urwhatueat

I'm a medical professional and the body burns Protein last. I think the key words in this thread are "free" and "advice." You get what you pay for and advice is just that; an opinion. Since people are anonymous, we have no way of knowing if people are what they say they are.

Anyone "taking" advice that is not backed up by peer reviewed scholarly articles that shows current research findings COULD be taking a BIG RISK.

If our bodies burned Protein last and fat and carbs first we would all be thin. Your not a medical professional. You are just a negative person trying to start arguements with your friend. Get off this thread if you are not here for the right reasons and leave everyone else alone.

Shame on you! :smile2:

Ah, no not really. I've got several old physiology textbooks here that I dug out that say the complete opposite. I've reported this post, I really think its alarming that you're offering this unclear information as advice, not as an informed opinion. I dont pretend to be an expert (I've done 3/4 of a physio degree 20 years ago) and I have no problem in the world with what you're saying but I think it needs to be an opinion, not presented as fact, given that there's quite credible information to hand disputing it. I admit I may have misunderstood you, and what you're meaning and I apologise if this is so.

I must admit, I felt that way about the thread anyway when it was started. I think people need to go to their doctos for advice. I became alarmed when you advised a poster to try mushies ahead of her doctor's schedule. "Starvation mode" too is a highly contested phenomenon.

In academia, you cant say a single thing without backing it up with your sources. You have to be VERY careful to present information but allow people to make their own decisions. I do believe here, you need to be aware that there are all levels of education and understanding and some people will take what you say as absolute gospel.

I hope you can forgive me reporting it, it is not done to be nasty, but I feel there is a problem with this thread in its current form. I'm more than happy to see the discussion continued and will keep out of it, but I think it shouldnt be presented as medical advice or fact.

Your life must be pretty miserable if you are trolling around this forum trying to start shit with people when people are here looking for help. I will no longer be answering anymore of your questions as you have proven to be here on this forum only to argue and not learn anything.

Huh?

It is my understanding that when you're working out hard you need plenty of Protein in your system to provide the raw materials to rebuild the muscles you've damaged AFTER the exercise has occurred.

When it comes to your body producing energy for your muscles, doesnt your body use circulating sugars in your blood, when that's depleted you use the glycogen from your muscles, followed by fat.

That's why you use sports nutrition products like energy drinks and gels during a run - instant, quickly digested and converted carbohydrates, and afterwards you ingest a mix of Protein (for repair) and a high GI carb to fill up that muscle glycogen that you've depleted.

I didnt think your body "burned protein" or any type of calories specifically or in preference once over another.

I know I sound argumentative, honestly I dont mean to. I want to understand this.

You are right. Protein does help rebuild your muscles, but your energy comes from a certain order. Your body burns protein, fat and then carbs in a certain order. That is why the Atkins diets are so popular because if you limit your carbs you then must burn up the first two (protein and fat) which burning the fat is the ultimate goal.

When people eat Desserts, Pasta, potatoes or other sugar- and starch-laden foods beyond the body's energy and nutritional needs, these carbohydrates become a flood of glucose, and the liver converts the surplus glucose to fat, If you don't burn up all those carbs and fat, guess who they become "best friends" with (your ass and thighs).

Does this make sense?

QUESTION:

Jachut addressed the Protein controversy earlier and I want to revisit it for a clear answer. For a male going to the gym 5-7 days a week for a blend of strength training and intense cardio, how many grams of Protein per pound of body weight would you shoot for? Is it really that important?

Brad

Hey Brad! Nice to see a guy actually asking for advice (or directions when lost in the car) Just kidding!

Eating more protein while you are working out so much is very important as your body will burn up the protein first and then start burning up the fat before it even starts going after any carbs (bad foods).

Several studies have shown that a great male physique can be built by consuming between 0.6 and 0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily. So a 200-pound guy should shoot for 120-160 grams of protein per day to gain muscle weight.

Sounds like you are heading in the right direction.

Keep up the good work! :thumbup:

I am very confused and puzzled by the term "glycemic index". Could you please explain (define) and how this can help a bandster?

Glycemic index is a ranking of foods based on their immediate effect on blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. If your blood glucose levels become high you run the risk of getting diabetes, which is a common side effect of being obese. Diabetes can affect your body when it comes to healing itself, ect.....not fun.

It can help a bandster because even though you are banded, if you continue to eat these bad foods they can start causing problems and keep you from losing weight while you are banded. Here is a chart to help you figure out what foods are high on the list and lower:

food List Rating

Bakery Products

*Pound cake Low

Danish pastry Medium

Muffin (unsweetened) Medium

Cake , tart Medium

Cake, angel Medium

Croissant Medium

Waffles High

Doughnut High

Soya milk Low

Apple juice Low

Carrot juice Low

pineapple juice Low

Grapefruit juice Low

Orange juice Low

Digestives Medium

Shortbread Medium

Water biscuits Medium

Ryvita Medium

Wafer biscuits High

**Rice cakes High

Multi grain bread Low

Whole grain Low

Pita bread, white Medium

pizza, cheese Medium

Hamburger bun Medium

Rye-flour bread Medium

Whole meal bread Medium

White bread High

White rolls High

Baguette High

All-Bran Low

Porridge, non instant Low

Oat bran Medium

Muesli Medium

Mini Wheats (wholemeal) Medium

Shredded Wheat Medium

Golden Grahams High

Puffed wheat High

Weetabix High

Rice Krispies High

Cornflakes High

Pearl barley Low

Rye Low

Wheat kernels Low

Rice, instant Low

Rice, parboiled Low

Barley, cracked Low

Rice, brown Medium

Rice, wild Medium

Rice, white Medium

Barley, flakes Medium

Taco Shell Medium

Millet High

Yogurt low- fat (sweetened) Low

Milk, chocolate Low

Milk, whole Low

Milk, Fat-free Low

Milk ,skimmed Low

Milk, semi-skimmed Low

*Ice-cream (low- fat) Low

*Ice-cream Medium

Cherries Low

Grapefruit Low

Apricots (dried) Low

Apples Low

Pears Low

Plums Low

Peaches Low

Oranges Low

Grapes Low

Kiwi fruit Low

Bananas Low

Fruit cocktail Medium

Mangoes Medium

Apricots Medium

Apricots (tinned in syrup) Medium

Raisins Medium

Pineapple Medium

**Watermelon High

Spaghetti, Protein enriched Low

Fettuccine Low

Vermicelli Low

Spaghetti, whole wheat Low

Ravioli, meat filled Low

Spaghetti, white Low

macaroni Low

Spaghetti, durum wheat Medium

Macaroni cheese Medium

Rice Pasta, brown High

Carrots, cooked Low

Yam Low

Sweet potato Low

Potato, boiled Medium

Potato, new Medium

Potato, tinned Medium

Beetroot Medium

Potato, steamed Medium

Potato, mashed Medium

chips High

Potato, micro waved High

Potato, instant High

**Potato, baked High

Parsnips High

Peanuts Low

*M&Ms (peanut) Low

*Snickers bar Low

*Chocolate bar; 30g Low

Jams and marmalades Low

*Crisps Low

Popcorn Medium

Mars bar Medium

*Table sugar (sucrose) Medium

Corn chips High

Jelly Beans High

pretzels High

Dates High

Tomato Soup, tinned Low

Lentil Soup, tinned Low

Black bean soup, tinned Medium

Green pea soup, tinned Medium

Artichoke Low

Asparagus Low

Broccoli Low

Cauliflower Low

Celery Low

Cucumber Low

Eggplant Low

Green beans Low

Lettuce, all varieties Low

Low-fat yogurt, artificially sweetened Low

Peppers, all varieties Low

Snow peas Low

Spinach Low

Young summer squash Low

Tomatoes Low

Zucchini Low

Soya Beans, boiled Low

Peas, dried Low

Kidney beans, boiled Low

Lentils green, boiled Low

Chickpeas Low

Haricot beans, boiled Low

Black-eyed beans Low

Chickpeas, tinned Low

Baked beans, tinned Low

Kidney beans, tinned Low

Lentils green, tinned Low

Broad beans High

Hi there.. I haven't been banded yet, but trying to learn everything i can now....i am a vegetarian...i hear how important the Proteins are.... I hardly eat them now(you could call me a pastaterian) what can i do after surgery to make sure to get enough without eating meat....thanks for any advice

First tell me what you are willing to eat instead of meat....fish, tofu, ect.... then I can answer your question.

Also, what have you been eating to obtain Protein in your diet now.

I try pretty hard to eat right and exercise. I am doing well on the band, but could be doing better.

My weight is ALL OVER THE PLACE! I can gain like, 2-3 pounds overnight. I can also lose that much overnight.

Often though my weight stays the same for several weeks and drops. I am now trying to keep to around 1000 calories a day (fewer some days, more others) and I am exercising 3-4 times a week.

I am not watching carbs though, and do definitely eat some junk... however, I eat very little and should think I would lose anyway, especially with the low calorie intake. Do you know what the problem is?

I don't understand! Calories are low, exercise is good, can it really be that bad? I have eaten 600 calories today, 45 grams of Protein and will probably eat again. I did eat a cookie and some hot cocoa.

the issue I have is that this is supposed to be a life style change and a tool... why does my doctor want me eating 600-800 calories and only a bit of sugar once in awhile. She said maybe chocolate once a month. I understand that I have to make sacrifices, but it seems crazy to me the amount of calories and the kinds of foods I need to eat. I mean, if I did that pre-band, I probably would have the same results...

Why is the diet so strict when you already can hardly eat any food? (I can maybe eat 3 oz at a time.)

Everyone naturally goes up and down 2-3 pounds per day because it is Water weight coming and going. Don't worry about it.

You have put your body into starvation mode because you are not eating the minimum calories of 1200 per day that your body needs in order to function. Try to stay at least at 1200 calories a day for the next couple weeks. With the exercise you should see a difference in a couple of weeks. Let me know if you don't.

Whilst I agree in principle, I can promise you that running builds your arms and shoulders to a lovely feminine tone and will eventually give you SUPER strong and flat abdominal muscles. My upper body is in fantastic shape from running.[/quote

Both 'methods' are essential for developing the healthiest body possible. They namely target different systems: cardiovascular exercise strengthens lung, vessels and heart, while weight training uses the stamina of cardiovascular exercise to build muscles that support skeleton and organs.

While aerobics burns more calories it doesn't build muscle the same way.

Hello my name is alice. My email is leojudd@hotmail.com. You are exactly what I'm looking for! I've got some troubles finding nutritional balance. I'm 12 weeks out of surgery and I'm needing some serious assistance. It would be wonderful if you could email me. I really really really appreciate all the help I can get. I need it!

Thank you.

Email is on the way.

Thanks for the offer of free advice! I'll take you up on it.

I'm 5 days post-op so I'm in the liquid stage - Protein shakes, broths, sugar-free popsicles and pudding, and lite yogurt, along with liquids like Crystal Lite and Water are my options right now. With that said, I'm STARVING. And I'm not talking about head hunger...those gnawing pains and growls from my tummy are hunger. I'm curious to know how long after you were banded did you get to the 1200 calorie minimum? My Protein Shakes have 15g Protein, but only 70 calories each, so I may need to look for different shakes. Also, I'm already at about 60 ounces of liquids per day plus a popsicle and a little container of sf pudding. Is this too much too fast? My instructions from the doc say to sip slowly and increase as tolerated. But the hospital nutritionist told me that it would likely take several weeks to get to the point where I could handle 64 ounces of liquid and 60 grams of protein. I don't want to do any damage, but I also don't want to become dehydrated because I'm not getting enough liquids. And I don't think I'm drinking too much because I've had no reflux, no pain, etc....no indications that I'm overdoing it. I'm just worried because I seems to be taking in more than the nutritionist thought I would. I've left her (and the nurse at my surgeon's office) a voice mail, but no response yet.

Any advice would be appreciated.

PS - If it matters, I logged my intake for the past two days and I'm having about 350 cals/55g protein.

Not to piss off your doctor, but a week after my surgery I started eating mushy/soft foods because I wasn't getting enough calories. I would try and see if you can handle scrambled eggs, applesauce, ect...really soft foods. If you can then your calorie intake will increase (and you will stop starving). If not, let me know and I will find you higher calorie liquids to drink.

Good luck.

Had my first fill today, and talk about painful! I wasn't even expecting to get one since my surgery was less than 3 weeks ago, but the doc seemed to think it was ok, especially since he doesn't have any appointments open before the new year. But back to the fill...I hate needles anyway, so that was the first thing. Then he wiggled it around for about 30 seconds before taking it out and sticking the needle in again:blink:. That time he got it, but I thought I was going to cry! And then he breezed out of the office without giving me so much as a Bandaid (which I really needed). I trust my doc, and have heard lots of good about his capabilities but he's way too pressed for time whenever I see him. I think that's why it hurt so much...

I would tell him your concerns. The bottom line is that we are paying them for a service and should be treated like customers and not welfare patients. See if he has an office nurse that can do it. Sometimes women take more time than men to do things.

I didnt know anything about these fills that everybody's talking about. I'm scheduled for surgery in february. I thought that once they put the band in, they fill it at the same time.

So, they put the band in first, (empty) then you have to come back so they can fill it? That sounds painful.

They put the band on empty and have you come back in several weeks for your first fill. It isn't suppose to hurt, but some of us have had problems. You will only need maybe 4 fills your first year and then only 1-2 each year after that, if needed. It is definately worth it. I am not hungry all day anymore!

I guess I'll just be crossing my fingers they find the port on the first try to minimize pain. That incision does seem to be the only tender one so I only hope. 3 days and counting til that fill. i can't wait.

I decided to take a personal day and make it my "feel good fill day" and go shopping and buy a new piece of clothing even though i haven't really lost much yet. It's a celebration of immense proportion....just the fact that I went thru with the surgery and this is my life path now.

I feel great with only a 12 pound loss and can only anticipate feeling better and better.

this group is a great support.

Just make sure you expect pain. That way if there isn't any you will not be shocked. I always like to be prepared for something that is coming than shocked. I think only around 10% of us have pain, so you should be fine.

Did you know that police officers pour soda on blood left on the street from car accidents because the soda disintegrates it?

Good to remember next time you are craving a soda!

Also, if you would like me to reduce the calories of your favorite meal or have questions regarding certain foods, please let me know.

Question To Nutrionist - when we get to a proper restriction level and are only able to eat small portions, how are we supposed to get the proper amt of Protein? Kind of hard to do for me right now since I am only able to eat maybe 1-2 oz of Protein each meal.

1-2 ounces each meal adds up each day. I would add in Protein Drinks to make up the difference. Body builders buy protein drinks that have the highest level of protein. Check out a health food store like Sprouts, ect. That way if you are having a Protein Drink with each meal you are getting enough.

You are on the right track. Make sure you are exercising 30 minutes a day whether walking or doing Richard Simmons videos (he makes a difference in people's lives)

Merry Christmas.

I actually had my first fill last week since April. I am finally losing again. I actually think I wasn't eating enough. I'm doing at least 14-20 miles a week on the treadmill---I'm limiting my workouts to cardio because I build muscle really fast--and while I know it may rev up your metabolism, I'm the ONLY woman I know who manages to bulk up at Curves..... So now, I'm focusing on eating everything right--following the rules and making sure I eat enough. Thanks for offering though. My scale is finally moving again. :thumbup:

I wouldn't limit your workout to just cardio. While it seems like your legs are building muscle you still need to balance out the rest of your body. The chest area is another large muscle area and also doing abs. Just 10 minutes twice a week will help you out more. Your body metabolism runs higher when you have a muscle mass on you.

GOOD JOB!!:confused_smile:

I love free help!

I am 30 days post op and had my first fill on this past thursday on 12-11-08. My doctor says I am doing well. I am down over 20lbs. I am just worried about what I should be eating. when I do eat I stop when I am full and I am fine after that. I was raised on soul food so that consists of lots of carbs. I not sure what I should be eating and what my plate should look like. for example for dinner I had 2 baked chicken wings some mashed potatoes and some peas. I ate my chicken and my veggies and didnt finishe my potatoes because I was full. am i doing the right thing?

Sounds good to me. I believe it isn't always WHAT you eat, but HOW much of it you eat. You can eat a small cookie everyday to take care of a craving and be fine versus eating the whole box. If you have a concern regarding a certain food item (soul food) let me know, as I can tell you how to make a less fatting version, if needed.

20lbs - GOOD JOB!!!:confused_smile:

i am eating 3 meals and day and light healthy Snacks but cant seem to reach the calorie goal!! im eating till i'm full and having balanced meals and enough Protein. i am having about 800 calories a day or less and have stopped loosing any weight. i'm not sure how to up my calories without eating unhealthy foods???? i havent even had a fill yet either so im thinking its only gonna get worse coz i'll be able to eat even less!! im also exercising at the gym doing cardio for about 40- 50 mins a day starting 4 days ago to see if that would boost my weight loss?? can you help please???

You are not eating enough calories. You need to be at a minimum of 1200 per day. I would cut back on the aerobics to 2-3 times per week because you are causing your body to burn more calories than the 1200 you are not eating and you will make yourself sick. You have put your body into starvation mode and you will not lose any weight.

Now on bringing up your calories. I would suggest:

Healthy but High Calorie Food:

NUTS – Although most nuts contain heart-healthy monounsaturates and other helpful ingredients, they are high in calories and fat. Just watch how many handfuls you are eating especially with drinks. Count the calories!

BANANAS – Highly nutritious with plenty of useful minerals and Vitamins, bananas are a healthy snack but remember 1 medium/118g banana carries 115.6kcals.

Peanut Butter – Healthy with monounsaturated fats but just one Teaspoon/10g spread over a slice of bread carries 62.3kcals. In general watch out for spreads. Even when spread thinly they can push up the day’s calorie count by quite a lot.

FRUIT JUICES, PURE – Drinking a glass of fruit juice is a healthy option counting towards your 5 a day fruit & vegetable quota. But do watch how many glasses you are drinking. A glass at Breakfast and then a couple throughout the day could mean you are unwittingly notching up a lot of calories.

Orange juice, 1 Glass/200ml = 87.7kcals

Drink 3 glasses and you have totalled 260kcals

pineapple Juice, 1 Glass/200ml = 100kcals

Drink 3 glasses and you have totalled 300kcals

Apple Juice, 1 Glass/200ml = 94kcals

Drink 3 glasses and you have totalled 282kcal

Grapefruit Juice, 1 Glass/200ml = 76kcals

Drink 3 glasses and you have totalled 228kcals

YOGHURTS – There are endless different yoghurts on the market today – fat free, low fat, natural, lite, and healthy. Yoghurts carry a healthy image. But you do need to be careful with which choices you are making regardless of what the packaging says. A product from Sainsbury’s – Natural Yoghurt With Honey, Greek Style, oozes connotations of being good for you and healthy but one 150g pot has 243kcals.

Pasta – Pasta is not necessarily as high in calories as you might think. A 75g serving of Pasta Twirls which is a reasonable portion contains 259.5kcals and with a Tomato based sauce can make a filling and nutritious meal that does not overload the calories. The idea that pasta is packed with calories comes from portion sizes which can be too high. A 100g serving notches up 346kcals. Watch the portions and be careful with the olive oil and cream.

DRESSINGS – dressings can liven up any salad. In liquid form and just a Tablespoon used it’s easy to think dressings carry minimal calories. A 1 Tbsp serving of different dressings can carry between 50 to 80+ kcals alone:-

1 Tbsp/15g/15ml Serving:-

Caesar, Classic, Sainsbury’s

= 66.3kcals

Caesar, Gourmet, Waitrose

= 71.9kcals

Caesar, Somerfield

= 82.1kcals

Caesar, Tesco

= 71.3kcals

Caesar, Loyd Grossman

= 51.3kcals

Italian, Newman’s Own

= 81.8kcals

Texas Ranch, Frank Cooper

= 81.8kcals

French, Morrisons

= 74.9kcals

French, Somerfield

= 73.5kcals

French, Co-Op

= 70kcals

BREAKFAST CEREALS – Breakfast is an important meal and kick-starts your day. Get into the habit of eating breakfast but make it a healthy option not one which will start off your day by over-doing the calories. There are loads of breakfast Cereal options. Most make a healthy choice but guessing at portion sizes makes it easy to over-fill your bowl. If you are eating 10 or 20 grams more of your chosen cereal each day than the recommended portion size it's easy to overdo the calories.

Corn Flakes, Kellogg’s

1 Serving/30g gives you 111kcals

1 Serving/50g gives you 185kcals

Difference of 74kcals

Over a 7 day period a difference of 518kcals

A LITTLE BIT OF BUTTER OR MARGARINE – A piece of bread and butter seems harmless enough. Many will concentrate on the calorie content of the bread and believe it to be loaded with calories. But how much butter are you actually spreading?

Butter or Margarine, Average

Thin Spread/7g = 51.4kcals

A blob/10g = 73.5kcal

Thick Spread/12g = 88.2kcals

Lashings/15g = 110.2kcals

The piece of bread toasted is not the problem!

Bread, Brown, Toasted 1 Slice/24g = 65.3kcals

Bread, White, Toasted 1 Slice/24g = 63.6kcals

Also, I would check out Sprouts, ect to see if they carry a higher calorie Protein Drink that you can have each day. You don't need to eat junk food to get your calories, just the right fatty healthy food.< /span>

Hope this helps! Let me know.

I have had 3 fills so far and I am at 5cc's in a 10 cc band. None of my fills hurt until the last one I had last week. The dr. seemed to be in a bad mood from the start and in a big hurry. he couldnt find my port then he pulled back real hard on the syringe and I busted out in tears, he sucked up all this yellow stuff. I asked what that was and he said it was melted fat. I was like OK... all I know is that it hurt so bad. I have a huge bruse right under my longest scar being that was where my port is. I need to make an apt for another fill as I feel like I am getting closer to where I need to be but I am scared to go in for another one. I think i need to be about 6cc's.

So I agree with you about it hurting. I am not looking forward to doing this again!

You know what I am starting see is that some (not all) of these doctors just don't give a shit. They get their money and they perform the surgery and then you are just another person coming through the door that needs their help.

How sad that some doctors don't take pride in actually helping people, but are more motivated by money. :confused_smile:

I have a question. I have a problem with high potassium. I have tried to find a substitute for milk. I thought the lactose free would be the answer, but found out it has the same potassium as regular milk. My lap band doctor says to eat more Protein and my kidney doctor says eat less Protein. I drink 6 scoops of biatric meal with two glasses of milk a day. So far I am doing ok, but my potassium jumped to 6.1 when I first started. If I try to drink it with Water it upsets my stomach. Any suggestions?

Definately listen to your kidney doctor. I had a kidney transplant in 1995 and I know you can cause problems with too much protein. What are you seeing a kidney doctor for? (if you don't mind me asking). The most common cause of a high potassium level is an impaired kidney. The kidneys are responsible for excreting potassium. When the kidney is not functioning normally, it will not be able to excrete the potassium. Has your kidney doctor mentioned this to you?

So your goal to lower your potassium levels? First, does this biatric meal you are having two glasses of each day carry any potassium in it that could be offsetting your levels at all?

If not, do you carry a predisposition to diabetes? If you have type 1 diabetes, you are also susceptible to a high potassium level. People with diabetes often have reduced kidney capacity. This coupled with a lack of insulin will cause Fluid and potassium to seep into the blood stream and cause a high potassium level.

Your best substitute for milk is to take Tums for Calcium or rely on eating cheese, which carries less potassium. Unfortunately,even goats milk carries a high % of potassium.

I'm interested in this as well...do you recommend an Atkins like high Protein diet (less fruit/veg and of course carbs), or a more reg. balanced diet?

Atkins does work, if you can tolerate it. It can get boring after awhile. I would try the Atkins diet, but make sure you are eating some of his recommended fruits and veggies. Most people think he is totally against them, but he isn't. He likes only certain fruits and veggies that carry less carbs than others.

Let me know how it turns out for you.

I'll bite!! I'm fairly careful about following the plan. I originally had surgery on Dec. 12, 2007 and had 3 fills. I subsequently had 2 slight unfills, with today being my first fill in 6 months. I workout at least 45-50 minutes 5 days a week. I watch what I eat, and yet I'm not losing many pounds. (I'm down about 75-80 now...) Ideally, I'd like to lose another 45-55 pounds. I expected to struggle with the LAST 10 when I got close, but this doesn't make sense. I do build muscle easily, but my workouts are almost entirely cardio now to avoid building muscle. I thought this would all be a simple mathematical equation--I eat less than I expend and I should lose weight. I should mention that I went about 2 months before losing much weight initially. Please, tell me that as long as I keep at it, the weight will start to come off again? I'm working so much harder at this than most of the people I know, and I just want this to work. What can I do to jump start the weight loss again? (I went for a fill because I had little to no restriction for a while....) Suggestions, please?! I've tried changing up my workout, increasing Protein, even liquids for a few days here and there. I lose 1-2 pounds, but seem to gain it back on. I've been at the same weight--within 5 pounds or so--since August. Help, please.... :thumbup:

Congratulations on losing 75-80 so far. That is a big accomplishment in itself.

First, I need to know what kinds of cardio you are doing 5 days a week. Also, please give me 3 days of exactly what you are eating.

You are able to lose the weight. It just sounds like your body is leveling out and needs a good kick in the ass. I can tell you exactly where to kick it, when you provide the information requested above.

Good job so far ! :tongue2:

So I have some questions:

I read on here somewhere there are "issues" about soy for men. Of course that's all that was said. I looked on line and can't find anything. I don't use a lot but I actually like the taste and convenience soy milk.

What's the deal with Carbs in food - there are good carbs and bad carbs. How do I make a smart choice when looking at a label as it relates to carbs?

Thanks for the help

Good question. First the issue with soy for men. Unless they are allergic to it, they can have it. There were some rumors regarding fertility function, but that has yet to be actually verified.

Now with carbs, the best way to define the difference between good and bad is that bad carbs are full of sugar and white flour, which send blood sugar levels skyrocketing upwards. Simple sugars are considered bad carbs. Simple sugars are broken down quickly by your body and result in a surge in blood sugar. They essentially wreck havoc in your body and their consumption should be kept to a minimum. Excess consumption of simple sugars can even contribute to the development of diabetes.

Complex carbohydrates are considered good carbs. Complex carbs are broken down more slowly and do not result in a spike in blood sugar.

So in basic english, we all know that chips, Cookies, ect.. are bad carbs. And that veggies are good carbs. Most processed food are bad carbs because they have lots of excess salt in them to preserve the food.

Why don't you give me a list of foods you like or were considering to eat and couldn't tell if they were bad or good carbs and I will break it down for you.

I was wondering, my doc is always saying to eat more Protein, eat more Protein and mentions having like almonds, nuts, ect..... but when I look at the labels, some of them are high in fat.... When looking at labels, should I be more concerned with the protein in an item or the fat? or calories? Also, how many calories a day should I be eating?

Fat and protein burn in your body before carbs, so I would focus more on finding a nut that you like and limit yourself to about 10 per day, since they do naturally carry fat (but it is a healthy fat like avocados). I wouldn't focus so much on calories, fat, protein or you will just get frustrated. The best habit you can be making for your lifestyle change is quantity. Learn that you can eat whatever you want, but in small amounts. It is okay to have a small piece of cake. You just can't have the entire cake or a huge piece of cake. When you start depriving your self or trying to control your calories too much, eating will become a chore and life is to short to not enjoy yourself. So remember the following serving sizes:

Servings and Sizes Needed

Here is a review of the number of servings needed each day from each of the food groups and some ways to picture a serving size using everyday objects. Using these examples may help you see you are eating more servings from the food Guide Pyramid than you think.

Bread, Cereal, Rice, and Pasta (6 to 11 servings)

A serving is:

• • 1 slice of bread or
  

• • 1/2 cup of cooked cereal, rice, or Pasta or
  

• • 1 ounce of ready-to-eat cereal
  

Picture:

1 cup of rice, pasta - is the size of a tennis ball or ice cream scoop

1 piece of cornbread - is the size of a bar of soap

1 slice of bread - is the size of an audio cassette tape

Vegetables (3 to 5 servings)

A serving is:

• • 1/2 cup cooked or chopped raw vegetables or
  

• • 3/4 cup vegetable juice or
  

• • 1 cup of raw leafy vegetables
  

Picture:

1 -cup salad greens - is the size of a baseball

3/4 cup Tomato juice - is the size of a small styrofoam cup

1/2 cup cooked broccoli - is the size of a scoop of ice cream

1/2 cup serving - is 6 asparagus spears; 7 or 8 baby carrots or carrot sticks

or 1 ear of corn on the cob

Fruits (2 to 4 servings)

A serving is:

• • 1 apple, banana, or orange or
  

• • 3/4 cup of fruit juice or
  

• • 1/2 cup of chopped, cooked, or canned fruit
  

Picture:

1/2 cup of grapes (15 grapes) - is the size of a light bulb

1 medium size fruit - is the size of a tennis ball

meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans, eggs and Nuts (2 to 3 servings)

A serving is:

• • 2 to 3 ounces of cooked lean meat, poultry or fish
  

Eating one of these foods is the same as eating

1 ounce of meat:

• • 1/2 cup of cooked dry Beans or
  

• • 1 egg or
  

• • 2 tablespoons of Peanut Butter
  

Picture:

1 tablespoon Peanut Butter - is the size of a ping pong ball

3 ounces cooked meat, fish, poultry - is the size of a deck of cards or a cassette tape

3 ounces cooked chicken - is the size of a chicken leg and thigh or breast

Milk, Yogurt, and cheese (2 to 3 servings)

A serving is:

• • 1 cup milk or
  

• • 1 1/2 to 2 ounces of cheese or
  

• • 1 cup yogurt
  

Picture:

1 1/2 ounces cheese - is the size of a 9-volt battery or 3 dominoes

1 ounce of cheese - is the size of a pair of dice

1 cup of ice cream - is the size of a large scoop the size of a baseball

Fats, Oil, and Sweets (use sparingly)

1 -teaspoon butter, margarine - is the size of a stamp or the thickness of a pencil

2 tablespoons Salad Dressing - is the size of a ping pong ball

Your doctor needs to tell you how many calories you should be having each day since your weight and situation are unique. You definately want to be having a minimum of 1200, which is what the body requires just to function.

I was wondering when you go in for a fill and let's say you get 5cc of saline. Does that 5cc of saline stay there for the rest of your life or does it eventually absorb out into your body so when you go back in for another fill you don't have 5cc anymore?

If not, does that mean when I have 5cc put in then next time I go in for a fill and get 1cc then I will have 6cc forever?

I understand when you lose weight you need to sometimes go in for a fill, but your stomach in that area doesn't really shrink so why is it being refilled if it is not being absorbed out in some way?