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Wow, looking good, congrats

Sorry for the all caps but I had to shout it out- I am in onederland now. I almost cried. I have posted this in one other place so forgive me. I can't help it. I am so happy. Goodbye 200s forever! FINALLY! I am at the point now where I am really glad to have done this. There were times I really struggled during the couple weeks but then you get used to the new life and all is well. Good luck everyone!

BariatricPal is establishing a new program called BariatricPal Local Chapters. This program is part of BariatricPal’s mission to support weight loss surgery patients in their pursuit of achieving weight loss and following a healthy lifestyle. The purpose, structure, values, and guidelines for this program are described below.
I. Purpose

The leaders of BariatricPal Local Chapter have established the following objectives.
Promote weight loss and healthy lifestyles among potential and post-op weight loss surgery patients. Provide a structured program for weight loss surgery patients to meet each other face-to-face in safe environments. Promote the ability of weight loss surgery patients to make healthy lifestyle choices through increased knowledge. Increase self-confidence and a sense of community through positive social interactions. II. Organizational Structure

Management
BariatricPal Local Chapters is under the direction of Alex Brecher, founder of BariatricPal. Alex has the final say in all decisions regarding BariatricPal Local Chapters. Others involved in the governance of BariatricPal Local Chapters include the advising and managerial team at BariatricPal.
Local Leaders
Local leaders are essential to the success of BariatricPal Local Chapters. Duties include:
Communicating remotely with local members to inform them of upcoming meeting schedules and agendas. Leading each local meeting or event. Making all meeting attendees feel comfortable and welcome Encouraging local members to attend meetings. Communicating with BariatricPal Local Chapters management to provide updates on local meetings and to gather information on upcoming events. Recruiting local experts to share their knowledge at meetings. To carry out these duties, leaders must:
Be committed to the success of their local chapters as well as the overall program. Be able to prevent personal conflicts and address them when they arise. Be available for scheduled meetings. Be able to interact with diverse groups of people. Stakeholders
All BariatricPal members in good standing are invited to participate in BariatricPal Local Chapters.
Local Experts
Local experts, such as bariatric surgeons, nutritionists, mental health professionals, cosmetic surgeons, and others who work with weight loss surgery patients, can be invited to BariatricPal Local Chapters meetings. They can provide their expertise in the form of lectures, demonstrations, and question-and-answer sessions.
III. Core Values
These are the core values of BariatricPal Local Chapters.
Acceptance: The program is based on the understanding the individual differences exist and are to be celebrated. Encouragement: Participants can expect a positive environment in which their efforts to lead healthier lives are supported through peer encouragement and increased knowledge of how to make healthier choices. Respect: All participants in BariatricPal Local Chapters deserve, and are entitled to, respect. No participant may deride another for their choices. Consideration: Participants are expected to show common courtesy, such as allowing other members to speak in turn, attending meetings when they have committed to doing so, and lending a hand, when appropriate, in setting up and cleaning up meeting facilities. Health: BariatricPal Local Chapters supports all aspects of health from the physical to the emotional and psychosocial.
IV. Protocols
Meetings
BariatricPal Local Chapters meetings will take place on a monthly or quarterly basis. Meetings can fit into any of the following categories.
Standard meetings (described below) Group walks or other physical activity sessions at a level that can include participants of all capabilities Group outings, such as to restaurants or grocery stores Standard meetings follow this general structure, which will be further detailed in other program documents.
Greetings: introductions and greetings led by the leader. Follow-up: discussion of any necessary follow-up items from the previous meeting, and discussion of progress toward goals stated at the previous meeting. Main event: this can be a lecture led by the leader with guidance from a BariatricPal lesson plan (to be provided), a cooking or other demonstration, or a lecture or discussion led by a weight loss surgery expert. Question and answer session. Goals to work on before the next meeting Closing comments, such as the planned time and activity for the next meeting and any necessary reminders, such as special materials or locations. Other Events
The overall BariatricPal Local Chapters program may periodically sponsor regional or national activities. These may include workshops, casual meet-ups, or group excursions. Details will be provided as developments occur.
V. Resources Needed and Potential Obstacles

BariatricPal Local Chapters will require sites where meetings can be held. Leaders are encouraged to seek sites, such as local schools, public parks, church and other religious organization buildings, and other sites where meetings are commonly held. Facilities should have tables and chairs for all participants, as well as necessary resources such as a large screen. Items such as paper, pens, and other supplies may also be needed for certain meetings.
There are several expected obstacles for BariatricPal Local Chapters, but they can be overcome.
Personal commitments interfering with the ability to lead or attend meetings. Transportation barriers. Slow growth in overall participation or leadership. VI. Changes to the Charter

Changes to the Charter can be made by BariatricPal Local Chapters’ founder, Alex Brecher. Requests for changes can be submitted to Alex Brecher for consideration and approval.

I'm laying in bed thinking about tomorrow being Monday. In my pre op life I would spend my Sunday nights in bed thinking about how I would be starting some kind of new diet the next day. How I would be good all week and maybe even exercise. But every Monday I would start out eating well then by three I would find myself in the cafeteria looking for a piece of cake and filling a 16 oz cup of coke. I would be disappointed with myself then would tell myself that the next Monday would be the day. That day never came until Dec 19th of last year.
Here I am almost 4 months post op. Almost 70 pounds down and I am not thinking about beginning a new diet. I will wake up and drink fresh vegetable and fruit juice and eat a couple of bites if Protein throughout the day. I might even have to remind myself to eat.
Tomorrow is Monday and I'm NOT starting my diet.
Anyway, I just had to get that off my chest. Good night everyone.

Don't ever make someone tell you twice they don't want you- Judge Lynn Toler?...the way I see it, this is a new beginning for you all the way around...the drinking needs to stop and pull yourself together before surgery. Start exercising and feeling good about yourself, there are more than one fish in the sea!

Recently I have found myself spending a lot of time talking with my weight loss surgery clients about getting the most from what they are eating, in particular, feeling satisfied after eating. Whilst the purpose of weight loss surgery is to help you feel satisfied on a smaller amount of food, the type of foods you choose is important to help maximise this.


Recently I have found myself spending a lot of time talking with my weight loss surgery clients about getting the most from what they are eating, in particular, feeling satisfied after eating. Whilst the purpose of weight loss surgery is to help you feel satisfied on a smaller amount of food, the type of foods you choose is important to help maximise this.

There are two key ingredients in helping you to feel satisfied after eating:
1. High fibre, low glycemic index carbohydrate-containing foods

2. Protein-containing foods.


This post will demystify the glycemic index, or GI. Protein will be the focus of a later post.


The GI is a measure of the effect that different carbohydrate-containing foods have on blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. It describes the way our body digests and absorbs these foods. Carbohydrate-containing foods include:
breads, cereals, rice, Pasta and noodles
starchy vegetables including potato, sweet potato and corn
legumes including baked Beans, kidney beans, chickpeas and lentils
fruits and fruit juices
milks, yoghurts, custards and ice cream
any food containing flour or sugar.

Some carbohydrate-containing foods are broken down and absorbed quickly, so they raise our blood glucose level faster and higher. These are high GI foods. Other carbohydrate-containing foods are digested and absorbed more gradually, causing a slower, longer lasting rise in blood glucose levels. These are low GI foods. Low GI foods keep us feeling satisfied for longer after eating.



Often people experience a 'honeymoon' period following weight loss surgery, where weight loss seems automatic. Unfortunately this may not last forever and weight regain can occur with all surgeries. Maximising the satisfaction you get from the food you eat is crucial to keep losing weight and maintain that lost weight. A lower GI eating pattern also helps us feel satisfied for longer after eating, which can help with losing weight. For example, if you eat high GI foods at your meals, you are likely to become hungry sooner after the meal than if you eat low GI foods. This can make you more likely to snack and if you have not planned for this, you may be forced to grab something from the biscuit barrel or vending machine. 
 


Appetite control is not the only benefit of a lower GI diet. Research has shown that people eating a lower GI diet can reduce their average blood glucose levels, which is particularly important for people with diabetes. Lower GI foods are often also higher in fibre. A high fibre diet helps prevent Constipation, decreases the risk of heart disease as soluble fibres can help remove cholesterol from the body and helps protect against bowel cancer, haemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulitis.



Foods are classified as low, moderate or high GI.



To follow a low GI diet, try to choose one low GI food at each meal. Eat high GI foods in small amounts, or less often. 

Head to my website to see a simple table of low, moderate and high GI foods.
Go to www.glycemicindex.com for further information.

I do Fiber one 90 calorie bars, usually in the am, have been pretty regular taking these including lots of veggie/fruit cups. Beans, I tried to eat a fiber bar in the afternoon and my body won't "let it go down", I tried it 2 different days,. I figure my body is saying I have enough,
and I can sure tell the different when I don't have enough fiber,

I'm a Fiber fan. I shoot for 15 g of Fiber a day ( I eat 800-1000 calories a day). Dietary recommendations suggest 14 g per 1000 calories ingested.
I'm curious what other people do for fiber.
I eat some of my fiber (pumpkin seeds, nuts, nut butter, Beans, vegs) but I also take supplements because I can't eat enough to get all my fiber in. I use Optifiber powder in my Protein shakes or Fiber Well gummies.< /p>

Remember these when the scale is not moving...the NSVs are very important!!!
Speaking of shoes, my sandals are Birkies because I need the support, fortunately most of them have a buckle on them so I am able to tighten them up...
I have to wear my wedding rings on my middle finger now... silly little things that make us smile... When I'm typing, I can look down at my hand and be reminded of what that middle finger ring thing really means

I am only 1 1/2 wks post op and down almost 16 lbs since surgery. But got in my car today and had to move the seat up 1 notch cuz felt like my upper body was a mile from the strafing wheel and when I looked down I could see the crutch of my jeans instead of my belly!!!

nice one alex
when (stalls or no weight loss happens) one must merely keep on doing what they are doing....by that i mean eating healthier/cleaner and exercising..sure change it if it works for you because by continuing .....the results will show ...maybe not on the scale just yet but def by clothes getting looser, better mobility and better lifestyle living..
setbacks happen
its how we deal with it...one so called bad meal wont make one gain 20 pounds and one so called healthy meal wont make one lose 20 pounds...its day in and day out and keep on going...
thanks for sharing alex

Thank you Alex . You have help me to stay positive and take a look at myself to make the necessary changes in my life.Thank you again.

Thank you Alex . You have help me to stay positive and take a look at myself to make the necessary changes in my life.Thank you again.

Alcohol & sugary drinks cant stretch your sleeve, but they are empty calories. The stomach after sleeve cannot regrow to th esize it was before, but people who regain find ways to eat the junk that slides through easily and adds up the calories. People who stick to the Protein First rule continue to feel the restriction of the sleeve. It does relax abit after surgery and can hold more, but that is why changing habits of what is eaten is important. It may be cliche, but the sleeve is not a magic cure, it is a tool that when used properly can mean maintaining healthy weight loss. Ultimately each of us is responsible for the outcome.

Ya know those pictures of the tribes in National Geographic that insert dinner plate size discs in their lower lips ??!!.......Well, anything can be stretched if you try.......So in the case of our sleeves, if you don't stick by the guidelines to prevent it.......well then, I'm sure it will stretch and I'm sure due to those efforts you will gain back the weight.
It's no mystery. Just stick to your sleeve's limits and eat healthy and screw the stuff the skeptics rant about. This is what I signed on for. It's my new normal and I intend to make it last the rest of my life.

I havent had my surgery yet but I know that this is a life time change and that you have to be prepared to go all the way!!!! You can gain your wieght back but...WHO wants to go through so much and make it to where you have always wanted to be to give it all up on a soda and junk food... Foood is fuel and we should all use it as that.... It is ok to taste the foods you used to love and not go over board or do it everyday or every week it should be on rare occasions...you make your own choices!!!!! I know what I am going to do... I AM TAKING MY LIFE BACK!!!!!

My name is judy. i have done every weight loss program out there. i lost 125lbs in 9 months on this one intense program but gained it all back in a short time. since then i keep trying i have so many workout dvds. so many diets i can teach a class on weight loss. but cant teach myself. i decided to do the gastric sleeve surgery because i am tired of trying and failing. I am a single african american women I have two grown kids and one new grand daughter. I am very excited and terrified at the same time. I am afraid of going under the knife. kaiser seems to have it all toghter though. so i will trust in god that he will be with the doctors when i have my surgery. I really hope I don't need it after the pre op diet. if someone else is just starting i would love to have a friend to share with.

I agree with your premise that we are more than stories about our struggles with weight. Here's mine.
I am a 55 year old married career woman. I have been married for almost 31 years (next week). My husband and I own a marina and resort with two business partners on a lake about 75 miles east of Dallas Texas. We have owned the business for about 16 years. I do not take an active part in running the business, I have always kept my "day job" as an engineer and manager in corporate America.
Just yesterday, I took an early retirement with my company. I currently looking for another position and will be doing this full time starting next week. But since I am "retired" with health benefits, I now have the flexibility to maybe select short term contract positions rather than another permanent position. It is nice to be interviewing as a thin person, rather than someone who is morbidly obese.
I am a mother of one grown son and grandmom to two delighful little girls. I enjoy reading - both fiction and non-fiction and antiquing - both buying and reading about different types of antiques. I am addicted to home design magazines and food TV on the satellite.