Seeing is Believing.... INCREASING PROTEIN, AND MORE RESULTS PLEASE.....

Hey guys... I've been gone for a while, but I've been determined to CHANGE a few things, instead of talking so much! I wanted to return with some RESULTS, and report them to you guys, instead of 'planning'. About 2 weeks ago, I started a Protein Train. A few got on board, and many didn't. I got frustrated trying to always ENCOURAGE everyone, and instead, moved on to keep myself encouaraged. It is difficult to encouarage... and not be encouraged back, so I decided to get 'results' and thought...'mayby seeing is believing', thus providing TRUE encouragement. My last post was 1/29, and since that time, I have done the following: INCREASED MY LIQUID PROTEIN FROM 20g PER DAY TO 100g PER DAY (2 GNC 50g RTD shakes per day) INCREASE MY FOOD PROTEIN FROM 10g PER DAY TO 20g PER DAY (eggs, cheese, shreded: tuna, chicken, turkey and peanut butter) INCREASE MY WATER FROM 32oz PER DAY TO 64oz PER DAY (hard, but I started using the 32oz cup the hospital gave me, 2 per day) INCREASE MY FOOD INTAKE FROM 1 MEAL PER DAY TO 2 (2 meals per day, or if I want more, I try to eat 3, but PROTEIN FIRST) My weight before the increase on 1/29/05 = 309 My weight after the increase/as of today = 303 By INCREASING, and demanding RESULTS, my scaled MOVED. It hadn't moved in almost 3 weeks, and now....I have lost 6 lbs in 1 week! I feel WONDERFUL! My six week check up is today, and according to my scale, I have lost 40#, in 6 weeks! That is wonderful, because I feel soooo good (no insulin, blood pressure pills, or cholesterol pills).. and that alone are wonderful RESULTS! I HAVE ALSO INCREASED MY WORK OUT (from tredmill only) 20 min TO 2 HOURS SWIMMING/WATER AROBICS and 20 min tredmill. So, my December crew... BE ENCOURAGED. I believe in RESULTS... and knowing that we can chat ALL DAY AND NIGHT, but if no one Posts RESULTS... what is the purpose for being here (besides when we are in trouble and need advice). I am hoping that you guys will START POSTING YOUR RESULTS! It may help the next person. Please, stop LURKING, stop being SHY and start helping your fellow December WLS buddies. What you may say, may help the next person, so PLEASE PARTICIPATE! I am sorry if I am being harsh, but this board, our lives and this surgery exists for a reason... So, lets get MOVING... TALKING...and SHARING our RESULTS, PLEASE! Just another attemp, Vera, 12/20/04 LAP RNY PROXIMAL 343/303/? -40# 6 weeks out

Vera, Congratulations on your results! You certainly have a great attitude. I have been plugging away at my own results. I am down 39 pounds I am feeling so much better. I am also picking up my workouts. I have been walking since I got out of surgery and recently added the bike and elliptical machines. This week I have gone back to weight training (with my surgeon's ok). Tomorrow is my 2 month anniversary and I will be posting more results. I am taking measurements on my monthly anniversary. Mary

Vera! Good for you!! I am happy for you and proud of you for making the changes you needed to. I am hoping on that train with you my friend!!! I will start tomorrow with 2 protein shakes instead of the one that I choke down now. I will also increase my water intake. Thanks for the encouragement!!! Keep up the great work!!!! Hugs, Beckie

Congratulations! Sounds like you are doing great and I totally agree with everything you said. You are such a motivating person. I want to do more and post more now. Thanks. I have a question for you though. What are the RTD shakes from GNC that you drink? I drink the RTD Extreme Smoothies, but they only have 35 grams of protein. Melissa

Melissa, I am not sure if I have the same protein shake mix from GNC as she does but mine is a powder and 1 scoop is 25 grams. The directions call for 2 scoops... (50 grams). Mine is called Mega Isolate protein... Vanilla flavored. Good luck! Beckie

I was wondering where you were and even posted "Where is Missy Vera Davis" on Monday. Good to hear from you. Glad you are doing so well and that you are happy. I too notice good changes since I took my Weight Management doctors advise and upped my calories and carbs. Some days I am afraid to eat the 100 grms carbs they suggest since most of the white carbs have been my enemy all my life. Finding complex carbs that don't cause me pouch and intestine problems is a hard thing. I am eating more salad fixings and enjoying that a lot. I am afraid of fresh fruit but realize I can add small amounts to help me achieve my carb goals. Each day is a new learning experience. I continue to reveal in my new self and I am so thankful that I made this decision. I had a small Wendy's chili and a small ceasar salad for lunch and it was super. My nurse practitioner has given me a perscription for Nexium and I am hopeful this will "CURE" my GERD. I also made an appointment to see and ENT so he can look at my vocal cords and see what is actually happening. So happy you have returned. We love the cheering on, tweaking us to get involved in our whole group together. A village we are building with weight loss success, sharing, laughing, and sometimes tears. Monica 330/287/??? 20 min on the treadmill last night, first time back at a gym since last April 2004.

Hope it all works out Monica... I forgot to ask you to keep us posted darling... Ps... MISSY VERA IS HERE girl... thanks for missing me! Vera

Hi all, I really hate to be the downer but your body cannot process that much protein at one time, right? You are really hurting your kidneys when you up your protein like that. I am almost positive about this and maybe you should speak with a doctor. Good luck to you. I am only saying this to keep my fellow WLS alumni off of dialysis in the futre.

Hey Vera, Girl you better slow that train down just a little and check with you Surgeon and Nutritionist... Your body can only absorb 75% of protien at a time...any more than that you are setting yourself up for a health hazard, Kidny stones, or even Kidney failure...PLEASE girl if you really love yourself PLEASE consult your Dr's first. Congrats on you weight loss but keep in mind, while you are still losing weight you still want to remain in good health or you will surely sabotage all the hard work you have already done. Take care of your self and please educate yourself some more on the Malabsorbtion rate your new pouch. All is said with deepest care and Love, Melissa A 343/294/??? RNY 12/29/04

Vera, I was on the same train as you! I increased my workout, protein to 100 gms and liquid to 100 oz. I also lost 6 pounds three days later. Candy 266/225/130 - 41 7 weeks out