abrown8434’s Posts
Post Date 5/20/12 8:02 pm
Topic: RE: Quick update - almost 3 years post band to vsg revision, 18.5 weeks pregnant

Awww, I am so happy for you and your lovely family! Miss Tatum is getting cuter by the day and I am so happy that healthy pregnancy after VSG is totally possible! Best wishes and may you and your family continue to prosper!
HW: 550+     SW: 502      CW: 398.4  SDt: 9/20/11

 
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."--Philippians 4:13, KJV

        

 

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Post Date 5/13/12 6:49 pm
Topic: RE: Finally reached my 100 pounds lost

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Keep up the good work!
HW: 550+     SW: 502      CW: 398.4  SDt: 9/20/11

 
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."--Philippians 4:13, KJV

        

 

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Post Date 5/13/12 9:49 am
Topic: RE: Feeding Tube Diet? Seriously?

They are all insane! After struggling with all the diets, pills and gimmicks I made the decision that was right for me. I love my WLS and I am confident that if I had held on a little longer for the next thing or the new up and coming thing my quality of life would not be what it is. I would be in constant pain and possibly one of the youngest people to have double knee replacements.

Now, I am virtually pain free and can avoid knee replacements all together if I continue to keep my weight off, stay active and continue losing. Thank God there is no feeding tube diet for me or any other of these ridiculous gimmicks in my future!!!
HW: 550+     SW: 502      CW: 398.4  SDt: 9/20/11

 
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."--Philippians 4:13, KJV

        

 

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Post Date 5/12/12 8:46 am
Topic: RE: 15 weeks out and tired

I completely understand and what you feel is typically. 1st you are so obsessed w/everything you eat, then you have to track every single bite and constantly take your vitamins and supplements; after awhile you just feel like you have had ENOUGH!

Don't worry; hang on in there, keep up the tracking, exercise and diet and before long it will become a regular routine and you just make peace w/it. I love my sleeve, the results and my new life! It is so worth--even w/ the constant hard work that it takes!

Best of luck to you! :o)
HW: 550+     SW: 502      CW: 398.4  SDt: 9/20/11

 
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."--Philippians 4:13, KJV

        

 

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Post Date 5/12/12 8:43 am
Topic: RE: Feeding Tube Diet? Seriously?

. . . and yet, the same supporters of that would call bariatric surgery EXTREME! Go figure!
HW: 550+     SW: 502      CW: 398.4  SDt: 9/20/11

 
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."--Philippians 4:13, KJV

        

 

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Post Date 5/10/12 10:40 am
Topic: RE: Seven Month Check In

First, kudos & CONGRATS! I'm glad to here that someone else has similar average month losses and lbs loss. I just pray that I can keep the averages of loss per month so I can reach my goal even faster.

Best of luck to you and kudos again to a job well done!
HW: 550+     SW: 502      CW: 398.4  SDt: 9/20/11

 
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."--Philippians 4:13, KJV

        

 

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Post Date 5/5/12 6:15 am
Topic: RE: Half the person I used to be!!

Aww congratulations! You have worked hard, come a long way and you totally deserve! Good luck--you are just a few steps away from Onderland!
HW: 550+     SW: 502      CW: 398.4  SDt: 9/20/11

 
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."--Philippians 4:13, KJV

        

 

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Post Date 5/5/12 5:56 am
Topic: RE: I won the war!!!

Congratulations!
HW: 550+     SW: 502      CW: 398.4  SDt: 9/20/11

 
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."--Philippians 4:13, KJV

        

 

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Post Date 4/24/12 7:28 pm
Topic: RE: probiotic- may be tmi- but help!!!!!

PROBIOTICS!!! I have been on them for two weeks and they are AWESOME! They are not expensive either! I got a 100 pill bottle of Nature Bounty's from Walgreens and that was $9.99. They are small capsules and you only take one a day. This week is buy one get one here in VA so you could rack up!
HW: 550+     SW: 502      CW: 398.4  SDt: 9/20/11

 
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."--Philippians 4:13, KJV

        

 

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Post Date 4/24/12 10:50 am
Topic: RE: Wanna see something AMAZING?!?! (PICS INCLUDED!!)

Thank you! I certainly hope so!
HW: 550+     SW: 502      CW: 398.4  SDt: 9/20/11

 
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."--Philippians 4:13, KJV

        

 

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Post Date 4/24/12 10:34 am
Topic: RE: Wanna see something AMAZING?!?! (PICS INCLUDED!!)

You look amazing and ditto to everything you said! I'm like you, I am not apologizing for living and I don't always make healthy choices but I workout a lot. I also love being able to shop at Ross now and feel normal. I can't wait until I'm at 297 and see what my body looks like then!

Keep up the good work; you're journey is amazing!
HW: 550+     SW: 502      CW: 398.4  SDt: 9/20/11

 
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."--Philippians 4:13, KJV

        

 

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Post Date 4/23/12 4:52 pm
Topic: RE: WLS and eating disorders...long

Thanks; it took a long time to be balanced and now I'm fighting to go back to basics food wise. Again, for those who say this is the wasy way out--only for those who have NOT had surgery!!!
HW: 550+     SW: 502      CW: 398.4  SDt: 9/20/11

 
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."--Philippians 4:13, KJV

        

 

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Post Date 4/23/12 4:49 pm
Topic: RE: Help? Or even just a hello?

Same here; I started out w/my protein shake (the basics). It was so hard today because there were so many temptations and cravings but I stopped myself. After all, this is the reason I had weight loss surgery. It is so easy to fall out of good habits but harder to rid the bad ones but we can do it!!!!!!
HW: 550+     SW: 502      CW: 398.4  SDt: 9/20/11

 
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."--Philippians 4:13, KJV

        

 

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Post Date 4/23/12 5:11 am
Topic: RE: Help? Or even just a hello?

I'm sorry to hear about your family issues and I hope they get better soon.

The biggie isn't that you are "hugely flawed" (by default if you think you are you are not). Hugely flawed people typically do not see a problem with themselves. You are human. You were human with a weight problem and now you are working on eliminating your weight issues but life still goes on.

I think this is the reality of WLS for most and I am going through it myself after 7 months. You have huge great losses in the beginning, follow the program to a T (or as close to perfect as possible) and exercise fervently, etc. However, as time goes by and appetite and cravings increase, most people go back to at least some of their old habits. Once the carbs come back in you crave them more, if you're not careful you get more and more off track, and possible regain some if not all you weight back.

So, with all that said, this is my plan of action. While it is only a few lbs that I have added, I know what worked and where I got off track. I am going back to my protein shakes and adding in veggies with some low carb fruits. Since I'll be drinking my shakes again that will help me get in more liquid and go back to over 8 glass a day (preferably 12 to 16 glasses).It is worth it to me because I refuse to throw in the towel or fail.

Best of luck to you! Keep coming on for inspiration and encouragement. 
HW: 550+     SW: 502      CW: 398.4  SDt: 9/20/11

 
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."--Philippians 4:13, KJV

        

 

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Post Date 4/22/12 5:14 pm
Topic: RE: So Nervous!!!

Most of us felt that way going in and coming out. I'm sending prayers and hope your way that you will soon be able to enjoy the rewards of your courage. It is welll worth to regain your health and life back.

May God be with you!
HW: 550+     SW: 502      CW: 398.4  SDt: 9/20/11

 
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."--Philippians 4:13, KJV

        

 

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Post Date 4/22/12 4:12 pm
Topic: RE: Painful

So soon out this is a possible problem. One thing that has helped me recently when Benefiber and Mylanta were no longer doing the trick, was a probiotic pill. I brought one by Nature's Bounty for $9.99 at Walgreens and you just take one a day. That was for a bottle with 100 pills in which is over a 3 month supply.

Keep drinking all your water and then some and hopefully these things will help. Best of luck to you!
HW: 550+     SW: 502      CW: 398.4  SDt: 9/20/11

 
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."--Philippians 4:13, KJV

        

 

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Post Date 4/22/12 4:07 pm
Topic: RE: Probiotics

I use it and have for the past couple weeks. I use Nature's Bounty and an over 3 months supply was $9.99 at Walgrens. It has really made a difference in having a normal bowel movement; more than any other product.

Best of luck!
HW: 550+     SW: 502      CW: 398.4  SDt: 9/20/11

 
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."--Philippians 4:13, KJV

        

 

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Post Date 4/22/12 3:06 pm
Topic: RE: Eating Protein vs Shakes/Add'l carbs vs low/Unstable Weight loss--sound off

Thanks for your encouragement and yes, I was having a mini pity party, lol. I thank God that the anorexic face is behind me; I think sometimes some of us are overzealous in the beginning and so fearfull of what to eat and what not that if you are not carefull, you can easily develop an eating disorder.

I guess I just need to tighten up a bit, go back to what use to work and, after that, if it doesn't work anymore,just deal with it.

Thanks again.
HW: 550+     SW: 502      CW: 398.4  SDt: 9/20/11

 
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."--Philippians 4:13, KJV

        

 

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Post Date 4/22/12 2:50 pm
Topic: Eating Protein vs Shakes/Add'l carbs vs low/Unstable Weight loss--sound off

OH Fam, you're the only ones that understand and can help me with this.

Everyone's doctor has different plans and you find what works for you. 6 months out I decided to try to eat my protein vs. drink it. So far, it has been harder to me to get 80 grams + of protein per day and average around 60 grams.

Now, I have added some carbs which I know has hindered my loss. 7 mos out I have loss 102 lbs but that bounces back and forth between 1 or 2 additional lbs. On the one hand, I am happy because I don't fear food and not in the anorexic state I was headed to soon after surgery. I enjoy cooking again and have a few bites of this or that.

I know I am not in the old habits that led me to be super morbidly obese and I do have self control. Eating vs drinking has decreased my minor fainting spells and given me slightly more stamina for my vigorous workouts. However, the add'l carbs may be (and I'm almost positive they are) hindering my weight loss.

I am not sure what to do. What I am really upset about is that w/the small amount of food I can eat, the vast amount of time I spend in the gym, and the still low amount of carbs I eat compared to a typical diet, why is my weight so sensitive to carbs? I know I am carb sensitive but why are my 1-2 hour workouts several times a weight not serving as a buffer to that?

Some people hear just eat high protein and drink plenty of water and don't even worry about carbs and fat and they lose fine. Why is it that I am not eating a fraction of what a normal dieter would, I am working out harder than the average person but now my weight seems to be leveled off. Am I being impatient, at a plateau or do I need to go back to the semi-anorexic state I was before? HELP!!!!!
HW: 550+     SW: 502      CW: 398.4  SDt: 9/20/11

 
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."--Philippians 4:13, KJV

        

 

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Post Date 4/22/12 2:32 pm
Topic: RE: Below 300 lbs and teary about it

Congratulations! That is simply AWESOME!
HW: 550+     SW: 502      CW: 398.4  SDt: 9/20/11

 
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."--Philippians 4:13, KJV

        

 

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Post Date 4/20/12 1:23 pm
Topic: RE: WLS and eating disorders...long

Absolutely!!! For the first few months I refused to go anywhere that involved food (parties, restaurants). This made me realize that I really needed to analyze life after surgery and how to make it healthier and realistic.

For me, eating off plan helped balance it out and visualizing my food. Some days I compare what I eat to a normal diet. If I visualize my daily food total, it would not be enough to fit one small plate. Therefore, I realize that I am in balance despite the carbs, fat grams, calories, etc.

Other than that, I focus on getting my proteins in, getting some fruits or vegetables for the day (even if it is just a bite) and some carbs. Based on whatever workout day it is I may have to eat a few extra carbs. I need to feel healthy and not faintish or sick.

At the end of the day, we have to keep living. I way myself daily and I can tell when a lb or two comes on based on what I have eaten. When you see it increasing you get back on plan, increase your workouts and work it off. Could I be another 15 or 20 lbs thinner by now? Yes. Is it worth the "perfect" eating and missed enjoyment and living? For me, no. For some it may be. But I'd rather have a few bites of junk here and there and not be in the anorexic state I was headed to soon after surgery.
HW: 550+     SW: 502      CW: 398.4  SDt: 9/20/11

 
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."--Philippians 4:13, KJV

        

 

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Post Date 4/20/12 1:04 pm
Topic: RE: 9 month update with pictures

Congratulations to you! Isn't it wonderful?!!
HW: 550+     SW: 502      CW: 398.4  SDt: 9/20/11

 
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."--Philippians 4:13, KJV

        

 

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Post Date 4/16/12 10:57 am
Topic: RE: time to buckle down

I love your perspective "I'm not beating myself up at all; this is how life is now". We have an awesome tool and, if used properly, we have an advantage in the weight loss game. However, very few of us are going to eat right 100% of the time and adhere to everything! Life is to be lived and enjoyed yet healthily. You are on the right track. Live, laugh and love and know how to regroup quickly.

You've got this!
HW: 550+     SW: 502      CW: 398.4  SDt: 9/20/11

 
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."--Philippians 4:13, KJV

        

 

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Post Date 4/14/12 5:47 am
Topic: RE: Go ahead, add me to the CENTURY CLUB baby!

Thanks!
HW: 550+     SW: 502      CW: 398.4  SDt: 9/20/11

 
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."--Philippians 4:13, KJV

        

 

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Post Date 4/12/12 3:22 pm
Topic: RE: Go ahead, add me to the CENTURY CLUB baby!

Thanks; you're doing AWESOME as well!
HW: 550+     SW: 502      CW: 398.4  SDt: 9/20/11

 
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."--Philippians 4:13, KJV

        

 

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