bhdon Member

Congratulations!

Thank you for posting this. And yes, I can seriously relate. One thing that helps me is to make a list of all the reasons I don't want to do that and maybe a few empowering sentences about how you're stronger and smarter than the cookies - on an index card or piece of paper. Stick it in your wallet. Then, just promise…

Hi, I'm just starting the process. I meet with the surgeon July 6th, but I've been logging my food for some time and have an open diary. I'm sure my intake will change after surgery, so it will be helpful to me to see what others are posting. Congratulations on on your surgery. When you have a chance would be good to hear…

Hi Laura - I too am just starting this process and admire that you are approaching this goal earlier in life. (I'm 64 and my three kids are all grown now) If you'd like to send a friend request, I'll be on here too for some time to come. Becky

Darcy, I'm just getting started at this too, except I turn 64 this month and weigh 230. I have my first meeting with the surgeon on July 6th. I'll have to be self-pay, as my insurance doesn't cover the surgery. The upside is, I may have a little shorter road to travel to get to the surgery itself. If you'd like to send a…

I'm in the early stages. Meet up with my surgeon July 6th for our first visit. I will have to be self pay as insurance will not cover the surgery. The up side is it may shorten the amount of time I need to wait for the surgery. Anyway, please feel free to add me. I'm checking in every day and would appreciate hearing your,…

Not sure about the fitbit, but thinking of you and wondering how things are going. Assuming you've had your surgery and are a few months out by now. (Becky)

This is a great website (American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons) for debunking the myths surrounding WLS. If it's something you'd like to explore, it's worth taking a look: https://asmbs.org/patients/bariatric-surgery-misconceptions No, it is not 'the easy way out'. And yes, there can be complications. But…

Thanks for sharing your blog. Thinking about the surgery. Will read what you've shared. Becky

I've read your post and would be curious to read the sources you've used. You're correct that it's our choice, individually to decide what to do with our own health and our own bodies. But I've not been able to find anywhere that eating less than 2000 calories a day is detrimental to health. Much depends on a persons…

YAYYYYY

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Bah! I used the img in [ ] brackets + the URL for the photo bucket picture + /img in the [ ] brackets. not sure what I did wrong

Christinev297 - I'm right there with ya on this. Would like to eventually get to the point where I don't eat meat at all.

I get the Crown Prince boneless skinless ones in water. I've tried other brands but can't eat them. I eat them right out of the can with low fat saltine crackers.

Wow! Congratulations! When you feel your motivation lagging, pick up two 25 lb free weights to remind yourself of what you don't have to carry around any more. Amazing!

We too, have made an effort to cut back on meat and dairy consumption, based on the impact of some current production practices on the planet, ethical concern for the treatment of some animals raised for consumption, knowledge of the politics behind the industry, as well as the impact diets high in meat and dairy may have…

Steel cut oats have been a long term staple for us for breakfast. Like others suggest, we make up several days worth in one batch, pop it in the fridge, then just heat what we want each morning. We like to add cinnamon, blueberries, chopped walnuts and almond or oat milk, sometimes a little yogurt or kefir. Making the oats…

swimming - 2/3 mile in 30 minutes

Wonderful! Congratulations!

I was told I have fibromyalgia about two years ago. I'm not 100% convinced, but I have found that diet and exercise help a lot to reduce my pain. I notice a significant difference when I exercise and eat unprocessed whole foods. Exercise is hard, and painful some days, but it also helps. Stretching, yoga and meditation…

Thanks for this inspiring post!

Sure, you should be able to do it, if your total caloric intake goes down. It takes a 3500 calorie deficit to lose one pound, though. So, say you switch things around enough to consume 500 calories less a day, it will take, on average, 2-3 months to lose 10 pounds. If you're not seeing results over that amount of time, you…

I definitely struggle with this too. Usually my 'fat' calories are too high and my protein calories are about half or less of what they should be. They're not for everyone, and for some an acquired taste - but sardines are high in omega 3s and also high in protein. One 4.37 oz tin of sardines in water has only 140 calories…

We also use the spiralizer to make the zucchini noodles, and love it. 'Explore Asian' also makes a black bean pasta that has 25 gm of protein and 12 gm of fiber per serving, which is also an alternative to regular pasta. It may be difficult to find in some grocery stores, unless there is a 'health food' section. You can…

Some folks are sensitive to carrageenan ( an ingredient of some store bought almond milks). And there is some research that questions it's safety. Here's one article - there are others on the internet discussing the safety of it's use : -…

Thanks for the tip. I sometimes add 1 tsp of arrowroot powder when I blend the almonds and water. This too, helps make it 'creamier'. Sometimes I add a pitted date while blending if I want it a little sweeter.

So happy for you. What an accomplishment!

my morning smoothie usually looks something like this.... 1 cup almond milk ( easy to make if you don't want the store bought) 1/4 cup plain kefir or non-fat plain yogurt ( for the live cultures) ( homemade yogurt and kefir are also easy to make) romaine lettuce, kale or spinach - to taste ( romaine is the milder of the 3)…

This is helpful .....gives me a little more strategy. Thanks for posting this link.