wouldn't even need a bra if I didn't need someplace to stuff all the excess skin. Actually hard to find bras I don't fall out of when I bend over.
  22. Like
    Kindle got a reaction from RosieQueenofScots in Anyone not need plastic surgery?   
    I'm 49 (had surgery at 45) 5'5" lost 100 pounds. Initially had major sags and wrinkles in my face, jowls, neck, upper arms, belly, butt and legs. My face, neck and arms tightened up nicely within a year. I Probably look older with the lines on my face than I did with chubby cheeks, though. Still have Looseness on my belly, but not too bad that I'm not afraid to show it off. Below my waist is a disaster. My ass skin is on my thighs and my thigh skin in on my knees. Despite wearing size 5/6 jeans, shorts and skirts are not a part of my wardrobe. But I'll take saggy skin over smooth fat any day!
  23. Like
    Kindle got a reaction from logicwand in Surgery Monday. I'm about to back out!   
    I had a complete meltdown 2 days before my surgery, too. I had to pull over on my way to work because I was shaking and crying so hard. I had a major WTF am I doing panic attack. But I talked myself back off the ledge and thought about all the reasons I wanted WLS in the first place and all the pros and cons of going through with it. After that I was totally at peace with my decision and never gave it another thought. Over two years out and I still know it was the best thing I ever did.
    BUT....if you are not totally OK with your decision and completely committed to all the changes that are required in order to be successful then by all means, do not go through with it. The physical part of the surgery is really the easy part (barring any complications), but the mental part is forever. I've read posts from folks that probably weren't ready for the surgery and rushed into it and then ended up squandering their opportunity. Still others have backed out of surgery only to go ahead with it months or years later. They just needed more time and that's OK.
    Just go with what you really feel is best with no regrets one way or another. Backing out now doesn't mean you can't do it later, but once it's done there's no turning back.
  24. Like
    Kindle got a reaction from sp78 in Huevos Rancheros!   
    Huevos rancheros was one of my favorite pre surgery meals. I just had my first post op version and it was delicious! 2 tablespoons ff refried black Beans, 1/2 tablespoon ff cottage cheese, 2 tablespoons egg whites, and covered in green chili sauce. I savored it for 1/2 hour and had to reheat it once, but it was heaven. I just started my soft food stage, and technically all of these ingredients were allowed in my puréed stage, but I never could have eaten that much until now.
  25. Like
    Kindle got a reaction from KatFight in What's the story behind your profile name?   
    I find a lot of names on here interesting and I'm sure there are good stories behind how everyone chose them. Anyone like to share? For me, Kindle is my horse's name and she was the "straw that broke the camel's back" in my decision to have VSG. I feel bad for her, having to lug my fat ass around the mountains and would love to be able to hop on her without having to find a rock or log to climb up on. (there's a dozen other reasons behind my decision, but my profile name is my tribute to her and how much more fun we will have next summer!)

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