Don't Settle!

You are doing great,can you give me a little menu of what you eat,breakfast,lunch and dinner,and how much.im very curious.

It was very structed for the 1st 4 weeks and now into week 6, I am eating regular food that is somewhat portion-controlled. I don't have any restriction yet, so I am definitely eating over 4 oz of protein and veggies. I have basically 3 little meals and 2 snacks. Emphasis on only proteins and vegetables. I have had a little bit of rice (in soup) or steamed with chicken. My client advocate who had the surgery 7 years ago still has a protein shake a day - just for the protein and to push off the hunger - it has lots of vitamins too!

My typical day which equals : 1000 calories

Breakfast - I drink 1/2 serving of Smoothie King's Gladiator protein shake (23 g protein, 1 carb/95 calories) - on the way to work. Couple hours later, Egg beaters (no cholesterol and 1/2 the calories of regular eggs) with some diced ham and pico de gallo mixed in.

Snack - some type of soup - Campbell's Light, broth (I am a soup addict!)

Lunch - pre-seasoned packaged Tuna by Starkist and 1 cup of spinach

Snack - protein bar or applesauce or cottage cheese

Dinner - grilled chicken strips and broccoli with some parmesean cheese

Green tea and water.

Hope that helps! My diet is far from perfect, especially since I add in some wine or vodka drink occassionally!!! I also walk about 2 miles a day. I am looking forward to getting the restriction and then my portions will be much smaller and maybe I can cut out a snack.

Good luck! Leslie

slow down there chica LOL its great to lose weight fast, but it is healthier if it comes off slower, you didnt gain it all in 4 months so take it slow, dont set too high of expectations for yourself because if they are not met you will get discouraged, you are doing a fabulous job but go easy on yourself. I just went to smoothie king and got the strawberry gladiator smoothie stuff and i cant wait to try it. congrats on your excellent weight loss

I have mixed emotions about quickly loosing weight. Of course I want to; but I feel I will be more flabby if I loose faster. Not sure what the truth is to that. But good luck. This is definitely a change in lifestyle. If you concur that change - you will be fabulous.

Ever seen Biggest Loser? You can lose weight quickly and not be flabby as long as you excercise to keep the elasticity in your skin.

Kristy - I hope you like the Gladiator! I love it since I can half 1/2 serving and still get 23 g protein and only 95 calories.

Thanks everyone for letting me vent and being encouraging. I guess I do expect alot, but I have always been that way about myself - school, career, athletics, etc.

You're right, the journey is different for everyone and we all have to find what works for us. I lost less than the 1.5 pounds/wk the average Bander loses, but it's a lifestyle change for me and something I can live with forever (no deprivation). You're doing great!

One thing: "Ever seen Biggest Loser? You can lose weight quickly and not be flabby as long as you excercise to keep the elasticity in your skin." Exercise does nothing for your skin, only the underlying muscle (and toned muscle underneath can help you look better even with loose skin over it). Skin elasticity and 'bounce back' of it is a matter of genetics and age. Lots of TBL contestants and even winners have had to have PS for their excess skin. Exercise to get healthy and fit, but have realistic expectations on excess skin depending on your age.

Keep the positivity and you'll do great!

If you're watching your carbs (I say that bc of the mostly protein and veggies you're eating) the vodka won't hurt ya too much ))

Drink it with diet drink or something