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It's 5 am, Sunday...on my 2nd cup of coffee...will be at the gym when they open at 6..... Protein Shot...what I really mean is 30ml...which is roughly the size of a Shot Glass....which I use...so I got used to saying "protein Shot"

I'm trying to figure out what to eat/drink and when in regards to a work out. I started c25k this week and will be starting back to the YMCA next week. I know I need to be hydrated before a work out but what about protein and carbs? Protein before or after a workout? I never worried about it before because I had PLENTY of everything to last but now my intake is so small I want to do it a the best times. And thoughts or suggestions?

I took the pre-approval diet pretty seriously for 6 months but I also treated myself to a Margarita once in a while, went to Red Lobster and had a margarita, appetizer and lobster lobster lobster! I went to House of Kobe and had fried rice but I made sure when I did my "last meals" they weren't every day. I followed the 80 grams of Protein, 45-50 grams of carbs and stayed about 800 calories a day and still made sure at least once a month or so I did something special like Red Lobster. I did my six months pre-approval through Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, St. Patrick's Day, (I still had a Reuben) , Easter & Mother's Day. What made "last meal" days so special for me though was, that when I would stall, the day I had my last meals, where we would go out to eat, or I would have a Reuben with two pieces of bread and something special, the next day I actually would have my stall break because I did get extra calories in. Of course, I always felt a little guilty when we had our "fore-special" outtings but in reality, it made them better and I realized I made better choices. No reason not to have a special day where you eat a hamburger, but maybe get rid of the top bread and do open face, or take one day a week that you get a little extra something special.

I use my 20oz. Blender Bottle every single day. Great for mixing, add ice and then just take it along....no extra stuff to wash and I never had a problem with the powders not mixing well. I especially like it because I add insoluble Fiber to my Protein smoothies and this settles out. I just give it a shake as I'm drinking it to resuspend the fiber. My mom got me a Body Fortress shaker bottle and it sucks. The powders just glom up in the grid at the top and it's a PIA to clean. I also have a Hamilton Beach Dual smoothie blender that I only use when I'm adding fruit or berries to my smoothie. After blending I then pour it in my Blender Bottle and drink it from that.

Keep up with the water and protein. And ask your doc about adding B12. That helped me with weakness/dizziness I had around 2-3 weeks.

I didn't have a "stuck" episode for a quite a while after surgery, probably not until I had 2 or 3 small fills. I suppose it's possible to never have one, but as you get more fills and the novelty of being newly banded wears off a bit (sometimes I forget I have a band because I'm so used to it now), you may forget or not pay attention or be in a rush and you too will probably have that stuck feeling eventually, and if not, more power to you, you'll be one of the lucky ones. When it's happened to me it's been my own fault, each and every time from me eating too fast or not chewing enough or just being distracted while eating has caused episodes. But these episodes are very rare for me at this point (I was 1 yr post-op this past December), as I have learned what I should and shouldn't do at certain times of the day (from morning til dinner, lately, I'm pretty tight and eat very little and mostly mushier things or Protein shakes). Around dinner time is usually when I am able to eat a small meal (probably the size of a lean cuisine) and I'm satified, but I still have to be very careful. I'm not perfect all the time, which is why I am a slow loser, I do indulge on occasion but it works for me and my lifestyle. It's really all been trial and error so far in discovering foods I should try to avoid and things that usually give me no trouble. The only thing I can't do is eat fried or crispy (from being baked in the oven) chicken skin, which I shouldn't be having anyway lol, but this is a big NO for me, the few times I've tried it I've gotten stuck, even just one bite has gotten stuck no matter how much I chewed it. I also can't sit and eat a big burger with the bun or eat a big sub sandwich with the bun (shouldn't be doing that either, but I can't even if I wanted to). Also, if I have steak and it's too chewy, fatty, well done, or rubbery I have to spit it out because I know it'll get stuck. But for the most part I can have every type of food as long as it's cooked right, Pasta, rice, breads, all meats, although sometimes veggies give me trouble unless they are really over cooked, salads are sometimes hard, I have to eat them extra slowly. If my food is dry, that means trouble, so I try to moisten it a little with fat free dressings or fat free sour cream fat free sauces or gravys, I eat alot of avacoado too in place of mayo to add some moisture. So I basically can eat anything, just in very small amounts now, I have to be very careful though at all times when I'm eating. This wasn't so until my last fill (about a month ago). I'm now at 7ccs in an 11cc band and this is definitely as tight as I feel I should be without starving to death lol. I felt a little restriction since the beinging, and then little by little I felt a little more with each small fill, but comparing that to how I feel right now, I'd say that was nothing compared to this! So it took me over a year to get where I needed to be with restriction, my "green zone", but that's mainly because my doctors believe in filling slowly and also because I'm self pay since my insurance changed. I have to pay out of pocket for each fill so I didn't fill up as often as I would have liked to. Like I mentioned before, the amount of food I eat for dinner is about the size of a small lean cuisine, sometimes I can eat more, sometimes less, it depends on the day or the types of food I'm eating. I do not measure my food, to me that whole 1 cup, half cup of food thing is for the birds.. I eat what I'm eating and I count my protein and calories, that's it. I am not telling anyone to not measure their food, always follow your doctors orders, I'm just stating that this is what works for me, my doctor feels this is fine for me to do it as long as I'm still losing. To answer your question as to why some don't feel restriction until after several fills, keep in mind that every BODY is different, what works for you might not work for someone else, it's not an exact science. Some people have bigger bands that need more Fluid to constrict, some people have larger stomachs and need more saline injected in their bands for the proper amount of restriction. Some doctors do small fills, some do bigger. Sometimes just the band alone is enough for some patients and some need to be super tight. We are all different, but in time we can find our perfect balance. Good luck to you, I've babbled enough.. I hope some of what I've said helps!

THIS!!!! DO NOT SKIMP ON YOUR RUNNING SHOES. Yes, the are super expensive when you go to a real running store, but it will be SO worth it when you don't have chronic back, hip, knee, and foot problems. Also, buy inserts and take out the factory installed inserts. The ones from the factory do absolutely nothing, you need reinforced arch support. My physical therapist recommended SuperFeet brand, but ask the person at the running store about your options.

I just recently upped my calories so my protein has averaged 184g/day for the last 7 days, and carbs have averaged 64g/day...but net carbs would be more like 40g/day. And I run alot and work out everyday, same as Fiddleman. I'm finding I don't really need the carbs as much as common dogma suggested I did. The body can be trained to burn fat for fuel more efficiently, thus reducing the need for glycogen as fuel (carbs). Of course, that depends on the type of exercise you're doing. Endurance training is ideally suited for this approach. If I wanted to be an NBA basketball player, where I had to sprint up and down the court all night, I probably would fall flat out very quickly.

Are you just steaming it? Any healthy ways to spice it up? I am getting way ahead of myself and don't actually plan to up my carbs or my Protein until I am close to goal. Right now my main concern is maintaining what muscle I have left and eating right. I did recently up my carbs to 50gs daily, but the increase was in my post workout meal. I am getting 80-100g of protein, sometimes more, daily but its hard to increase it while trying to keep my calories below 850. I am happy where my macros are right now but like I said above... can't wait to get to goal so I can start playing with my diet and increase my carbs a little. Kinda miss eating brown rice and certain fruits.

I own a fitness centre based on the Curves concept. Everything that Wheetsin said is bang on right. Take your measurements.....I'm sure you'll notice a difference there.....you don't always have to measure a favourable change in your body by the scale. A pound is a pound....so a pound of muscle weighs the same as a pound of fat....however, volume is where the two are different. A pound of fat takes up more space on your body than a pound of muscle. Also, when you engage in an active consistant exercise routine your body will automatically start to retain Water to protect it from dehydrating...hence, one more reason the scale may not be showing a significant drop. Healthy muscle mass is instrumental in weight loss. Like Wheetsin said...it boosts the metabolism therefore increasing your fat burning ability. Continue to eat properly, lots of Protein, because the body is only capable of losing 2 pounds of body fat per week, if you are losing more than that it is coming from lean tissue and muscle mass.....and we already know why we need to protect and enhance our muscle mass. Keep up the exercise...in the long run you will thank yourself for it...you will begin to notice much more than just a change in your body size....you will breathe better, sleep better, have increased appetite control, and have an increase in stamina and endurance (hope I don't offend you but even sex gets better!) Also, it will not eliminate the problem of sagging skin, but if the muscles under the sagging skin are toned and strong it does help a bit. It depends a lot on your age too, but the skin has a chance of looking better if there is strong toned muscle underneath. Hope this info makes you feel a bit better regarding your concerns. Carol

You are plateauing b/c you aren't eating enough. If you as active as I am then you need to up your protein and carbs. Your body is stuck at a cycle where you maintain b/c it's used to your caloric intake. If you "UP" your calories and still have the same workout routine.. your body will then "let go" of starvation mode and allow you to lose again. Try it for a week. Up your calories by 200 a day. Eat more carbs... eat a potato right after a workout and up your protein to about 170g per day, 99 - 120 carbs per day and watch the weight come off.

I make smoothies in the blender ice,milk protein poweder and any SF flavor syrup taste very good

You can buy expensive supplements or you can carb up with a piece of wheat toast with peanut butter on it. I have tried different things for my pre-workout from C-4 to protein. I talked with my trainer and NUT about this and if you drink plenty of water ( stay hydrated) and increase your carbs before your workout, this gives you the added energy to get through the workouts. In the weight loss phase it is hard because you are trying to limit your carbs but that is a bad idea. If you do not get enough carbs in, you will run out of energy and also you will burn lean muscle instead of fat. Experiment and see what give you that extra energy. You do not have to break the bank on expensive supplements.

From what I've read (and experienced), it's true that you can't build any real muscle without carbs and you can't rely on just Protein. However, the carbs that are best are the really slow digesting carbs such a veggies (love my broccoli), oatmeal, etc. And like "mark!" said, everyone is different and I would advise easing into the carb issue and finding what's best for you. Keep in mind that you need to be patient, if you try to jack your cals/carbs way up, you will tend to build muscle, but you will also add a lot of fat.....I've been there and learned the hard way. There are so many variables such as one's age, metabolism, timing of the ingested carbs etc. Personally, my protein and carbs vary. On days that I lift (Mon-Fri typically), I'll eat more complex carbs and lean Proteins, usually is around 80+ grams of complex carbs along with 120+ grams of protein. But by the time Sunday comes around and I haven't lifted since Friday, I'll cut back on the carbs and add in more fats such as almonds, peanuts and Sunday is usually my fish night and I get those good fats in along with around 100 grams of protein. Again, just keep in mind that we are all different (especially when it comes to carb sensitivity), do your research, lift and have fun! "mark!"........curl jockeys......those guys taking up a squat rack doing barbell curls? I hear ya!

Just walking is probably your best option for now. The Exercise Physiologist at my surgeon's office said that we should avoid lifting anything heavier than 10lbs for the first month. He said the emphasis should be on "activity" during the healing process and save the "exercise" for later. Since I was already working out before the surgery, he gave me clearance to do "light" workouts at the gym, starting 2 weeks after the banding. This meant no straining and keeping in mind that it was activity and not exercise. Basically, I used really light weight on the machines and did a billion reps. It was good to have the activity, but I never came close to hurting myself. Early on, you should really focus on recovery and start really exercising after a month has past. Bryan Banded 8-26-08

Exercises can't fix sagging skin. I'm afraid surgery is your only real option.

My elliptical- my wonderful, wonderful elliptical, is broken. One of the pedal wheels is broken. I ordered the part ($100!!!!!) and got it and went to change it and it looks like I'm going to have to take half the elliptical apart to fix it. My dh, though wonderful, is not at all handy nor helpful. I have been on SUCH a good kick! I'm up to 40 minutes- 10 min at level 1 and 30 minutes at level 2. SOOOOO- Of course I have other things to do- my Wii is broken and we're not replacing it until after the new one comes out around the holidays so I can't do my Wii Zumba. i do go to the Y for zumba 2-3 days a week, so that's covered. I have been walking in my neighborhood. I have TONS of The Firm videos, karen voight videos, etc- so there are lots of other options available to me. So, just reassure me that even without my elliptical for who knows how long I will still lose weight! I've been doing so well- I guess I should get one of those fitbits to see how many calories I burn with the other exercise. Just need my peeps to encourage me!!! LOL Reassure me that all those other things I can do are as effective (or is it affective? no, I think effective- this is the one that always eludes me). Thanks for listening. No one but DH and my mom know I"m banded irl, so I NEED all of you

I'm going back and forth between these two wristband tracking options. does anyone have one of them? If so what do you think? are there any Pros or Cons to either?

Does anyone know if the clear protein drinks are allowed during the clear liquid stage? Also if you are worried about not liking a protein powder, and you have amazon prime. you can purchase individual servings for $2, and you get an equal credit to spend on a full size (any brand so you use multiple credits at once).

You need a PPI such as prilosec or the genric omeprazole. Your body hasn't caught up to your new tummy yet and is producing the same amount of acid in a much smaller space. Additionally that new tummy is working hard to break down all the high protein you are feeding it. You can buy OTC or ask your doctor for a prescription.

You shouldnt of had the soup. Follow your doctors plan. For the first 3 days you are to be on clear liquid only. Cream of chicken soup is to heavy and you should only be sipping liquids all day long. Then when you go on full liquids which consists of protein shakes, you only drink like 2 oz at a time every hour. While sipping water or sugar drinks in between. You body hasnt heal from the operation, Remember the band is sewed to your stomach so you have stiches inside that have to heal. The pain should go away. Very importat to do what your doc says.

You guys get odd reasons for no op! All my levels for everything were low its crazy its part of why I was allowed the op my ibs was crazy on my body. You should drink a can/pint of guinness a day I mean its kinda gross it taste like what it is iron rich its like licking batteries but it will shoot your iron up a lot better than pills. Even pregnant woman drink it to boost iron levels. Oddly latest blood work showed I had high levels of iron like too much now and I stopped taking all my original vitamins and only take a multi vitamin every day everything else bar protein levels are normal.

The only thing I know is that I should eat or drink protein after my workout to help with muscle repair/growth after my workout and I learned that from my trainer. Maybe look for a source that has knowledge about nutrition and weight training? Good luck!

I need some guidance. I am pretty much at goal as far as my weight, but I like working toward something, and I'd like to work toward shredding some muscle. The dietician at my surgeons office is a lovely person but can sound like a broken record as far as portion, protein first, etc. I know that stuff now. My questions are specifically about when to eat to maximize my workouts, and what to eat when, etc. Has anyone found someone who can advise on this stuff while keeping our special needs in mind?

Congratulations Annie! You're doing great! You just have to decide in your mind that this is how your day starts or it ends- whatever fits your schedule and you just make yourself do it. No options. Your mind is strong enough and the more you practice making it comply they easier and more routine it will become. There are days I hate to go, but I do. I have driven past my gym b/c I'm so not in the mood. I've gone around the block and back and then just made myself turn in. (Isn't that funny!) If I'm really frumpy, I've gotten a Starbucks before I go (I go in the morning) I sit in a really beautiful sitting area of our gym, drink my coffee, read the paper and give myself time to be peaceful and in the environment makes me ready to go. Then like a previous member mentioned, I figure I'll maybe do just a short work out, but once I'm on the equipment it ends up feeling good and I get it all done even if I give myself some mind talk for "just another 5 mintues" a few times. It's those days when I get it done regardless that the reward of having done it feels so extra good! Also, having lost my weight more than once and fallen in and out of exercise, I have found that I need a gym I REALLY LIKE. I need to like the atmosphere, the equipment, the clientele and it has to be spotless. A gym works for me because it's always there and weather is not a factor. Find what you like and do not let your mind fault you.