Blazn

Ok, so my weight loss has slowed down a lot in the last couple of weeks and I started looking at what I was eating. I still have a lot of restriction so I am not eating much at all. So I started keeping a food log, counting calories, fat grams, etc. Yesterday, for example, I only took in 896 calories, 28 grams of fat, 37 grams of protein, & 130 carbs (which I know sounds like a lot, but by the recommendations made by My-Calorie-Counter based on my weight, my target should have been 300) - WOW that is a lot of carbs. So - what are your suggestions? Also please tell me what your calorie goals per day are, carbs, fat grams, protein, etc. My-Calorie-Counter (based on my weight) recommended only 50 grams of protein. But based on the other calculations that were posted on here, I'm not sure if that is right. So, the wonderful support group that you are, give me advice. Should I increase my calories to 1000 or 1200? Don't forget, I also want to know what you're eating!!

The pic with the hubby - WHAT A HOTTIE!!! Your sweet babies - BEAUTIFUL & you in a swim suit - YOU LOOK AMAZING, KIM!!!!!

Dontondan, you mix one scoop in a regular-size cup of yogurt? And you can't taste the protein powder, right? - That sounds like something I could handle. What kind of protein powder do you use - brand?

Mine took about 2 weeks.

Angie, just wondering, why did you have to have a port replacement?

No I do not think there is any restriction on tanning beds or natural light as far as the surgery/band goes - but as Michelle said - watch your scars. When first got in the tanning bed post-op I put a small band-aid over my port scar. Then when I laid out I just put SPF 45 sunblock on it. It looks great - it's there but it looks really good.

Michelle, I was getting this same error too at one time and I resized my photos to really small and they finally uploaded. Not sure if this will help but it's worth a try.

Glad you're back Michelle! You were really missed. It was like a member of our family going on vaca and not calling! Shame on you! LOL! No, really - welcome back!!

You may want to also get a copy of your medical records or operative reports if you have had extensive surgery. Dr. Ortiz may want to look at them before taking you on. It will also put your mind at ease to know that he is aware of what has went on in there!

Here is a copy of the newsletter I got from Fill Centers USA this month. Very good info there. Just though I would post. Choosing a Fitness Program for Weight Loss AND health By Iris Stratton, CN, State Board Certified Nutritionist, Certified Personal Trainer Specialized Teaching Field in Nutrition and Weight Training How about aerobics? Wait, before you give me a definite no, consider this: Aerobic exercises have made a lot of improvements. No more days of squeezing into a pair of stretchy exercise suits and kicking fanny in an exercise class, unless of course that’s what you enjoy. If it is then you go, girl! However, you can get all the aerobic benefits you need from everyday activities like walking or even gardening. As long as you are getting your heart rate accelerated, you’re making headway. If you’re a Fill Centers USA member, refer to the “Fitness Section” of your Lifestyle Guide to find out the importance of monitoring your heart rate. Once you begin adding cardiovascular exercise into your routine, you'll find heart rate monitoring will become extremely important. If you do nothing more than take brisk walks on a regular basis and monitor your heart rate you will see improvement. You can drop one or two dress sizes monthly with the help of your new simplified aerobic fitness regime and your new best friend “the band”. Some researchers also believe that aerobic exercise specifically targets the layer of fat in your abdominal area, which is good news for stubborn belly bulges that might become a problem as you are losing. If you will give aerobics a try you will soon see that the benefits of aerobic exercise extend well beyond a shrinking body. Exercise burns calories, and studies shows that the more calories you burn, the less likely you are to get cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, depression, and even certain cancers. Find an Exercise Program You Enjoy Remember, you're now going to be working out on a consistent basis. If it's an activity you dislike, you'll get frustrated or bored and quit. The exercise you choose should be something you find enjoyable and fits conveniently into your life, as well as being something you can safely do at your current level of fitness and weight. The most important part of your aerobic routine is to do something you love that is safe for your particular fitness level. Whatever you do, don’t allow your work out to become monotonous; the best way to beat boredom is variety. Having a selection of workouts to choose from keeps you-and your body-from feeling burned out. And there's never been a better time to put variety in your workout routine. The biggest trends in fitness tapes, classes, and clubs these days are to offer routines that combine great music, new moves, and sport-specific workouts that are more fun and functional than old-fashioned aerobics. Check out classes that combine workouts such as yoga, tai chi, indoor cycling and possibly even strength training or kickboxing. How about a fun, new dance, such as belly dancing or line dancing? So, get busy today and find what is being offered in your area that you might enjoy. Are You A Lobo (Lone) Exerciser? I certainly am. The fitness time I allow for myself daily is also my meditation time, and I prefer to be totally alone. If this is your case you might prefer finding activities you can do on your own, such as: Swimming, walking, walk/jog, biking, circuit system utilizing cardio equipment, hiking, back packing, gardening, skating, skiing (down hill or cross country). Take Time for a Simple, Quick Warm-up By starting your activity slowly, you slowly increase your body temperature, which leads to more efficient calorie burning. You warm your muscles, so they can stretch and contract more fully and quickly and you can exercise more vigorously. A warm-up increases blood flow and speeds your metabolism, thus, you're less likely to have fatigue-causing lactic acid build up. It will also help you burn glucose for energy (the fuel of choice when you want to lose weight). Dress For the Occasion The most important item is your footwear, because if your feet hurt, you will not continue another day. For the best results, go to a local athletic footwear store and get your feet sized and fit for a pair of shoes with the right cushioning and support for your activity. As for clothing, comfortable, breathable, supportive clothes can make the difference in either enjoying or avoiding your workouts. Remember to dress for the weather. Wear light, cool clothing in the heat; and wear removable layers when there's a chill in the air. Also, consider investing in a supportive sports bra to eliminate uncomfortable bouncing. Music and Fitness Listening to music, while doing any type of exercise, can boost your calorie burn. It has been proven that people who listen to upbeat music they enjoy exercise longer before fatiguing. Even better, they feel as though the exercise is easier so they tend to put a little more into it. Always exercise to music that you personally enjoy, music that makes you want to get up and move. Use common sense with your headphones and traffic. Make Your New Exercise Plan A Team Effort Research shows that the single most important factor for sticking with an exercise program for the first year is having the support of friends and family. So why would you not want to increase your chances of success by having a friend or family member working out with you. Walk with co-workers at lunch or after work to eliminate stress in the work place. Plan family day hikes on the weekends, ask your husband to strength train with you or play racquetball, tennis or ride a bike. You could make new friends, get closer to the ones you have and/or be part of your family’s fitness. You Heard Right…NO PAIN You can gently push yourself in exercise but it should never be painful. A good fitness regime should leave you feeling as though you've worked hard when you're done, but you should be able to recover and go on with your daily routine without feeling exhausted. If you experience pain in your muscles or joints, stop. Give yourself a few days to recuperate, and gently work back into it. If it still hurts at your next session, see your doctor and try something different in your routine, with Doctors advice. There's an activity to fit everyone's physical needs. Remember: You can’t be right with those around you until you get right with yourself. Today is the day; GET RIGHT!

WOW Kris!!! You look GREAT!!!

Will that was an accurate description!!

Here are mine..... In this first pic, I was in my Sister-N-Law's wedding - Sept. 2007 approximately 220lbs. This next pic was taken in February 2008 (my birthday actually). I had decided to have Lap Band just the week before!! 224lbs. These next two pics were taken on May 17th, exactly 2 months post-op. 194lbs.

CClark, you may want to try weight watchers. It is honestly one of the best diets on the market - because it is not really a diet. It is a program designed to teach you how to eat without restricting certain foods - just the proportions. If you don't have the extra money to go to the meetings, everything is online you need. There are thousands of websites that tell you the point values for everyday foods. Please keep us posted on your success and :lb9:

I think you would be fine. By 6 weeks you are allowed to do some working out (nothing abdominal though) so I would think going to a waterpark would be okay - just take it easy.

Jello is considered a clear liquid but you need to let it get smooth in your mouth before swallowing and don't gulp big spoonfuls.

6/5 Walked/jogged 1 mile & 30 minutes circuit training. 6/9 Walked/jogged 1 mile, 15 min circuit training

Happy Birthday, Dr. Ortiz! You are the best! We all love you dearly and wish you the best birthday ever!!

WOW that is a suprise!! What happened? Where did he go? What is he doing? Why did he do it? Maybe Dolittle or Lori can shed some light.... He will be missed!! :lb12: :lb12: :lb12: :lb12: