Everything posted by MrsSugarbabe
-
Embrace the Stall
I've been "stuck" in the same 10 lb. range for about 6 months now. Very frustrating. I've been logging, counting, changing up exercise routine, decreasing caloric intake, increasing caloric intake, doing whatever I can think of to jumpstart the weight loss again. I do take satisfaction in the fact that I have not gained and have still continued to lose inches. I will press on!!
-
Robe or Jammie's?
No such thing as a silly question Robe. You're going to be in a hospital gown most of the time anyway since they'll want to check your incisions, etc. It also makes it easier for staff should they need quick access for any reason. Where are you having your surgery? I'm just north of you Good luck!
-
Vacation
You can do this!! I recently returned from a 2 1/2 week vacation, most of it traveling and eating out, and I returned home without gaining any weight. I'm not in the liquid phase any longer, but I do still supplement my meals with Protein shakes in order to get the minimal grams of protein each day (100g). My preferred Protein Powder is @UNJURY to save $$. The dietitians at Unjury are always available to talk with you if you have any questions or concerns in the event you're unable to reach your practice dietitian. My suggestions for traveling: Take premeasured protein powder with you or a scale so you can accurately measure the powder rather than depending on scoop size. Powder can easily compact or be too loose and you won't get an accurate serving size. Don't wait until you're in the restaurant to mix your shake. Premix your Protein Shakes and ask for a glass of ice to pour it over. Have it ready to drink and I think you will avoid some strong temptations. Unjury protein powder shakes can be made at least 24 hours ahead of when you plan to drink the shake, which I do often because I think they taste better when the shake has had time to "bloom" so to speak. Also, Unjury has a chicken soup protein powder that is quite good, but you have to be careful about Water temperature so it helps to have a simple thermometer on hand. If the water is too hot, the whey will clump. It doesn’t change the taste, just the texture which can be weird. I have found that having a non-sweet protein Meal Replacement helped me get through the restaurant meals and such. Most of my protein beverages are just shaken up; I do not use a blender or make them frozen for simplicity and time sake. Get creative with your drink flavors. Some of my favorite flavor combinations are: vanilla Protein Powder, SF Sunrise Orange drink (it’s like an orange Dreamsicle) ½ serving Vanilla PP, ½ serving chocolate Splendor PP ,4 oz. brewed coffee, chilled, 4 oz. skim milk Chocolate Splendor PP, 8 oz. skim milk, 1 or 2 servings PB2 ½ serving Vanilla PP, ½ serving Chocolate Splendor, 8 oz. skim milk Chicken PP with less than a serving of chicken bouillon mixed with 8-10 oz. water at 140 degs. Have a safe, happy, and successful vacation!!
-
Another step away from being the fat girl
Sooo many frogs! Now you know what's more important to him, and unfortunately for him, it wasn't you. You're the keeper!! Anything worth having is worth waiting for.....and that includes "anyone."
-
Damn protein!
In order to meet my Protein goals each day, I have to supplement with either a protein "shake" or Protein Bar. If you are looking for a high quality, great tasting, satisfying Protein powder that is better than anything you will find in the stores, then this is the product you want to purchase. You can't go wrong, especially since they'll refund your money if you aren't pleased with the product. Also, a dietitian is always available by phone to assist you not just with their product, but with any other dietary questions you may have. I use
-
Hiatal Hernia
When I had my VSG my surgeon found that I had a HH and repaired it while doing the VSG. Never knew I had one You shouldn't have any concerns. Your surgeon will probably repair it in the process. My post-op restrictions weren't any different than originally discussed for the surgery.
-
Will I eventually be able to eat more?
You will be able to eat more as time goes by, but don't be in a rush. I still can't eat a whole hot dog with bun and condiments. We rarely eat them anyway. Usually I will eat about 1/4 of the bun and all the dog, which is still a tad too much for comfort. My most comfortable maximum intake is about 2/3 - 3/4 of a cup total. Two bites too many and I'm miserable for about a hour.
-
Boss asked what I was having surgery for.....
Very unprofessional. And.....none of her business unless you choose to make it her business.
-
Hard Boiled Eggs
After cooking the eggs, my hubby will put the boiled egg into a large (and tall) mug and shake the daylights out of the egg cracking the shell all over thus making it easy to peel. A similar process to what @@DavidOso suggested above. Works every time.
-
Sugar free ice cream?
I love ice cream, but will avoid it most of the time so as to not tempt fate (too many calories, carbs, and too easy to overeat). If I do have some, I usually will only eat a bite or two of my husband's dish of ice cream. That tends to satisfy me. Also, sometimes a squirt or two of Redi Whip (or the store equivalent) suffices for a "dessert" when at home.
-
Are Protein Bars even worth it?
Same here. For a lot of the same reasons. Better a Protein bar than to make a poor food choice when extremely hungry and real food isn't readily available. I buy Quest bars regularly via Amazon. I also use
-
Breast size after surgery
I lost more inches around than cup size. Pre-surgery wore a 44D, now wearing 42C. The D cup was more to accommodate the fat under my arms than about breast size. Never was perky; surely aren't now (especially at my age).
-
"Did you know?" re: protein and water
Excellent information and nice summary. I received all of this information prior to surgery; had a great surgeon and NUT. However, I know no everyone received all the great support that I did, so thank you for sharing it. Also, it never hurts to be reminded about these things.
-
Medifast
I'm a fan of @@
-
The Great Arse Face Experiment (Or - Does Haemorrhoid Cream really help with your turkey neck?)
Neck exercises do help with toning the muscle under your chin and in your neck. Not the total problem solver, but it helps. Like everything else, consistency is key. I do them every so often and can feel it the next day. BTW, you're looking great!!!! Awesome progress!!!
-
Scared of the gym
I concur with all of the above comments. And @@Dub made some excellent recommendations and information. All my life I have enjoyed some level of physical exercise whether at home or in a gym, regardless of my weight at that point in my life. It makes me feel good period. And, besides the obvious benefits to your weight loss program, think of all the good things physical activity is doing for your internal functions. A WIN-WIN!! This time around I chose to join Planet Fitness which has a location on my way home from work and very close to home; this makes it very convenient for me to get there 2-4 times each week, most visits are right after work. I change clothes at the office just before leaving so that I can just walk in, do my workout whatever it is that day, i.e. cardio, strength training, or circuit training. Also, whenever I feel the need to change up my routine, they do have a "trainer" who can help you with that. He/She doesn't function like a hired personal trainer, but once I have a routine mapped out, I'm good to go. I have worked with a personal trainer in years past which I did find very helpful because they do, and will, push you more than we tend to push ourselves during a workout. I would have loved to gone to a gym that offered classes and a pool because I love taking classes and doing Water aerobics, but the Y closest to my home does not have a pool and all the rooms with all the equipment are dark and uninviting; thus my choice to join Planet Fitness. Bottom line for me was it had to be convenient, affordable, and a comfortable atmosphere, mostly convenient, otherwise, I won't go and do. As you are considering different gyms, ask about visitor passes so you can use the facility a time or two before committing your financial resources. Good luck to you and ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY!!!!
-
Two weeks of success!
AWESOME!!!! Congratulations!
-
Second guessing choice for sleeve
This BP article written by Alex may be helpful to you as you strive for success following your surgery. http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/363534-setting-yourself-up-for-weight-loss-surgery-success/ This BP article written by Alex may be helpful to you as you strive for success following your surgery. http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/363534-setting-yourself-up-for-weight-loss-surgery-success/ This BP article written by Alex may be helpful to you as you strive for success following your surgery. http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/363534-setting-yourself-up-for-weight-loss-surgery-success/
-
Carbs
I was given a guideline for Protein to focus on (100g/day) and told to keep carbs low. Since I focus on getting all my protein in, there's little room for much else most of the time, and the carbs kind of take care of themselves in staying low. Most of my carbs come from skim milk, Beans, fruit (of which I eat very little).
-
Second guessing choice for sleeve
To add to my comments above, I, TOO, had comorbidities pre-surgery - diabeties, fatty liver, high blood pressure were the main reason for the surgery - all have resolved since surgery. My PCP recommended RNY, but after a year of consideration, research, prayer, talking to many people who have had either sleeve or RNY, I chose sleeve. I would still choose the sleeve. Very thankful I now have this tool to help me manage my weight. I'm still about 40 lbs. from my goal, but still working my program. Many lifestyle changes were made along the way including increased physical activity. Even though I'm not at goal yet, I'm loving my new body!! Even though the scale has been stuck within the same 7 lbs. for months now, inches continue to come off. Whichever surgery you decide on, stay committed to your program and ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY!!
-
Second guessing choice for sleeve
I concur with @@JamieLogical and @CowgirlJane. I have no regrets with going with the sleeve. It made the most sense to me and for me, and I didn't want my plumbing to have to be rerouted. I had GERD before surgery, not extreme, still have GERD after surgery, no change really. Still have very noticeable restriction.
-
Can we add a little fruit to our protein shakes?
Ask your dietitian or surgeon to be certain. Not all WLS programs are the same. I was able to eat some apple sauce (unsweetened, of course) in the pureed phase, if I wanted it, and others as tolerated as time passed. You will/may find that because you can eat so very little now that you focus on the Protein you need to consume and eventually add other foods down the road. I still have trouble getting sufficient veggies and fruits eaten because once I eat my protein, I'm full.
-
Will I like the new me?!?
I don't think having the surgery change the essential me at all; just what and how I eat, and my relationship with food. My people relationships are as good as ever and I'm more physically active than before surgery. I wouldn't worry about it. Enjoy the journey!!! Sounds like you have a lot going on so ENJOY!!
-
Protein shakes
I agree with the others - you don't have to buy their products. Find what you like as long as it fits with the carb/protein/calorie guidelines for your program. I love the powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury Protein Powder - buy online from their website. whey protein isolate, very low carb, 100 cals./serving. Great support from dietitians and if you don't like it, they will take it back - 100% guarantee. I love the vanilla, chocolate splendor, unflavored, and when I don't want something sweet, they have a chicken Soup powder, just don't heat Water over 140 deg. or the whey will clump - doesn't change the taste, just the looks and texture. This is one Protein Powder you can mix in advance and drink it at your convenience, even 24-48 hours later. Be creative with flavors and combinations: SF orange drink made with water, 1 serving of vanilla Unjury = dreamsicle shake Vanilla and chocolate mixed with skim milk with a little brewed coffee = a not too chocolatey mocha shake Vanilla shake made with skim milk and a squirt or two of your favorite flavor of SF Torani (or other brand) syrup - I love the SF Black Cherry.
-
Torani Sugar Free Syrups
I use the SF vanilla and SF hazelnut in my morning coffee with creamer and sweetener. I use the SF black cherry, a couple squirts, in an powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury vanilla Protein shake made with milk for a black cherry shake. I have the peach flavor, too, but have not tried it yet. For an orange dreamsicle Protein Shake I use SF orange drink mix, skim milk, and vanilla Unjury. Sometimes I even use a little SF pineapple mix to make it orange pineapple (happen to be drinking one now ). It's easy to get creative with the flavors using them with either the vanilla or unflavored Unjury protein shake powder. I get tired of plain vanilla, chocolate, and mocha shakes so it's nice to have several flavor options.