grim_traveller Member

I weigh everything on a kitchen scale too. When I was on shakes, I even weighed my protein powder, instead of using the little scoop they give you. It was easy to go over by 10% when using the scoop. That 10% starts adding up fast. An extra 100 calories a day is ten pounds in a year, and 50 pounds after 5 years. And 100…

There is a difference in taste. I prefer the prior version, but there isn't much difference. Yeah, it's tough to get the Quest bar monkey off your back. I'd pounce on a box of them like a monkey on a cupcake. And before you know it, I'd be out robbing gas stations and liquor stores to get more Quest bar money.

It's not the calcium that's missing from gummy and children's vitamins. Plus, since we can only absorb about 500 mg of calcium at a time, we need to break it up into three doses per day of 500 mg each. Comparing Centrum adult, sort of the gold standard for complete adult vitamins, and most gummies, the following is what…

Great job!

Gummies and children's vitamins are NOT complete, even if they say they are on the package. Doctors tell people to take Flintstones vitamins for the same reason parents give them to their kids. They taste good, and it's easy to trick people into taking them. But they lack a LOT of things. Compare the labels on gummies and…

That's fantastic. You've done a great job, and it's wonderful that you stick around to help others.

Thanks. These might be good changes. We'll see. I know that some people had bad sugar spikes from the IMO in the old formula, so clearly it was not being treated as a fiber. They claim the soluble corn fiber is better with the insulin response and blood sugar. We'll see how it pans out.

Don't go too nuts with the apples. The calories can add up fast, and while natural sugar is better than processed sugar, it is still a lot.

That's a lot of hard work. Good for you.

New Balance makes great sneakers, and a wide variety of sizes and widths. I wear a 14 EEEE, and they are the only place that carries them in stock. If there is a factory store anywhere near you, you can get even better deals. And a lot of there sneakers are made in the US, as well.

Thanks for the heads-up. I haven't had any with the new formulation yet. Has it altered calories as well?

Over time, there have only been three things I couldn't do without. A food scale, a Fitbit, and my MFP account.

I think this is great advice. I'm not saying that is what is happening to you, but I know for a fact it happens to many people. If you weigh and track your food closely, just keep doing what you are doing. If you don't, track really closely for a while. You might find you have gradually started eating more than you think.…

You're on MFP, but do you track your food? I mean, use a kitchen scale, weigh your portions, and record every bite? If you are estimating, it won't help. If you don't know exactly what and how much you are eating, it's much harder. Start from there. If you want to lose, you have to eat less. The solution to that is really…

Stick to the plan. I can gain or lose five pounds for absolutely no apparent reason. Long term is what matters.

You can't stretch anything with liquids. The amount they want you to drink is a minimum. Drinking more is great. The number one reason for re-admittance into the hospital after surgery is dehydration. Keep doing what you're doing.

Orthostatic hypotension. You can check it easy enough. Take your blood pressure while sitting or lying down, then immediately on standing. If you are lightheaded and it drops, it's orthostatic hypotension. It's pretty common in the first year after WLS. Get up slowly, drink more fluids, add extra salt or other…

Someone called it the Obesity Tax.

Fantastic job. You should be really proud. And you're a great example of what can happen when you lose a bunch preop, and get a good running start before surgery. It makes hitting goal so much easier, or even possible. Everyone complaining about how hard the preop diet is should pay attention to your success.

Great news. As others said, walk, drink, rest. Repeat.

I am a little over 3 years out, but RNY, not VSG. But I honestly don't think there is any difference in the two surgeries by the end of two years. It is harder, and more challenging, than that first year. losing is great, and you get so much encouragement in so many different ways. Maintaining is just . . . boring, I…

Great job.

Good luck!

There's nothing magic about 1200 calories. MDP came up with that number to cover their *kitten* in case they ever got sued. The warning is the same for everyone, from 6'5" to 4'9". It's a meaningless, made up figure.

By the end of the first week, I could finish a bottle of water in about 15 minutes. You shouldn't guzzle, but if it doesn't hurt or irritate you, there is no reason to drink really slow. Aim for 64 ounces per day as soon as you are able. Dehydration is easily the number one reason for ending up back in the hospital after…

That's a lot of hard work. Nicely done.

Great news!

A lot of the nausea people get is a result of dehydration. Increase your fluid intake. It can also be lactose intolerance, which many people develop post surgery. Ignore protein if you want, but do so at your own peril. About the least dangerous side effect of getting no protein in will be serious hair loss. The worst will…

Under 800 per day at 6 months is fine. Ignore the eating more to weigh less stuff. It just doesn't apply to the obese. And don't eat back exercise calories. It's a trap, and an excuse to eat more. Until you get close to a normal weight, throw the rules for other folks out the window. Get your protein and vitamins in to…

Good for you. great job!