tamg26k

I forgot to mention my Garmin Vivofit. I just switched from Fitbit flex to the Garmin, so far I do like it getter. I like having the readout on the device and the challenges. You can also buy replacement bands in different colors on ebay or amazon for a fraction of the cost.

My favorite things: My gym membership - I try to get in 4-5 days a week. I feel so awesome after a good workout! My trainer - I love him! I have 2 sessions a week and another "homework" session. I can tell that I am getting stronger each week. My Power Beats 2 wireless headphones- It was a weight loss gift to myself a month ago and I love them. I can set my on the ground and go through my exercises without being wired to my phone. They sound great My exercise pants from Wal-Mart - at about $13 a pair I have both full pant and capri length. A plus was being able to buy an XL instead of a 1X or 2X! My Hanes sports bras - I wear a sports bra over an everyday bra for extra support. Planks - I've leaned to love doing them. I do a plank challenge every night before I go to bed and add 10 seconds each night. My goal is to be able to hold a plank for 2 1/2 minutes. Syntrax Protein powder - since upping my exercise, I've upped my protein to over 100 grams a day. This Protein Powder helps me do this. I like the flavors a lot! My Nike FS 2 Lite running shoes -comfortable and cute! Just a few of my favorite fitness things!

I agree. Use PB2. It's really good and 80% less fat per serving. I add a little Toriani sugar free chocolate syrup sometimes to change up the flavor.

I've upped my Protein intake to about 120 grams a day because of exercising. I can say that is really has helped in muscle building and muscle recovery. I used to try to get my 60-80 grams only from food, now it is impossible so I add in 2 shakes per day. I think it is fine.

Congrats on your decision and your progress! Your childhood story is my childhood story. I could relate in so many ways. Finally after 45 years I decided to start the process for WLS in April and had my surgery in July. I could not be happier. The weight loss is a huge factor, yes, but the total 180 degree lifestyle change I made is what I am most proud of. Can't wait to read about your progress. Best of luck!!

As far as ready-to-drink Proteins go, I like the Premier Protein as well. I thought they tasted great. Protein powders are a different story. You might need to try a few before you find one you really like. My advice would be to still to a whey protein isolate. It is the purest form of whey protein - low calorie, low/no carbs, and low/no sugar as well. I just bought the Syntrax nectar Protein Powder in Vanilla torte and love it. I doctor my drinks a bit with different sugar free syrups.I used to try and stay away from Protein shakes and get all of my protein from food, but since starting to work out 5 days a week a few months ago I add a shake or two per day to really bump up my protein intake. Best of luck!

My hardest days were days 4 and 5 after surgery. I can honestly say I was miserable from not having a bowel movement. I had absolutely no pain from surgery, just that. It was so uncomfortable to even sit down. I was 5 minutes away from going to the emergency room. Then I used Milk of Magnesia to get things moving and finally on the 5th day I hand a bowel movement. I don't think it is anything to mess around with. Luckily, I've been regular since then. Best of luck!

Add me please! Also, it really helps with food and meal ideas if you share your food diary. MFP: tamg26k

Awesome!! Keep up the great work!!

I did 3 reps of planks this morning -90 second hold per each rep! About 1 month ago I could barely hold the position for 30 seconds!!

buy a pair of boots that go up to my knees...very soon hopefully!

NSV today was I went to the gym and first did about 30 minutes on the treadmill (about 3.8 mph) then straight to 1 hour of cardio core bootcamp - Intense workout! The NSV was that yes, I was huffing and puffing but only for a few seconds, I recovered really quickly. I remember walking up 3 flights of stairs 4 months ago and I was out a breath for 5 minutes. What a difference!!!

I use fitbit and link to MFP. I love the barcode scanner and the way you can track either protein, fat, calories, fiber, sodium, carbs, etc. I know my sodium is good so I changed my setting to start tracking my fiber to get a better idea of my net carbs. Feel free to add me as a friend on MFP: tamg26k I love looking at the food diaries for those that share to compare and get some good ideas!

For me, if I eat too fast the food gets stuck in my stoma and then nothing will pass into my stomach. It is a horrible feeling. The only way I can get to feel better is to get the stuck food back up. It happens when I eat too fast of take too big of a bite of food. My meals usually take around 20 minutes. There is no way I can make such a small meal last 30 minutes!

Also, feel free to friend my on mfp: tamg26k I love getting meal ideas from everyone that shares their food diary.

Just like some of the other people. I keep track of everything with myfitnesspal. I also have a fitbit that I use daily. I try to get 100 + grams of Protein a day and keep my carbs under 40 grams a day. A typical day for me is up and out the door at 6:30 with a Protein shake made with soymilk and a whey isolate ( prob around 30 grams a protein) Breakfast is protein pudding ( 1 box of SF pudding w 1 3/4 cup soy milk and 4 scoops of protein powder). I divide into 6 servings for 6 breakfasts (about 20 grams of protein) lunch is usually 3 oz. of meat (chicken, turkey, a turkey sausage, or beef) with some kind of sauce and about 1/4 cup of either cottage cheese, edamame, or steamed green Beans afternoon or post-workout is a protein shake this time with Water (about 25 grams of protein) dinner is usually about the same as lunch, a different meat and sauce) I am 5 months post op RNY and have lost 105 lbs. so far. I rarely eat out. I've made tons or recipes from Pinterest that I'll change a bit to suit my tastes. I've also cut out all sugar, wheat, Pasta, rice, potatoes, most high sugar fruits, flour, etc. from my diet. I don't miss any of those things at all!

St. Louis, MO

I found some at Trader Joe's that were good.. low carb too!

Ditto what @@JerseyCityGal said. I had this prescribed about 15 years ago and dropped a ton of weight. I worked out like crazy and the extra energy from the drug really helped. Unfortunately, once I stopped taking it I regained the weight.

I live in STL and had RNY back in July.

A W E S O M E !!! You look fantastic! So inspiring! I aspire to purchase similar boots and to get the back of my arms firm. Any suggestions for the arms?

Congrats on this decision! I had RNY back in July at Des Peres. I can honestly say it was the best decision I have ever made. At 5 months out from surgery I am down 105 lbs.! You will do great with the surgery. My surgery could not have went any better. Had surgery on a Tuesday and was back to work the following Monday ( in a limited capacity) Just take things one day at a time and listen to what your body is telling you. I would start immediately with getting the Water in, it helps. I also cut out all caffeine about 3 months before I had my surgery. Walk, walk, walk...as soon as you can once you have your surgery it helps with pain from the gas Keep upcwith your water, Vitamins, and Protein...in that order Eat slow and small bites - this is the one thing that I sometimes struggle with now. It would be great if we could get a bariatric pal St Louis chapter going. Best of luck and keep us posted!!

Awesome!! Keep it up!

One of my easy lunches is deli chicken that I get shaved then I some different sauces to it. Buffalo and Greek yogurt or Spicy Southwestern mustard and Greek yogurt are my favorites. I usually pair this with some edamame or low fat cottage cheese. Easy and delicious!

I live in STL and I had RNY in July at Des Peres. Best decision of my life!