A few things...

First off, I'm going to be taking Dr. Wagner's classes June 16th, is anyone else?  And two other items of importance, has anyone had any side effects from drinking too much crystal light?  I'm up to a gallon and a half of water/crystal light a day and I wonder if some of the things I'm feeling are related.  Also, I have not met with the nut yet but will be July 1st.  Can anyone of you give me suggestions, good, bad, or indifferent on how you lost your pre-op weight?  I have cut out sugars, and simple carbs like potatoes, pasta, bread, chips, etc.  I am now considering measuring all my food like if I were 1 year pre-op.  I am afraid that I am going to be way too hungry doing this though.  Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Tonight is actually my last class with Dr Wagner - he is very entertaining & the classes have been great.  I have lost the pre-op weight + a pound & still have at least a few more weeks - my first mtg with surgeon is on Monday - YEAH!  I find I had to change things up in order to really keep the weight loss going.  Very strict South Beach style no carb for 3 weeks after that I added in veggies & just a smidge of good carbs, then I kept that & replaced breakfast with a protein shake (also a great way to start experimenting to find the ones you like - I am very happy with the Nectar line - Vitamin Shoppe has them & if you hate it after a couple of shakes, you can exchange for different brand/flaver).  This week I actually have been doing breakfast & lunch as protein shakes.  Just measure, keep the protein high, sugar extremely low & very low carb.  I find if I am hungry inbetween meals a cheese stick & a couple of slices of lean deli turkey breast take care of it.  how much do you have to lose?

Good luck - I am hoping to keep losing up til surgery - the more the better, right?  :)

Kerry

ps i have never heard of side effects from crystal light.  i drink at least a quart & a half of it a day myself

Thanks Kerry for the tips!  I have to lose 15lbs, and I have lost 4lbs so far.  I am hoping to keep it going.  I drink a protein shake in the morning but I need to switch because it has tons of protein and tastes great but I think it is more like a meal replacement, Muscle Milk strawberries n' cream.  They have muscle milk light, so I may try that and really want to try the nectar brands as well.  I've heard you can get samples of a lot of protein powders and vitamins as well, I'm going to start looking.  You live pretty close to me and my best friend lives in Center Barnstead, so it is nice to see there are quite a few local people going through the same things!  Do you go to any of the group meetings?

Becca

I live in Center Barnstead. Iam 4 months post op and doing good. Im up to 90lbs lost!!! yeah! I'm doing really good and get so excited. Keep up the good work.

Your protein shake should be a meal replacement.  You can find a lot of samples but mostly online, I just ordered a sample pack of About Time yesterday.  In stores it seems to be hard to find anything but the huge ones.  I did go to the preop group last month & am planning to go to the one in a couple weeks.  Hope to see you there!

hey girl!!!   You may be drinking too much water/crystal light.  You should really only be drinking between 64 and 80 ounces of liquid a day.  You can drink too much water, and it can have harmful effects.  Make sure you talk to Jacquie about that. 

I had a protein shake every morning.  I now have Muscle milk light, which is really good. I drink simply smart milk too.  One of the biggest things you can do is get a smaller plate.  It really helps, and it makes you feel like you are eating way more than you actually are.  Also eat around 60 ounces of protein.  Protein will stay with you longer than anything. 

AWESOME for you for taking this approach, it is tough to lose the weight. I had to lose 14 from my weigh in, but I had been losing with my hubby before his surgery, so it was tough.  What I found helped and this is the perfect time for it  has been walking on the beach.  We would get a decaff coffee at D&D then set our chairs out and then take off down the beach.  By the time we got back to the chairs the coffee was perfect to drink and the sun was setting so it was a little time to sit and enjoy each other.   I had been following the pre-op diet Jacquie set up for Sam.  I am only in Milton, so if you need anything just drop me a line.
 
As for Protein, I think Martha meant to say 69 Grams not ounces of protein. 

Really it is worth every hoop you jump through to get where you need to go I am so excited I am down to 5 days!!!!!

Oh Boy, I think I have ounces on the brain.  Yes, you should have 60 GRAMS of protein!  Thanks Sookie.  I love the beach and Dunkin Donuts coffee idea.  That is awesome.  What a great "us" time too!

Thanks ladies for all the tips!  It is nice to have good people on here that are willing to lend their advice.  I try to return the favor when I happen to know what I am talking about as well!  I CAN NOT wait to be post-op!

HI, I drank the HMR protein drink and lost weight very fast. I first did 2 weeks drinks no food and then did 2 drinks and dinner. It came off very fast. Try the Atkins drinks also. Good luck.