I can not believe....

Ive been reading all these posts on here and I cant beleive the weightloss that you all are having. Compared to me it is so much. Let me know if there is anything i can add to move this along as well as you all. What do you do for exercise and how often and anything would help! Thanks Jamie

Jamie, I'm not sure what you are doing so I'll just let you know what I'm doing. I'm really concentrating on getting in my protein, 70-80 grams a day and lots of water, 80-100 oz. a day and of course my vitamins. And let me tell you it really has me going. Loni

Jamie, I had my surgery on 12/06. I have lost 41 pounds. Since I am 57 and have very bad arthritic knees I have not begun a structured exercise program as yet. Although I did join a local gym on Saturday to help get me going. Everday I am trying to walk more, little steps to help me. I drink water all day and evening, at least 64-100oz daily. I purchased two great, fun colored 32oz drink containers from EMS. I have one at work and one at home. These remind me to sip, sip, sip. I have one or two protein drinks per day. I found I really enjoy the chocolate and vanilla protein powders by Jay Robb. These powders are 100% Whey protein and are low in calories and very digestable. These I purchase at my local Whole Foods Market. Whenever I eat I think protein first and anything else second. I have been very luck with being able to eat meat. I try and stay away from all white carbs (these kinds of foods helped me become morbidly obese). Take my vitamins daily, I use the Opitsource vitamins I get from my Weight Management doctors. You take 1 vitamin 4 times a day and these supply you with everything you might need for vitamins and minerals. Very easy to take and fit into my hectic schedule. I find that I am buying products that are portion controlled and prepackaged, Cheese sticks, pouches of tuna, baby food fruits, pudding and jello, to help me with my choices. I use FitDay.com to help me track my intake. This is a free website and very easy to use. You can load in your favorite foods to have on file. I also keep a jounal to record my blood sugars, vitamins, food and emotions or problems I have. I found out at my 1 month check up that I was not eating enough calories or carbs, surprise surprise. My Weight Management doctors want 900-1000 calories a day and at least 100 carbs and 60-90 grms protein. By not taking in these required levels you do not loose as much of the fat you want. The body can take the weight from muscles and that is not good. After WLS we are basicly starving ourselves and this can dramaticly affect our bodies, hormone, and blood levels. So we must structure a program or plan that helps us loose the weight but still maintain our health. Each surgeon or weight loss doctor have their own plans, recipes, or programs to help us achieve our goals. Don't be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance from these professionals. We pay them to help us. This website is also a great tool helping us to find answers to our problems or concerns. Lastly, I know it is hard but do not compare you to others on this journey. I am 57, I am sedimentary, I was 330 pounds and had been heavy for 40 years. I had tried many ways to loose weight, some were successful, but the weight always came back and then some. I am thankful each day for this new tool. I stuggle with my choices and sometimes fall flat on my face with bad choices. Each day brings new joys and little gifts. I am empowered now and I am so happy I decided to take back my life and take part in life. Good luck, Monica

Hi Jamie - I was having a hard time also but I upped my calories to 900/day and my protein to 100 gms and 100 oz of liquid. I'm now down 41 pounds as of yesterday. I walk 1 1/2 miles on the treadmill T,W,T and 3.5 miles on Sat & Sun. I also ride the life cycles for 30 minutes on sat & sun. I just started going to the pool yesterday so that my arms can get a workout also. Here is my daily food schedule: B: choc carb countdown mixed with banana & 1 scoop choc unjury protein. S: string cheese L: seafood, 1/2 lean cusine, or 1/2 wendy's chili S: protein power crunch bar D: seafood, 1/2 lean cusine, or something high in protein S: 6 oz of water mixed with protein before bed. Your body absorbs protein best - first thing in the a.m, right after excersizing, or at bed time. I drink my protein drink after I return from the gym every morning before I get ready for work. I feel great! Candy 266/225/131