Good News Today

Hi guys, Went to Wichita Falls today for my surgeon's support group meeting - I was talking to him after the meeting, telling how frustrated I'm getting trying to lose these 15 pounds I've gained. MY scales keep going up and down the same two pounds and it's driving me crazy. He told me not to worry about it that my metabolism may be totally shot and I might not lose the 15 and it wouldn't be a problem if I didn't (not for him anyway). Well, after the meeting, I went to his office to pick up some samples of some medication he has me taking and while there, I stepped on his sclaes. According to them, I've lost 5 pounds. Now that doesn't sound like much - for two months worth of trying - but to me it was like a shot of adrenalin. I went from almost giving up to excited. I hadn't eaten since breakfast and was hungry - had planned on going to Sonic and getting some Cheddar Peppers (only 250 calories so while not great, they aren't terrible). Well I was so excited about the 5 pounds that I bought a new protein drink his resource store is selling - called Filli Shake it Drink it. They are plastic bottles with protein powder in them, you open and add 8 ounces of cold water, shake and drink. I got the Proticcino (coffee flavored) and it was excellent. No aftertaste, no chalky feel and not gritty. It had 80 calories and 15g of protein. I also got a new protein bar - Control Bar - in the peanut flavor - tastes a lot like a Pay Day. It has 160 calories and 11 g of protein. So instead of having the Cheddar Peppers with all the carbs and high fat, I had two protein products fo about the same caloreis and got 26g of protein too. I have to highly recommend both of these products 0 they are excellent. I have tentatively scheduled my knee replacement surgery - November 21 0 the Monday before Thanksgiving. I will have to be off work for six weeks and this will give me the 4 holidays at Thanksgiving and Christmas to include in my paid time off. If I've estimated correctly, and if I don't get sick or something before the surgery, I won't have to take any time without pay - and that is good. Not going to be a lot of fun lying in the Rehab Hospital on Thanksgiving or spending all the Christmas season recuperating from the surgery but it will be so worthi it after the healing is done. Hope you all have a great weekend - or what's left of it. Patty

Woohoo Patty!! I know how much that five pounds means to you---way to go! And congrats on scheduling your knee surgery, you won't know how to act without having all that pain, but I know you'll love it!! Hugs, Connie P.S.---Can I be your knee surgery angel????

Connie, I would love for you to be my angel. You already are one so having you as an angel for my surgery would be very special. Patty

Patty, Did your doctor mention WHY?? our metabolism goes "kaaa-put"?? I have hypothyroidism now and I have gained about 50 pounds. No amount of exercise and correct eating will bring those pounds off. I have been on Synthroid for a week now, but my doctor says it could take 6 weeks for me to feel the positive effects of the medicine. And, she went on to say that she doesn't know that it will help with the weight loss, I will just have to wait and see. This is very frustrating. I get so depressed when I look at my WLS journey pictures. I feel just as huge now as I felt before WLS. I try to keep it all in perspective and sometimes when I am really down I will put on the "one" blouse I kept from pre-op and I see that I am not that big again. I have heard other WLS friends say that their metabolism shut down. I was just wondering why that happens. CONGRATULATIONS on losing 5 pounds!!!!!!!! I know very well how you feel!!! Take care, Cheryl

Cheryl, He didn't say - but I do know that years of yo-yo dieting will definitely harm the metabolism. The personal trainer and my surgeon's weight management nurse did say that exercis can help with the metabolism - especially strength training - as muscle burns many more calories than fat. Hopefully the synthroid will heko - and don't beat yourelf up - this isn't your "fault". I know, however, how down you must feel. My surgeon even recommends going on a doctor supervised weightloss program for those of us who have regain problems - indlucing some medications, where the doctor thinks it's necessary. He hasn't suggested that to me because I know why I gained - I started eating foods that trigger me to graze. I have learned that I just can't eat them. Patty

Patty that is wonderful about the 5 lbs and so glad you found some protein supplementation you like!! gratitude is my attitude Amanda S VG-DS October 2001 highest >350/342 start of wls journey/154@goal and after ps

Patty there are a bunch of protein bars called control what is the manufactures name?

Amanda, I can't find the wrapper from the protein bar - but I will find out the manufacturer's name. As for the drink, I did find it exceptionally good and easy but it will not be a regular protein drink for me because of the cost. I do think it's great, though, to have for times when a blender isn't handy. Patty

It's great to see your face again. I haven't seen any post from you in a while probably because I've mostly been hanging out in the Over 50 board. Congratulations on the 5 lb weight loss. That is a major accomplishment and I know you will get rid of the other 10 lbs in time. Hope all goes well with your knee replacement. I've heard it is a hard surgery to recover from but worth the pain for the results. Have a good day!