AmyAlexis

I like the Atkins shakes and just tried the slim fast advanced nutrition - 20gms protein/1g sugar/ 2 net carbs/180cal - Caramel Latte is delish!

That’s fantastic Patricia! The pain will go away. It’s likely gas so try to walk around as much as you can. It will dissipate. Keep it up!

Hi everyone! Time for an update.
In less than a week, I will hit 5 months since my Nov 8th procedure. This has been the best decision I have ever made.
When I weighed myself Sunday I hit the 30lb mark and inched in to the 120s at 129. Yay! It’s slow going now maybe a pound every week to two weeks as I near my goal
in terms of eating I can def see that I can eat more so I have to be careful. I weigh in everything that I can to stay honest and keep a food diary in. MyFitnessPal. I Would like to feel more restriction like in the early days but it is what it is.
My biggest suggestion for those just starting out is what my doctor told me… Take advantage of the early days of restrictive eating with liquids, and limited amounts of food.
for those halfway through don’t buy too many new clothes because they will be too big in a few months. 😮
And for those pre-procedure. I’m excited for you!
AmyA

Hi everyone! Time for an update.
In less than a week, I will hit 5 months since my Nov 8th procedure. This has been the best decision I have ever made.
When I weighed myself Sunday I hit the 30lb mark and inched in to the 120s at 129. Yay! It’s slow going now maybe a pound every week to two weeks as I near my goal
in terms of eating I can def see that I can eat more so I have to be careful. I weigh in everything that I can to stay honest and keep a food diary in. MyFitnessPal. I Would like to feel more restriction like in the early days but it is what it is.
My biggest suggestion for those just starting out is what my doctor told me… Take advantage of the early days of restrictive eating with liquids, and limited amounts of food.
for those halfway through don’t buy too many new clothes because they will be too big in a few months. 😮
And for those pre-procedure. I’m excited for you!
AmyA

Hi everyone! Time for an update.
In less than a week, I will hit 5 months since my Nov 8th procedure. This has been the best decision I have ever made.
When I weighed myself Sunday I hit the 30lb mark and inched in to the 120s at 129. Yay! It’s slow going now maybe a pound every week to two weeks as I near my goal
in terms of eating I can def see that I can eat more so I have to be careful. I weigh in everything that I can to stay honest and keep a food diary in. MyFitnessPal. I Would like to feel more restriction like in the early days but it is what it is.
My biggest suggestion for those just starting out is what my doctor told me… Take advantage of the early days of restrictive eating with liquids, and limited amounts of food.
for those halfway through don’t buy too many new clothes because they will be too big in a few months. 😮
And for those pre-procedure. I’m excited for you!
AmyA

Glad you are feeling better! It's all worth it

Good luck! It will be over fast and then you begin! Let us know how it goes! Excited for you!

Sounds like you are on top of everything! Keep us posted on everything!

Hi everyone!
I've been on a work project and away from home for about a week so have been totally negligent on posting -
Hope, did you have your procedure? You said it was Feb 6 but I haven't seen an actual post that you did it and how you are feeling and doing?
I've been doing well- down 26.5lbs since the Nov 8 procedure, and 5.5lbs away from my goal.
Just saw my doc for our 2nd post op visit and she said I've lost 16% of my weight in the 3 months and doing great!
Also got blood work follow up done. Getting results in now and should hear from her soon on that. I can see that my cholesterol is still high- so I expect some meds in my future.
My daily foods have remained pretty consistant. Yogurt/blueberries for Breakfast (and coffee), then a Protein Shake. lunch over the last week has been salad with grilled chicken - but the diff is, that I bought the big salad and it lasted for 4 lunches rather than 1 or 2.
Have also added a nightly snack of Halo Top - but instead of the whole pint, I measure out 4oz and it's plenty and satisfying.
So, all seems to be working in terms of satisfaction and fullness - but I still weigh everything when I can to keep me honest - since I don't trust my eyes
Glad to see everyone doing so great! Shout outs toTex and Mel, and Luv who appears to be new since I've been here last.
AmyA

Anyone have dinner suggestions? I need something that can be easily fixed.
I am struggling to find a new Protein. Tired of turkey burgers and rotisserie chicken
On another note: anyone else try these? Enlightened Bean Crisps? 7gm protein/100 cal per 1oz pack.
They are my fave snack!

Hope4 - You're doing great!
Be sure to drink your Water (do as I say, not as I do because I hate to drink water and it was a challenge for me) - if you're not drinking enough water you will retain water and that could be affecting the scale.
If you're taking in 700-800 cals/day You will continue to lose weight. I use myfitnesspal.com to keep me honest. I record everything I put in my mouth to keep track of the calories. I also weigh everything because I don't trust my eyes. Those two things are a big help for me.
AmyA

Thank you Hope4mom! I'm feeling good - getting a lot of comments when people see me - and am fitting into my "skinny jeans" if ya know what I mean?
I have not done any clothing shopping but I may give it a shot tomorrow.
I've been eating regular food for over two months now - I think in the 7th week is when I started eating pretty normally. I just eat less of it, and I keep it really simple. I weigh everything. No white carbs, rice, bread, potatoes etc. I did start adding brown rice and some brown rice cakes to the mix a few weeks ago and all seems good. The only thing I haven't added back in is alcohol. I'm not much of a drinker and don't miss it, so why add the extra calories I say.

Fantastic news Hope4mom!
Yes I will post my numbers:
57yrs old (oy)
5'1" (shorty)
SW- 159
CW 132.5
GW 127

Hope4 - You're doing great!
Be sure to drink your Water (do as I say, not as I do because I hate to drink water and it was a challenge for me) - if you're not drinking enough water you will retain water and that could be affecting the scale.
If you're taking in 700-800 cals/day You will continue to lose weight. I use myfitnesspal.com to keep me honest. I record everything I put in my mouth to keep track of the calories. I also weigh everything because I don't trust my eyes. Those two things are a big help for me.
AmyA

Hope4 - You're doing great!
Be sure to drink your Water (do as I say, not as I do because I hate to drink water and it was a challenge for me) - if you're not drinking enough water you will retain water and that could be affecting the scale.
If you're taking in 700-800 cals/day You will continue to lose weight. I use myfitnesspal.com to keep me honest. I record everything I put in my mouth to keep track of the calories. I also weigh everything because I don't trust my eyes. Those two things are a big help for me.
AmyA

(note - I posted this in the wrong area, and have no idea how to delete that)
Hi everyone!
I've been on a work project and away from home for about a week so have been totally negligent on posting -
Hope, did you have your procedure? You said it was Feb 6 but I haven't seen an actual post that you did it and how you are feeling and doing?
I've been doing well- down 26.5lbs since the Nov 8 procedure, and 5.5lbs away from my goal.
Just saw my doc for our 2nd post op visit and she said I've lost 16% of my weight in the 3 months and doing great!
Also got blood work follow up done. Getting results in now and should hear from her soon on that. I can see that my cholesterol is still high- so I expect some meds in my future.
My daily foods have remained pretty consistant. Yogurt/blueberries for Breakfast (and coffee), then a Protein Shake. lunch over the last week has been salad with grilled chicken - but the diff is, that I bought the big salad and it lasted for 4 lunches rather than 1 or 2.
Have also added a nightly snack of Halo Top - but instead of the whole pint, I measure out 4oz and it's plenty and satisfying.
So, all seems to be working in terms of satisfaction and fullness - but I still weigh everything when I can to keep me honest - since I don't trust my eyes
Glad to see everyone doing so great! Shout outs toTex and Mel, and Luv who appears to be new since I've been here last.
AmyA

Hi everyone!
I've been on a work project and away from home for about a week so have been totally negligent on posting -
Hope, did you have your procedure? You said it was Feb 6 but I haven't seen an actual post that you did it and how you are feeling and doing?
I've been doing well- down 26.5lbs since the Nov 8 procedure, and 5.5lbs away from my goal.
Just saw my doc for our 2nd post op visit and she said I've lost 16% of my weight in the 3 months and doing great!
Also got blood work follow up done. Getting results in now and should hear from her soon on that. I can see that my cholesterol is still high- so I expect some meds in my future.
My daily foods have remained pretty consistant. Yogurt/blueberries for Breakfast (and coffee), then a Protein Shake. lunch over the last week has been salad with grilled chicken - but the diff is, that I bought the big salad and it lasted for 4 lunches rather than 1 or 2.
Have also added a nightly snack of Halo Top - but instead of the whole pint, I measure out 4oz and it's plenty and satisfying.
So, all seems to be working in terms of satisfaction and fullness - but I still weigh everything when I can to keep me honest - since I don't trust my eyes
Glad to see everyone doing so great! Shout outs toTex and Mel, and Luv who appears to be new since I've been here last.
AmyA

(note - I posted this in the wrong area, and have no idea how to delete that)
Hi everyone!
I've been on a work project and away from home for about a week so have been totally negligent on posting -
Hope, did you have your procedure? You said it was Feb 6 but I haven't seen an actual post that you did it and how you are feeling and doing?
I've been doing well- down 26.5lbs since the Nov 8 procedure, and 5.5lbs away from my goal.
Just saw my doc for our 2nd post op visit and she said I've lost 16% of my weight in the 3 months and doing great!
Also got blood work follow up done. Getting results in now and should hear from her soon on that. I can see that my cholesterol is still high- so I expect some meds in my future.
My daily foods have remained pretty consistant. Yogurt/blueberries for Breakfast (and coffee), then a Protein Shake. lunch over the last week has been salad with grilled chicken - but the diff is, that I bought the big salad and it lasted for 4 lunches rather than 1 or 2.
Have also added a nightly snack of Halo Top - but instead of the whole pint, I measure out 4oz and it's plenty and satisfying.
So, all seems to be working in terms of satisfaction and fullness - but I still weigh everything when I can to keep me honest - since I don't trust my eyes
Glad to see everyone doing so great! Shout outs toTex and Mel, and Luv who appears to be new since I've been here last.
AmyA

Hi bubbles. It’s going really well. Last checked down 18lbs.
I know a lot of people here call it ‘feeling restriction’ but to me that feel like a negative. No one wants to feel restricted. But what I do feel is ‘full’ when I have eaten enough.
I used to feel full only when I had eaten way too much.
This was my goal, so I’m happy so far. Plus I have yet to feel hunger - another plus.
AmyA

Hi Hope-
I'm excited for you!
Here's what I would suggest - if I had to do it over again, I would not over-buy liquids. For instance, that Hint Water sounded so good and a great option for me since I am not a great water drinker. But I didn't love it , and we still have dozens of bottles just sitting in the basement .
Take some time now to taste test the Protein Drinks. I bought a few different brands and didn't really like anything besides the Atkins.
The first two days I was on Clear Liquids. I had chicken broth/beef broth, water, SF Jello, Vitamin Water Zero (my favorite- this has replaced diet coke for me) and unsweetened ice tea.
Then when full liquids were added on day 3, I added plain greek yogurt and creamy Soups from Imagine - butternut squash and broccoli was good for me.
Again, don't buy too much because once more foods are added, you may or may not want those creamy soups.
And it's not like this procedure puts you in bed for days so you have to stock up. You will be up and about pretty quickly.
Here's a quick update on me- it's been two months, two weeks since the procedure and I"m down 24lbs.
I'm about 10lbs away from my goal. Feeling great.
I have felt some hunger a few times recently, but honestly I think it was tied more to stress than real hunger. Most of the time I am great. I am still at about 1000 cal/day give or take, and my nutritionist would like to see me at 1200 but I am on a roll, so if I don't feel like adding extra calories at the end of the day, and am not hungry, I just don't do it. I am eating more like 6-7 oz of food at a meal, rather than the 4oz in the first months. Nutritionist says that's ok and expected. I look forward to talking to the doc when I see her for my latest followup.
AmyA

Hi Hope-
I'm excited for you!
Here's what I would suggest - if I had to do it over again, I would not over-buy liquids. For instance, that Hint Water sounded so good and a great option for me since I am not a great water drinker. But I didn't love it , and we still have dozens of bottles just sitting in the basement .
Take some time now to taste test the Protein Drinks. I bought a few different brands and didn't really like anything besides the Atkins.
The first two days I was on Clear Liquids. I had chicken broth/beef broth, water, SF Jello, Vitamin Water Zero (my favorite- this has replaced diet coke for me) and unsweetened ice tea.
Then when full liquids were added on day 3, I added plain greek yogurt and creamy Soups from Imagine - butternut squash and broccoli was good for me.
Again, don't buy too much because once more foods are added, you may or may not want those creamy soups.
And it's not like this procedure puts you in bed for days so you have to stock up. You will be up and about pretty quickly.
Here's a quick update on me- it's been two months, two weeks since the procedure and I"m down 24lbs.
I'm about 10lbs away from my goal. Feeling great.
I have felt some hunger a few times recently, but honestly I think it was tied more to stress than real hunger. Most of the time I am great. I am still at about 1000 cal/day give or take, and my nutritionist would like to see me at 1200 but I am on a roll, so if I don't feel like adding extra calories at the end of the day, and am not hungry, I just don't do it. I am eating more like 6-7 oz of food at a meal, rather than the 4oz in the first months. Nutritionist says that's ok and expected. I look forward to talking to the doc when I see her for my latest followup.
AmyA

Hi Hope4Momof4..
I have been thinking about you and glad to see you post today.
It's always so hard to say anything that seems to make a difference when someone loses someone they love.
The loss of your mom could have taken you down a dark path, but it looks like you've guided yourself to a good place, and found some strong, positive energy towards your goal - one that was, a short time ago, causing you a bit of hesitation.
Sending a lot of good thoughts and wishes your way. We're with you all the way!
AmyA

Hi Hope4Momof4..
I have been thinking about you and glad to see you post today.
It's always so hard to say anything that seems to make a difference when someone loses someone they love.
The loss of your mom could have taken you down a dark path, but it looks like you've guided yourself to a good place, and found some strong, positive energy towards your goal - one that was, a short time ago, causing you a bit of hesitation.
Sending a lot of good thoughts and wishes your way. We're with you all the way!
AmyA

Hi everyone- Thought I would check in.
Not much happening on my end. My holiday went fine - did not really have any issues. We went to my mother's, and I was involved in the menu planning. So turkey and roasted veggies was dinner. Plus brought some shakes for the day.
My biggest challenge is getting my ass in gear to work out. I am getting on the treadmill but not really pushing myself. tomorrow I will be returning to my bi-weekly boxing training, so I will have someone pushing me, which is good. Altho I am dreading it. It's been months since I've been there.
The weight loss has slowed down to a crawl so now it's important to move. I'm down 21lbs and not unhappy about it, but hard to see the scale not move like it used to.
That's about it from snowy NJ.
AmyA

Hope4,
I'm so sorry for your loss, deepest condolences. xo