December Crew... Tell What's New?

Hello Missy Vera, you wonderfully good bad girl. Loved your post. Miss you when you don't post, keeping us honest and on track. I am down 50 pounds and I am thrilled. I see my surgeon Dr.Faillo tomorrow for my final check up. Need to ask him for a note saying I can use the nautilis equipment at my gym. I will start small and increase. My knees have been extremely painful yesterday and today, another snow storm is coming on in to Massachusetts so the weather lets me know by increased pain in my arthritic knees. Have not used the treadmill much last week. Did go to the RV show on Saturday and walked all over. Climbed into and out of lots of RV's. I felt so empowered cause this is something I enjoy doing but have not done in 3-4 years. Life is for living and I am doing that. Had a sweet time at the casino, they scalped me but that is part of the gamble. My hubbie was wonderful, brought me flowers, had a good dinner at Michael Jordon's steak house. Problem, I had a glass of wine, a merlot. I just sipped it, barely taking any in. I had a ceasar salad and a side order of delicious mac & cheese. Did not eat very much of the side. But when we were done. I had to go back to the room. My lower belly was not happy at all. The hot and passionate romantic get away failed due to my food choices. I only wanted to sleep and I crashed to sleep in minutes. I can only guess that 1- the wine was a big no no, too much sugar or alcohol ( I did not drink even 1/2 a glass) or 2- the mac and cheese was too potent, too fat filled. Another lesson learned by a stupid Monica trick. Why did I want the wine, I know what a merlot tastes like. Why did I want the side of mac and cheese, I know what that tastes like, but it said it had excellent smoked cheddar cheese and that is why I tempted the pouch god. Learning slowly but learning. (on a side note, what GAS I experienced Monday, I thought a volleyball contest was going on inside) Went to a super support group meeting last night. Dr.Keroack the medical director of the Mercy Medical Center Comprehensive Weight Management program was there to lead. About 30 people came and shared, explored, asked questions, and gave advice. People post-op, pre-op, and looking into WLS were there. So much energy and positive vibes. My hubbie and I will try and go to the next one in two weeks. Saw my friend, Maryann Long there. We had met via this website in September. She had her surgery in May and she looks and feels fantastic. She is so tiny and petite. Her journey has been wonderful and she is now wearing a size 6. Hot Mamma she is fine. I took pictures and sent them in for posting. Will let you all know when they are available. Everyday I am still thankful for this surgery. The tool is working, the mind is trying to modify behavior and make good choices. I get in my protein and my water with no problems. Today I even had a 1/2 banana with some peanut butter. The fresh fruit did cause me to dump. I am very cautious about fresh fruit cause I have had two bad experiences. Small step will win the race. Very happy with the Optisouce vitamins I get from the weight management group. Easy to chew, 1 tablet 4 times a day gives me everything and more daily. Have not noticed any hair loss yet. Any of you seen any loss? Well I rambled enough. Happy days to us all, Monica 12/06/04 330/280/???

Vera - you are SO funny! I am doing well. I have lost a total of 69 pounds. Went from a 30/32 to a 22/24 (started at 338 now 270). My sex life has improved dramatically. I dumped the boyfriend right after surgery and oh hunny, is he begging for me! lol Any way, I can tolerate almost anything. I've only thrown up once and only because I ate too fast. I haven't tried anything sweet because I DON'T want to know if I dum*****t. I just rather stay away from it. I've been having a hard time getting all of my protein in and have felt dizzy when I haven't gotten enough. I think maybe 40 grams/day. My dietician wants me at 45-60. Jenn

I did not have an 8 week check in with my dr. I see him next at 3 months. I had my lap rny on 12-20-04 weighing 243 and today weigh 207. That's 36 lbs lost. I am happy but I get discouraged too when I see how much all of you have lost. My protien avaerages 60 grams a day my daily calories are under 1000 and I track then via fitday.com. I do not have a problem with getting the fluids in. I need to exercise more and keep waiting for the energy/motivation fairy to visit me! Food is curious to me now in that it looks good, smells good, feels good, BUT by the time I get it all chewed and chewed it tastes yucky!!! I hope this lasts forever. Kristina

Whew... I am so proud of my December Crew! I am also happy we can talk openly, and I see only the LADIES responded. So, I just wanted to say this is wonderful! Candy, you are so sweet. Take some B12 if your are tired, and drink more water. Try to take at least 1,00mcg per day... or the drops 4 x per day, until you feel energized, then cut it down. I take 5,000mcg sublingual per day, and I am bouncing all over the place! Hope you feel better, and I am sure your HUBBY will appreciat it even more. Thanks for the compliments as well! Jenn, Sex is the bomb, right! I am happy your eating is going well.. share with us more, so others can try to get with it as well. Fran, a size 16, CONGRATS... Lane B gonna miss us LADIES up in here... so try finding another store, and stop dressing like a BIG GIRL. Let us know what you find! Congrats darling! Lon, darling... dizzy, hugh? Well, I heard that dizziness is a sign of 2 things after surgery... 1) dehydration, and/or 2) high/low blood pressure. Ask your doctor to check both, and increase your water! Keep us posted and feel better darling! Sista Davis, Tell you more about my 'stuff' in an e-mail. I heard you about those 'twins'... I REFUSE TO LET MINES GO.. and so far, I have lost BACK FAT, and not cup. I was a 48DD, I think now I am about a 42D. I'll have to get remeasured, but I REFUSE to let my twins go! Keep you posted... tell us more about that Pepsi, because I am sure our soda Crew will want to know... I never was a soda/pop drinker! My Baby Monica... girl, you had so much to say, from Mac and Cheese, to vollyball... to gas and so much more! I feel you about doing well on the foods, and I wanted to know how you trip went... do tell me more! Thanks for missing me when I am gone, because I definately miss you all! Thanks for the compliments darling... Kristine (MD) I heard those chews are not absorbed well in our system... so I get the liquid stuff. Like you, I am 12/20, and Congrats on your -36 lbs loss! Lucy, Congrats... no more Morbid.. but severe! That is a big step! However... now I must ask that 'dreded' question that everyone is asking you... HOW DID YOU DO IT, AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING? Do share with us here, because your Crew needs to know your secrets! Melody... hope you slept well after I made you laugh. I am happy to make everyone here feel good about BEING A DECEMBER CREW MEMBER! As for eating a few bites, that is ok, because we should only be doing that. I think the further out we get, the more we can eat/tolerate. As for protein, try your eggs over easy... try some turkey bacon (broiled in the oven), and try some soft fish. Also, keep up with your shakes and you'll loose and will be fine! Keep us posted! Brooke... SKINNY JEANS FROM H.S.... you said it, you were fat in HS too! However, congrats baby... if it works for you... it works for us! Christine, VERY NICE PIC, and thanks for posting and not observing... you are great loosing 51lbs...now you'll have to tell us HOW YOU DID IT! Susan, you are Hilarious, as well... Yes! I must be in order to keep up with us all here! Size 18... CONGRATS! Q: How! Well, I am like you, I sweated so, so much... and can't wait to see how I do this summer. Congrats darling Whew.... so far, that is everyone... WE HAD 12 RESPONSES TO THIS POST, and I am so happy! I'll keep it coming if you do! Thanks December Crew! Vera

You funny thing, you! I'm 2 months out and down 42lbs! Wooo hooooo! I can pretty much eat whatever I want except alfredo sauce, I don't know what gives with that one. But I can have steak, chicken, fish, fruit, veggies...all that good stuff! I keep my protein at about 100g a day and my water is at about 64oz a day. I don't see my surgeon until May because she's so happy with my progress. Life is great! Jen 277/235/135

Hi Vera, I have lost 70lbs so far. I'm having a hard time getting my water in but I push as much as I can. Food is another issue right now. I used to have a love relationship with food but now have a hate relationship. Meats don't seem to agree with my pouch right now. Soft things seem to get along with my pouch. I'm still trying to break the nasty habit of eating to fast, sigh. Donna

Hi Vera! I am down 41 pounds and have gone from a size 18/20 to a size 14/16 jeans and a size 12 top! WOW (have never carried to much weight up top) Foods.. I can pretty much eat anything now except things with sugar. I dump big time. My biggest problem though is that I am never hungry.. I am always thristy though. I think this is why my weight is coming off pretty slow. I am taking my vitamins everyday, I am gettting a min. of 92 grams of protein in a day. (drinking 2 Nectar drinks a day - each with 2 scoops of protein in them) ... yesterday I started trying to eat at least 3 times a day. SOOO I had breakfast at 8, lunch at 1, and dinner at 6. When I eat through it is so little that sometimes I wonder -- Why bother. Other times it is great. Go figure. lol Hmm sex? Better than ever! My husband is in heaven. Exercise - I am at the gym at least 3 to 4 days a week. Kathy Lap RNY 12/16/04 242/201/120

Hey December Crew, 10 weeks out and down 47 pounds. I have been exercising like a mad dog...an hour on the Nordic Track M-F, weight training M-W-F, walking 5 miles and an hour in the pool on Saturday to mix it up, and a rest day on Sunday. My calories are about 1000 per day with 60+g of protein and 64 oz of liquid. I guess my weight loss is slower than some because I'm taking in more calories, but I need fuel to keep moving. The hubby has been away in Federal Agent training since August 2004. He saw me briefly over the holidays when I was struggling to just keep fluids down. He graduates and comes home in 2 weeks. The coach flight to DC to attend graduation is going to feel so much better without those extra 47 pounds! I just hope that he can get used to my new lifestyle after being gone for 7 months. Angie 302/255/150

I think most of us men are scared to comment. Haven't tried to touch my back with my feet yet, sounds like it might hurt. I am only weighing at the Dr's office. 70 lbs after two months. Very excited about the results. Food is a mystery to me. I can eat soft foods, ground meats, cheeses, etc. Solid foods are a no-no to my pouch. I have recently upped my protein to 100g per day, calories range from 850 to 1100. I can only tolerate the Atkins shakes. Protein bars are my friend too, I like the Atkins bars the best, Golden Oats, Choc Chip Granola, Morning Start Trail Mix. Take Care! Frank

Sounds like everyone is kicking butt!!!!!! That's Great!! I'm three days from my 8 weeks i'm down 70 lbs plus the 17 i lost 3 weeks before sugery for a total of 87 lbs gone forever!As far as sex "I"M BACK ON TOP" That's all i have to says about that!!!!!!! I'm up to 1 hour of hard workout 5 days a week.I use the nustep i'm up to 11,600 steps averaging 203 steps a minute for the full hour!!! at 1580 steps a mile that is 7 miles i have 20 miles in for the week.I took today off. The key to the workout is good upbeat music!!! Not bad for a fat guy!! I have a new snack that i like.i take 98 % fat free turkey slice put a pickle spear in it a piece of fat free cheese and some mustard then i roll it up and put a tooth pick in it to hold it together.They are so good i just have to chew good.I've lost over 11 inches around my gut 6 inches around my neck.Plus my wife says "it's" getting BIGGER!! Ha Ha This has been the single best thing i have ever done for myself.I still weigh 372 pounds but i feel a ton better!! 459 1st weigh in at the barix clinic 12/06/2004 442 day of sugery 12/27/2004 372 today 220 my goal 180 crazy doctors goal! That what i weighed in 6th grade