I realize some of this is reminders of what we alread know, but it does have some added information that I think is useful. 1st Mistake: Not Taking Vitamins, Supplements, or Minerals Every WLS patient has specific nutritional needs depending on the type of surgery you have had. Not only is it a good idea to ask your surgeon for guidelines, but also consult with an experienced WLS nutritionist. Understand there is not a standard practice that all surgeons and nutritionists follow in guiding WLS patients. So, it is important to do your own research, get your lab tests done regularly, and learn how to read the results. Some conditions and symptoms that can occur when you are deficient in vitamins, supplements, or minerals include: Osteoporosis; pernicious anemia; muscle spasms; high blood pressure; burning tongue; fatigue; loss of appetite; weakness; constipation and diarrhea; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; being tired, lethargic, or dizzy; forgetfulness, and lowered immune functioning. Keep in mind, too, that some conditions caused by not taking your vitamins, supplements, or minerals are irreversible. 2nd Mistake: Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity A "pink cloud" or honeymoon experience is common following WLS. When you are feeling better than you have in years, and the weight is coming off easily, it's hard to imagine you will ever struggle again. But unfortunately, it is very common for WLS patients to not lose to their goal weight or to regain some of their weight back. A small weight regain may be normal, but huge gains usually can be avoided with support, education, effort, and careful attention to living a healthy WLS lifestyle. For most WLSers, if you don't change what you've always done, you're going to keep getting what you've always gotten -- even after weight loss surgery. 3rd Mistake: Drinking with Meals Yes, it's hard for some people to avoid drinking with meals, but the tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long-term success. If you drink while you eat, your food washes out of your stomach much more quickly, you can eat more, you get hungry sooner, and you are at more risk for snacking. Being too hungry is much more likely to lead to poor food choices and/or overeating. 4th Mistake: Not Eating Right Of course everyone should eat right, but in this society eating right is a challenge. You have to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Eat all your meals--don't skip. Don't keep unhealthy food in sight where it will call to you all the time. Try to feed yourself at regular intervals so that you aren't as tempted to make a poor choice. And consider having a couple of absolutes: for example, avoid fried foods completely, avoid sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once a week. Choose your "absolutes" based on your trigger foods and your self knowledge about what foods and/or situations are problematic for you. 5th Mistake: Not Drinking Enough Water Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day will help you avoid this risk. Adequate water intake will also help you flush out your system as you lose weight and avoid kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps with your weight loss, too. I hope you are not making these mistakes and if so it is something we need to work on together. Have a great day, Rick

Hello Everyone, I forgot to post my walking information in the last message. As of right now it's about 9:30pm and my pedometer is reading 10,124 steps and 4.14 miles. I was trying to improve over yesterday but I was in a lot of meetings today and did less walking. My goal for tomorrow is to increase it again and do better with my food. I also went to the gym and did my upper body weight training and took a 30 min. butt/ab blaster class. So I'm trying but the scale isn't moving. I appreciate all of you and your encouragement and suggestions. Emily

Hello All, I had the following for my food intake today. BR-bowl of oatmeal and a banana SN-carmel popcorn cakes LU -1/4 SPAGHETTI & 2 CHICKEN WINGETTS & BANANA SN - ORANGE, SUN CHIPS DINNER - 2 CHICKEN WINGETTS, GARDEN SALAD & CUP SOUP SN - FAT FREE FIG NEWTON COOKIES ALMOST HAVE ALL MY WATER IN I DID TAKE ALL MY VITAMINS EMILY

Does it matter how we get our miles in or do we only have to count our steps....? Jannine 357/162/157

Wow Mimi! You look amazing, stunning, simply gorgeous! What a memorable night that must have been for you. Did you ever imagine this possibility 18 months ago!?! I am so happy for you and your success. Hugs, Robin