BryBro63

I just saw my surgeon, and I got my blood test results back...apparently the Nascobal must be doing its job, because my Vitamin B12 levels are great according to the results, his assistant, and according to his findings. So with that, I think I'll continue with the weekly 'nasal snorts' as long as my insurance will continue coverage. Also it IS pretty convenient to have the Multivitamins, Calcium, and Iron pills delivered all in one package every month. One less thing to have to remember all the time. Is there anyone else still using Nascobal, or thinking about trying it?

Not sure if you're looking for someone who's going through the same thing with you at the same stage, but if you're looking for advice from someone who has gone through the process, I am more than willing to answer any questions and give any advice that I possibly can! For starters, just a few quick words of advice - Take everything slowly...very slowly. Things will certainly happen in their own time. When I say everything slowly, this goes for how you drink, how you eat, how you expect results, and everything else. You'll be in great shape before you know it! Develop a great relationship with your nutritionist - he or she will have alot of great information and ideas for you as you go through this journey! Please remember that no question is too foolish to ask...this is all new, so there may be many things you won't understand at first, but will be great stepping stones for you as you go through the process. Take pictures of your 'before' you...you'll be amazed at the transformation!! Keep a good log of your weight progress...it may not be an even steady process, but if you do your part, the results will be gratifyingly amazing!! Take your Vitamins...they'll definitely make you feel better! Drink, drink, and drink some more...it's one of the most important elements of the process!! Try and get in exercise as soon as you're able to...whether it's walking, going to the gym ,or whatever you like to do. Not only will you feel so much better, you'll lose even more. You'll find that this is a really great group...many people with many different ways to help you as well as each other! I wish you the very best success in your journey!!!

Wow, great pics...looking really amazing!!

That's wonderful!!! Keep up the great work!!!

Auntjanny, What I did, and it seems to work, is use the percentage of 40 Protein, 40 carbs, and 20 fat. If you exercise on a regular basis, this should give you enough protein to build and enough carbs to burn. This was a suggestion from my doc and my nutritionist....hope this helps!! Wish you the best!! Btw, I am BryBro63 on MyFitnessPal if anyone wants to add me...email is BryBro@optonline.net

Congrats!!! Looking good!!!

BryBro63 - need more friends!

Hmmm...I've often thought of the idea of ordering from the kids menu, but never knew such a card existed. Maybe my surgeon's office would know something about this? Interesting...

If you're this active and you're only taking in 1500-1700 per pay, then you either are not taking in enough calories and your body is trying to hold onto the weight you have, or you're gaining muscle...definitely sounds like one of these 2 scenarios. You should talk with your nutritionist about this. Are you doing any weight lifting with your routine? Gaining additional muscle helps your body burn more fat more efficiently while you're doing the cardio.

Wishing you the very best...see you on the Loser's side!!

I had thought about doing the surgery for quite some time, since my weight seemed to just increase more and more, even though I was doing the diet thing, the gym thing, the OTC diet pill thing, and more. As all this was going on, each time I went to see my PCP, she seemed to discover something new...high blood pressure, arthritis, high cholesterol, and more...I think the final straw for me was when I heard the word DIABETES...I saw how that had affected my family, and how I think it contributed to me losing my mother. I didn't want to abandon my family and have them deal with any suffering, so I think that was my defining moment. Now I'm happy to say that I am no longer pre-diabetic, nor do I have any issues with cholesterol or blood pressure...this was truly life-saving for me! As far as peer pressure or dealing with the 'macho thing', I see more of the guys asking me much more about it simply because they would like to personally know someone who has done it before they would consider it...and any guys who initially thought of me as 'cheating'...I usually let them know that the only thing I'm cheating is I'm cheating DEATH!! When it's looked at from that perspective, it seems to be much more accepted.

I had this when I first had my surgery...it's pretty normal, and it can come from you drinking a little too fast...it only lasts a few days, and as you get used to the new sleeve and as the sleeve heals, it gets much better. Just be sure not to advance yourself any faster than your doctor suggests...you don't want to put too much stress on your sleeve too soon. Wishing you the very best success!!

Most definitely interested!! The one question I have is even after the drain, does something happen to the loose skin? I want to talk to my surgeon about this, since I have a follow-up appointment with him next week. Thanks for the info!!

I think the history of pre-diabetes may be a good co-morbidity for them to get you approved. I think you may also need a history of being overweight...your primary doc should be able to help with that.

How's your blood pressure? Hypertension is a big one as well!

Hey Bobbyswife, I see your date is coming up soon...it will be here before you know it!! You ready??

My understanding also was that pills and capsules will not be fully absorbed as the chewable Calcium citrate would. The benefits of the calcium citrate outweighs the amount of carbs taken in...unless of course you eat an entire bag or container of the calcium in one sitting, which you obviously would not do. Not trying to argue the point, but just saying that in the larger scope of things, the benefit would outweigh the risk.

I hate the MOOBS!!!! Mine went from full moobs to flabby moobs!!! I hate them!!!! Will bench pressing really help? I'm now in maintenance mode, since I hit my goal. I'm hitting the gym and trying to build back lost muscle, instead of just doing cardio. Currently concentrating on abs, biceps, and triceps, so I guess I should incorporate pectorals in as well?

Okay...I'm not into the 'measuring' thing, but I definitely notice a difference since losing the weight!!! My wife certainly has made quite a few positive comments, desire is much stronger, and the sessions certainly last longer!!! So far, everything is on the positive!!!

Typically...and this is only suggestion, as per my primary doc and my surgeon...anything that needs to be taken 4 times a day and needs to be spaced for maximum absorption should just be taken at meals and at bedtime. It's not only the best for spacing, but easiest to remember. Just do one at each meal, and one right before bedtime. Hope this helps...wish you the best!

Prayers out to you...you'll do great!!!

As far as having meals out, I'm pretty much used to it by now...I eat sensibly, and now when ordering Entrees, I automatically know I'm bringing at least half of it home...I separate what I know I'll eat, and save the rest to be bagged up. At first it was strange since the old me would finish and look for seconds and dessert, but now it's not a big deal at all. Going out for meals has become more of a social event than an eating event! I think the only thing that's still a little bit tougher for me is not being able to eat and drink at the same time...even after eight months, it still is kinda weird, but I do it! Anything else you guys are still trying to get used to???

I used to live in Philly also...now in Jersey. Where are you now, Diva2Be?

I think my true test will be when I get my bloodwork back next week, to see if my b 12 levels are better...I think if that works out, I'll stick with it. My insurance still covers it for now, so I think I may be good as far as paying. If things change, then I may go back to the pills... $300 is way too much to pay for the convenience!!

I would go ahead and start...you certainly wouldn't be doing yourself any harm, it would be good practice, and it would be one less thing to start up with post-surgery...wishing you the best with everything!