5 for 2-1-05

I'm seeing a lot of new people on the board lately. Let's give them some help and support. 1. How much water do you average per day? and what source is it? 2. How much protein do you average per day? and what source is it? 3. Name the local support group that you go to. Why do you go? 4. Name one benefit that this surgery has brought to you. 5. And the million dollar question, If you had to do it all over again, would you? My answers: 1. I've been struggling with water, but that's because I only count pure water. I average about 45 oz a day. 2. Protein - I'm becoming the Protein Queen. I get in roughly 100 - 120 grams of protein per day. About 80 grams comes from pre digested Whey protein drinks (so it gets absorbed better) and the rest comes from the foods I eat. 3. I go to the Lapeer WLS Support Group - why I go?? hhmmm, oh yes, cause I'm the leader. NO really, I love getting together with other's and discusing our sucesses and struggles. I like giving support to others and of course getting support too. 4. Benefit of wls - For me, one of the greatest benefits is "feeling normal". I can go anywhere I want now and I never get that "people are staring at the fat woman" feeling. I just blend in to the crowd and I'm LOVIN' it. Plus, I find myself going more places now too. 5. Million Dollar Question - You bet your sweet bottom I'd do it again!!!!! I've had some complications along the way. There are no guarantees!! People die from this surgery and people spend the rest of their lives in poor health because of this surgery - it happens!!! But for me, the risk of NOT having the surgery was greater then the risk of having complications. I'm glad I had wls. I'd do it again in a second if I had to. Welcome to all you newbies out there!!! I hope this has helped shed a little light on our lives as a post op.

Hi Laurie and everyone 1. I average about 80 oz of water a day, either plain water or sf kool aid 2. i get at least 80 grams of protein a day.....60 grams from whey protein, the rest from my food i eat. 3. no support groups in my area, plus with work and kids, i really don't have time. I get the most of my support from my family and wonderful friends here on the michigan board. 4. wow, i can't even pick just one benefit, they are all so tremendous. me being able to work full time, the great health i am in now, the self confidence, the fun LOL , i could go on and on 5. i would go through this surgery plus the complications over and over if i had to. Thanks for the great questions Laurie, and welcome to all the newbies. Hugs Linda

1. How much water do you average per day? and what source is it? I've not been hitting it much lately...only about 40 oz., but am getting better! Usually drink Crystal Light Decaffeinated Iced Tea...YUM! 2. How much protein do you average per day? and what source is it? About 60....20 from protein drink...rest from food. 3. Name the local support group that you go to. Why do you go? I started up the "Beautiful Losers" group in Prudenville....We have a great group of people! I also go to Bay City when I can...I know it's been a long time Toni! Hope to get there this month! I go definately for the support and friendship, and to know I'm not the "only one" out there doing this. 4. Name one benefit that this surgery has brought to you. There are so many, but I'd say mobility is the best....just being able to walk without pain and huffing and puffing. I also love that I'm not embarrassed of myself for my husband or kids...that's a big one. 5. And the million dollar question, If you had to do it all over again, would you? YES!!!

1. I average about 70 oz of water a day...(5 - 14.5 oz bottles) and some of the them I drink plain or I add Crystal light Classic orange or lemonade "to go" packets..... 2. I average between 80 - 100 gr. of protein a day...... between 30 and 60 gr. a day comes from Mycoplex Shakes and the rest is from food. 3. I tried the Howell/Hartland support group but because of my work schedule and kids it was really hard.... so these days I get my support here on the board. 4. The benefits of wls surgery..... I actually have a life again!!! I was so sick with Fibromyalgia, Asthma, Allergies, Hypothyroidisim and just had a hard time functioning on an everyday basis.... since my surgery all signs of Fibromyalgia have gone, Asthma is gone, and allergies have significantly lessened.... no more problems getting out of bed!!! 5. I fortunately have had no problems with my wls surgery and I would do it again in a heartbeat, it was the best decision I made for MYSELF!!

Not to be picky but...it's 06! LOL!! How much water do you average per day? and what source is it? Between 50 and 70 oz...I drink straigh****er. I don't count the cups of hot decaf tea that I have, but I usually average 32 oz of tea, too. 2. How much protein do you average per day? and what source is it? I try to hit 70-80 grams, at least, through food. Sometimes I manage more, sometimes less...depends on what I eat. I will only have a shake if I fall under 60 grams for the day. I've been good though, and have only had two shakes in the past month. 3. Name the local support group that you go to. Why do you go? I've been searching for a local support group. I had been going to one in Jackson, but it's kind of petered out. The person running it decided not enough people were coming, so they aren't doing it anymore. But that's ok, because now there is a new one starting up right here in Chelsea. Our first meeting is this Friday. So, that'll be fun. I went before surgery to learn first hand from people that had already had it. I go now to share my experience and for the friendship. 4. Name one benefit that this surgery has brought to you. I'm no longer pre-diabetic/insulin resistant. Stopped taking those meds the day before surgery. Haven't needed them again. But that's just one thing. There are so many others! 5. And the million dollar question, If you had to do it all over again, would you? Well, I'm almost 6 months out and I'm pretty sure I would have it again (not that I would WANT to!). I've lost 107 pounds in that time. I've had absolutely NO COMPLICATIONS, no problems with insurance...nothing. I'm very grateful for this surgery as I now feel like I am the person I've always been deep down inside. I tried to never let my weight be an obstacle and was always a pretty happy person...or so I thought. It's not until I lost a bunch of weight, that I realized I could be happier and more outgoing than I already was. Hmmmm...go figure! I guess I had myself fooled!

Ops, it's all the time I've spent in the hospital.... to me it should just now be Christmas. Laurie

Thanks for encouraging everyone to share. I am going to have my RNY tomorrow I'm glad to see everyone would do it again. I know it may be a difficult road at times, but am grateful I can come to this board if I need some help!! Keep sharing your stories. It really does help us newbies!! Thanks so much Mary Jo

1. How much water do you average per day? and what source is it? I usally get around 70 ozs of water a day, I start out by going to my local gas station, the ones that have fountain cokes.. I get the biggest cup they have, usualy 44oz and fill it up with Ice.. They never charge me. I go to wor**** in tow and have it all day to chew on. I also love Bottled water as long as it isnt Dassani (ICK). 2. How much protein do you average per day? and what source is it?I get around 100 grams per day. The one I love is the Designer Whey Vanilla I Double my serving in my am decaf coffee, it leaves no after taste and is smooth going down... then do that agin before bed usualy when Im watching tv at night. 3. Name the local support group that you go to. Why do you go? Ive not gone yet but am planning to go this month. Its in Greenville, MI 4. Name one benefit that this surgery has brought to you. I wake up daily without pain. I have more confidence with my appearance already. I can breath without being in pain.. 5. And the million dollar question, If you had to do it all over again, would you? I would do it again in a heartbeat... it was and is hard sometimes but It has already changed my life for the better and will only get better every day! ((HUGS)) Dori

1. How much water do you average per day? and what source is it? I average about 50-70 ounces of water each day. I get most of my water intake from Crystal light (mainly the "To Go" Packets), Powerade, and Propel. I can't stand regular water. I need flavor. 2. How much protein do you average per day? and what source is it? I get between 90 and 100 grams of protein a day. All of my protein comes from food and milk (luckily I am not lactose intolerant, like others have become). 3. Name the local support group that you go to. Why do you go? I do not go to a local support group. I am planning on going to one in Warren on the 8th of February. Also, I have talked to someone about possibly starting one around where we live. (I have lost her e-mail and cannot find her. If she reads this, e-mail me back and we can get in contact). 4. Name one benefit that this surgery has brought to you. Only one? There are so many. My main one is that I feel like my age again. I can do things I have not been able to do in a long time, without effort. The simple things. Walking stairs, working, hanging out with friends. etc. I love being able to do these things again. 5. And the million dollar question, If you had to do it all over again, would you? YES!!!!! I have not had the problems that many of you others have had and have had great results. This has been the best decision I have ever made for myself.

1. How much water do you average per day? and what source is it? 60g. Sad I know, I need to do better. It's a mixture of straigh****er and fruit flavored water. 2. How much protein do you average per day? and what source is it? 100g. --- 80g is from foods, 20 is from a protein drink. 3. Name the local support group that you go to. Why do you go? My surgeon hosts a local support group. I haven't gone yet because the last one was just a week or so after I got out of the hospital. 4. Name one benefit that this surgery has brought to you. So far, the largest benefit has been that I'm no longer on my CPap!!! 5. And the million dollar question, If you had to do it all over again, would you? Absolutely! Sheryl In the Zoo 369/315/???