Tips as requested

First I have to say thank you to all who commented on my earlier post.  It makes me feel good to think that I have encouraged someone else.

Someone requested my top 5 tips or suggestions for long term success.  It was a little hard to narrow it down to 5 so here are the most important things from my perspective...

1 - Protein, water, and exercise should ALWAYS be a priority, not just in the beginning.
2 - When in doubt, follow YOUR doctor's advice/program.  They know your background or history.
(The rest are part of my doctor's recommendations that I continue to follow)
3 - No carbonated beverages. 
4 - No caffeine
5 - Do not drink anything with meals.  Stop 45 min prior to eating and wait 45 min after. 

*The main reason she gives behind the no caffeine/carbonation is the fact that we are already prone to kidney stones and these things can contribute to their formation.

Thakns Cindy - great tips!!!

I admit I am not good with exercise and i will occasionally have a diet soda - mostly since pregnancy because it eases the nausea!

Congrats again and thanks for sharing your "top 5"

is there any reason why you dont use caffeine? Just wondering

There are a couple reasons.  First, I mentioned before is that we are more prone to kidney stones after gastric bypass and caffeine is a contributor.  No need to take any unnecessary risks.  The other is the fact that caffeine is a natural diuretic and can contribute to dehydration.  Since most people have a hard time getting enough fluids in the first place, the last thing you want to do is flu**** out any faster that normal.  One thing I have learned from her office is that if you do drink a cup of coffee or tea, you should drink twice that amount in water to replace the fluids in your body.

One thing I didn't mention in my previous post as far as important things to do is support group meetings.  I have been going to the support group meetings at Magee for nearly five years now.  Either Dr. Hamad or her PA Gina was always there to give accurate answers to questions that came up.  Needless to say, I have learned a lot from those ladies.  Unfortunately they had to combine their meeting with the other meeting at the hospital and things have changed.  (I still go to the meetings but I miss Gina and Dr. Hamad terribly!)

I hope this helps...

This is great stuff.

Nicole, I'm pushing 6 years out, maintaining a healthy weight, and drink coffee every single day. I also drink water to stay hydrated, so take that for what it's worth.

i was just curious i have developed a bit of a coffee habit since I started working nights LOL
I do try and drink more water but I have been contemplating givig it up.