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marie M.
SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ
Member Since: 12/06/09
[Latest Posts]

Topic: RE: Dr. Andrei's patients?
Me, I had my First RNY in 2/1/10  and a revision 3 weeks ago, because I developed scar tissue , Down 185 so far.  I love the office, the staff, and Dr. Andrie.  After both my surgeries, he called  me 3 times a day,  then after I was home every day 2 times,  then for 3 weeks, I got a cheery call every day from Andy,  How are you marie?  Are you nautious? Getting in Fluids? Going to bathroom? How is your pain?  Any concerns and Dr. Andrei called me immediately.  I was not even nervous for my revision,  because I trusted and love my Dr.  Makes all the difference in the world.  And I am greatful for Karrie, Shanon, Pam, Debbie and everyone else who helps me on this journey, OMG and Sherri!!!!!   I don't know if I would have been as successful with another doctor.  I have heard some horror stories.
Sincerely,  Marie                
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Tom C.
Mount Arlington, NJ
Member Since: 10/15/07
[Latest Posts]

Topic: 25 + 1 Rules to be successful

Over the years I have collected some common “rules” one should follow in order to be successful. So far I am up to 25+ “universal set of laws” one should heed during their journey.

 

I would love to see this list grow, so please feel free to add to it. Maybe one day this will be adopted as the Constitution of Gastric Success!! :D

(1) Get your daily Protein requirements in (60 – 80 grams – your Doctor/Nutritionist may have different target amount – so follow their recommendation). Protein requirements change over time (depending upon weight loss stage, amount of exercise, hospitalization, etc). Check with your Doctor/Nutritionist concerning your protein needs.


(2) Protein drinks should be: between 20 and 30 grams of protein per serving (25 is recommended), contain less than 150 calories (110 recommended) contain less than 10 grams of carbohydrates (5 is recommended) (your Doctor/Nutritionist may have different rules – so follow their recommendation).

(3) Remember eat: Protein first, then fiber (ex veggies/fruits) then (if there is room) good (NON-starchy) carbohydrates.

 

(4) Drink at least 64 ounces of non-carbonated/non-caffeinated liquid.

 

(5) No drinking while eating and/or 30 minutes before and/or after meals (your Doctor/Nutritionist may have different rules – so follow their recommendation)

 

(6) You must east to lose weight!! Yes I know this a strange concept but if you don’t, your body will go into “starvation mode” and “store all it can”.

 

(7) Each meal should take at least 25 to 30 minutes to complete. Studies show it takes this long for your stomach to tell your brain it’s full – no matter how much food is in it.

 

(8) Eat at the same time everyday

(9) Eat until you are full, not stuffed

(10) Wait 30 to 60 seconds between putting another piece food in your mouth

 

(11) Make sure foods (especially meats) are moist

 

(12) Before you put that piece in your mouth, ask yourself “Would I give this size to a baby?”

 

(13) Chew-Chew-Chew-Chew-Chew- Chew-Chew-Chew-Chew-Chew- Chew-Chew-Chew-Chew-Chew- Chew-Chew-Chew-Chew-Chew- Chew-Chew-Chew-Chew-Chew- Chew-Chew-Chew-Chew-Chew (at least 30 times, or until it feels like baby food consistency)

 

(14) Take your vitamins !!

 

(15) Remember, during the operation they put the tool around your stomach, and not your brain. So, you will need to do some self control.

(16) Exercise – begin slow (example walk; climbing a flight of stairs; park in the furthest spot in the lot) and then gradually increase. My suggestion do two days; rest a day; do two days; rest a day; do two days

 

(17) If you feel like “snacking” do something else (ex. Go outside; call a (WLS) friend; come to the board and post, etc)

 

(18) Participate in a support group!!! It is a fact that those who attend supports groups have increased weight loss long term!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

(19) ok .. a little gross and try to figure out what I am saying .. What you think may be a “GAS” may come out as a “Liquid” or “Solid” .. so BE CAREFUL and BE PREPARED !!

 

(20) Remember to speak to your Doctor/Nutritionist regularly. 

 

(21) Speak to your Psychiatrist/Psychologist at least twice a year, especially when the “honeymoon” stage is  over.

 

(22) Keep your surgeon appointments.

 

(23) At specified intervals, get your blood-work done. Check with your Doctor.

 

(24) Shop the perimeter of the supermarkets.

 

(25) If you can’t pronounce the ingredients – don’t buy it!!

 

(26) Know I am always here for you :D

 

Good Luck on your Journey !!

Tom

“Nothing I will ever eat will give me the feeling I get as when I lose weight”  The views expressed are based on my own experiences - and should NOT BE FOLLOWED IN LIEU OF DOCTOR’S ADVICE/INSTRUCTIONS. Only your Doctor knows your condition, and make sure you talk to them before making any changes to your diet
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Tom C.
Mount Arlington, NJ
Member Since: 10/15/07
[Latest Posts]

Topic: RE: I maybe doing something wrong :(

*** DISCLAIMER ALERT *** TALK TO THE DOCTOR/NUTRITIONIST BEFORE INCREASING /CHANGE YOUR INTAKE.

 

Remember, this isn’t a race. “Slow and steady wins the race”.  We are a generation of instantaneous results, however remember we didn’t put all the weight on at once, it took years. So don’t you think losing it would take just as long? This isn't one of those miracle instantaneous weight loss programs. We all know types of programs always fail. This is a way of life

 

Nowhere does any of the literate state you will lose x amount of weight in x days. Think LONG TERM. If it takes you 2 – 3 -5 years to lose all the weight, WHO CARES!!! How long did it take you to put all those pounds on? Try to remind yourself that even if I lost only 1 pound per week, in year’s time I’d be 52 pounds lighter. Many doctors believe the slower you lose weight, the better chance you have of keeping it off. 

 

Many folks are hung up on the number. It’s not the number of pounds that someone loses in a specified period of time that is important. It’s how you feel. Don’t forget, if you are toning up muscle – your weight loss may seem to have slowed (or stopped), when in fact you are replacing fat with muscle. Muscle is heavier then fat. Someone weighting 200 pounds with a body fat percentage of 25 is carrying around 50 pounds of extra fat. That same person weighting 200 pounds with 10 percent body fat would be carrying 20 pounds of fat. So it’s not the number that is important.

 

The amount of weight lost is affected by many factors. Everyone loses weight at different rates. It has to do with age, gender, one’s weight, exercise, etc.. A 10 pound lost to one person could be as affected as a 40 pound lost to another. Think of it this way: If a 400-pound person loses 40 pounds; a 300-pound person loses 30 pounds, a 200-pound person loses 20 pounds, and a 100-pound person loses 10 pounds – the 400-pound person didn’t necessarily lose more weight than the others. All three lost 10% of their body weight. 

  

Also there are other “scales” you can use to monitor your success: your constant hunger reduction (eliminated); reduced clothing size; increase energy; re-familiarizing yourself to body-parts unseen for years (errr… toes) ; “common” activity becoming easier (walking, climbing steps), just feeling good about yourself; sleeping better (reduced snoring); the mirror; better medical exam results (lower cholesterol and/or blood pressure); etc.

 

Remember, weight WILL fluctuate. It depends on the DAY, the TIME OF DAY, and what’s going on “physically”. If it’s T.O.M. (no not me) time you can be a “little heavier” because of water.

 

*** DISCLAIMER ALERT *** TALK TO THE DOCTOR/NUTRITIONIST BEFORE INCREASING /CHANGE YOUR INTAKE.

 

Now I need to ask, are you taking in your recommend amount of PROTEIN??? Make sure you are getting your 60 to 80 grams of protein (or whatever your Doctor told you). THIS IS IMPORTANT TO WEIGHT LOSS. In the future, you can worry about those other things, but for now - WORRY ABOUT THE PROTEIN. Now don’t get me wrong - I don’t want you to eat a bag of chips, or whole cake or drink tons of ice cream shakes in order to get protein in. You need to use some common sense :) !!

 

When I first had the operation I had the same concerns as you. A close friend, who is a Certified Fitness Trainer, gave me a valuable lesson concerning losing weight. He gave me some information I found interesting, and thought I’d pass it along. The first thing he said is “You have to EAT in order to lose weight”. I know, it sounds strange. He further explained, this does not mean to OVEREAT, but eat sensible portions. That means eat until you feel full (not stuffed).

 

He explained the body is a marvelous machine, and it will protect itself. If one doesn’t eat enough, the body’s metabolism will slow down - in order to keep it functioning. If a person intake is less then what it expels, the body will start to “store” food. If a person stay on this type of eating regiment over a prolonged period, the body starts to “eat itself” - which is extremely unhealthy and could be fatal.

 

He said don’t worry if you’re loosing right away. He said as long as we follow the guidelines our Doctors/Nutritionist has set for us, we will loose weight. The body sometimes takes a while before it “resets” itself.

 

*** DISCLAIMER ALERT *** TALK TO THE DOCTOR/NUTRITIONIST BEFORE INCREASING /CHANGE YOUR INTAKE.

 

Maybe you need MORE PROTEIN. When I first had the operation I noticed if I ate 4 ounces of protein I didn’t feel full - however if I ate 6 ounces I did. I spoke to my Doctor about it. FOR ME he said that those “numbers” are somewhat guidelines. He went on to explain there are some folks who feel full on 2 ounces of protein while some need 6 or 8. He also explained that the calories intake should not be too much of a concern in the beginning. The way he explained it to me was: Prior the operation I may have been taken 3,000 calories per day. After the operation, with the amount of food I was taking in - I may have been taking in 1700 calories. While that’s 500 calories more then the recommended daily allotment - it was actually 1300 calories less then what I normally took in. So not only was I losing weight, but was also feel full. We need to worry about calories when our weight slows downs/stops or starts going up.

 

Stop and be proud of your lost. No matter how small it may seem. Remember, it’s better to lose 1/2 pound then to GAIN 1/8 pound.

 

*** DISCLAIMER ALERT *** TALK TO THE DOCTOR/NUTRITIONIST BEFORE INCREASING /CHANGE YOUR INTAKE.

 

Good Luck on your Journey !!

Tom

“Nothing I will ever eat will give me the feeling I get as when I lose weight”  The views expressed are based on my own experiences - and should NOT BE FOLLOWED IN LIEU OF DOCTOR’S ADVICE/INSTRUCTIONS. Only your Doctor knows your condition, and make sure you talk to them before making any changes to your diet
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Tom C.
Mount Arlington, NJ
Member Since: 10/15/07
[Latest Posts]

Topic: RE: Food coming up

 

Which operation did you have? If the band, WELCOME TO THE CLUB!!! This, in OUR world, is known as SLIMING (from Ghostbusters).

Sliming is when something gets stuck and the body produces LOTS of thick saliva in the esophagus to try to slide it down. If it doesn't move, the thick saliva comes back up into the mouth.

Techninally it’s called pb = is a "Productive Burp" which means basically spitting up like a baby... what you just ate comes right back up into your mouth, but there is no retching or heaving like when you throw up


Now .. ( A) Before swallowing make sure you chew-chew-chew-chew-chew-chew-chew-chew-chew-chew-chew-chew-chew-chew-chew-chew-chew-chew-chew-chew-chew-chew-chew-chew-chew-chew-chew-chew-chew-chew-chew (notice it's over 30 times) (B) take at least one minute (60 seconds) between bites (C) if this occurs a lot, even with water, CALL YOUR DOCTOR!!!

Hope this answered you question.

Good Luck on your Journey !!

Tom

“Nothing I will ever eat will give me the feeling I get as when I lose weight”  The views expressed are based on my own experiences - and should NOT BE FOLLOWED IN LIEU OF DOCTOR’S ADVICE/INSTRUCTIONS. Only your Doctor knows your condition, and make sure you talk to them before making any changes to your diet
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Tom C.
Mount Arlington, NJ
Member Since: 10/15/07
[Latest Posts]

Topic: RE: hello! new here!
Hey Joe, Way to GO!!! 

Isn't GREAT to be a LOSER ?!??!?!?!


Keep up, or should I say off, the GREAT work!!!
Good Luck on your Journey !!

Tom

“Nothing I will ever eat will give me the feeling I get as when I lose weight”  The views expressed are based on my own experiences - and should NOT BE FOLLOWED IN LIEU OF DOCTOR’S ADVICE/INSTRUCTIONS. Only your Doctor knows your condition, and make sure you talk to them before making any changes to your diet
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LunaChic
Newark, NJ
VSG (04/12/12)
Member Since: 02/07/12
[Latest Posts]

Topic: RE: hello! new here!
I've been dying to hit to gym myself!!  It's in our best interest to wait until we are cleared.  I would hate to pop a stitch or cause some damage.  :). I've been doing lots of walking to try to get some exercise in the meantime.  :)

   Sleeved on 4/12/2012
 

    MyFitnessPal:  MissLunaChic      (Looking for friends - feel free to add me!)

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bgaylz
Member Since: 04/28/08
[Latest Posts]

Topic: RE: Just short of 3 years! (PICS!!!)


You look GREAT!!!!!
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sugarpie
Landing, NJ
Member Since: 11/01/09
[Latest Posts]

Topic: RE: Just short of 3 years! (PICS!!!)
Congrats on all your hard work!!
    
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Erik0409
NJ
RNY (03/15/12)
Member Since: 03/26/12
[Latest Posts]

Topic: RE: Meetings in central jersey? Edison?
check out the Central Jersey Bariatrics site.  they have meetings in Old Bridge and Freehold.
    
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joetorres
(04/26/12)
Member Since: 05/12/12
[Latest Posts]

Topic: RE: MEDICAID AND MEDICARE SURGEONS LIST!
 Just to update dr wasser from Willingboro no longer takes Medicaid . But he does take horizon nj health cards
    
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joetorres
(04/26/12)
Member Since: 05/12/12
[Latest Posts]

Topic: RE: Just short of 3 years! (PICS!!!)
Wow you look great! Gratz!
    
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joetorres
(04/26/12)
Member Since: 05/12/12
[Latest Posts]

Topic: Food coming up
 Ok before surgery I had this thing where if I burp chewed up food comes up. After surgery I notice this happens often like if I eat scramble eggs or fish or fruit I end up burping it out in the toilet. I wouldn't say throwing up cause there is no gagging or any thing it just comes up and I mean all 2 ounce of it. It's slimy and foamy is there any concerns here or should I just not eat those foods?  
    
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joetorres
(04/26/12)
Member Since: 05/12/12
[Latest Posts]

Topic: RE: hello! new here!
 Thanks guys! I'm trying! Just wish I can hit the gym but I'm told to wait 3 more weeks.
    
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MONI0919
Bayonne, NJ
VSG (04/25/12)
Member Since: 05/30/01
[Latest Posts]

Topic: RE: I maybe doing something wrong :(
thank you for your help sugarpie,  hoping to star seen progress soon
 thanks

                
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sugarpie
Landing, NJ
Member Since: 11/01/09
[Latest Posts]

Topic: RE: hello! new here!
Congrats and welcome!!

Keep up the hard work.
    
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sugarpie
Landing, NJ
Member Since: 11/01/09
[Latest Posts]

Topic: RE: I maybe doing something wrong :(
Well. You are only 2 weeks out.  Your body is recovering and healing.  Be patient at this stage.  I am not sure if coconu****er has protein in it, but at this stage everything you eat or drink should have protein in it.

Protein shakes, cottage cheese, egg beaters, yogurt, etc.  Concentrate on your protein and everything will fall into place.

Remember this is a journey, not a sprint.  Everyone loses at a different rate.  I 'only' lost about 20 lbs the first month.  But lost 170 in the course of a year.

So hang in there and you will as Tom says be on the 'loser's bench'
    
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MONI0919
Bayonne, NJ
VSG (04/25/12)
Member Since: 05/30/01
[Latest Posts]

Topic: RE: hello! new here!
hi Joe congrat on your progress,  welcome
                
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joetorres
(04/26/12)
Member Since: 05/12/12
[Latest Posts]

Topic: hello! new here!
 Hi all!! im new here. Starting weight 547. Weight lost before surgery 80. Current weight after surgery 449.
    
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Chrislove
Member Since: 04/06/12
[Latest Posts]

Topic: RE: NJ nutritionists, therapists, and support groups
I don't know if its too far but I know one in Teaneck.
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MONI0919
Bayonne, NJ
VSG (04/25/12)
Member Since: 05/30/01
[Latest Posts]

Topic: I maybe doing something wrong :(
on April 15 I stared  my liquid diet before my op,  on april 25 the day of my op i was 225  today  2 week after my op im  218 :(  i think Im not loosing  weight as other , im in a liquid diet creamy,  cottage chesee, ligh yougurt, baby food, sking milk

what at i'm doing wrong :(  is this the weight I supposte to had loose  Im too slow, or what, please help, I'm also drinking coconu****er drained  , the only thing that i had have more than 2 onz is the soup that i made my self wish i blend,

im not taking protein other that the one on the cottage cheease, yogurt and milk,

any help plese, is tlike im stuck on 218 217 :(

my regular doctor scale said 218 yesterday, my scale said 217,  everywhere i go is diferent,
                
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