Newme17

@biginjapan thank you hon! How have you've been? Haven't heard from you in a while. I remember you took a trip though...

@Newme17 I'm doing good I guess. Haven't been so good with food (not that I'm eating badly, I've just added things that probably aren't helping me much) so weight loss has been stalled for the last month (but at least I'm not gaining). I was busy travelling and then getting ready to head back to school. Now that things are back into a routine, I hope to get back on track (that includes being here more regularly too!).

@biginjapan routine is good for the most part. It's nice to have a change here and there but when we're focused on our health, it's hard. I totally get ya. I lost about 5 or 6 lbs this past month. I don't mind, it's a loss, but circumstances in my life went haywire for a few weeks. Like you, I'm back to routine and so I expect things to be a bit better than the last month. Glad you're back!

I just placed the order and got purple too. I was excited that they had purple. It's my favorite color. I wish the portion8 came in purple. Omg man I would make it all match lol

Lol. I almost got black! My portion 8 is gray. But my favorite color is blue, specifically sapphire blue. So teal, light blue, etc won't work for me. The purple was prettiest in my opinion. So glad you got one too!

Yeah, I was looking at the Teal and felt like it would be light and I would not pay attention to it. So purple was like the perfect one. Especially when it lights up.

@Brit in Oz, great job hon. I'm glad to hear some normalcy to the diet at 6 weeks. I, too, cook healthy at home (always had). So I'll be able to participate with my family more later. My problem has always been snacks, I think. Not so healthy, but I do love raw veggies. We'll see what the pre-op diet entails for me in a couple of hours.

Good luck. When is your surgery?

May 15th. 😊

Thanks hon. All I know is that I won't be rolling around on the floor anytime soon!

Or you may need an extra comfy pilates mat. I brought I really thick mat for the gym when I am doing my stretches. The thin ones do not cut it anymore lol.

I'm not even sure that's going to work! I'd have to have a mattress. Lol

My weekend was hard as well but i manage through it.

Good for you too @Sweet as peaches. Can you imagine this coming weekend? LOL I don't even want to.

Totally, im sorta freaking out inside.

Thankfully it did! I even went to before 10pm last night, kind of wish I didn't, ended up awake at 4:55 (same time my hubby gets up). It'll just make me to go sleep before 10 again....not too bad I guess.

Yes, sometimes you gotta make yourself go to sleep to get things back on track. Stay away from the TV or any screens like phone, ipad, whatever else for a few minutes before bed. Maybe reading a book before sleep will help you drift off - this usually works for me.

I love reading books...kind of hard for me to put down. Unless I'm forcing myself to read a very boring book!!! LOL My best bet is to lay there with nothing. I usually sleep pretty good, so I'm sure I'll be ready then anyhow.

I know people are iffy on eggs, but they are such a good reset food. Lots of protein, lower calorie... I feel bad for folks whose sleeves don't agree with eggs because they are such a good food source.

and they taste pretty good too!

I drink water.

I refused to eat before bed time.

Yes, I agree with you @russdroppings, but for me personally there are many factors that can play in getting some amount of shape back...I don't believe I will need any kind of plastics for my arms after I reach goal. They were somewhat muscular before I had the surgery. I lifted them up in flex pose and wiggled my arms around and there wasn't much to wiggle before that. Also, even at my healthiest weight 10 years ago, I've always had bigger arms than most. They're naturally not thin. Although I lost some muscle from not working out right before surgery (due to an injury mostly) and right after surgery, I'm back at it and happy to say not much wiggling goes on anymore. Also, I haven't carried this much weight more than a decade (hope this helps a bit too) and I'm still in my 30's, albeit late 30's, but hey, I'll take it if it means less skin ! We shall see!!!!

@biginjapan and @Thejeweledsleeve, have ya'll tried it? I love it. My 7 year old does it with me. I did it with 5lb weights, but some of the exercises were kind of hard with the 5lb-er.

@ItsMeBirdie I almost thought I was the only one on the planet that gets headaches from the artificial sweeteners! It's nice to know I'm not. Headaches and taste I cannot stand. I'll have to give Stevia a try though.

Sorry to hear you have same problem but the body knows whats good for it and I think many times it lets us know in different ways you maybe pleased g'luck with the stevia I hope it works for you

Warning signs that something isn't right...headaches, heartburn, of course fevers, etc. It's good to be mindful of them. Thanks lady! I hope so too, otherwise, I'll be going sugar-free artificial-free for quite a while!

It's my understanding that we get too much protein (in the western diet). I am eating my complex carbs and still building my muscle. I just flexed to feel it. LOL My husband has also let go of all the animal protein and he's body building and noticeably getting larger. So, the whole notion about having to have so much protein to keep muscle isn't true in my opinion. I do weights three times a week and eat my plant based diet and I'm still building.

There will always be blogs/articles out there to support whatever diet someone chooses. It's our duty to pick it apart and ask questions. Most all of them will be cherry picked for obvious reasons. The book I'm reading, the bariatric doctor emphasizes on really learning to distinguish what's in a report, and too many of them are written by journalists, not real scientists (they don't have time to blog); thus we all believe them to be true. I was given a website by a fellow BP member to look at. This website is fact/science based. It's not an opinion. There are many videos that explain in depth how the body works...how it breaks down animal proteins, plant proteins, etc. There are so many topics discussed on this website that we could all learn from. nutritionfacts.org Sure, the author/doctor of the website (he has a book too-HOW NOT TO DIE) advocates a whole foods plant based diet, but he doesn't just state it, he shows the science behind it all; all the health benefits from it, just like bariatric Dr Garth Davis in his book Proteinaholic. It's fascinating stuff.

All scientific sources are cited as well.

https://nutritionfacts.org/video/plant-based-bodybuilding/

Just one last comment before we agree to disagree.

You just had wls, you are not getting enough food to build at this point. At best, you are preserving muscles, which is great. https://www.muscleforlife.com/build-muscle-lose-fat/

This was just the first link, I can site a ton more. This one is interesting though.

Back in 2011-2012 I lost 67 lbs in a year, I also gained about 15 lbs of muscles. I worked out 6 days a week, but up to 12 times. I eat low carb. I lifted weights 4-5 times, and we are talking like 225 deadlifts, 160 lbs squats etc, with a trainer. I also ran (training for a half marathon), biked and swam, (training for a triathlon).

From what I understand (I could be mistaken), these changes you have made are fairly recent, meaning, there is not enough time to see if you have gained muscles (and as mentioned above, highly doubtful). You are loosing fat, meaning your muscles are becoming more prominent, it doesn't mean that you have built.

Last, a great link in general, nothing to do with this is better than that.

http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/

He has 14 articles just discussing protein, all based on research. And he talks about all different kinds. I haven't read them all, and I can't say which he favors, but it is so interesting. He is siting a lot of research under each article. I though you might enjoy it.

Agree to disagree! 😊 In my benefit I lifted for the last two years. I haven't lost my muscle, but still retaining despite my diet. 💪🏽

If it's a year away then you definitely have time to train. I think it's wonderful your brother asked you. You can do this!

Yeah, a year is plenty. I think I need to print out a poster and well, post it, somewhere so I'm always reminded. Thank you @MSinger!

You can do it. Like Nike slogan says Just do it!!!!!!!

I have to get up at 5:00 am so I can have time to run before work. It was hard the first week, but I have adjusted now.

@biginjapan it is hard with work schedules and when/if you've got young kids, etc. finding the time can be hard. Apple has been able to get up in the am. But don't feel bad if you can't make the intentional workout as much as you'd like. Exercise only accounts for 20% of your physique anyhow, tsbawesome for your overall health but to lose the weight, diet is 80%. Don't you walk a lot to work/from etc? Or am I mixing you up with someone else?

You are right about diet being the most important!!

I think I have the most flexible schedule with no kids left at home. I can also show up to work anytime between 8-9 am or later lol. I am on salary so if I am late I just stay a little later in the afternoon to make it up.

They do. My mother is one and she will say so herself too. She's slowly changing up some things, not much, but I can see the struggles..so I have to have some amount of compassion, but also enough is enough mentality too. Hard to treat...but totally treatable if the person is open to it.

We have a society that encourages gluttony though, so that makes it even harder

Honestly, it is over eating that causes the GERD in my opinion. My GERD is a foamy, hot pressure in my stomach and throat. This only happens when I accidentally overeat something or something that I put a little too much spice in. However, I am soo happy that you have not had any heartburn. It is a huge relief.

@Apple1 I thought that was just me....only eat a couple of ounces, if that, and I feel like I'm stuffed. Guess it's part of the process. I don't mind not eating much, but it did kind of alarm me a little. Trying to stay calm during all these changes and make mental notes that this is normal and easy stuff to correct, if needed.

I think I have read some posts on here where people have said that if you have a day where you eat softer less dense foods your sleeve may seem smaller when you try to eat denser foods again. Maybe that is what is happening? I love my salads, but they are like slider food for me. I think this may be my problem because then if I try to eat some beans or a curry I get full after like 3-4 bites.

@Apple1 makes sense to me. Maybe that is the culprit...cause I do like to eat a lot of kale and I'm grateful I can eat somewhat normal with it, but like you, beans and rice and pasta, makes me way too full. So, a few bites is all I get in. Reminds me...I need to make my kale salad now.

@FluffyChix thank you hon! 😊 I hope you are well yourself.

Congrats!!! I am sooo glad to hear that you are back in the gym. I cannot wait to see your progress.

I am starting my taxes, I have claimed over $5,000 in medical expenses. Between, compression garments, protein shakes, payments on hospital stay, co-pays and therapy for my ankle which is still ongoing. I did not realize I spent much. I also wear glasses and contacts and have other medical needs. I believe it is anything that exceeds 10% of you annual income.

Thank you @Sleeve1stFitNext!! I do believe you are very correct about the percentage. I’m not sure if I’ll meet that now, since I worked for all of 2017. Oh well...still going to see what it amounts to

We are all in this together. I got to admit I almost caved in Friday night but I are my unsweetened cream of wheat and went to bed.

Wish I could have cream of wheat. I love that stuff!

It helped ease the craving I was feeling. I usually don't crave but I was going crazy.

I am glad your recovery is doing much better!!! @biginjapanis right. Everyone's recovery is different. Just remember to get in the walking. It is very important. Annoying but important.

I'm happy to say I walked around the block today, instead of to the driveways. I could have gone longer but really didn't want to stress it.

Thank you @Ivy383! I appreciate that.

I agree an empty theater makes it even better☺️.

It is so important to make time for yourselves as a couple. My dh and I have definitely gone long stretches without especially when our kids were still at home, but we make time now at least once a month.

Enjoy the rest of your kid free afternoon!

Thank you!

Way to go!!!!

I'm sorry you're hurting. I have problems with humid weather from old injuries. Sometimes I'll have days where my entire body is cracking and popping - back, fingers, toes, elbows... I sound like a bowl of rice crispies! I hope it gets better. Rest up and take care of yourself

Rice Krispies!!!! LOL That's too funny. I'm so ready to get over hurting.

@Newme17 - I so feel for you!

I haven't had anything "old" flare-up, but I have noticed that various bits of my body get creaky and cranky for short periods of time (up to a week) and then it kind of disappears. However, I have had a long history of bad backs (herniated disc), bad feet (plantar fasciitis and now it appears that I have heel spurs (no more fat padding!)), and perennially bad knees. As I result, every time I try to "step it up" to increased my activity, something always happens that sets me back worse than I was before I started, and for much longer. Now, luckily the weight is not so much the issue, but I do know that after turning 35, and especially after turning 40, things begin to go rapidly down hill! (at least they did for me). So I'm taking the activity part of my weight loss slowly - lots of walking, hills and stairs are okay, but nothing even remotely high impact or overly strenuous (although I'm now at the point where I do think it would be safe to go a bit harder). I also have to find some lighter weights to use, because the ones I currently have at home (which in the past seemed too light for me) are now too heavy and may cause injury if I continue to use them for weight training (I've been using the video on YouTube you suggested a while back). So...that's a long story but basically I think you are doing the right thing by taking a step back for a little while. We have to learn to listen to cues from our bodies, and remember that changes take time.

@Sweet as peaches congratulations as well!! I will be sending you a good luck too!!!

Thanks Jewel. You are the best.

glad you stood up for yourself - and won!!

boss should have checked with you first about her

plans for her vaca - she has her nerve

@Thejeweledsleeve, I am not consistent as much as I should be. I try to stretch but it ends up hurting worse. I applied some Deep Blue essential oil blend and cream for a couple of days and it felt pretty good. I’m going to have to continue that and rest my foot as much as possible. Besides cardio, I should have my butt back in the gym doing weights at least. Gotta get back to routine...that’s the hardest part of all this.

@Newme17 I know how you feel. I use a rolling massage ball for my foot and ankle in the morning and before bed. I then stretch it while laying in bed. It seems to help loosen it up from a night of being inactive. You will get back into the routine. We all fall off at some point. The point is, to get back on track eventually.

@ThejeweledsleeveAbsolutely. I need Christmas parties, trips, broken bones, surgeries, sicknesses, spending, and everything else off the table right now!!!! I think I’ll get down and stretch now too. Take some deep breaths. Lol. Thanks hon.

Wow terrific. Omg!

Hey shopping money once you reach goal!!! lol

Oh yes, but I also found out I have to fork out $814 to get a piece of my gum removed that's being pinched by a filling that was put in a few months back....so, there it goes. LOL

Sweet! Congratulations!

Thank you all. For good measure I decided to try on some shirts that I've kept and they fit now. I've made a note to wear them before I can't.

I've had this "problem" as well - one week (or so it seems) the small pants are too small, and then when I try them on again they're too big! Unfortunately now I do not have a single pair of pants that fit me - the smaller 16s are just that little bit too tight (like, if I bend over, either they, or I, will split) to wear at all. So now I'm stuck with one skirt (luckily it's a jean skirt, so it's pretty sturdy) for the next week until I get to Hong Kong where maybe I can find something that fits me!

Thanks MSinger....I used to do weights all the time, and had that muscle. I've noticed I've lost muscle these past few months (out from an injury) and so the journey begins again.

You got this. I work out and my body is not toning the way I thought it would. I am giggly baby lol. It is okay. I think once the fat is gone, that is when our toning truly begins. It is just right now our body's are still getting use to the lack of food and are trying to stay in survival mode.

Thank you hon.

Yes, I should be shaking my booty with you guys, also. I losing my booty might have lost my booty forever. Do you love the fast music or a combo?

I like the combo but I like the slower more intense kind than the jumping around all over kind more. Probably because my body doesn't move the way it used to. I was doing a workout earlier and they had fast hamstring curls in it. Those are pretty easy but I couldn't get my legs up fast enough with the video. Lol. I feel like I need to stretch though.

That's so funny. I'm 48 I couldn't I be afraid I would break my hip.