Long update on my 1 yr follow-up appt and help needed

Cod Liver Oil also known & A&D tablets are used to aid in getting Vitamins A & D in. According to our surgeon's office we are to take 1 tablet per day. :)

If you need Vit D, take it Vit A as Vit A helps the body more effectively absorb the Vit D.  I take 1 Vit A and 4 Vit D each morning with my other stuff. It like the iron and calcium thing; I take my calcium at night and my multi-vit with iron in the morning because if you take them together, the calcium prevents the iron from being absorbed efficiently,...and we already have a malabsorption situation anyway.  ita A also helps the iron get to the blood stream better too.  I think of it as a transport vitamin. Silly aren't I?

I also, after becoming more knowledgeable about vitamins, minerals, and supplements, broke my regime into stuff that creates energy (taken in the morning) and stuff that doesn't or slows me down (at night before bed).  That has helped me sleep better also. For example, I didn't realize Biotin creates energy as it is absorbed and broken down during digestion.  I use to take it at night (so my hair and nails would be thicker and stronger by morning,...haha). 

Joe

Evryone has given good advice on the othe rstuff, I wanted to touch on the getting to your goal weight part. You mentioned that getting under 160 seemed impossible w/out plastics. I though something similar about myself. My Dr. had a goal of 220 for me, which is pretty reasonable. I had an athletic build under all the goo and I am a large framed guy at 6' 3". I thought there was no way in the world. When I played football at 270 I was pretty svelte.

You really don't know how your own body could end up. I am down to 195 (which is a totally normal BMI btw). Like you said: who knows? I wouldn't sweat the weight at this point. You're in the home stretch now. It is the time to  figure out the habits that will let you lead a normal life now.

You really have done a great job!

Great report Lauren!  I agree on the goal issues, don't stress them too much, your body will go where it is comfortable.  I never thought I would reach my goal and then I was there and my body just stopped losing.   As for protein bars, I really like the Adkins advantage Chocolate Chip Granola.  :)  As for the extra calories, it might be good for your body to have a bit extra a few days a week so if you are only going a bit over the 1000, then it will probably benefit your body to be shaken up a bit (especially if you do that on the days you are shaking your thang in the living room).  :)

The cottage cheese and greek yogurt are favs of mine.  I can not eat either one solo...I add fruits and veggies to themand the greek yogurt needs some kind of artificial sweetner to make it less tart in my opinion.  Tuna is awesome...I miss is greatly right now since I can't have it.  I love the EAS AdvantEdge RTD shakes as well.  They taste awesome and it is 17 grams.  They also have other non-chocolate flavored ones at Vitamin Shoppe.  I love unflavored unjury and add it to my oatmeal.  I also make my oatmeal with skim milk instead of water and sometimes add non-fat dry milk to boost the protein factor. 
On the days that you do dance you really NEED to up your calories.  It is vital so you don't go into starvation mode.
As for the comment...let it alone.  If it did not bother you personally then don't worry about it.  If she offends someone then let them fight their own battles. 

Just wanted to say Dance on beautiful woman! I got Core Rhythms DVD's and like them but most of the time I just dance to whatever moves me!

I like Greek Yogurt with a little SF Davicini vanilla or caramel syrup. 0% fat low cal, 20 gr protein per 1 cup serving.
Nectar proteins are also a favorite of mine still. 23 g protein and I believe 90 cals.

As for the comments from those nasty people, love yourself as we love you and the HELL with all the rest!

I mix sugar free pudding mix in my greek yogurt!! Love the cheesecake and white chocolate flavors.  It has great protein but tastes bleh on its own!