(updated 11/15/16) I am 55 ( 43at time of surgery) wife of Steve and with 4 children, and 4 grandchildren.
I homeschooled my kids, have two left at home. Am an RN with Hospice and have my own Mary Kay
business. Weight loss has always been a struggle for me, ever since I was a little
girl. The kids at school called me "fat fingers", my mom gave me a "Tubby
Tuba" baby doll! YUCK! Who wants a tubby tuba baby doll! :) I worked out
at clubs, did weight watchers, grapefruit, southbeach, atkins, jenny craig, you
name it I tried it, lypolean pills, cortislim, metabolism boosters!


***********
I have my most recent update first. If you scroll down a bit you will see the hints I have pre and post op
and through maintenance then the beginning of my weight
 loss journey .


*****

11/15/16  11 years post op.  I remain active working out daily.  My weight is 147-154.  This year I will finally get a tummy tuck to get rid of my belly giggle.  I continue to monitor my labs yearly and bi yearly, monitor my calcium, protein.  I continue to drink 1-2 supplemental protein drinks a day.  Gastric bypass I'd do again in an instant.  I need the reminders. I have to daily watch what I eat, when I eat, and continued health and weight loss or maintaining is work.  I purposefully plan my food every day, and I rarely keep junk at home, because I know I'm a thinner version of myself as a food addict.    The best thing I'd say, is don't think you can eat the white stuff and not gain weight.  Potatoes, bread, cookies, sugar.....the weight will creep back. Don't think you can eat enough protein or calcium or vitamins.  TAKE YOUR Protein and supplements!  Wake up...you have a MAL ABSORPTION surgery....

 You have a tool, emphasis is TOOL to lose weight and keep it off.  Its up to you to use your took and change your life style to keep it off.  I look and feel great.  I'm happy where I am.  I still weal size 6-8.  Yes, I have saggy skin, and but hey, I lost 100 lbs.  As expected, I did have a rebound of about 20-25 lbs, but I remain healthy. 

The best advise on success will not come from your MD or your dietitian, it will come from US, those who have gone before you and are living success stories.  We will tell you the scoop...we live it daily.  That being said, I'm here to help and encourage you any way possible.  Blessings to you.....its worth it..You are worth it...life is worth it!

hugs, Tami Lynn

 

 

1/3/13 8 years post op. 137-145 lbs.  I still take vitamins 3-4 times a day an watch my lab work carefully.  I continue to take protein 2 times a day and keep up with protein, fruits and vegetables.  My new job is more desk work, so I try to get up and walk evey chance I get..  Still wear size 6 and am healthy and look years younger than my 51 yrs.  I'd do this surgery again in a heartbeat.  is it hard?  Yes.  Do I have to work at it? yes.  Do I fail? yes.  But I have kept a pair of fat pants to remind me of where I came from, and I will never fit into them again. I have reviewed the pouch rules and have started using myfitnesspal to be sure I am eating enough calories and exercising and for accountability. My goal is to knock off 10 lbs from working a sedentary job .  If you go to the weightloss graduates forum you will see my posts there for the most up to date  information.

5/26/11  6 year anniversary.  Weight is 135.  Continue to love my choice. Healthy. Continue to work out. Wearing size 4-6.  Protein drinks are now gold standard whey double chocolate powder from GNC.  All my vitamins are from vitalady.com and I still am very
consistant witth taking both of these.  Protein 2-3 times a day.  I preplan my foods and buy only what I can eat.  Have not gotten surgery for the saggy skin, that's ok. Still looking good and loving my new healthy life!!

Weight is about 130-133. Still in Kung Fu and testing for my 4th belt next week. I did go back to building
block vitamins and its doing good. Still using the achieve protein drinks from bariatric eating. having hard
time getting the peanutbutter brand i spoke of in August. I still drink 2-3 drinks a day. Working on staying
away from carbs.

And just watching, watching. I was upset that my weight was going up. But I am only 1 lb over the goal
my doc had for me. My clothes have not changed iun size and I do look healthier. So, that is what I have
to look at. Adding more muscle and don't have fat on me at all. The flab on my belly is just extra skin.

Maintaining, is not easy...but its worth it. I still will tell people to have accountability. Go to some support group.
i continue with my TOPS group and I need it to keep me on track. It will be my opinion that without accountability
I and most people will have weight gain, that and not doing some exercise and keeping away from the white carbs.
The other thing, is never, never, never go back to eating sugar. Don't even try it. I haven't and am glad to be
sugar free. Plenty to eat in sugar free. Those who have gone back to sugar have regretted it. So why open that pandoras box?

**************

Helpful thoughts pre and post op

Things to do to prepare for surgery:

1. Educate yourself:
Read other peoples profiles on the obesity site. Read all information from doctor
and on this site about surgery, complications, etc.

2. Stick to the doctors pre-op diet. Don't be tempted to binge or eat the
"last supper". In fact, I'd encourage you to NOT have a last meal.
Why do it? Start your new life now, what will this last meal give you? Nothing but some more calories.
Make a conscious choice to be in control over food, and you will feel great about yourself.
I know I did. I was tempted to have the last meal too, but didn't. I realized how silly my mindset was....
was that food so important to me? It was, and it bothered me, because I saw a part of myself I did not
like that was controlled by the taste of food, and I knew that is what got me here in the first place.
So, I resisted, and lost 6 lbs prior to surgery...and now another 30 lbs down I don't regret missing that last
meal at all! Think about it!

3. Start your lifestyle diet early, proteins, veges and fruits. Start drinking 80 oz water a day. Get off caffeine
and sodas. If you can lose some weight before surgery you decrease the fat around your liver. This makes
you a better candidate for lap surgery instead of a full line open incision.

4. Stock your cupboard with foods you will need post op. Chicken broth, beef broth,
protein shakes ( I like the unjury powder. You can go to www.unjury.com to get
them or perhaps your doc sells them). I prefer the chocolate and the unflavored.
I use the unflavored to add to meals, and broth to up my protein. SF jello, decaf
tea, skim milk, frozen fruits, cottage cheese, regular cheese, dannon sf yogert,
unsweet applesauce, SF v-8 splash and SF popsicles.

5. Buy a food scale because you will need to measure your cooked food.

6. Buy baby spoons to eat with post op. Helps you portion control better.

What to take to the hospital:

1.Lip balm (your lips will be dry)

2. Wear hospital gown its just easier and they give you big enough ones so you won't
moon anyone! Bring a nice robe, they will give you slippers.

3.Something to fix your hair or put it up, and personal things like toothbrush etc.
I brought make up because a little paint on the barn sure makes you feel better.
I even wore some perfume. Hey, I might not look too good, but I'll smell good!!!

4. Have someone stay with you your entire stay at the hospital. Its good to have
a helping hand and someone who is not groggy to know what is going on with your
care. I was groggy till the end of the 2nd day. I felt much comfort knowing someone
was there looking out for me and helped me to the bathroom, walking, reaching for
things etc. Its only 3 days, and they can eat in the cafeteria. You are worth it!!!

5. Take a small pillow. You will have to cough in the hospital. Use this to splint
your stomach, it will help alot. Also for the ride home, bumps may bother you and
you will be glad you have your stomach pillow for support.

6. Wear loose clothing to the hospital, when you go home you want nothing constricting
on your tummy!

*********
What to expect:

1. You will come out of surgery with an iv and catheter. My catheter came out the
second day after surgery. Felt a little funny coming out, but it was ok.

2. IV stayed in till my 2-3 day.

3. Day after surgery you will go to xray in the morning, drink something nasty and
they will check to see that your pouch is not leaking.

4. You will probably have compression hose on your legs to prevent blood clots.
(your family member can help get these off when you have to go to the bathroom and
walk)

5. You will be up and walking the day after surgery. And I urge you to walk as
much as you can. Helps with circulation and prevents complications. This is when
a nice robe comes in handy. Your doc will probably tell you to work up to a mile
as soon as you can post op. Remember exercise is a regular part of your life now.

6. You will have a G-tube (stomach tube),(now some docs don't do this, so ask your physician )
and a jackson pratt draining tube. The nurses empty that several times a day, and the jp will be
removed before you go home. When it comes out it feels like a long snaky tube coming out (that is because
it is wrapped back and forth in your abdomen to get the extra fluid out). I did
not like the way it felt coming out, it was uncomfortable, but remember it is only
for about 5 seconds and it is out! (some docs now don't put in the G tube anymore)

7. The G-tube (if you have one) stays in for about 3-10 days (some docs don't use this) Its there
incase you can't drink fluids and need a way to get nutrition. Mine was tender
at the insertion site. I drained it daily, and couldn't wait for it to come
out. I did not need to use mine, but remember it really is your friend if you need
it. It was momentarily uncomfortable coming out, like the catheter. Nothing like
the JP coming out.

8. You will be given little 1 oz cups to drink your protein shakes with. Broth
day one post op, protein starts day 2 post op. Drink as much as you can, you have
to get your fluids in.

9. Your stomach will be tender. Lots was done inside there, so don't lift things
over 15 lbs. Listen to your doctor! Don't try sit ups or the such till doc
says it is ok. Listen to your body.

10. At first I drank my protein, and tried to add foods. But even now at 2 months
out, I still drink 2 protein shakes a day.

11. Your pouch will be swollen, and sensitive, do take foods easily. I would encourage
you to not eat sf pudding and potatoes because they are empty calories.
The first 6 months is the best time to lose weight. Don't try to eat like you
did before, really use this time to change habits. You don't need sweets, and
anyway they will make you dump. (dumping is when your stomach cramps for 15 min
to 4 hours if you eat sugar, nothing relieves it) Once you experience this believe
me you won't want to eat sugar again!

12. Discomfort and pain, do take your pain med when you need it. Even at 2 months
out my pouch is sensitive and I still use a little pillow to cushion my left side
when I sleep.

13. You will throw up. Its not like the throw up we used to do. We don't
have stomach acid in our pouch. But it does feel like a golf ball inside, and when
it comes up, it comes up quick. I know this might sound gross, but I keep a zip
lock bag in the car and in my purse just in case I am out somewhere and something
just doesn't agree with me.
When you throw up, rest your pouch by going on liquids for the next day or so.
Don't push yourself.

14. Red meat, steak, and dry foods won't agree with you for at least 7 months,
neither will greasy foods. And don't drink till one hour has passed after eating.

15. Learned that with our surgery, malabsorption makes it impossible for us to
eat enough protein, so we have to get it in with protein shakes, whey protein.
Whey is pre-digested (broken down) so its easier to absorb. Also watch your vitamin
b-12 levels. You can take vit b 12 sublingual 1000 mcg a day and shots two times
month. Vit b 's don't store up in your system. You also need to take a
good vit b complex with the b12.

Its important that you keep a copy of your labs and know whats going on. Increased
albumn level could mean malnutrition, which can happen with bypass patients. Watch
your ferritin, your iron, your calcium. Even check out your triglycerides and cholesterol
too. A good web site to check and learn about lab values is http://www.labtestsonline.org/
We have to be diligent in watching what we eat. The docs care, but they don't
watch like you can!

********
Thoughts on vitamins:

I like the Building block vitamins http://www.bbvitamins.com. They come in pill
and chewable. For me shortly after surgery, my taste changed and that was due
to having a minor case of thrush after all the antibiotics and going into ketosis
after surgery. (Both will give you a metal taste in your mouth. ) Anyway, I stopped
the chewable and went to the pill, then it seemed my pouch was sensative especially
in the morning and at times I would hurl after the vitamin pills, so now I am going
to liquid vitamins. Dame Tooter (http://www.baribytes.com )has lots of information
on everything, including vitamins.

I love http://www.bariatriceating.com. I've used their liquid vitamins and
liquid calcium citrate. They are about $25 a bottle. Very tasty! I also love
the strawberry and white chocolate smoothie protein drink, its similar in cost to
the unjury protein powder, and a nice change. My latest craze is their ready to drink
protein drinks Achieve. Love the cappaccino and hazelnut! There is also a chocolate peanut
butter whey powder drink that is yummy too!

Until recently I used their vista vitamin packet and vitamins from building blocks.
The Vista vitamins am/pm dose packets which make it easier for me to remember to take
my vitamins. So I carry those in the car and when on trips. But for daily stuff, I found
it cheaper to use building blocks for my iron, calcium and multi. They both also absorb easily.
Right now i use the vitamins regeime recommended by Michelle at http://www.vitalady.com.
She has a list of vitamins for a more comprehensive vitamin regeime, also the cost is cheaper
than other sources I used before. (scroll down, I copied that list for you)

There is also another calcium magnesium citrate powder that you can mix with crystal (www.thorne.com
-you have to register at their site. The price for 8 oz is $5.65)You need calcium citrate for optimal absorption.
I've also found a liquid vitamin that is sugar free http://www.glacialmilk.com
It is comparable to the Building blocks and you take 1 oz a day. Costs $24 a bottle can order on line or at
Sams club. http://www.vitacost.com/ has 25 mg iron tablets for $9.39, and you will need to get
a sublingual (under the tongue) or injectable Vit b-12 from your pharmacy (ask your
doc for a prescription).

*********
Here is a very complete list I received from Michelle at vitalady.com. This is what I use today (4/2008) and
find her prices to be the best. Michelle is a plethera of information and she lives out rny in a healthy way.

Vitamin & Mineral Schedule and Shopping List for
Proximal RNY

The following is NOT to be construed as medical advice. This Schedule has been known to work for most
proximal RNY Patients and not intended to replace your doctor's instructions.


Our prices on our products at time of printing, roughly figured for a proximal RNY, not considering sales,
specials or applicable taxes or shipping and handling fees.

SCHEDULE:

AM: 1- Vitamin C; 1- Polysaccharide Iron (or 6 Chewable Tender Iron)
Mid-day: 1- Vitamin A; 1- Vitamin B-12; 1- B Complex; 1- Vitamin E; 2- Calcium Citrate;
1- Multi; 1- Vitamin D-3
Evening: 1- Vitamin B-1; 1 Vitamin D-3; 1- Vitamin E; 2- Calcium Citrate; 1- Multi; 1- Zinc
Bed Time: 1- Vitamin C; 2- Calcium Citrate

Shopping List:

Qty Item Price W ill Last Avg Cost/Day
1 Vitamin A (25,000IU) 100 Cap $ 7.49 100 days = .07
1 Vitamin B-1 Tender Thiamin (100mg) 200 Cap 9.99 200 days = .05
1 Vitamin B-12 Sublingual Dot (1000mcg) 60 Dot 12.99 60 days = .22
1 Vitamin B Complex 200 Cap 19.99 200 days = .10
1 Vitamin C (1000mg) * 500 Tab 17.99 250 days = .07
1 Vitamin D3 (5000 IU) 100 Cap 7.99 50 days = .16
1 Dry Vitamin E (400IU) 250 Cap 26.99 125 days = .22
1 Calcium Citrate w/ D & Mag. 240 Cap 16.99 40 days = .42
(500mg, 200IU, 250mg)
1 Iron (150mg Polysaccharide Iron)* 100 Cap 24.99 100 days = .25
1 Multi-Vitamin/Mineral* 500 Tab 18.99 250 days = .08
1 Zinc (50mg) 250 Tab 6.99 250 days = .03
Average cost per 30 Day Month = $50.10 Per Day = 1.67
*If chewables are desired we can substitute:
1 Chewable Vitamin C (500mg) 500 Tab 15.99 250 days = .06
1 Chewable Multi Vitamin/Mineral 300 Tab 14.79 150 days = .10
1 Chewable Tender Iron (25 mg) 400 Tab 15.99 66 days = .24
Average cost per 30 Day Month = $50.10 Per Day = 1.67

This is to help you to calculate & budget your monthly cost for basic vitamin and mineral needs.
Pricing based on current prices on date printed above and subject to change without notice.

I hope these give you some selections to use for vitamins!

**********
Thoughts on exercise:

Began working out with a trainer 3 times a week at the gym. Was told by my chiropractor
(who is also a trainer) that my 3-4 times a week for 1 hour on cardio wasn't
as effective as 30 agressive minutes on the weights followed by 20 minutes cardio
3 times a week. Said I would put on about 10 lbs of muscle, decrease my body fat
and increase muscle mass. Increased muscle would burn about 500 calories a day
AT REST!

Exercise has to be a part of our life now. Not only to get the weight off, but
to keep it off once we reach goal!

I abhor exercise! I don't do it because I like it one bit. I do it because
I have to. It is a funny feeling to be putting so much effort into keeping this
body healthy, never did this before. It does give you a great feeling of ownership
satisfaction! :)

Found my pouch was sensitive when I did abdominals and chest exercises. Felt like
it does after I've thrown up. Had a hard time eating, felt like things were
getting stuck. After talking to the doc it appears that due to the muscles contracting,
it does irritate the pouch, so I need to go light on the workout days and drink
more protein, till my pouch and muscles adjust.

My pouch irritation has subsided after 3 weeks working with a trainer. I have seen
fantastic results physically. I believe that my seeing 50.25 lbs loss in 12 weeks
is largely due to this exercise routine! And now in maintenance, my success continues
to be from exercise as well as watching what I'm eating! Still hate to sweat, but hey, I
put my makeup on, my earings, my rings....and my perfume! Might as well add a little
glam to exercise!!!!

*********
What to eat post op: This is information provided to me by my wonderful doctor Keith
Kim from US Bariatrics. This is from my gastric bypass "bible"
Rules of eating:

1. Eat slow, approximately 20 min per meal
2. chew well, 20-30 times per bite
3. Take small bites, put fork down between bites
4. Do not over eat, it is ok to leave food on your plate
5. Do not eat and drink at the same time. Drink 60 min after your meal, no sooner.
6. Eat moist foods

Fruits and vegetable list:

Did not try salads till my 7th or so month. Too hard to digest. Regarding fruits:apples, apricots blackberries,
blueberries,canaloupe, cherries, dates,grapefruit,hyoneydew, kiwi, mango, oranges, pears, peaches, pineapple, plum, prunes, raisins, raspberries, grapes,strawberries.I used sugar free peaches and apricots canned, frozen cherries ,
raspberries and blueberries.

Skins on apples are tough. Oranges were too tough early on, and pineapple had too much natural sugar for me,
but after 9 months I could eat them with no sugar. Raisins can be tough early on. Sometimes its trial and
error....meaning if you can eat it and not barf, than you are ok!

Vegetables:

Eggplant and cukes don't start till month 4 or so. Colorful veges are good, stay away from the starches.
Corn will betough ,so I wouldn't start that till 8 months or so. Artichoke,
aspaagus, avocado, beets, bell peppers, brussell sprouts, broccoli,
cauliflower, celery (8th month), leeks, okra (not breaded), onions, peas (8th month)spinach 6-7 months.

After 6 months you can have beans, nuts, whole grains, and some starchy vegetables. Remember pick low carb low cal

***************
Day 1 though month 6 food plan

Day of surgery - you will have nothing to eat or drink. When you wake up you can have ice chips.

Day 2 The following two days you will have clear liquids only. Anything you can see through,
like chicken or beef broth, sf jello, or decaf ice or hot tea. Sip liquids all day long.

Day 3 your diet should advance to pureed or blanded diet. Which is blended protein,
fruits or vegetables. Afternoon snack is yogert or sf applesauce, along with 8 ozof milk.

Day 3-14 you should have 3 meal with 1.5 oz of protein, and 1 oz fruit. Your 4th
meal should be 6oz yogert or 8 oz milk, along with at least, 2-3 protein shakes.
This along with water, vitamins etc fit and light yogert, low fat cottage cheese, skim or 1% milk,
part skim ricotta,tuna in water, shrimp, real crabmeat (not artificial as that has sugar in it), salmon,
scallops, turkey, ham agg chicken beef. Banana, blueberries, strawberries, unsweet
applesauce, mango, pear, peaches, sf peaches in the can, squash, avacado, beets
sinach, aticoke, tomato, water, crystal lite, tea, sugar free jello, broth. Notice,
no puddings, or breads or white carbs.

Remember, we always eat protein, fruits and veges first off the plate. But we can
never eat enough to get the protein our bodies need, so you will need protein shakes
to supplement your diet for your lifetime. This is so your body will not leach
the protein from your muscles.

Day 15-30 3 meals of 1.5 oz protein + 1 oz fruit or vegatable, plus a forth meal
that includes 6 oz yogrt or 8 oz skim milk, plus 1 oz fruit and a additional 8 oz
milk. And 2 protein shakes, along with your vitamins and water. eggs, cottage cheese,
flaky fish moist shellfish, egg, tuna, chicken salad. Soft or canned or cooked
fruits are more easily tolerated than raw fruits or vegetables. Foods to add to
your list are low fat soft cheeses, low fat strig cheese, eggs, shreded deli meats
(boars head),oranges, grapes, kiwi,melon, cherries, apricots, papaya, mushrooms,
carrots, broccoli, turnips, green beans, cauliflower, leeks.

Day 30 through your 6 month. This is considered the window of weight loss, when
the fastest weight loss occurs. Meals now includes 3 meals of 2-5 oz protein, 1-2 oz
vegtables or fruit, plus a fourth mean of 6 oz yogert, or 8 oz skim milk, plus 2 oz fruit and
a additional 8 oz milk, plus 2 protein shakes a day. Foods to add to your list include, tofu,
veal, lamb,all fruits fresh, froze, drid or canned with no sugar. No stringy fruits
such as pineapple or rhubarb. All vegetables fresh, frozen or canned with no sugar
added ori seaweed sheets, NO corn, peas or potatoes, no celery or asparagu unless
well cooked.

6 months plus - same as above but you can ad nutrient rich complex carbohydrates.
Foods that are made with whole wheat, whole grain, of filled with beans, nuts.
You can add these beginning month 7, beans 1.5 oz, brown rice 1/4 c, whole wheat
pasta 1/4 c, chili -one small from wendys, nuts- 1/2 oz, peanut butter -2 tsp, bread
- 1 slice, oatmeal 1/2 oz dr, corn tortilla one 6 ", corn -2 o, sweet or white
potato -2 oz, peas - 2 oz, grahm cracker -2, keebler wheatables - 6, whole wheat
cracker - 3-4, matzah - 1/2 board, wheat thins - 8. Watch empty calories and too
much carbs. basically stay away from the white carbs as much as possible. Be careful,
pasta tends to not get chewed well and can get stuck! Steak is very hard to digest
as is corned beef, don't attempt it till at least 9 months out.

**********

Why protein is important:

We need 70-120 grams of protein a day per our surgeon's protocol.
- One egg contains 6 grams of protein... can you eat 11 eggs a day?
- A piece of chicken the size of a deck of cards contains 28 grams of protein...
can you eat three pieces every day?
- A slice of deli cheese or turkey contains 7 grams of protein... can you eat 10
slices a day?
- Protein fills you up, keeps you full longer, provides fuel to burn stored fat!
-We have a malabsoption surgery and we just cannot absorb and eat enough of the
protein we need to be healthy. If you don't eat enough protein, your body will
leech it from your muscles. Post ops who don't eat enough protein 60-80 gms
a day, end up with mal nutrition problems too.

************
This is some information I got from OSSG-Protein at yahoogroups.

Stomach: (its function)

The function of the stomach is to breakdown the chewed food into a semi-fluid mass of partly
digested food, known as chyme.
Chyme is then pumped into the duodenum (first section of the small intestine). The rate of movement
of the stomach contents (chyme) to the small intestine is balanced with the rate of pancreatic and
biliary secretions, to permit efficient extraction of nutrients. ***

***IMPORTANT NOTE: This process which is completed in the stomach, duodenum (beginning of
small intestine), and part of the jejunum(farther along part of small intestine),does not happen anymore
after a RNY gastric bypass.

Our Pouch:

After RNY the chewed food from the mouth goes into the small pouch that is left, which is then dumped
directly into a farther along part of the small intestine. There are no pancreatic and biliary secretions
coming into this part of the small intestines anymore. These secretions will not be available until the food
reaches the common channel (the lower part of the connection. This is the malabsorptive part of the
Roux en Y gastric bypass procedure.

The average*** person ( NON-gastric bypass patient) needs 50-65 grams***of protein each day.
Considering malabsorption of at least 50%**, the RNY patient will need 100-140 grams per day minimum,
which cannot be eaten as food because of the small size of the pouch.

**Note: Depending on the length of bypass, the RNY patient may absorb as little (usual bypass is proximal 75cc)
as 25% or less. But it is normally agreed that even a short proximal will not absorb more than 50%.

***Note: Adults need a minimum of 1 gram of protein for every kilogram of body weight per day to keep
from slowly breaking down their own tissues. That's 8 grams of protein for every 20 lbs. Malnourished,
septic, pregnant, injured or burned patients will require more protein, in the order of 1.5-2.0 g/kg daily.

Extra protein is also required after surgical procedures and illness.

According to Sally Myers, RD and regular contributor on nutritional issues to the WLS-related newsletter;
Beyond Change;
How to determine grams of protein you need daily when not yet at ideal weight: Subtract 120 from your
current weight.
Multiply that answer by .25 and add it to 120. Base your protein needs on that number.
Extra protein is not needed for fat mass.

Around the world, millions of people don't get enough protein. This protein malnutrition leads to the condition
known as kwashiorkor.
Lack of protein can cause growth failure loss of muscle mass decreased immunity weakening of the heart and
respiratory system death.

do you get the idea that protein supplementation is important for the rest of our lives??

**************

What kind of protein is the best? (from OSSG-Protein Yahoo.groups


The higher on the list, the better. The numbers are the BV. (Biologic value). This is only how easily the (normal)
body can absorb them, not the protein grams in each one. The last few need to be blended to make a
complete protein. And remember.gastric bypass patients don't absorb nutrients from food protein very well.

Protein Source BV (biologic value)
Whey Protein Isolate Blends 100-159
Whey Concentrate (Lactalbumin) 104
Whole Egg 100
Cow's Milk 91
Egg White (Albumin) 88
Fish 83
Beef 80
Chicken 79
Casein (a protein from milk)77
Rice 74
Soy 59
Wheat 54
Beans 49
Peanuts 43

Because we(gastric bypass patients) don't have a stomach and the stomach acids, etc, anymore,
we don't process the undigested proteins properly and malabsorb most of them. The same is for the
normal food we eat. We don't absorb most of it. We, therefore, need the more highly absorbed,
pre-digested protein supplements.....whey which is pre-digested (aka hydrolized)...in order to get the
proper nutrients our bodies need and are no longer able to get from food.

Whereas whole egg, cow's milk, egg white are near the top of the list of bioavailability for "normal"
people, they are not pre-digested (hydrolized),so for us, they are not as high on the list as pre-digested
whey protein. Our bioavailability list would be quite different from the "normal" person's list.

So, make sure your protein powder or drink states that it is pre-digested or hydrolized. And the best kind
of protein would be a whey blend protein. Second best would be a 100% whey protein. Isolates, though
good for a quick acting pick-me-up, are not sufficient alone for the gastric bypass patients on-going maintenance requirements.
*************

Helpful Links:
OSSG-protein group. People who are 15+ yrs out with WLS and excellent recourse on labs, protein
http://www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/OSSG-Protein/

Bariatric eating website: http://www.bariatriceating.com
Vitalady Http://www.vitalady.com

Thinner self website, where you can chart your expected and actual weight loss. http://www.thinnerself.com

*******

Tami's recap:

1. Never, never, never go back to eating sugar!!!! Did I say NEVER?????Stay sugar free! Its a
Pandora's box you will regret opening. There is plenty of sugar free foods to keep you satisfied.
I am soooo glad I followed this rule. Friends of mine who haven't told me they regret deeply
even tasting sugar again!

2. Same for bread, white carbs etc. They should be so limited in our diets. Stick to the protein, fruits vege
then carb plan even in maintenance.

3. Keep up 2-3 protein drinks a day.

4. Take your vitamins without fail. Keep up your calcium tabs too!

5. Be aware of eating too much fruit, as it metablizes into sugar and can add on weight.

6. Always have a plan. I carry a cooler in my car. It plugs into my lighter (from walmart). I always keep
ready to drink protein in there, and protein nibblies. So I am not stuck and starving and tempted
to eat junk!

7. Exercise. That's it. Just do it! Find something.....just keep that body moving and build up your muscle!

8. Get into an accountability group. I am still in my T.O.P.S. (taking off pounds sensibly) group.
We are food addicts and we need the support...period!

9. Finally, remember, nothing tastes as good as thin feels!

******

12/19/07 Michelle from vitalady.com wrote me this message and I felt it so impacting I wanted to
share it here with you. It helps explain the rumor of the "expanding" pouch, and the pitfalls we
can fall into while maintaining IF we don't keep up good supplementation and protein. Thanks Michelle!

"This is my amateur explanation:
Leaving out the bands of all kinds (no offense, Brenda), the rest of us have a common channel, be
we RNY, DS, BPD (no DS) or MGB. Whatever it is in length is what it WAS day of surgery. It doesn't last.

The intestine was designed to absorb & transport food. We agree? OK, and it has vilii in it, tiny hairs or
fingers that do the work, help the peristalsis along, suck the nutrition out of the food. That is, ONCE
the food has been made digestible by passing through the lower stomach and duodenum. The DS
people have pylorus, and some bit of digestion, but the rest of us don't have that.

So, we've all lost the basic 8 (nutritional elements) in the lower stomach & missing duodenum. Then
would come the intestine. And while we're all configured a little differently NOW, the original
equipment had the jejunum (first 12" or so) doing most of the absorption of those basic 8 elements.
Hence the need for supplementation of those 8, plus whatever else your body requests via nice
black & white lab work (no guessing required).

But for these procedures, in essence, the food takes the high road and the digestive cocktail takes
the low road and where they finally meet is the common channel, where all elements mingle together.
Proximals have way more common channel, so more mingling time. Distals have way less common
channel,where the food & gastric juices get a handshake and move on out.

We ALL absorb sugar, 100%, except for some of us, who absorb it at about 150%, lips to hips,
no digestion required. Or in my case, rub it on my arm and watch me plump up. The common
channel is now doing the job that the entire intestine used to do, as well as part of what the lower
stomach + duodenum once did. It is not built to do it well. As we know, the body will do EVERYTHING
it can to normalize. Everything. So, the common channel grows more vilii (hairs) AND thickens AND
elongates, in order to do the triple job we're asking it to do.

We all know the pouch stretches, and we assume it's from eating larger volume, but ALSO, it would
do this on its own, because it is trying to normalize.

*****If we are malnourished (not enough supplementation, too pukey to get it in, bad choices-whatever),
it will happen to a greater extent. My doc keeps reminding me this will happen, but I keep saying that
my common channel is never going to KNOW it is missing anything, because I am burying it in nutrition! LOL!

So, part of the 2 year/3 year wall for ALL of us, is that body trying to normalize. The other contributing
factors are, of course, getting sloppy about supplementation, water, sugars, volume, grazing--all that stuff.
But the underlying thing that befuddles us is that the stuff we "usta be able to get away with", well,
now we pay the piper and are wondering why.

Hypertrophy (getting over-compensated in the common channel) is one reason that we have to work a l
ittle harder down the road."

*******

(another document from Michelle)
"OK, then I also found this other one:
Intestinal Motility after Massive Small Bowel Resection in Conscious Canines: Comparison of Acute
and Chronic Phases. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition. 23(3):217-223, October 1996.
Uchiyama, Masanori; Iwafuchi, Makoto; Matsuda, Yukio; Naitoh, Masafumi; Yagi, Minoru; Ohtani, Satoshi
Abstract:

Summary: To evaluate intestinal function after 80% massive distal small bowel resection (MSBR),
we continuously monitored interdigestive and postprandial bowel motility using bipolar electrodes
and/or contractile strain gauge force transducers in conscious beagle dogs before and at 2-4 weeks
(acute postoperative phase; acute phase) and 8-13 months (chronic postoperative phase; chronic phase)
after the surgery. Fasting duodenal migrating myoelectric (or motor) complexes (MMC) occurred at
longer intervals in the acute phase after 80% MSBR than in control beagles. Intervals between duodenal
MMC in the chronic phase were similar to those found in control beagles. MMC arising from the
duodenum were often interrupted before the jejunum above the anastomosis in the acute phase,
and a slight recovery of propagation frequency to the jejunum above the anastomosis was observed
in the chronic phase. However, duodenal MMC did not migrate smoothly to the terminal ileum in both
groups. In the acute phase, the velocity of duodenal MMC propagation was slowed in every intestinal
segment, including the duodenum and the jejunum above the anastomosis, and had not recovered even
long after the operation. The duration of the postprandial period without duodenal MMC was prolonged
significantly in the acute phase postoperatively. Although it shortened in the chronic phase, it still
remained significantly longer than in controls. These findings suggest that changes in gut motility
after MSBR tend to compensate for the shorter intestine and maintain small bowel absorption early
postoperatively. However, these compensatory changes decrease over the long term, and their adaptive
contributions to increased intestinal absorption may decrease as well. "<
(C) Lippincott-Raven Publishers
http://www.jpgn.org/pt/re/jpgn/abstract.00005176-199610000-00003.htm;

There. That'll keep you off the street for awhile! LOL"

***************
Anyway, remember these are only MY suggestions as it relates to my personal experience with
weight loss surgery. You do need to follow what your doc says over what I say, ok? And research
yourself and make your own decisions above what your doctor says. A wise patient is a well informed
patient!!

************
Here is where my weight loss journey began:3/05
My metabolism was pretty much shot with severe asthma problems and lots of prednisone.After my
4th child I actually got down to 130 lbs, but shot back up within a few years. In 1998 my thyroid went
wacky and that added to weight gain. I went back on weight watchers and most recently to TOPS,
which is a great weekly support group. I've been going there for the past two years.
A woman at my TOPS group had RY surgery about a year ago, and up to that point had never known
about this surgery. I watched her progress, and started learning about it. Never thought I was a
candidate....till I went to an information meeting and was horrified to find I was morbidly obese!
I knew I was fat...but that term morbidly obese got my attention.

Had been batteling with knee problems (had surgery once), lower back problems, increasing swelling
in my feet and legs, asthma, pre-diabetic, chronic fatigue, thyroid, respiratory problems and unsuccessful
with repeated weight loss attempts. Talked to my doc and he was 100% supportive. That was my
confirmation that I was not crazy. He said he would write as many appeals as needed for me to get this
surgery.

Feb 2005 :Got denied at first with the insurance company. They wanted me to have an "unheard" of
5 (five) years of weight loss documentation! ARG! Had my plyori, gall bladder ultra sound and psych eval. done.

March 2005:Fortunately I had 2 years record at my TOPS group and enough weight records from keeping
my weight chart at WW and with the Doc's med records and an appeal letter, I was approved. Had to do
lots of leg work myself, phone calls, looking up records of anything I had to document my weight. Transferred
past med records from previous md to new md.

I am about 90-100 lbs over weight. Some people don't think I need surgery. Its a health issue, and yes,
I am fat! I've just learned to dress and cover it up....meaning I have refused to wear "tents" or spandex.
I try to dress trendy, but not emphasize the bad spots! :

April 2005: Surgery date May 16, 2005!!! Now I have to have a chest xray and ekg and set up my pulmonary
clearance.

Went to my first support group and was so excited. I know this is the right thing for me. Have been
researching it up and down, pro's and cons. The pro's healthier longer life, the con's....stoke and heart
attack within 10 years. The choice is easy for me!

May 8, 2005

My family is supportive and so are my parents. I am bringing dh and the kids to my support group next week
so they can understand what will be happening to me.
My parents are coming to help me after the surgery in May. Going for chest x ray and ekg today at docs.
Will bring him a thank you gift! Pulmonary appt is April 20th

I love this obesity site!! Everyone here has been so helpful and I get encouraged everyday! This is a life long
change for me...a challenge and a bit scary too. But God is my refuge and strength...He will get me through.
Its my intense faith and relationship with Him that has kept me going with all the years of weight loss
attempts and failure. He has given me a postive outlook and attitude.

4/18/05 Will have my pulmonary clearance tomorrow, and on Friday and extensive pre-op session,
nutrition classes etc. My surgery on May 16th is at 7:30 AM, I check in at 6:30am and am first up!

4/26 Had full day of teaching with Dr Kim, nutritionalist, and excercise guy. Lots of great information.
Got my food scale and mag citrate that I will take the day before surgery. Also had to get liquid
vitamins for immediate post op. Met more people in the area having surgery today infact. Have to have
a PFT for my pulmonary clearance which I will do next week.

5/2/05 PTF done and passed with flying colors. But, surgery date changed till May 25th. Doc has to
go out of town. Messes up already purchased tickets for my Mom to help after surgery, but we're
working on changing them. God is in control,so although I am disappointed, I am thankful at the same
time. For some reason,He sees what I cannot.

5/29/05 Home from hospital. G-tube is a pain! Not too much discomfort from surgery.Head ache I think
from anesthesia. Was real groggy from anesthesia in hospital.But feeling great! urgery went fine! I was
woozy from anesthesia till the evening after surgery. I don't remember the recovery room! Was in alot
of pain. I canremember saying "pain, pain pain" But I was on a morphine pump and that made me
nauseated, so they found something else for me. Was up and walking day after surgery. Glad my
daughter stayed with me at the hospital.

Day of discharge I dumped on the applesauce the hosp gave me! 4 hours of cramping and feeling crummy!
I threw up a few times too. My mom came and stayed with me the week after surgery and forced me to
rest and not do the normal tasks I would have done. It was good she came! Can't lift 15 lbs for at least a month!

Puree foods are not that bad, I mostly drink protein drinks.

My Mom came and stayed with me 9 days post op, then I spent another week with her up in Buffalo,NY.
my stomach is still bloated at 4 weeks! 191.5 lbs

G-tube out 6/6/05. Tenderness in abdomen,some tightness. I get sweaty in the morning after all
my vitamins and drinks. Have to stay away from all sugar. Doing great keeping a chart on my fluid
intake and protein. Walking everyday. Resting alot too.

6/20/05 walked 3 miles today, and felt great! Fit into a size 14 skirt! Yippie! Its fun folding up the big clothes...
nd looking at those I once fit into. Great to have people come up to me and say "wow tami you've lost
weight" I 'd do this over in a heartbeat!
Its a challenge to figure out what foods I can tolerate. Also emotional triggers.I keep a chart of my protein
and fluid intake and that helps keep me on track. HATE the chewable vitamins, so I switched to another
pill and that is working well.Can't wait to have coffee again! Weigh in is tomorrow, I'm excited!

Began working out with a trainer 3 times a week at the gym. Was told by my chiropractor(who is also a trainer)
that my 3-4 times a week for 1 hour on cardio wasn't as effective as 30 agressive minutes on the weights
followed by 20 minutes cardio 3 times a week. Said I would put on about 10 lbs of muscle, decrease my
body fat and increase muscle mass. Increased muscle would burn about 500 calories a day AT REST!

7/27 Its working, after my first week I lost 3.5 lbs and I do feel so much better.People keep telling me
I look thinner every week. I bought a size 12 skirt ,I am wearing a size 1 bathing suit and have been to
the beach several times, and for once I don't feel like a beached whale! Was able to fit into my black
sequin coctail dress and looked great! I will hopefully post a pic. The dress was even loose. Bought it to
wear on my honeymoon and never was able to fit into it!

August still finds me on getting my food in. I use several protein drinks from unjury, and bariatric eating.
I still start out the day with a protein shake, and have another some time in the day. Some days I eat so little,
can't get food in, or I try and I just don't want it. My eyes are interested, but my stomach does not cooperate.
Been having some abdominal pains, perhaps it is gas??? I am good with getting my water in and working on a
routine for vitamins. I know that they are not an option, JUST DO IT!

8/18/05
Went to see Dr Kim today, see my results above! Good news I'm down 55.5 lbs,body fat 33% now, and the
best part, is I've gained muscle and am not losing it! Yippie! The bad part is the abdominal pains I've had for
the last 2-3 weeks. I thought they were gas and was popping GasX, but they have kept getting worse, like a
9 out of 10 sharp pain for hours! Ouch!!!! :(
Had an ultrasound this morning 8/17 and Doc thinks its either gall bladder or my umblical hernia causing
problems. At any rate, when I have another attack he will admit me via the ER and do surgery the next day,
otherwise surgery is scheduled for Monday.

Did go to the er and had surgery 8/18. Went home the same day of surgery. He also did an umblilical
hernia repair too. I got the delux room at the hospital, had a table, chairs and a balcony! I have to drink
my meals for a few days and then take things slowly. In a week I am going back up to Buffalo to recoup
with my parents again, so I'll post my progress when I get back. Two surgeries in 3 months is enough for
me right now!

Here I am checking in at 146 lbs, down 64 lbs! I did feel so much better after the gall bladder surgery.
Getting through the anesthesia is not fun, it makes me tired and groggy.

Now, they think I have a duodenal ulcer and I am taking carafate. It hurts alot in the abodomen, burning
that radiates to the back. Been on the med for two days,and I do notice a difference. Having a hard time
getting food in because I just feel lousy most of the time. But working on a protein drink just now.

Bought a size 6 skirt from walmart, and a junior 7-9 blouse! Size 10 is getting a little big for me and I am
adjusting to seeing my body look smaller. No legs rubbing together, its weird People are amazed to see
my progress. Some can't recognize me. Will get anupdated pic asap.
Would I do this again, yes, yes, yes! I've had alot of things go wrong with my body lately, but it feels good
to be thin!

I have incredible people in my life who pray for me, who encourage me. God truly is my strength, my hope,
and the power behind it all!

October is here and I am down 71.5 lbs. Today 10/6/05 I am 138.5 lbs, 16.5 lbs away from my goal weight!
I finally have been feeling good. Still on the carafate, and able to eat more and drink more. Found international
foods SF coffee drink that I mix my protein into (unflavored). Still working 3x a week with the trainer. In size 7
pants, and bought a size 8 swim suit! I still have to watch abdominal exercises as they are quite painful afterwards,
so I will stay off them for a while yet, and work other parts of my body. Getting used to the new me. People say
I look "gaunt". My face is so much thinner, not lots of fat in it anymore. Hard to get used to "who is this woman
in the mirror".
I look as thin as my shadow, imagine that! I hear people say "wow, you are really tiny!". Amazing!

10/19/05 I weigh 135.35 and my BMI is 24.7 I AM NORMAL!!! I've lost 74.75 lbs! Started taking tagamet for
stomach acid and feel great. Trying to eat more foods and continue to work with the trainer. He feels I should
not go below 130 lbs. He measured my fat ratio and I will be at a good level at that weight. I agree.I will look
too bony if I go much less. I wear size 4-5-6. I feel 10 years younger and I can skip down the street with my grand daughter!

10/26 Doc put me on previcid, feeling much better. Med works better than tagamet.Doc wants me to get to 125 lbs,
so I turned in my weight goal to my TOPS weight loss group, and am 7 lbs from goal!

11/30/05 Am adding healthy carbs back in my diet. I have 1 slice of 3 grain of fiber bread with lunch.
I'm eating pork rinds I got from bariatriceating.com for extra protein, and continue to supplement with a
protein shake. I am constantly watching what I put into my mouth and getting in my vitamins. I am taking
vistavitamins from bariatriceating.com now. They have a simple am/pm system and my body is adjusting
well to the absorption of these vitamins. I still hate taking vitamins though!

highest weight 223
approval- 210 lbs
pre-op 2/17 203 lbs(after being on pre op diet)
surgery 5/25/05 205 lbs

6/2 193.5 ( 1 week post op)
6/6 191
6/23 181.5
6/29 180.25
7/6 178.25
7/13 173.25
7/20 171.5
7/27 168
8/3 166 (down 44 )
8/10 159.75 (down 50.25)
8/18 154.5 (down 55.5)
8/29 151 (down 59)
9/7 148 (down 62 lbs)
9/14 146 (down 64)
9/22 143
9/27 143
10/4 138.5
10/12 138.25
10/19 135.25 (down 74.75 lbs)
10/26 133.25 (down 76.75)
11/2 130.75 (down 79.25)
11/9 130.25
11/16 129 (down 81 lbs)
11/23/05 127.5
11/30/05 126
12/7 124 at goal!! (doctors goal is 130 )(down 86 lbs)
12/28 120 lbs (down 90 lbs)
1/20/06 118 (down 92 lbs)
2/2/06 116.25 (down 94 lbs)
2/25/06 116
3/25 113
11/06 122
4/08 131 and maintaining
12/09 130-133 and maintaining
***
4/22 body fat 41.3, BMI 38.7
6/23 Body fat 37.3, BMI 34.3 down 10 inches
7/20 BMI 32
8/10 BMI 30
8/18 BM! 29.1, body fat 33% Down 18.75 inches!
9/7 BMI 28
9/14 BMI 27.6
10/4 BMI 26.1 overweight
10/19 BMI 24.7 I AM NORMAL!!!!!
11/2 BMI 23.8
11/16 BMI 23.6
12/7 BMI 22.7 Body fat 16.3
6/11/06 21.7




Body fat went from 41.3 to 16.3, muscle mass has not changed! Praise God! All labs were
wonderful too!
I am so thankful for a healthy report! Mostly that I did not lose muscle, so I know the protein
shakes and working out have done their job!
I am wearing size 4 pants, and today I bought a size 3 pant from walmart! I can't wear 3's,
but this was that stretchy material. Still felt good to fit into them.I have no butt, working out to build a butt again!
Who ever would have thought that I would want or need a butt?

Doc told me to drink 3 protein shakes a day and 3-4 small meals. If I could only eat 2-3 oz at a time
that was ok. I bought some protein non flavored from bariatriceating.com, and some of their protein
bar samples so I always had good protein to eat, even when on the run. Also got some of the achieve
for on the run times. Working on maintaining my weight right now.
Still have hard time with chicken at times, but its a hit and miss thing. I am still early out.
Excited and praising God for another chance to celebrate His birthday! May this Christmas bring His
blessings to you all! Thank you for all your encouragment! Merry Christmas!love Tami

Endoscopy scheduled for next Week the 24th of January. Doc wants to know if I should stay on the previcid.
My stomach burns without it. I'll keep you posted on my progress. Have some great eating days and
some where I just force myself to eat. Getting in all my protein though. Taking extra vit b-12 shots,
and sublingual b-12 100 mg a day, with an additional b complex. I learned that we need to be at 800-1000
in our lab values forb-12, so check your lab reports carefully!

Tops weigh in is 116.25. Wearing size 3 pants, and extra small jammies, and skirts. Feeling great,
hair is growing back...little hairs sticking out all over my head! And burr.....I get cold easily!
Endoscopy showed a duodunal ulcer. On carafate and prevacid. Makes it hard to eat but working on it!

Feb update.
Weight fluctuates between 116-118. Today I a 116.5, but I also drank 11 oz of protein drink before
weigh in. :)Have't been good to take my carafate, but have started back on it 4 times a day and feeling
much better. Meats have to be moist. I find myself eating more cheese than meat, but moist meat if ok.
Still don't like to cook much, but I do anyway. Love SF jello with land o kakes sf whipped topping on it.
Am drinking my 3 protein shakes a day. Learned that with our surgery, malabsorption makes it impossible
for us to eat enough protein, so we have to get it in with protein shakes,whey protein. Whey is pre-digested
(broken down) so its easier to absorb. Also taking vit b 12 sublingual 1000 mcg a day and shots two times
month. Its important that you keep a copy of your labs and know whats going on. Increased albumn level
could mean malnutrition, which can happen with bypass patients. We have to be diligent in watching what
we eat. The docs care, but they don't watch like you can!

April 2nd, I am 115 lbs. Down 95 lbs. wearing size 2-3. Do not eat corned beef.
At least I can't. Had one tiny piece on St patricks day and threw up for 2 1/2
days. Couldn't keep water down. Finally had to go to the ER, and got an iv
bag, some reglan for my stomach, something for stomach acid and to stop the nausea
and cramping. When my iv was done, I was literally a new person. My color returned,
I felt myself again! I am eating easier now, and can't believe I am almost
at my 5/25 anniversary date. What a year.
I do have to work at getting the protein and vitamins in. It doesn't come easily.
Its because I have to do it that I don't want to do it...guess you can relate,
right? :) Anyway still each piece of food is a conscious effort a choice. The
battle is not won...guess it will never be, but for once in my life I have the upper
hand! woo-hoo! 115-117 lbs. Lately I continue my Any Whey protein in my coffee
in the am, and use the achieve drinks for my other two proteins. I seem to go on
protein kicks. Right now you couldn't get me to eat my protein pudding for
anything!!! I still carry food with me in my purse and in the car for those times
I am hungry and on the run. It helps me keep on goal, and not go for the bad things.
I have to keep watching to chew my food. The other day, I just pigged out on cheese
and grapes. Opps...wrong thing to do. Ate too many grapes. a year out, would I
do it again. YES!!!

September 1st 2006 118 lbs. working out at kung fu two times a week for flexabiity
and toning. Still in size 3. Feeling great. My thyroid went off a little and
it caused me to lose some hair, bummer, but I am back on track now. Still drinking
2 protein shakes a day, and watching what I'm eating. Less and less throwing
up, although pasta can trip me up, and some meats still are hard for me to eat.
Flour tortilla are not good either. I occasionally have a half of whole wheat bread
for sandwich, but rarelyl. I usually will have ritz crackers with cheese instead.
love my fruits and cherries. Found some russel stovers cereal bars that are chocolaty
and have 9 grams of protein in them. Walmart has them in the protein bar section.
I can have the light yogerts that have no sugar added. Haven't tried sugar
and won't. My labs are still great and to this day have not lost any muscle
mass, which is common with weight loss if you don't have enough protein.
I try to encourage others who have walked my path, and others continue to encourage
me. Still getting used to the new body. Can't get over people referring to
me as "tiny". They think I've been like this my whole life!!! hee,
hee, what they do not know!!!!
Eating is still something I have to watch. I have to have accountability and weekly
weigh ins with my TOPS weight loss group. I know that the hard part is now with
maintenance. There is still the temptation to have empty carbs, so I just don't
keep them around. I look for protein filled stuff, like almonds, those russell
stover protein bars, cheese. I still open the fridge and think, protein,fruits
and vegetables. I still think ahead of what to eat when I go out or on vacation
and bring snacky foods so that I have something I can eat all the time. I eat smaller
meals through out the day, and do best when I eat slowly on my own. I still have
to listen to my body.
God has blessed me richly. I am a new person on the outside, and I love it! I
love hearing my husband comment on my "sexy legs"! Never had nice looking legs my
whole life till now! Its fun wearing dresses and skirts!!!!

feb 27, 2007 Yikes....long time no update, sorry! Testing for my second belt in Kung fu tomorrow.
Maintaining weight between 120-123, same clothes size and feeling great. Asthma almost a distant memory, no medications for it, no stomach problems either, feeling really great. Close to my 2 yr anniversary,
still watching what I am eating, and going to support group. Yes, still the best decision for my health
that I have made, and would do it again in a heart beat!
I'll try to post some new pics soon.

May 25,2007
Two years post op. Bmi stays at 21-22, 123 lbs. I still don't eat sugar, and I rarely eat bread an pasta.
I have found the key to be changing eating lifestlyes and to know I have to do that forever. I continue to
go to a weight loss support group weekly, I weigh myself weekly and monitor my progress. Continue to
drink two achiev protein drinks a day, along with my vista vitamins. My labs have been great, energy, health
great.I still wear size 4. Exercise 3 days a week at Kung fu to build bone density and flexibility and to discipline
me to exerecise.Still don't like exercising, but it needs to continue to be part of my life. I have not had surgery
and my arms look great and toned from exercise.I have some belly and fanny flab, but I don't care. Keys to success: accountability, determination, not going back to old eating habits, vitamins, and daily protein!

August 12, 2007 update:
Still keeping my weight at around 123 lbs. Kung fu continues to keep me toned and motivated. Going for
my two year check up this week. I need to supplement my vitamins with more calcium and iron. Thinking about
going back to buildingblock vitamins. checking out the prices. I still like vitamins formulated for bypass patients for absorption. Trying some new protein, a whey powder from bariatric eating chocolate peanutbutter.

May 2008
Still size 4. Weight is now around 131. The number bothers me, but my docs goal for me was 130. I don't have much fat, and continue to be rather lean. (but still the numbers bother me...but I need to focus on ratio at this point) I use fitday.com to track my foods and my average intake is 1100 cals a day. I try to get in over 80 grams of protein a day, still 3-4 shakes a day. Continue to do kung fu 3 times a week, and am working on my 5th section.Use Michelle's vitamin regeime for over 6 months now and feel great physically. Still attend my TOPS weight loss support group. Is maintenance easy, no! But its my life and I will continue my mantra "protein, fruits and vegetables, vitamins, water, exercise, stay off of sugar and away from the "white stuff" Use achieve protein drinks, and currently like champion whey stack for my regular protein shakes during the day. My hair is finally, finally back to pre surgery state, nice and healthy!

August 2008

Still maintaining 131-133. Kung fu now 4 times a week.  Changed to daily plate to monitor what I am eating on a daily basis. This helps me to see what I'm eating, for accountability.   My labs came  back good, will have to re-do some and then I can adjust my vitamins if I'm low in a particular area.  Feeling good. Tried the wagon eating plan and increased what I was eating, but did not see much difference. its weird eating oatmeal for breakfast.  You  have to work at maintenance!

November 2008 update

132 lbs, healthy, still workout at kung fu 4 times a w

About Me
Location
25.2
BMI
RNY
Surgery
05/25/2005
Surgery Date
Dec 14, 2009
Member Since

Friends 8

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