Zoey716

So glad these pictures are over a year old. Such progress has been made and could not be happier! Still have work to do! #Happybutneversatisfied!

@@kathico - I'm not too far away from you - in Buffalo. How are you doing?

Everyone's pre-op diet is a bit different than someone else. My surgeon's pre-op diet was 10 days of Protein shakes (2-3), broth, fat free milk, G2 / Powerade Zero, sugar free Jello, coffee and hot tea (preferably decaf) and 1/2 cup of non starchy veg a day. What helped me stay on track was the fear that if I didn't stick to the program, then I would not be cleared for surgery. I knew coming into this that I would have to follow very specific rules and guidelines for quite some time, I was not about to be defiant during the pre-op diet phase. You just have to keep your eye on the prize and knowing that the pre-op diet is what is going to help set you up for success. Keep strong and keep the course as directed by your doctor. You've got this!! You have an entire community here supporting you and cheering you on!

@@Jb1176 - How are you doing today???

It is normal to be hungrier post exercise. Try having a Protein shake or something high in protein (deli turkey, tuna, hard boiled eggs etc) soon after a workout (typically within 30-45 min). This will help repair and maintain your muscles, and will help curb your appetite a bit. Best of luck and great job with the exercising!!

@@daveylee - I don't think you would have damaged your staple lines with 2tsp of mashed potatoes. However, please make sure you are following your surgeons dietary guidelines. Every physician/nutritionist seems to have slightly different steps post surgery. IT is vital to follow those instructions and to stay the course. It can get tiring, and frustrating at the beginning not being able to eat what you want, but trust me, and I'm sure anyone else who is going to comment - stick with it and stay strong!! You've got this!!! Wishing you the best & if you have any questions or need some encouragement, feel free to send me a msg and I'll be happy to help.

I had a small leak (they think it was caused by a small ulcer that formed on the suture line on my stomach). It was very painful for me. Felt like a constant cramp just below my rib cage and went around to my back. I called my surgeon who instructed to me to meet him at the ER. He had them run a battery of tests to check for the leak. Once they found "bubbles" in my stomach they took me in for emergency surgery. If you are experiencing any pain, or discomfort that is constant and that you are worried about - call your doctor. That's what you (or insurance) paid BIG bucks for! Never hesitate to call. Even if it turns out to be gas, or just normal post surgical soreness, in my opinion it's always best to air on the side of caution. Best of luck and hope everything is okay!

I use benefiber and it seems to work great. I take it once or twice a day (depending on how I feel). I add it to my Protein shakes, coffee, or just Water. You can mix it into yogurt or even apple sauce. I can't tell its in anything. Can't taste it and it completely dissolved. Give it a whirl!

Ground turkey, greek yogurt, string cheese, cottage cheese, chicken cooked in the crockpot, tuna, hard boiled eggs, avocado, turkey burger, turkey bacon, salmon, broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, kale, chickpeas, watermelon, berries... pick a protein and pair it with a veg and or fruit. mix things up to keep it interesting. instead of sour cream - use non fat plain greek yogurt. be patient with introducing new foods to your new tiny tummy. I'm full of ideas - let me know if you need any recipe ideas...I've got a ton!

A pound of fat is the same weight as a pound of muscle. The difference is muscle is LEANER than fat. Therefore, even if you don't see the scale moving very quickly - you will see a difference in your clothing. Be patient with this process. ALSO, when weight training, you will continue to burn calories far longer through out the day I have been weight training - Crossfit - since 5 months post op, and I can honestly say its one of the BEST things I could have done for myself. I have seen a HUGE difference in strength, mobility and endurance. Make sure you are getting in your Protein (good, lean, organic/grassfed meat), magnesium, and getting in your Water. Watch your carb intake. All of these things together, with your weight training will show results. Wishing you the best, and if you have any questions please feel free to shoot me a message. I have a degree in Health and Wellness and would love to share/help if I can.

I had a hard time swallowing anything for a very long time. I would get stomach spasms quite frequently, to the point where my doctor had me on meds to help control the spasms for a while, and it did help. Be patient with yourself, and remember to SIP!! Best of luck!

@@Band07 - I have def been doing the scaled workouts, and have been please with my scores so far. There is def a lot that I need to work on, as I still consider myself a newbie, but I am happy to be in the competitive and supportive atmosphere that my box offers. LOVE crossfit and the confidence it has given me not to mention the difference in my body and muscles!!! #thisshitworks

I'm preparing and gearing up for the 2015 Reebok Crossfit Open! Starts in 10 days! Nervous. Excited. Scared. Pumped. Who else is participating in the Open??!!

I'm almost 10 months out and my stomach makes random gurgling noises through out the day. Sometimes its when I'm eating or drinking something. Other times - it just seems to yell out. lol. My husband giggles. I get a little self conscious when we're out or I'm at work, but it is what it is.

@@Bill Good - Very exited for you!! Best of luck and wishes for a speedy recovery! Remember - be patient with yourself and this process!! Reach out if you should need anything!

FANTASTIC!!! Congratulations & Have fun shopping!!!!

@@Cgraham0397 - I add benefiber to my shakes and it definitely has helped me.

4 weeks after I had the sleeve, I had a small leak that they think happened from a small ulcer that formed on the incision on my stomach. I ended up having a 2nd surgery. It was a bit of a scary ordeal. I had a drain put in, was not allowed to eat for 5 days - but was hooked up to TPN (IV nutrients/lipids), had so many tests and procedures to try and find out what was going on and why. I was in the hospital for 6 days. About 2 weeks later I ended up back in the hospital with a kidney infection that was a result of not being able to get in enough fluids to flush my kidneys properly. So I was back in the hospital for another 2 days. With the complications that I did have put aside - I have had a fantastic experience and results from having the sleeve done. I have been very happy and pleased with my results, and have progressed very well. My doctors are all very happy and pleased with my progress. At my 6 month post op appointment I had already meet their 1 year goal for weight loss. I had a rocky start but am so very happy I had the sleeve done and never have regretted getting it done.

@@aroundhky - I use myfitnesspal & mapmyrun apps. They are helpful to track activity and calories in, but I doubt I burn as many calories as it shows. I use mapmyrun more as a journal with my PR's, ME's and time for Crossfit. It's helpful to look back on it. I also like it for the GPS when I do go running (When it's not 7 degrees outside), I find its very accurate which is great. Im on the fence about buying into a FitBit type of device though. Would love to see more feedback and experience on these items.

@@ProjectMe - check to see if the Crossfit gym near you has a beginners class. My box, has what they call an "On Ramp" class. They meet twice a week for a month, to learn the basic lifts, different equipment, positions, terms etc. I found this so very helpful when I started, to go into a regular WOD with a bit more knowledge! Best of luck - it becomes addicting but oh so very rewarding!! When you go - let me know how it goes!

@@ProjectMe - it's a international competition. Last year over 209.000 athletes participated! Every week Crossfit posts a different workout, and at an affiliate gym, you are judged on the workout. This year they are scaling the workouts (modifying) so that more people can participate (like ME!) . Those athletes who compete on a larger scale for CF use the open to qualify for regional competitions. I'm no where near that level, but am looking forward to the challenge and the workouts!

@@MamaTo3inNH - cream of wheat was also a go to for me post surgery. If you're allowed - try adding a dash of cinnamon to it for a bit of flavor!

The rice may be too much for your tummy to handle. Try straining your creamed Soups.

Hey everyone! Looking to see if anyone else was going to be participating in the 2015 Crossfit Open? I will be registering for it and looking for fellow WLS folks to cheer each other on while we compete!