thisgirlhunts

I'm currently in the midst of a stall as well, and while it's frustrating, I understand that it's all part of the process. I'm following my NUT's instructions, tracking my food, and exercising. As for my exercise, I've been biking (both at the gym and outdoors), using the elliptical, walking, and I started C25K this week. I need variety! For me, exercise also needs to incorporate strength training which I do 3x per week. (Upper body, lower body, and core are the three rotations that I work through.) There are a lot of smartphone apps like Mapmywalk, Couch 2 5K, and Jefit (strength training) that can give you ideas and track your progress. Stay positive and stay active! (And put your scale away--I hid mine in the back of my closet for now!) Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Here's some info... Walmart: B12 sublingual (500 mcg) - $4.44 for 200-count Flintstones Complete chewable - $13.44 for 150-count Wellesse Calcium (liquid) - $6.97 (16 day supply) You may also want to check Puritan's Pride. They run very good promotions for Vitamins. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

After a 70 lb loss from my highest weight, I'm about to do a major closet purge for a consignment sale. I'll probably use my profits to buy items I need for heading back to work in the fall. I plan to be thrifty (Goodwills and the like) until I get to goal. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I would purée chicken breast and gravy until it was applesauce consistency. (Cook the chicken in a slow cooker so that it's super tender and add additional chicken broth as needed to get the right consistency.) I also did puréed tuna or salmon (canned in Water or from pouches) with hummus, mayo, or avocado. You could also do the same with egg salad. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@ I bought Jefit Pro ($4.99 on the App Store but there is a free version, too.) I used it tonight at the gym and so far I like it. I need to play around with it some more to learn all the features, but you might want to check it out. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm eating scrambled eggs, cheese, deli turkey, Beans, baked fish, tuna, and chili. There's more on my list to try as I work towards solid foods. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Does your doc recommend any Vitamins? My plan listed Centrum chewables, Flintstones Complete, the Bariatric Advantage Multis. I tried the Opurity chewables and couldn't handle them so I went to the Flintstones. I feel like I'm 8 again, but I can easily get my two in per day. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I thought your post was great and I'm sorry this happened. Your courage is inspiring! Please stay and keep sharing your uplifting story of body positivity! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Glad to hear your surgery went well! Welcome to the loser's bench--it's a lot of fun over here! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have the same insurance. I found the 6 months of NUT visits to be helpful in preparing for the lifestyle changes that this surgery requires. There is a weight loss requirement for the insurance--I think it was 5% of your body weight. My NUT helped me set goals for losing weight pre-op, held me accountable, and taught me the progression of the diet stages after surgery. My practice also has exercise physiologist that I met with prior to surgery to design a plan to get me moving. I would advise you not to rush the process. I feel the more educated you are about your body, the surgery, and the "after", the more prepared you will be for long-term success. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

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I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family at this time. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm only about a week ahead of you. (Surgery was June 13th.) I, too, have always been a fast eater so I need to consciously tell myself to slow down. One thing that helps me is something the other posters suggested--using a small spoon and a 2 oz. cup as a plate for now. I found some disposable "tasting" spoons at a local restaurant supply store. Measuring my portion with a scale and using the small spoon really makes me take a small bite. And then I wait between bites so I can stretch out my meal time to 20-30 minutes. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I did attend a seminar prior to meeting with the surgeon. At the seminar, one of the doctors explained the different procedures and a couple of folks who had the surgery spoke about their journey. There was an opportunity to ask questions. They sent us home with a packet of materials to review and followed-up with a call a few days later. For me, to have this surgery was a huge decision. I entered the program not sure that I would go through with it. After lots of research, reading, and discussion, I decided this was a safe option to help me get on track to a healthier lifestyle. But WLS is just a tool--the choices and changes are up to me. I will be successful because I choose to follow my doctor's advice, make healthy food choices, exercise, and get the support I need. As much as there is a physical component to the changes you experience, there is also a mental/emotional component that you must recognize and address. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Dear vets, While I can't make up your mind for you, I ask you to please not leave the forum where your sound advice and experience is appreciated by many of us "newbies." We may not be the ones who are spouting off in ridiculous threads, but we are reading, searching, and listening to your advice. I don't post much, but I read a lot and I've learned so much. I've also learned to filter out the voices who don't make sense. Unfortunately, when someone doesn't want to listen to advice, it's easy to play the victim, accuse others of being "bullies", and generally, act the fool. Rest assured, many of us out here appreciate the honest approach. I didn't have this surgery to fall back into old habits. It takes a mindset shift that frankly, some people are unwillingly to make. So, vets, thank you. If you choose to leave, best of luck to you as you continue this journey. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

That's great! Have you found any support groups that you like in your area? Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App My hospital offers a monthly support group that I will try later this month. Each month focuses on a different topic led by the NUT, exercise physiologist, or another member of the Bariatric team. I'm not sure how well-attended the meetings are. There is also a fairly local OA group, but I think it meets when I work. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm near the 'Burgh and had my surgery on June 13th. I'm happy to say that while I had some fears about the surgery, the recovery process has gone a lot smoother than I expected. I go for my one month follow-up appointment next week and I'm looking forward to seeing what the scale says. I know that I'm fitting into my clothes better and that's motivating! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I just saw the banana and caramel flavors at Walmart this morning. Thanks @@Kyn13 for the tip about the coupons! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Leaving in a few minutes for the hospital--today is surgery day. Prayers and positive thoughts to all others who are having surgery today as well. I'm on my way to a healthier life! HW: 329 CW: 284 GW: 155 Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I, too, experienced an easy recovery. One night in the hospital where I did I have some pain meds. Once I was home, I took 3 doses of liquid Tylenol over the course of 3 days (and avoided the pain meds from the doctor.) By day 3 after surgery, I was walking at least a mile and active at home. I went shopping, to church, and visiting family. I had some discomfort but nothing that I couldn't handle or that would make it obvious to others that I just had surgery. I'm very thankful for the smooth recovery process. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Good luck! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

What procedure did you get? I can't believe you walked from the gurney into the room, that's awesome!!! I didn't even remember a whole lot from the first day I was so groggy. You sound like you're doing wonderful Sent from my SM-G920T using the BariatricPal App I had the sleeve. I have 5 small (surprisingly small) incisions across my tummy and one larger one (which is the most sore when I move but not unbearable. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thanks everyone for the good wishes and prayers. I'm feeling pretty good, all things considered. I know that one of the things I have found valuable on this site pre-surgery was reading about people's surgery experiences, so here's mine. Reported to the hospital at 5:15 am and was promptly taken back to get ready in the short stay unit. Pre-op procedures included lots of questions, a pregnancy urine test, a shot of blood thinner (to prevent blood clots), and meeting with respiratory, anesthesia, and surgeon. Great explanations about what to expect from all the staff at helped put me at ease. Up to the OR at 7:15 am and woke up in recovery with an oxygen mask. Very sleepy and felt like there was a weight on my chest and shoulders. Ice packs were on my tummy. Some pain meds in recovery and then off to my room. (I didn't have my glasses so I couldn't take in a lot of what was happening in the recovery area.) Walked from the gurney in the hallway into my room to sit in a reclining chair. Nurse got IV meds ordered by doc set up--a Fluid drip, Tylenol, Advil, and Pepcid. Later, after feeling nauseous, I got a med for that. I've been sipping Water and tried some Protein liquid sent up by dietary. My goal is 2 ounces every hour, but I'm not meeting it yet. I'm working on it. I have been walking the hall. Pain is more soreness than anything else. Belching has helped--gas pains seem minimal (thank goodness!) Slept on and off through early afternoon and have been awake since then. Working on the breathing exercises hourly. That's improving. Looking forward to hopefully being discharged tomorrow in the am. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My surgery is the 13th, too--5:15 am report time. Considering the drive, it will be an early morning wake-up! Best of luck to you! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Good luck! How far do you have to drive? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App The drive isn't terribly long...45 minutes or so, but for me "on time" means early...lol! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My surgery is the 13th, too--5:15 am report time. Considering the drive, it will be an early morning wake-up! Best of luck to you! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App