Review: Fitbit

The much anticipated Fitbit review! Where to begin? I can't say enough good about the Fitbit!

I first found out about the Fitbit from one of my friend's Facebook statuses. I would see her statuses daily proclaiming the number of steps and miles she walked that day and the number of calories she had burned based on her Fitbit. So I started my research....

The Fitbit is not your every day pedometer. A $0.99 pedometer generally tracks your steps and that's it.

The Fitbit on the other hand, tracks sooo much more. Let me show you...

First, the fit bit, like all other pedometers tracks your steps. Most pedometers are not accurate. Just shake em around a bit and magically you have walked an extra 20 steps. Not with the Fitbit! I have jumped with the Fitbit on, shook it around and still the step count did not move. I have also tested the Fitbit by counting my steps up to 100 and the steps were accurately recorded.

Not only does the Fitbit monitor your steps, it also monitors your distance! Again, I of course tested for accuracy. Two nights ago I took my Fitbit for a spin on the treadmill. One hour on the Treadmill I walked 2.16 miles. I had walked 0.5 miles the rest of the day to and from the fridge and around the house to my car and to the treadmill and just under a quarter of a mile after the gym. Super awesome!

The next view on the Fitbit is a pretty flower... it doesn't always look this big. The flower grows as you get active. The more active you are the bigger your flower gets. While this is not the most exciting feature it is meant to be a motivator. The Fitbit will remember how active you are and over time it will get harder and hard and you will have to do more activity to make it grow. Are you up for the challenge?

Lastly, my favorite feature! The Fitbit tracks the amount of calories you have burned throughout the day. I usually burn 2500 calories a day. This is an amazing feature because you can gauge your weight loss each day. In case you don't know, 1 pound is 3500 calories. So if the average bariatric patient takes in 800 calories and you are burning 2500, you should be losing 1 pound every 2 days, obviously more if you are malabsorbing your calories. If you are wondering how I burn so many calories... well, realize this thing monitors not only the calories burned when I am working out but the calories burned when I'm sitting on my butt writing this blog and when I'm sleeping! so 2500 calories a day!

You may have just noticed I said that my Fitbit monitors my calories when I sleep. I wear my Fitbit 24 hours a day! At night your Fitbit will monitor how much time you spent in bed, how long it took you to fall asleep, how many times you woke up & how much you slept.
                                                                                                                                                                    

The Fitbit comes with a wristband that you wear to sleep with a pocket for the Fitbit, a clip for your belt that holds the Fitbit, and the base station.  

Another perk of the Fitbit is the online program that it comes with. It's free and it monitors all the stats your Fitbit picks up on. Your stats are displayed in numbers, charts and graphs. Part of the program also allows you to track your food and exercise. There is also an online forum for use and a WLS group!

You can also link your Fitbit account with Facebook and Twitter to update your friends and family daily of your results. There will be a status posted that looks like this.

"I walked 6,752 steps and 2.9 miles and burned 3,001 calories via my fitbit http://www.fitbit.com/user/22BRX6"  ~ My actual stats from yesterday posted to Facebook

Breakdown of the Fitbit:


Pros:

• Small and easy to conceal
• Accurate
• Tracks sleep, calories burned over a 24 hour period, steps taken, and miles traveled
• Wirelessly syncs with the base station anytime you walk within 15 feet
• Holds 7 days worth of data
• Battery lasts about a week. I charge it whenever I am in the shower.

Cons:

• The food tracking systems doesn't have such an extensive food list but you can add foods to the list.

Where to Buy:

You can buy your FitBit in many locations. It is sold in most Best Buy's and 24 Hour Fitness Gyms. You can also buy it directly from Fitbit.com. I suggest you buy your Fitbit from 24 Hour Fitness Online because I have given you a coupon for 10% off below. 

Cost: $99.00 ($90 if bought from 24 hour fitness no tax or shipping)
Coupon: AFPRM50101210 (Valid until Jan 31, 2011) This coupon is good on 10% off any purchase of $50 or more.

The Main question people have asked me is... Why a Fitbit and not a BodyBugg?
For me there were a few reasons.
a. COST... The Fitbit was $90 while the cheapest Bodybugg is double that price. Also, the tracking program is free for the Fitbit while you have to pay a monthly subscription of $10 for the bodybugg program.
b. SIZE... I do not want to that big thing on my arm. It is nobody's business if I wear a pedometer. I don't need anyone to know I workout or I'm trying to lose weight. I wear my Fitbit on my bra and no one but me (and now you) knows it's there.
c. FITBIT TRACKS MORE.... I like that the Fitbit tracks my sleep. I have sleep apnea and my sleep is really important to me. The Fitbit tells me how many times I woke up at night and how much time I actually spent sleeping. This helps me monitor when it's time for a CPap adjustment. The Bodybugg does not do this.

If you have any questions feel free to leave it in the comments!
I hope you found this review helpful!
xoxo
Sleeve Pixie

Review: Successful Weight Loss with the Gastric Sleeve

The VSG or Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy has become increasing popular in 2010 with the rise in insurance company approval. For those of you who don't know what the Sleeve is...

"The Gastric Sleeve is a restrictive surgical procedure done through laparoscopy in which a percentage of the stomach is taken out. Depending on the surgeon, this resection may be between 60-80% of the stomach." ~Alvarez, 2010, p14

In the book, Successful Weight Loss with the Gastric Sleeve, Dr. Guillermo Alvarez takes the reader on a basic journey of the VSG surgery and educates his audience on many of the questions we may have.

I remember hearing the buzz on the Obesity Help VSG board that the "Mexico surgeon" was writing a book on the Sleeve. I started doing some research on this "Mexico Doctor" who I now know to be Doctor Alvarez, and learned that he is one of the leading surgeons on this continent to be performing the sleeve. A few days later, I messaged Dr. Alvarez and learned he was going to be selling his book at the Houston, TX Obesity Help Conference 2010.

Funny story... I had the privilege and the pleasure of meeting Dr. Alvarez at the Houston, TX, Obesity Help conference this past November. I was all excited to head over to the Endobariatric booth and buy my copy of his book. I walked up and introduced myself to Dr. Alvarez and explained to him I was the one who messaged him the previous week to ask if his book would be for sale at the conference. It seemed he remembered me. He signed the book for me and gave it to me. When I went to pay him he told me it was a gift. I tried again to pay for the book and he refused. For the next 2 hours or so, I was so excited that this awesome surgeon, who everyone raves about gave me his book for FREE!!! Then I found out, Dr Alvarez was gifting his book to everyone at the conference! Oh well... I thought I was special. lol.

The point of that story, other than a small chuckle at my naive expense, is to show you one of the things I respect most about Dr. Alvarez. He could have made a few hundred dollars at that conference. But it's clear to me, that this surgeon really and truly cares about not only his patients, but the bariatric community as a whole. For those of you who know him as "the Mexico Surgeon" take the time to get to know him. He makes himself so accessible to our community via Facebook and Twitter.

"Dr. Guillermo Alvarez is a highly skilled Mexico bariatric surgery practitioner who specializes in numerous forms of laparoscopic bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery and Lap Band in Mexico. Dr. Alvarez started his bariatric surgery specialization early in his general surgery residency. He worked in several hospitals in the United States, France and Mexico during his residency and has subsequently dedicated his life to helping obese patients." ~ Endobariatric.com

The beginning of his book, Successful Weight Loss with the Gastric Sleeve, Alvarez starts off with a brief definition of obesity and the current "epidemic" our country is facing. Next an explanation of each of the popular surgical weight loss procedures that are available. The book also provides a basic image of what each finished surgery looks like. The writer goes on to to explain the Gastric Sleeve in greater detail, which includes providing a recent history of the surgery.

The bulk of this short educational book is information about life as a VSG post-op. Dr. Alvarez covers both pre-op and post-op diet, common risks, complications and complaints as well as vitamins and supplements and tips and guidelines for success.

One of my favorite parts of the book was the "Frequently Asked Questions" section. Dr. Alvarez took the time to answer over 50 frequently asked questions about the sleeve. Not only did he include this vital section in his book, he broke down these questions by Pre-op Questions, Hospital Stay Questions and Post-op Questions. Dr. Alvarez shyed away from nothing! He discussed, resuming sex after surgery, when you can drink again and even the infamous "Is my stomach going to burst!?" myth.

The book ends on a motivational note with several of Dr. Alvarez's sleeve patient testimonials and before and after pics! The book is written in lay language with very minimal medical jargon. All jargon is explained.

I have to say this is a great book! It was an easy and interesting read. I read the book cover to cover in one 70 minute sitting! 

Where to Buy:
This book can only be purchased directly from Endobariatric
Cost: $13.95 plus shipping

What people are saying:
"He [Dr. Alvarez] is a rockstar in the bariatric world, yet he takes the time to answer questions no matter how small." ~Waning Woman, fellow Blogger and sleeve sister

"I received my autographed copy in the mail this weekend. I was the monthly OH newsletter winner last month! I've already finished it. Loved it!!!" Chelle, sleeve sister

I hope you have enjoyed reading this review as much as I have enjoyed writing it!

Dr. Alvarez, thank you for all of your advice, encouragement and overall awesomeness!

xoxo,

Sleeve Pixie

Review: P-28 High Protein Bread

I first heard about P-28 while researching some new yummy bariatric recipes. For many of us post-ops, bread is a wasted food providing nothing but carbohydrates and calories. I love the idea of being able to have a slice of bread now and then or even daily if I wanted and getting 1/5 of my daily protein in! Throw some chicken or egg salad on there and up that to 1/4 of my daily protein! AMAZING!

I knew I had to get my hands on this bread and pronto. To be honest I thought it was too good to be true. Could there really be a bread that both tastes good and has a substantial amount of protein??

YES AND YES!!

I got my case of P-28 and immediately started cooking. I made breakfast...

French Toast
Tasty, filling, the nutty flavor really adds to the french toast!

Eggs and Cheese                             

Home Made Pizza

Grilled Cheese
Add a little butter to the bread before grilled and it tastes AMAZING!

I shared P-28 with my family and they made deli sandwiches, toast and butter, peanut butter and jelly etc. I shared the bread with my support group as well. Everyone loves this bread!

"P-28 High Protein Bread toasts well. Even when I burnt it it was a little chewy in the middle." ~ Ari, family member

"P-28 High Protein Bread is an tasty and filling substitute to boring whole wheat bread." ~ Anonymous

P-28 is a large slice of bread. 1 slice is easily enough for any bariatric patient. The bread is a little more chewy than your average bread which i like because the more I have to chew the slower I eat. P-28 has a nutty taste which I love!!! It does not taste like you are eating wheat grains like so many other breads that are deemed "better for you". I highly recommend P-28 for any Bariatric patient missing bread!!

The nutrition facts on this bread make it well worth incorporating P-28 into my diet! If you don't believe me, check it out for yourself!!

P-28 is sold in a case of 4 loaves. The case is shipped very quickly and the bread will last you 10-12 days. Anything you don't think you can eat in under two weeks put in the freezer. P-28 freezes extremely well for up to 6 months!

My breakdown of P-28...

Pros:

• Great tasting nutty flavor.
• 14g of protein in just one slice
• Freezes and defrosts very well! No freezer burn taste
• Low on Carbs so no dumping!!

Cons:

• I can't think of any. I really love P-28!! 

Where to Buy:

P-28 High Protein Bread can be purchased in a case of 4 loaves from NutriBread

Cost: $19.96 plus shipping/case

Coupon: Enter the coupon "SLEEVEPIXIE" for $1.00 off each case!

I hope you enjoy P-28 as much as I do!

xoxo,

Sleeve Pixie

Review: WLS Vitagarten Lab Tracker Workbook

When it comes to information about our blood, vitamins and nutrients, many post ops put their trust in their doctors. We read words like Microcytic Hypochromic, Thiamin, Ferratin, see all these acronyms like PLT, ALT, WBC, RBC and our eyes glaze over, our brain shuts down and we say, "Ok Doc. Am I normal?"  But what happens when our surgeon, that heavenly medicine man that we allowed to rearrange our innards, just doesn't know?

As Dr. Garth Davis, of TLC's Big Medicine has told us, doctors only have one hour of nutrition class in school. My first surgeon told me flat out, "My job is to cut you open, place a Lap-Band and close you back up. After that, I know nothing."

The time has come my friends for us to take charge of our bodies. That is where the Lab Tracker Workbook comes in.

I will be the first one to admit, prior to this workbook, I knew nothing and I mean NOTHING about my blood work. I didn't know my B6 from by B12 or my Iron from my A1C. I picked up a copy of this workbook at Houston Obesity Help conference. To be honest, I never had much intention in opening this workbook for my own personal use until I came to find I had a problem with my Vitamin D. I was under the impression, the very wrong impression, that VSGers don't need to take vitamins and we are just like the Banders and I will be fine. I bought the workbook for two reasons; To be supportive to my dear friend who wrote the workbook, and because I am a support group leader and I thought it would be a good resource for my RNY members.

Once I began exploring the Lab Tracker Workbook, I came to find a wealth of information, relevant to my life as a post-op. The writer begins with a diagram showing what nutrients are absorbed in which part of our Digestive Tracks. It really puts things into perspective for those who who have an intestinal bypass. You can now see exactly which nutrients you may have a hard time absorbing.

She goes on to give a detailed breakdown of the vitamin intake recommendation standards for each of the 4 predominant bariatric surgeries (Lap-Band, RNY, VSG, DS). Another thing relevant to my post-op life, I just never knew.

As the pages of workbook are turned, the reader will find a well of knowledge and be able to draw on it. Included in the workbook are the recommended blood tests to be done at 3mo, 6mo, 12mos and yearly thereafter. Also included you will find Common post-op deficiencies with brief, yet complete explanations as well as a glossary and reference list.

The bulk of this workbook is dedicated to the actual lab defining and tracking. The writer takes a full page for each lab test and explains the basics of the test. Then she breaks down the conditions of the test (fasting or not fasting), what the normal range is and what high or low levels may indicate. At the bottom of this breakdown you are given a blank graph chart that you can use to track your own personal lab score. Below you will find an example image. This is what each page looks like.

"The workbook comes to you in a hard cover, 3-ring binder to make it easy to add pages and inserts as desired. I’ve supplied some of the basic “bones” but I encourage you to make this workbook as much YOURS as you need it to be so you’ll actually use it." ~Andrea, Author of the Lab Tracker Workbook

It is my opinion, this workbook is an essential for every post-op, support group leader and professional working with the bariatric community!! 

I am sure some of you are wondering by now who this amazing author is, where she is located and if she takes your health insurance. Well, I hate to burst your bubble. Andrea S. Ullberg is not a professional. She is however someone who has suffered from a doctor's lack of knowledge. Andrea , is a 6.5 year, RNY post-op. She is the owner of the very informative blog WLS Vitagarten. , an active leader in the Bariatric Bad Girls Club and a friend and gadfly to many. She is someone who I respect very much. She has chosen to educate herself about her body and how/why it works. I have been blown away by Andrea's wealth of information. Example? When I received copies of my labs I was going over them with Andrea and she said to me, "Rachel, you're not drinking enough." Just so you can understand this... Andrea and I have seen each other in person twice in our lives. She lives hundreds of miles away from me so she would have no clue that I don't drink enough. She knew that, from me reading off my lab results to her over the phone! I have always had an issue with fluid intake and no doctor/surgeon/nutritionist/nurse/PA etc. has ever been able to look at my labs and say that. I can Andrea my Vitamin Guru. I ask her all my questions and she always has answers that are filled with facts. Researchable facts! I learn from her constantly. 

My breakdown of the workbook...

Pros:

• Structurally easy to follow
• Lay language that anyone with half a brain can understand
• Binder allows me to hole punch my labs and keep them in there
• Binder allows me to reorganize the book if needed/desired and really make it MINE
• A lot of relevant information with no fluff to sift through
• Extra blank lab tracker sheets included that can be photocopied as needed! 
• There is an SI version so no conversion tools needed for our Canadian and European friends!

Cons:

• Personally, I would have like to see some of the symptoms one may exhibit with each vitamin deficiency. Just as a little more meat in each of the breakdowns. 

Where to Buy:

This workbook can only be purchased directly from WLS Vitagarten's Product Page

Cost: $25 plus shipping 

*A portion of the proceeds will be donated to both the WLSFA and OAC

What people are saying:

"The WLS Vitagarten: Lab Tracker Workbook is a tool for empowerment. It lets you take your postoperative health into your own hands and gives you the information to make good decisions about your care. I highly recommend this product." ~ Kaitlin, Author of The Bypassed Life

"I got mine the other day…filled it in that night. Can’t wait to get my next set of labs drawn to fill out the book again and see if the trends are holding or changing." ~ Julie

"This workbook is a must have!" ~Sleeve Pixie, Author of this blog ;-)

I hope you found this review helpful!

xoxo,

Sleeve Pixie

Let Review Week Begin!!

This week all my blog posts will be reviews about recent products I have tried and absolutely love! I intend for my reviews to be honest giving both the pro's and cons (if any) of the product. I will make sure to explain to you the benefits of the items for our daily life and provide you with links and coupons if I have em!

I can't wait to share these reviews with you!
xoxo,
Sleeve Pixie