Ginger Snaps

I'm pre-op but my nutritionist has told me a good rule of thumb for Protein bars and shakes is no more than 10 grams of sugars and no more than 5 grams of fat. Just bought a bunch of Quest bars at GNC and they are very low sugar/fat. And so far the ones I've tried are very tasty.

Web MD has a lot of information including stats on each of the main 3 surgeries, comparison of risk, etc.

My 2 cents worth (with a gentle and encouraging spirit): I'm the single mom of 3 with 2 teen boys at home (can you say bottomless pits???). I never want them to have the struggles I've had with weight, so I'm taking better care of them if I provide healthy food for them. Of course they'll eat junk if I bring it home or have it around but I feel better when I give them healthy choices. And I know they feel better about that, too... avoids that regret over eating junk. I understand little kids can be picky (I know I was) but you can learn to cook healthier and they'll adjust. I find the precooked chicken and beef (for fajitas) to be great to have in the fridge. We grab it for Snacks, throw it in stir fry or just slap it between sandwich thins. And secondly, boyfriends who don't support their girlfriends getting healthy through better food choices and increasing their physical activity aren't great boyfriends. If he were a great boyfriend, he'd offer to exercise with you or watch the kids while you do. It's time to take care of yourself mom -- just like on airplanes, you can't save anyone else if you don't put your own mask on first! Best wishes and TONS of encouragement for you!

I love when people agree with me!!!

Believe me -- I'm not into that screaming, yelling, no pain no gain type of trainer either. My trainer is a young, sweet girl -- my daughter's age. We talked about what I want to accomplish. Right now, I'm pre-op and can't lose weight or I won't qualify for surgery. So, we're just working on flexibility and strength training -- no cardio. She chit-chats with me the entire time, counts for me and always varies up my routine, so I get a really good, 1-hour workout. And if she sees I'm really struggling with some exercise, she'll replace it with another one that works the same muscles. I'm having one appointment with her a week and then 3 exercise sessions on my own in between. She's never said "come on, work harder" or anything like that. She usually asks "how did that feel" and reads my face for clues. I wouldn't put up with the other kind of trainer. I've never been one to respond well to angry, yellers and I don't intend on letting someone I'm paying for a service to intimidate me. See if you can get a consult with one at your gym and it might be right for you, too.

Good for you!!! I love riding, too. My profile pic was on a bike trip on the C&O canal along the Potomac River last memorial day (freezing to death!!!). My advice -- go to a bike shop and get fitted. They should ask you where you intend to ride and help you pick out the best bike for that type of riding. Trek has a great line of bikes call FX (fitness bikes). They are lighter and have skinnier tires than a mountain bike but not the super skinny tires of a road bike. I've ridden mine along canal paths and on the road some too. DON'T go to the big box stores and buy one off the shelf. You'll probably end up with one that doesn't fit right and doesn't handle the kind of riding you want to do. It's also harder to have them serviced or get parts for. Besides, the bike shop will give you more personal attention and some offer tune-ups after 60 days or so to make sure everything is in order. And the guys in there are kinda nice to look at! Best wishes!

I've recently started back at the gym and bought a package of personal training appointments. That's helped with motivation to get there. I've also been watching my self talk. When that alarm goes off at 5:15 my first thought is 'I don't want to go to the gym'. I immediately say back to myself I love working out and I want to do this. Sometimes it even works! Lol

My doctor said never and I can deal with that. Since college I haven't been much of a drinker and see it as something I can live without. Much harder to give up chocolate! Lol

I'm preop and I've told my kids (23 20 14) and I got mixed reactions. My oldest lives away and said 'you like going under the knife huh' but she is supportive and wants me to be happy. The 20 yo is a fitness nut and told me I'm not so fat (his words) but is excited about sharing Protein drinks with me. He uses a lot. The youngest said ok and moved on. Too busy with his own social life! Lol As a mom I'm trying to learn not to worry so much if my kids don't like me or my decisions. I try to explain why I'm doing stuff so they'll understand but it comes down to my decision I'd talk to her and simply tell her that the doctors think this will be your best chance of getting healthy and then acknowledge her feelings are different. Tell her you think her opinion is important but that you are doing what is medically required. Good luck!

Hey. I'd take advantage of some one on one time with the doc. Captive audience and all! Lol

Well said Lipstick! I'll stick to the advice my well paid surgeon and nutritionist give me! Lol

I was told my face & neck look like Tales of the Crypt and that I needed to gain 30 pounds back. To hell with them. I'd rather look like it than be dead in a crypt. I got a panni. I'm done with plastics. And done giving a damn about who thinks they have a right to an opinion about my weight or my looks how rude some people can be! I'd try to think of some snappy comeback but they just don't deserve the energy that would take.RJ just keep on standing out in the sunshine... To hell with them!

I feel so lucky. My best friend was the first one I told and she is 100 percent supportive. I've met for lunch with her to talk about what the surgeon and NUT said and she is going to be my driver to and from the hospital. We have a bible study at her house on Fridays and she had asked me what foods she should serve so I can eat too That's a good friend... Sounds like this girl is anything but a friend!

This has been a great thread. I'm so glad you've shared the ups and downs. I've got a feeling I'll be the same way so I can learn from your experience. Can't wait to hear how it went today!

Good for you -- one more hurdle out of the way!

Funny, I had a similar conversation with my NUT yesterday. I love Cajun food too -- grew up outside Shreveport, and she assured me that most people that love spicy foods can still tolerate them after surgery. So, you'll just have to learn healthier ways to cook but still get that great seasoning in there. And, who from Louisiana doesn't love blackened chicken, blackened fish, blackened anything! Much success! Ginger

You're gonna get loves and hates on every one of these! My NUT gave me sample packs to try. You can also order samples off websites so that you get to try before you buy the big bucket. I'm pre-op and doing the samples to see what I like or dislike so that when I need them, I won't have to be testing them out then. Good luck!

I'd never advise anyone going against their doctor's advice but I would suggest doing some research on reputable sites (like webmd or the Mayo clinic site) and read about the side effects. Then, if you have concerns, talk to your doctor more about them. Phen is still on the market -- it's the FEN part (of fen-phen) that was pulled off the market. But phen does have some pretty negative side effects -- it's similar to amphetamines. My surgeon won't prescribe it at all, regardless of what surgery, if any, you have had. Best wishes and let us know how it goes. http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20081105/lasting-heart-damage-from-fen-phen http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-4151-Phentermine+Oral.aspx?drugid=4151&drugname=Phentermine+Oral

I was at GNC last night buying some Quest bars to try out and they have that special going buy 3 get 1 free. I'm not sure if that's all the time or not but it made it nice to buy 1-2 of every flavor I want to try. My NUT recommended them to me. When I was in the store, the (rather attractive) muscle-bound guy at the cash register tried to talk me out of them, saying they weren't a complete Protein, had sugar alcohol in them, blah, blah, blah and how I should try these other Protein shakes instead. He even used "air quotes" when he said my "nutritionist" shouldn't be advising patients to eat these and that I should see a new NUT. So funny... I'm trying to just get out of the store with my products. Wonder if they get better profit or commission on selling GNC Protein powder???

Thanks for taking time to share your experiences. I'm pre-op and it gives me an idea of what to expect.

I'm in a similar spot. If I drop 4 pounds or more I won't qualify for the surgery my insurance doesn't require a loss so for now I just have to maintain what I have. Weird that for the first time in my adult life I'm actually not trying to lose weight!

Surgery friendly ice cream?? Sign me up! May have to go buy an ice cream maker!

I'm glad you're going to see the doctor. I've heard sometimes gall bladder problems can cause something like this. I hope they find out the problem and it all works out great for you. Please be sure to come back and let us know what happens. Best wishes!

I'm pre-op -- haven't had to deal with this yet but it is funny to me that people will say WLS is the easy way out. So why haven't they done it? lol Congrats on your experience -- looks like all that work is paying off! Ginger

I'm pre-op so I don't have direct experience but I can encourage your to give yourself a break. Stick with the program. There's no way if you're following the program that you won't see more weight loss... you're body has been through a huge stressor and takes a while to recover. And when you do start losing again, be SURE to post back to this thread so you leave a bread crumb trail for others who might be in the same boat. Best wishes!