esskay77

In the winter, I can really become a recluse so I have to fight that!! But I probably really do slow down in the winter. I prefer to go outside for walk/jog but living in the northeast in an urban neighborhood makes that not a good idea. It is too dark and cold outside by the time I get home from work. I haven't been able to get myself up early to work out before work though I may try to change that soon. I do have a gym membership but the hardest part is getting there. Once I'm there I'm good and get in a good workout. It is my goal this year to work out more often. I did just put an addition on my house which includes a "workout room" (ok, it will someday be a first floor bedroom!). I have a yoga mat, yoga ball, kettle bell, jump rope, and things like that. I have been trying to do old fashioned exercises like toe touches, jumping jacks, that sort of thing. THey are tough and are the thing that really make me sore--anything at the gym doesn't make me very sore at all. I should also get my personal trainer back--he's a bit expensive and not really that good but having an appointment where he is coming to my house makes it so I can't really cancel.

I can't wait to hear more about this topic!! I'm also looking for ideas of what works/what doesn't. So far, the only thing that I found that works well for me is an app called RockMyRun. It has peppy music (think Mixed Tape). It has a great beat that makes you want to move. In fact, I have to stop myself because I love some of these songs and I want to stop walking/running and just start dancing. The only thing that stops me is that I don't want to look like the crazy lady! lol. And someone mentioned the YouTube videos for ChiRunning! I am very excited to keep trying to do Chi Running. When I know I'm doing it right, things are easier.

Good question. I think the Quest bars or Protein bars in general are a good option, and they help you get your protein in. sugar free hot chocolate or tea is a nice warm drink for the winter that would make a good dessert. Sometimes I just like fruit--frozen grapes are awesome! So are frozen blueberries (yes, I eat them frozen). Or a small bowl of strawberries with fat free/sugar free cool whip. And someone on here shared this before that I just made for Christmas. It's very decadent. You can also switchout the pudding for flavored Jello (orange is good). I put in some crushed pineapple, too. THere are other similar recipes online for sugar free jello. Sugar free/Fat Free Cheesecake Jello Pudding So I discovered Jello's instant pudding with cheesecake flavor. (sugar free/fat free) I mixed it up with cottage cheese, milk, protein powder, and cool-whip. Fiesta!!!! I used 1 sugar free/fat free cheesecake flavor Jello Instant Pudding Protein Powder 2 cups of cottage cheese, 4 tbs milk 1 cup of cool whip

When I used to do yoga they had a saying: You bring a different body every day. Sometimes it is easy and sometimes it isn't, just depends on which body you brought that day. I thought of this when I read about how sometimes it is easy to run and sometimes it isn't I love how popular this thread is!!! It motivated me to get back out there yesterday and try running again. It has been about a month since I ran and I did about the same as when I left off so I was happy with that. For anyone doing the C25K or anything like that, how do you keep track of your time if you run for 1 minute, etc.? Or if you run for 500 yards--how do you know when you have run that far?

You want "lean" Protein as much as possible. I was told to stay away from hot dogs, deli meats, bacon, pork, ham, that sort of thing. Probably shouldn't have steak very often either. Mostly chicken and turkey and fish and Beans, that sort of thing (and also cottage cheese and yogurt are good). But, interestingly, it isn't just people who had surgery that should avoid these other Proteins. If you do some reading about the nitrates (or is it nitrites?) in these proteins like hot dogs, etc. you will read that they are really bad for you in so many ways).

The Isopure drinks are an acquired taste. The first time I tried them I thought they were disgusting and now I love them!! Especially the Punch and Grape.

Not everyone needs it. A lot depends on your age, your beginning weight, whether or not you exercise, and many other factors. So, take it one step at a time! First, focus on losing the weight and changing your lifestyle. Why worry about something that may or may not happen? I was told that if you exercise, you have a better chance of not needing to have skin removed. It's not a guarantee by any means, just helps. So, as soon as you are allowed, start a walking program. Go to the gym, too. Join a class, go swimming, go for a bicycle ride, play tennis, any and all of the above. I personally thing that you should always have a good walking program in addition to anything else you do. Best of luck and take it one step at a time. Merry Christmas!

It is especially normal to be depressed for a bit following surgery. I think we have all thought "what did I just do?" but that goes away. I am guessing that after that, depression doesn't hit everybody but it can be a normal part of the process. That is why it's good to see a shrink for a while. You are changing your lifestyle and that can be scary. You have to eliminate bad habits and form new ones which is hard to do. But you are also changing physically and it's almost like losing a good friend. You need to learn how to deal with this and other issues. You probably go through a grieving period. And it is probably good to learn how to reframe things in your head. Set different expectations. I know that if I expected to lose 20 pounds a month after surgery, I would be very disappointed and upset and then depressed. But, if I reframed that to where I expect to eat better at each meal (but with very specific meal plan here), and hope to lose as much as I can, but a reasonable amount, not 20 pounds/month, then things feel very differently. The only thing that changed was how I framed it in my head. You are still in the early stages and are probably hungry! lol. It will get easier and better. But it is best to find a shrink and/or support group like Overeater's Anonymous, and also a good support system within your family and friends (though don't expect them ALL to be there for you because they won't and that's ok.) Best of luck and Merry Christmas!

Great journey! Even though I didn't have a weight problem until around college, I see a lot of siimilarities in our stories. The bit that really resonated with me was how you wanted to express your independence and that came out as eating what you wanted when you wanted!! WHen I was in college, I had a roommate who was bullimic. BUt I didn't know that at first and we would indulge in crazy food. I just didn't realize she was purging later. lol. We would have strawberry cheesecake ice cream and screaming yellow zonkers for breakfast!! Crazy! Anyway, from then on I yoyo'd with my weight. I can tell you that at first, it's easy because food doesn't taste the same and you really can't eat much. But, later, that changes back so you really need to use this time now to change your habits. You need to learn new ways to reward yourself--how about a great pair of shoes or a cool pocketbook? A scarf or jewelry? And I highly recommend joining a support group or 2. Probably something like Overeater's Anonymous that talks about food addiction, which sounds scary but is a really good group. ANd definitely find a different shrink. Once they start talking about themselves, either speak up about it and/or change to someone else. One think I'm considering is trying to find a cooking class to learn how to cook interesting foods that qualify as WLS recommended foods. I don't know if this exists but I'm going to look around. Of course, this could also be a great business opportunity!! A friend of mine teaches cooking classes at her house so I may approach her to see if she can put something together. She was also just named something like newest YouTube celebrity or something like that so her videos have been doing really well. I should probably look those up, too. So, I think it's very important to start to change your habits now, find a new shrink, and join a support group or 2. Oh, and when you can, really start an exercise program!! You can do this!! Keep us updated on your progress. We believe in you.

Do NOT count calories in your vitamins. THat is just crazy. I've heard some people do that but it is not what you need to do. In fact, my NUT says to not count calories, count grams of protein, carbs, fats (when you are allowed the last 2). Counting protein is so much easier and less stressful than counting calories.

That's a pretty familiar list!! I remember the day several months back when I was in a meeting and I finally realized that I had crossed my legs! I'm not even sure why I did it because it has been so many years since I have been able to cross them and this just happened without me even thinking about i! It was a great day! #14 was probably also a really big deal. I was amazed at how stressed out I was getting when I had to use a public restroom and wasn't sure if I would even fit.

I'm very proud of you. It's hard to have that discussion with someone who doesn't understand and you did a great job. And I'm glad you have made a decision for yourself and are sticking to it. ANd really glad that your dad is so awesome. Best of luck and we are all here for you when you need us.

Keep in mind that if you are still doing Protein shakes, those count as some of your liquid. It may not be Water, necessarily but it is liquid. Same with some foods that have water in them (veggies are a good example). Yes, we are supposed to do 64oz but you have to work up to it. Don't stress too much if you don't hit 64 exactly. Do the best you can with a lot of focus on it but if you only get to 50 oz. that's still really good! I can't get in 64 oz still and it's been almost a year since my surgery. But I still plug away every day trying to do that. First thing in the morning, I fill up my water bottle with 32 oz. of water (that's all it holds) and drink it all day at work. Then, when I go home, I fill up another 32 oz bottle of water. I don't usually finish either one but I keep trying and drink as much as I can. My problem is that I have to pee all the time even when I don't drink that water--pretty much every 30 minutes to an hour. And then when I am drinking all this water, it can be even more. But I think I'm an edge case in that regard. I have to stop drinking my water at least an hour before I drive home from work or I would never make the trip without stopping since I have about an hour commute home.

That is awesome!!!! The best. Definitely the first "notice" is the most exciting!! Congrats!

I don't think it is based on our personal medical issues, but I think it is the surgeon's best practice to either have you on it or not or for how long. It is interesting though, how all over the board it is. And the straw thing, lol, I had originally thought it was for life but when I asked, they said, no, just for the first so many months. Luckily, I don't like using straws so much anyway so it's not a hardship for me. The only time I prefer a straw is with a chocolate milkshake or a restaurant diet coke and since I don't do either of those anymore, I'm good. lol. I don't get why people drink their Water with a straw (unless it is in one of those water bottles with a straw).

I checked with 4 other people who had the surgery with my surgeon and they were all told to take it for life. Interesting that the guidance is so different.

I agree with the above to take it as the compliment it was intended to be. However, this is where I usually insert an "ouch! That hurts!" comment with a little laugh. As much as I'm willing to laugh about it all, I also want them to know that it was inappropriate. I try to say it with a laugh to let them know that I'm not pissed but I"m not willing to just give them a complete pass on it.

I thought we had to take it for life. Seriously. I'm almost a year out and am still taking it (well, the equivalent of it). But, as much as I love my surgeon, she's not good with non-surgical details. I only recently found out that we could actually use straws now and didn't have to crush our pills. I'll have to ask at my next appointment. Glad you brought this up.

I had my surgery in January so I am all healed. I have not had any problems jumping around other than it's been a long time since I've done anything like that! lol.

Awesome stuff! I am turning one of my bedrooms into a workout room. I have a yoga ball, yoga mat, kettle bell, rubbery bands, jump rope, that sort of thing. I am even trying old fashioned calisthetics (not sure how to spell that): toe touches, jumping jacks, sit ups, push ups, squats, that sort of thing. I'm trying to jump rope but not very good at it yet which is frustrating because I remember as a kid being really good at it. I even have a hula hoop that I'm trying to use but that's really difficult! My best exercise with it is having to constantly bend down to pick it back up! lol. I used to have a trainer come to my house so I know a lot of things I can do without much equipment. Someone had borrowed my treadmill a few years ago and I know she isn't using it anymore but I'm not sure how to ask her for it back. That was sort of the agreement that she would borrow it for as long as she needed it but when she didn't want it anymore that she would give it back. I think she will but we are both probably being too nice about it and not wanting to be the first one to bring it up. lol. I should def get that back, though it is about 20 years old. Maybe I need a new one.

Can you add sugar free jello and sugar free popsicles to what you are eating? That would seem to help stave off some of the hunger. The popsicles take a while to eat so that helps, too. Can you chew on ice chips? Not that that helps much but keeps you occupied a bit. Best of luck. After the surgery, you will be glad you got through all this.

The best thing to do is after you make it but before you sit down to eat, put together your plate for the next meal but put it in the fridge right away (or freezer if you don't want it right away). THat way, it's out of the way and more difficult to eat. I'm surprised that I haven't had this problem yet. Partially because I"m very frugal so to stretch out the meal into many meals is kind of exciting for me because I'm saving money in the process. And I hate cooking so now I have another meal or more that I only have to heat up. But put it away right away.

I snack twice a day when I can, though I'm usually too busy for the second snack. But, I usually have a yogurt around 10:30 am. I try to have a cottage cheese around 3ish. It helps stave off the hunger a bit. I do get hungry but not like I used to!

Bariatric patients do not turn into alcoholics, just from having the surgery. However, some replace their food addiction with alcohol so it COULD happen but it doesn't mean that it will for sure.

I am in the same situation. I can eat anything without side affects (unfortunately!). But, that is no excuse. We just have to be stronger and avoid those things as much as possible. I don't think we have stretched the pouch, though if I'm wrong, I hope somebody says so!! I also don't think you (or we) have malabsorption problems. But I don't know why this is. I really can't decide if I really can eat a lot or if I am just satisfied earlier so I "think" I am eating as much. Not sure yet. But I am really trying to be good.