So, I've been thinking about getting something to use at home for exercise. I have an exercise room at my apt complex, but it is small and very busy. It's hard to find a time to get there when no one else is. I thought about a gym membership, but with my work hours(sometimes 3am to 6pm), I don't know when I would be able to go and I don't want to waste money. I saw an infomercial in Tv for the Orbitrek Elite. It's an elliptical machine that seems very affordable, but I know next to nothing about these things. Any opinions from any one here? Here's the link if you haven't seen it. http://www.thane.com/products/fitness/orbitrekelite/orbitrek.php They offer a six week trial for only 19.99 with free shipping. Let me know what you think. Phyllis

The peanut butter powder is good. I sprinkle some on yogurt, protein shake, or chocolate pudding. There are some recipes on the website. I haven't played around with it too much yet. I think you must be the only person who has physical therapy AND works out! You are so funny! What's wrong with your hips and back? I feel great now that I'm exercising again. I'm on day 20 of the 28-day program. My muscles look so great! Exercising in the right way makes all of the difference. I see the plastic surgeon in a couple of weeks. He thinks I need one more surgery on my breast Third time should be the charm. I've gained weight. I'm back up to 140. Randy really wants me to stay here. He thinks my face looks saggy and sickly below 140. He's been trying to fatten me up for a few weeks! I miss you! I hope things settle down for you soon. Wanda

Beth, Keep coming back here and posting about your battles! That's what we do! Grazing was my downfall before WLS and I'm still fighting it today. It's so easy to do. I didn't like the flavored shakes either but the unflavored Any Whey protein powder mixes very well with cottage cheese, yogurt, Light and Fit Smoothies and even peanut butter. I still use it once or twice a day. If you mix it with a little peanut butter, add some sugar free syrup to help it mix. My last piece of advice is one I keep giving myself. We have to keep our eyes on the prize. We took a drastic step to lose weight. Looking back on the first year, it was actually pretty easy. Like you, I didn't have any complications and I thought not having a big appetite or cravings would be my way of life forever. Boy, oh, boy, has it been a slap in the face to realize that my old food issues are still there. Many times they are easier to deal with - like you, rice disagrees with me. Bagels, once a favorite, are no longer tolerated well. But, I find myself looking for something to eat far too often. I want food when I know I'm not hungry. I graze, I overeat. We have to focus, be conscious of what we are doing. Get the protein in to keep the cravings at bay. Avoid the bad carbs to keep the blood sugar in balance. It's a MIND GAME now and we have to strengthen our minds by strengthening the resistance muscle (as Judith Beck calls it!). Good luck, Beth! Hope to see your posts more often! CeCe

Alan, I feel for you - this virus is for teh birds. 4 more pounds!! you are AMAZING! 15 pounds below goal (you better readjust your goal there MR... your body wants more!) get better QUICK! hugs, Britt

Oh, so sorry to hear of everyone getting sick with the bug! That has to be so miserable. I will count my blessings I haven't been hit yet. I didn't check in last week, so it has been two weeks. But I'm up a solid 2 lbs.! Although I've bounced as high as 4 lbs. over my last check in. I'm starting to transition off the feed tube and eat more, though my pain has not stopped. I just endure. I had an upper GI and an ultrasound last Friday. The upper GI shows I have severe reflux. And my pyloric valve is extremely small and squished. Don't know what that will mean. I have a follow up with my dr. on Thursday to go over the results and to see what else we may need to do. I got no indication of how my ultrasound went. So I will have to wait until Thursday. In the meantime, I found a wonderul masseuse! I got a recommendation from the rad tech and went down to the spa to make an appt. He had an opening when I walked in and took me right away! I have some TERRIBLE knots in my back from laying around so much. He gave me my second massage that week, and because I had had one earlier, he was able to get rid of two of my knots. Now I need to see my chiropractor for another adjustment. My back has really taken alot from this surgery. Starting weight 202 week before last = 104 This week = 106 Loss this week = +2 Total loss = 96 Current BMI = 18.2 I have bumped up to 108 lbs. but I haven't been able to maintain there yet.