Madmax68

204!

@@Helena101 The absolute and only way to lose weight is to have a negative caloric intake. While we are losing weight our bodies need to expend more energy than we are taking in. At maintenance we need to balance to two but if anyone hopes to lose weight there needs to be a deficit.

Yes! I have two herniated discs in my back and a hip in need of replacement. I started swimming before surgery and then started again three weeks after. I have been so pleased with the results and swimming burns a crazy amount of calories. To change things up, I pick up a Water aerobics class now and again. It is all great and non weight-bearing, so has not hurt my back or hip. I have to say, since surgery, my back problems are pretty much non-existent. My hip problem will never go away but is more tolerable with the weight loss. My shoulders are starting to look pretty good too - lol.

The Nurse Practitioner from my bariatric program recommended I up my calories to 1200 per day when she found out I was swimming 3-5 days per week. I burn close to 1,000 calories an hour swimming according to MyFitnessPal and was eating closer to 800 calories. When I bumped up my calorie intake, my weight loss seemed to pick up a bit. When averaged out, I've lost 2.5 lbs per week since surgery and the stalls have been minimal.

CW - 207 GW - 190

I was very concerned about missing food too. My family celebrates every event and visit with a big meal. I'm six months out and have days where I wish I could drink Water with my meal or have "one more taste". But that's what got me to 313 lbs. I am happier with my body than I have been in a long time and I can do so much more physically with 105 lbs gone. I have much better habits and am hoping this time I will finally be able to keep the weight off.

I really found the Labour Day Challenge helpful so would like to be part of this one too. Thanks Steph!

My weight dropped rapidly during the pre-op diet but has been a pretty steady 2.5 lbs per week since surgery. I've had stalls, but when the stall is over I get a sudden big drop to compensate. I'm at 6 months, average 1200 calories/day and swim 3-5 hours per week.

208.4 - beat my 215 lb goal by a nice margin. I won't be so conservative next time Thanks again for doing this - it's been great!

@@sbagby1960 I think the best thing to do is sit down and reread your Bariatric Program's suggestions. At three days I was still on clear liquids, and I was told to stay away from straws forever. We may be telling you things that are contrary to what your doctor thinks is best for you, so it's really worthwhile to go over the written information they sent home from the hospital with you.

@@sbagby1960 At three days I was still on Clear liquids - I'd stay away from the PB2 until week 2 at least.

I opted for the sleeve and at the time I was told I would not likely lose as much weight and was asked to reconsider. I then received a phone call a week before surgery from the doc again urging me to consider the RNY because she saw a small hiatus hernia. She was worried I might have GERD post surgery. I stuck to my guns, they fixed the hernia at the time of sleeve surgery and everything has worked out great.

Have you tried Isopure juice drinks? I used to mix them with a bit of Water and sip on them throughout the day until I could tolerate the shakes.

@@readyforthislifechange Don't worry - when you start to eat solids you will feel the restriction. I thought at the beginning that they made a mistake and left most of my stomach in. Then three weeks later I ate some scrambled eggs and rejoiced! lol I could sure feel the restriction. I love it!

Hi Viiki! I was back to coffee at two months. I was told at that time I could have two cups a day. They prefer you get your liquid intake through Water because caffeine can dehydrate you.

I used Weight Watchers several times pre-op and found that for me it was easy to overdo the carbs. This is likely the reason the last time I tried Weight Watchers I didn't lose weight. I've found MyFitnessPal much better for tracking what I eat both pre and post-op.

213 again this week. Thanks again for doing this - it's been great!

I'm still not at goal, but have lost 100 pounds from my heaviest. Feeling so much healthier.

I was on a two week liquid diet pre-surgery and found the first three or four days were the worst. After that the headaches went away and I wasn't so hangry (hungry-angry). I managed to lose almost 20 lbs in those two weeks, and shrunk my liver for a safer surgery. You can do this, it really does get easier and it is so worthwhile.

I hear you. I had put together a collection of clothes that I really loved. I gave them all away to family (that way I still get to visit them - lol). I do a lot of shopping at Old Navy because it's cheap and cheerful. I recently joined a local clothes auction group on facebook. You should look to see if there is one in your area.

213 - thanks!