Daily Supplements

One decision I struggled with early on was what brand of vitamins and supplements I should try.  I've done some research, but to be honest there are so many options.  It may sounds like a cop-out, but I don't want to recommend anything specific.  You have to choose what works for you--including for your budget.  But I thought I'd at least share what I take on a daily basis:

2 Flintstones Multi-Vitamins with Iron
3 Bariatric Advantage Calcium Citrate Chews (I've tried caramel & strawberry so far)
2 Vitamin B-12 gummies (generic brand)
1 Probiotic (currently Culturelle but I change every month)

So there you have it!

Typical Day of Eating @ Five Months Post-Op

Here is what a typical day of eating for me looks like:

Drink at least 12oz of water

Drink ½ of an Atkin’s shake

Drink 12-24 oz of water

First “meal” - a serving of protein plus veggies or fruit

(example: today I had ½ of a baked chicken breast & a tangerine)

Drink 12-24 oz of water

Second “meal” - a serving of protein plus veggies or fruit

(example: today I had pulled pork chili & some carrots)

Drink 12 oz of water

Third “meal” - a serving of protein plus veggies or fruit

(example: today I had 2 oz of thin-sliced turkey & 3 apple slices)

Drink 12 oz of water

Final “meal” - a serving of protein plus veggies or fruit

(example: today I had pulled pork chili & ½ cup of salad with cheese & nuts)

I will rarely have a protein bar in place of one of my meals.  I also occasionally eat a couple of crackers with chili or stew.  I typically stay away from processed carbs--especially bread, pasta and rice.  I usually fit a meal into a 6 oz container.  My calorie count is about 800-900 calories per day.  I eat healthy fats in small quantities, and make sure I get in plenty of protein.

Fitness at Five Months Post-Op

Here is my current weekly fitness plan:

Mondays

Walk for 45 minutes

Physical Therapy (knees) for 15 minutes

Tuesdays

Walk for 45 minutes

Physical Therapy (knees) for 15 minutes

Wednesdays

Walk for 45 minutes

Physical Therapy (knees) for 15 minutes

Thursdays

Walk for 45 minutes

Physical Therapy (knees) for 15 minutes

Fridays

Walk for 1 hour

Physical Therapy (knees) for 45 minutes

Saturdays

Physical Therapy (knees) for 15 minutes

Sundays

Physical Therapy (knees) for 15 minutes

By six-months post-op I hope to add in:

• 15 additional minutes of physical therapy per day
• Strength training for abdominals/back 2x per week
• Strength training for arms 2x per week

By seven-months post-op I hope to add in:

• Flexibility training
• Balance training
• Swimming or biking as a way of cross-training