I'm a lightweight??

I have been on the RNY board and the plastic surgery board for awhile and more than one poster has suggested I go to the lightweight board so here I am.  Hope its ok.  I am 5'2", before surgery was 226, day of surgery was 218, BMI was somewhere around 39 or 40.  6.5 months later, weight is 149.6, BMI is approx. 27.5 and I am finally feeling in control.  I do have tons of questions for this stage of the game, though.  I think that I am not eating enough and don't really know how to design it so I am.  I had an marginal ulcer about 7 weeks after surgery, was on Carafate (still am), Axid (couldn't take PPI's) and liquids.  About every two to three weeks, stomach acts up and I go back to the liquids to feel good.  Protein is ok (about 80-100 grams) but, as yet, haven't eaten any fruit, salads or breads etc (was told to stay away from starches)  I know it isn't very balanced and certainly not "normal".  All blood tests are ok except low protein and elevated liver enzymes.  Should I go back to the dietician to add better balance or just go with what I do now?  I still have 35 lbs. to go but want to be really healthy so I can do plastics when goal is reached.  Also, have been doing walking on treadmill the entire time and getting really BORED with it...any suggestions to shake it up?  Do have to have a knee replacement so I know that  limits it.  Sorry for the length but would really like some suggestions so I don't get complacent and started gaining.  Thanks

Welcome to the LW forum!  Tons of support here for you!  I would suggest reading the Daily Fitness Forum here on the board the Mythinme posts for exercise ideas.  I understand you have a bad knee so I would start with strengthening it with basic exercises for knee rehab.  Once you build up those muscles you will beable to perform a larger variety of exercise.

As far as labs go I'm sure MajorMom will chime in in the morning.  She is our resident Vit/Min guru.  There are several gals here who have had "gut" issues that may have suggestions for you in regards to dealing with your ulcer.

I don't have much to offer in the way of advice for your situation but I wanted to welcome you!

Hi and welcome aboard!

Suggestions:
You are right to stay low carb until goal or below. It might help to add a few protein shakes to your daily plan if your protein is still coming in low even at 80-100 grams of protein with food. Additional protein shakes might also help with the weight loss. I think your dietitian is right telling you to stay away from starches for life. A little here and there after goal but try your hardest to stay away from them, and sugar of course. Obesity is a disease and we aren't normal, so don't worry about a normal diet, that's what a robust supplement plan is for. 

Get a copy of all your labs and start tracking them on a spreadsheet. We can help with understanding target levels and how to tweak your vitamins to help certain things improve. If your liver enzymes are high, it's likely just due to dropping weight so fast. You can take Milk Thistle to help those numbers go down. Milk Thistle is available over the counter at VitaminShoppe or online. I promote using Vitalady's vitamin plans. You can easily tweak whatever is high or low on your labs since her plan is primarily individual vitamins and minerals rather than fancy combos. Link: www.gblcreations.com/Resources/Gina/ProgramPRNY2-2010.pdf

I'll leave it the other guys to help with exercise. All I do is walk outside rain or shine or sleet or snow....you know the drill. lol 

Glad you found us!

--gina
   

WELCOME!  You and I have just about the same stats (starting weight, height, surgery date)!  It sounds like you've done REALLY well!

I just met with my nutritionist yesterday and we analyzed my food dairies and she "shook" things up a bit for me.  She said my protein was EXCELLENT but I needed to add one whole grain serving each day (maybe a 100 calorie bag of popcorn or a serving of Triscuits) and to try to get one FRUIT serving...fruit doesn't really sit well with me at all so we'll see how this goes!  She also said that my calories were low enough where I could plan for a 100 calorie "treat" each day (If I keep up my exercise)!   I actaully woke up this morning excited about some new foods today!

I would also suggest a personal trainer if money allows (mine is 25 dollars for a 40 minute session).  A trainer will know how to change up your workout and work around your weak knee.

Best wishes and I'm so glad you found the LW board!!

Welcome.  Looks like you can find a home here for sure.

I have a bad knee also (and hip).  I do Curves several times a week and have started Zumba 1x a week. I do nothing that hurts my knee at Curves and actually, most of their machines strengthen the muscles and tendons, ligament so it holds together better.  But I also agree, a trainer would be great it you can do it.

I do some fruit but when I started adding it in daily, I stopped losing.  So now, only low glycymic and only occasionally.  I try to have some kind of veggie everyday but with limited space, I certainly don't get much.  Glad you labs are good.  That says you are doing something right.

Welcome to the board!

Welcome.  You will love it here.  Everyone is helpful and supportive.  Absolutely no drama!!!  I don't post very much as I am waiting to have surgery but I check in every day and I have to say this is the "nicest" board.

Elizabeth

Welcome to the lightweight board.

Liz

 Welcome!  We learn from each other. I am still new, but I just added some weight work to get some muscle. I joined a bare bones gym and the equipment can be adapted all sorts of ways. I have a bad right shoulder. I figure that is safer for a klutz like me than free weights. You might find something to strengthen yourself for knee surgery, as several people have posted.

Welcome to the LW Board.

Are you taking a statin for cholesterol?  That can raise your liver enzymes.  I got to stop my lovastatin and I added Milk Thistle as Gina suggested and mine have come down a good bit.  One is still a little high.

Check out the Menus and Miles that Roz posts every day for ideas on meals.  We have all types on there and in all places of their weight loss journeys.  You can get some great ideas. 

Sounds like you are doing good.  Hope you get your stomach problems under control.

Good luck.

Linda