DrBrianG

Update/Questions: December 20 I will be six months out; I have gone from 52 inch waits to 42; 294 post OP to 220 as of today
1. Where are you buying clothes, pants? Burlington coat factory have bigger sizes, not much I can wear at work. Goodwill has mostly been a miss. (Just got some slacks on sale at Penny's)
2. I have a timer in my pocket to remind me to drink Water during the day, and I am using Kirkland brand powdered Fiber to stay regular. Any other suggestions?
3. I am a therapist so I walk for ten minutes between sessions during the work day (Using ankle weights at home when I walk) Any other ideas during the work day?
4. Still have a low sex drive, but better than it was at this current weight; suggestions?
5. I am using an Instant Pot/ Vitamix blender and a smoker/grill so I have been thrilled with a variety of food choices.
6. I am sticking to a plate with measurements for Portion Control and am still full after 1/4 cup of Protein (salmon, chicken/beef)
7. Can't wait to hear from many of you!

Update/Questions: December 20 I will be six months out; I have gone from 52 inch waits to 42; 294 post OP to 220 as of today
1. Where are you buying clothes, pants? Burlington coat factory have bigger sizes, not much I can wear at work. Goodwill has mostly been a miss. (Just got some slacks on sale at Penny's)
2. I have a timer in my pocket to remind me to drink Water during the day, and I am using Kirkland brand powdered Fiber to stay regular. Any other suggestions?
3. I am a therapist so I walk for ten minutes between sessions during the work day (Using ankle weights at home when I walk) Any other ideas during the work day?
4. Still have a low sex drive, but better than it was at this current weight; suggestions?
5. I am using an Instant Pot/ Vitamix blender and a smoker/grill so I have been thrilled with a variety of food choices.
6. I am sticking to a plate with measurements for Portion Control and am still full after 1/4 cup of Protein (salmon, chicken/beef)
7. Can't wait to hear from many of you!

Update/Questions: December 20 I will be six months out; I have gone from 52 inch waits to 42; 294 post OP to 220 as of today
1. Where are you buying clothes, pants? Burlington coat factory have bigger sizes, not much I can wear at work. Goodwill has mostly been a miss. (Just got some slacks on sale at Penny's)
2. I have a timer in my pocket to remind me to drink Water during the day, and I am using Kirkland brand powdered Fiber to stay regular. Any other suggestions?
3. I am a therapist so I walk for ten minutes between sessions during the work day (Using ankle weights at home when I walk) Any other ideas during the work day?
4. Still have a low sex drive, but better than it was at this current weight; suggestions?
5. I am using an Instant Pot/ Vitamix blender and a smoker/grill so I have been thrilled with a variety of food choices.
6. I am sticking to a plate with measurements for Portion Control and am still full after 1/4 cup of Protein (salmon, chicken/beef)
7. Can't wait to hear from many of you!

Update/Questions: December 20 I will be six months out; I have gone from 52 inch waits to 42; 294 post OP to 220 as of today
1. Where are you buying clothes, pants? Burlington coat factory have bigger sizes, not much I can wear at work. Goodwill has mostly been a miss. (Just got some slacks on sale at Penny's)
2. I have a timer in my pocket to remind me to drink Water during the day, and I am using Kirkland brand powdered Fiber to stay regular. Any other suggestions?
3. I am a therapist so I walk for ten minutes between sessions during the work day (Using ankle weights at home when I walk) Any other ideas during the work day?
4. Still have a low sex drive, but better than it was at this current weight; suggestions?
5. I am using an Instant Pot/ Vitamix blender and a smoker/grill so I have been thrilled with a variety of food choices.
6. I am sticking to a plate with measurements for Portion Control and am still full after 1/4 cup of Protein (salmon, chicken/beef)
7. Can't wait to hear from many of you!

Update/Questions: December 20 I will be six months out; I have gone from 52 inch waits to 42; 294 post OP to 220 as of today
1. Where are you buying clothes, pants? Burlington coat factory have bigger sizes, not much I can wear at work. Goodwill has mostly been a miss. (Just got some slacks on sale at Penny's)
2. I have a timer in my pocket to remind me to drink Water during the day, and I am using Kirkland brand powdered Fiber to stay regular. Any other suggestions?
3. I am a therapist so I walk for ten minutes between sessions during the work day (Using ankle weights at home when I walk) Any other ideas during the work day?
4. Still have a low sex drive, but better than it was at this current weight; suggestions?
5. I am using an Instant Pot/ Vitamix blender and a smoker/grill so I have been thrilled with a variety of food choices.
6. I am sticking to a plate with measurements for Portion Control and am still full after 1/4 cup of Protein (salmon, chicken/beef)
7. Can't wait to hear from many of you!

Update/Questions: December 20 I will be six months out; I have gone from 52 inch waits to 42; 294 post OP to 220 as of today
1. Where are you buying clothes, pants? Burlington coat factory have bigger sizes, not much I can wear at work. Goodwill has mostly been a miss. (Just got some slacks on sale at Penny's)
2. I have a timer in my pocket to remind me to drink Water during the day, and I am using Kirkland brand powdered Fiber to stay regular. Any other suggestions?
3. I am a therapist so I walk for ten minutes between sessions during the work day (Using ankle weights at home when I walk) Any other ideas during the work day?
4. Still have a low sex drive, but better than it was at this current weight; suggestions?
5. I am using an Instant Pot/ Vitamix blender and a smoker/grill so I have been thrilled with a variety of food choices.
6. I am sticking to a plate with measurements for Portion Control and am still full after 1/4 cup of Protein (salmon, chicken/beef)
7. Can't wait to hear from many of you!

Aleve is an NSAID. We're not supposed to take those.

Hi Team,
Well, I had to go to NE for a funeral; Of course lots of stress. Drama. I ate well, Water, Protein Shakes, eggs, avoided comfort farm foods in Creighton NE. The hardest part was (besides stress) was high heat and humidity. No way to do aerobic exercise, so long walks.
Then of course, coming back home, and lots of stress at my work place. So, for me, I am beating stress with:
Elliptical machine Home small set of bar bells Lots of water Moving around between patients at work Music, action movies Fun on Social media on Facebook Of course, being a therapist, I started some short term therapy for me. Got approved for a monthly B-12 shot, which has helped with energy (One so far) Eight weeks, -64 pounds
How are all of you dealing with stress, work, family, weight loss ?
Wishing newbies and long termers well!
Brian

I'm so sorry for your loss. You handled your stress-eating challenges like a champ!

WTG! So sorry about your loss and the pain/sadness of the parting. You did well!
Great coping tools! Don't forget Four Square Breathing or 6:8 breathing and comedies--laughter therapy! Oh and great sleep hygiene (unplug 60-90 before bed, totally dark room or sleep mask, cold, great covers, earplugs if necessary...)
Congrats on your progress!

Kinda doing this solo. My family is all out of state. I have my adult children, but my son turned to the food police right after surgery, so i had to put him in his place fast. LOL.. My daughter supports me, but we dont really talk about it much. I do have my best friends that live out of town that i can talk to over the phone and i also go to the support group meetings here in town.

Exercise. Reading books. Just started a course on CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) that focusing on changing bad habits. Interestingly, the chosen chase studies are on overeating and poor food habits. I think there is a lot I can apply. The first lesson is about reframing the thought process to see the bad habits as detrimental and undesirable, and to see the good habits as desirable and giving long term benefit. Over time, with enough repetitions, the entire thought pattern about choosing healthy preferences can change. It's kind of like re-wiring the circuits. I've already seen this happen or me with sugar and exercise. Kind of exciting to see that we don't have to be stuck forever in the same old ruts.

Xanax lol

Hi Team,
Well, I had to go to NE for a funeral; Of course lots of stress. Drama. I ate well, Water, Protein Shakes, eggs, avoided comfort farm foods in Creighton NE. The hardest part was (besides stress) was high heat and humidity. No way to do aerobic exercise, so long walks.
Then of course, coming back home, and lots of stress at my work place. So, for me, I am beating stress with:
Elliptical machine Home small set of bar bells Lots of water Moving around between patients at work Music, action movies Fun on Social media on Facebook Of course, being a therapist, I started some short term therapy for me. Got approved for a monthly B-12 shot, which has helped with energy (One so far) Eight weeks, -64 pounds
How are all of you dealing with stress, work, family, weight loss ?
Wishing newbies and long termers well!
Brian

Hi Team,
Well, I had to go to NE for a funeral; Of course lots of stress. Drama. I ate well, Water, Protein Shakes, eggs, avoided comfort farm foods in Creighton NE. The hardest part was (besides stress) was high heat and humidity. No way to do aerobic exercise, so long walks.
Then of course, coming back home, and lots of stress at my work place. So, for me, I am beating stress with:
Elliptical machine Home small set of bar bells Lots of water Moving around between patients at work Music, action movies Fun on Social media on Facebook Of course, being a therapist, I started some short term therapy for me. Got approved for a monthly B-12 shot, which has helped with energy (One so far) Eight weeks, -64 pounds
How are all of you dealing with stress, work, family, weight loss ?
Wishing newbies and long termers well!
Brian

Hi Team,
Well, I had to go to NE for a funeral; Of course lots of stress. Drama. I ate well, Water, Protein Shakes, eggs, avoided comfort farm foods in Creighton NE. The hardest part was (besides stress) was high heat and humidity. No way to do aerobic exercise, so long walks.
Then of course, coming back home, and lots of stress at my work place. So, for me, I am beating stress with:
Elliptical machine Home small set of bar bells Lots of water Moving around between patients at work Music, action movies Fun on Social media on Facebook Of course, being a therapist, I started some short term therapy for me. Got approved for a monthly B-12 shot, which has helped with energy (One so far) Eight weeks, -64 pounds
How are all of you dealing with stress, work, family, weight loss ?
Wishing newbies and long termers well!
Brian

Hi Team,
Well, I had to go to NE for a funeral; Of course lots of stress. Drama. I ate well, Water, Protein Shakes, eggs, avoided comfort farm foods in Creighton NE. The hardest part was (besides stress) was high heat and humidity. No way to do aerobic exercise, so long walks.
Then of course, coming back home, and lots of stress at my work place. So, for me, I am beating stress with:
Elliptical machine Home small set of bar bells Lots of water Moving around between patients at work Music, action movies Fun on Social media on Facebook Of course, being a therapist, I started some short term therapy for me. Got approved for a monthly B-12 shot, which has helped with energy (One so far) Eight weeks, -64 pounds
How are all of you dealing with stress, work, family, weight loss ?
Wishing newbies and long termers well!
Brian

Hi Team,
Well, I had to go to NE for a funeral; Of course lots of stress. Drama. I ate well, Water, Protein Shakes, eggs, avoided comfort farm foods in Creighton NE. The hardest part was (besides stress) was high heat and humidity. No way to do aerobic exercise, so long walks.
Then of course, coming back home, and lots of stress at my work place. So, for me, I am beating stress with:
Elliptical machine Home small set of bar bells Lots of water Moving around between patients at work Music, action movies Fun on Social media on Facebook Of course, being a therapist, I started some short term therapy for me. Got approved for a monthly B-12 shot, which has helped with energy (One so far) Eight weeks, -64 pounds
How are all of you dealing with stress, work, family, weight loss ?
Wishing newbies and long termers well!
Brian

I start the purée soft foods Monday. I like to cook and normally make everything homemade. Think of what you like and how to adapt it. If you like tacos use some ground turkey, layer it with puréed Beans, a little cheese and sauce. If cooking for a family just pull a little out for yourself to adapt it. That’s what I will be doing. Maybe a little ground turkey or chopped up chicken or meat, a little ricotta filling, little cheese, maybe chopped spinach in it, a tad of sauce if you like. I make this dish with fake crab meat and it is delish. The veggies couldn’t really go in it but I lightly cook the crab in a skillet with garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, I whip up some eggs or egg beaters, then turn the skillet low, pour the eggs on, then add a tad of mozzarella and shake cheese. (I normally add broccoli, onion, mushrooms). Same as stuffed peppers etc. just make it healthy and adapt. Good luck to you.

Good Afternoon Experts:

I need to fly out for a family members funeral. Palm Springs- SFO- Omaha Nebraska. Given airline restrictions I am bringing 4 Protein Bars, and will ask for plenty of Water on the flight. Once we land, going to the market to get what I need/can eat.
Any other tips?
Thanks,

Brian Grossman

Thanks to Fluffy Chix and all who responded, great feedback.!

Ok, I will post pictures tomorrow. 06/07/19 290 Surgery 06/20/19 Today, 254 pounds, off blood pressure and diabetes meds!! Seeking consistent energy and trying to be consistent with 90 g Protein and 64oz Water. Not quite, but, this is AMAZING! For newbies, keep the faith, you made a great decision!!! Seeing my surgeon 06/25/19, back to prison 06/29/19 (As a psychologist.) At costco, or Amazon, get the Growler. 64 oz and keeps water or any liquid cold all day in hot temps. I love this group!

Hi,
A wonderful woman on this site gave me GREAT advice. I will look for the post, and ask permission to repost.
Meanwhile, just some friendly tips:
1) Embrace your new life! This is going to create health, and long term happiness.
2) Go the Bariatric Pal Store, buy any of the powdered Soups. Ask your Doctor what they prefer.
3) Switch it up. Scrambled eggs, pudding, Protein Shake, tuna, salmon, cottage cheese, soups, Protein Water. NON spicy chili.
4) Look up this stage on You Tube, Pinterest and you will get TONS of ideas.
5) What motivates you? Listen to music, podcasts, watch some favorite movies. Keep moving every 20 minutes.
I hope this helps.

Internal: I have listened to positive motivational podcasts, self-help books that I love. Trying to embrace this is a permanent lifestyle, eating, drinking, exercise change. At times I worry I'll eat the same types of food over and over. Then I look at Pinterest, cooking books and know I will still have fun cooking, eating, and being with family at meals. Just anxious about what work will be like with eating between patients. (I work at a prison.) I am 5 weeks out and have lost 54 pounds and am off medication (Blood pressure, diabetes) So, still EXCITED. My goal is to lose 120 pounds and keep it off for life!

Internal: I have listened to positive motivational podcasts, self-help books that I love. Trying to embrace this is a permanent lifestyle, eating, drinking, exercise change. At times I worry I'll eat the same types of food over and over. Then I look at Pinterest, cooking books and know I will still have fun cooking, eating, and being with family at meals. Just anxious about what work will be like with eating between patients. (I work at a prison.) I am 5 weeks out and have lost 54 pounds and am off medication (Blood pressure, diabetes) So, still EXCITED. My goal is to lose 120 pounds and keep it off for life!