A new lease on life...

triser72 · 07-01-2008, 10:21 AM

Or a new contract? I definitely feel like I have signed a life-changing contract of my life by being banded (second only to my marriage). This is great! I am 26lbs down since surgery on 6/11, and I feel just fine. All of my foods go down very well, my body definitely tells me when to stop eating. Intaking 500-800 calories each day, I am striving for 60g of Protein each day, it's not easy and most days I get to 45-55g. I can honestly say that I hate tuna even though it has tons of protein. I will eat it, but I definitely don't like it. I have learned to remove myself from situations where the food is tempting - it was difficult last night visiting friends and they brought home a fried chicken dinner complete with rolls. I excused myself and went home.

I have been working out 45-60 minutes each day - WOW! What a difference exercise does to the body! Today, I went to water aerobics - it was hard work, but seriously the most fun I have ever had exercising! I am looking forward to adding strength training to my routine once I have clearance from the surgeon.

I am glad I waited to find the right doctor to do this - he and his staff have made this a wonderful experience.

I know the hard part will come when school starts back up and my routine shifts, but that's okay! I am ready for the challenge.

greythope · 07-01-2008, 10:54 AM

Hi Triser

What about canned chicken instead? It's much nicer than tuna.

How are you functioning on only 500-600 calories though? Honestly I don't see how you can keep that up before your body decides it's starving and has to hold onto everything and eat up muscle. I was under the impression we should be getting around 1200 calories a day. If I get less than 1500 I am happy. When I was on Jenny Craig I lost consistently on 1500 calories daily.

I just don't want you to crash and/or get frustrated because you're not losing.

I understand the new lease on life though. Even with a small % of the weight I need to lose off I feel so much better!!

Keep up the good work though!

cathychatts · 07-01-2008, 07:34 PM

I agree with Grey! You need to up the calories to between 1000 to 1200 per day. Better for your health and you won't burn out so quickly. Remember this is for a lifetime!

triser72 · 07-02-2008, 06:46 PM

I guess since I am only 3 weeks out from surgery, I wasn't thinking about the calories were as big of a deal as the protein and the H2O intake. I'm eating such small amounts of food - how would it be possible to get 1000-1500 calories. Since I am finished with the puree stage - I will probably see an increase in calories as I move on to soft foods in larger amounts than 1-2oz.

Thanks for seeing something that I should be concerned about, I'll email my nutritionist and see what she says - it's her food plan.

NavywifeJenn · 07-03-2008, 12:43 AM

I agree with your first post 100%! This is a total new contract on life! its awesome! I've only lost 17 pounds but I am so friggin excited for whats to come! I find that I have so much more energy now than ever before! it's fantastic!
I also agree that you def. need to get those calories checked out! Let us know what the nutritionist says!!

btw awesome weight loss so far! you are gonna do great!

triser72 · 07-04-2008, 07:57 AM

OK - so I talked to my nutritionist and she said that based on my H/W - yes, I do need to increase my caloric intake per day to 1000-1100 calories. So, thank you, Grey, for keeping me accountable on that one.

My only question is HOW? I feel like I am stuffing myself as is with an average of 700 calories. So, I have find 300 more calories each day?

Huggie Bear · 07-04-2008, 09:17 AM

I dirink a glass of skimmed milk with sugar free carnation instant breakfast to help boost my calories and get the added protein also!!

do that twice a day and u add 280 calories and 26 grams of protein

If you are not concerned with the sugars from milk products (they are supposed to be naturally occuring and not as bad??) then a regular glass of choclate milk!!

8oz = 210 calories and 9 grams protein

I also drink the K2O waters... 50 calories a bottle with 5 protien and 5 fiber 16 oz. bottle = 2 water servings!!!

Between the milk and 2 bottles of those I am getting 6 servings of fluids as well so extra bonus!!

Just a suggestion :P

greythope · 07-04-2008, 01:39 PM

Wow I am having the opposite problem! I have restriction still so have to be careful but can still manage to eat plenty o calories and am having to report to things like 10 calorie popscicles and jello to keep away 'mind munchies'. I would recommend things you can drink like smoothies/protein shakes, well chewed low fat cheese strings, and cottage cheese w/shredded pineapple.
I am focused on getting enough calcium, protein, and potassium so end up drinking alot of calories since meat is a bit much right now.

BTW, Triser I hope I wasn't a debbie downer for you. You are totally kicking ass and taking names with your workout routine! You inspired me to get my big bum back on the elliptical today!! So thanks

PS, what part of Houston are you in?

triser72 · 07-04-2008, 03:46 PM

Grey - I am in the Spring/Klein/Tomball area of Houston - northwest. You were not a downer, but you definitely saw a problem that I didn't see. That's what this forum is all about!

Well, I am doing all the things that ya'll are suggesting - I'll just keep trying! Thanks so much.

greythope · 07-05-2008, 08:05 PM

Me too. I live near Klein HS.

After my 4th I need to renew my lease on life. We went to a 4th Party/Fireworks extravaganza at some friends. My parents kept our little man so we pretended we were young again and I drank a vineyard. I nibbled a bit too much and ate dessert. I took some liquid tylenol and drank some coffee this morning for the sore head/sinusitis and not long after ending up with the heaves, guess my stomach was protesting at the abuse. :( 35 going on 15 me thinks!

So back to healthy living. I can tell I got off the wagon because I am craving chocolate.