Leaderboard

Yep, @Queen Grandma is right - snacking is ok in moderation. But - what sort of snack? How far over your calories does it put you for the day? If you are ‘giving in’ and having a protein bar, well that is different to if you are giving in and having a pizza or a McD’s supersize meal or a diner sized portion of cake! i am 9 months out and struggle with temptation too. A few things have helped: 1. If possible don’t have high-refined-sugar snacks in the house. I have a rule - if I am desperate for something like that I have to walk to the shop (1 mile, with 1 mile uphill home) to get it. I have only set out twice and both times ended up just having a walk instead. 2. Plan for both snacks and treats. I have a note on the fridge of a few treats I am happy to have - yummy but ok for my stage of the journey. And another list of healthy snacks, to remind me. Cos when I get a snack-attack, I suddenly seem to forget about fruit, or yoghurt, of lettuce/hummus/cheese - crisps is the ONLY snack I can remember exists! 3. Plan. Plan ahead. Did I mention plan? Have frozen oopsie rolls in the freezer, your favourite cheese (Swiss for me) in the fridge, tins of sardines in Louisiana hot-sauce in the pantry. You know you’ll crave - so stock up the good stuff so it is easy to make a good choice! And I log all my food in myfitnesspal - I have a section for “screw-ups” but I hardly use it these days. It is great to look back at the “snacks” section when I am craving - I now put only healthy snacks there, so I can use it to remind me of stuff out there that I like.. It takes time but the things you crave genuinely do start to change! And - go easy on yourself. It is a marathon, not a sprint! But - do work at changing, cos we all need better habits if we want to avoid regain 😁 x

I think the most important thing it NOT to beat yourself up about it. Lots of times we eat because we're thirsty. Try keeping a flavored water nearby and sipping on that when you feel the urge to grab a jelly donut. Yesterday at work someone brought in my favorite local donuts and they looked fabulous. It took some will but I turned away and took a sip of my freshly made Hawaiian punch water (sugar free). I also find if I keep some nuts with me at all times it helps curb the hunger. Take 3-4 nuts (your choice) and chew them till they're much and for some reason that helps me with those tempting moments.

I usually stick to the healthier snacks, but I have had some "no-nos". Today I had a jellly donut and I beat myself up about for the most part of the day. Last week I had a scoop of ice cream. I'm just trying not get back into the habit of eating these things when I know how slippery that slope is. One problem that I have is lack of time to plan. (something I'm working on). I do believe that is a great tool to avoid choosing not so healthy options. Ive actually made tons of bariatric friendly recipes. Including cauliflower pizza. I even made it for my family and they loved it also!

Good luck!

I love the protein shots from the BP store, but beware, they are very acidic and may be too much for your stomach right now.

Aww, thanks! I’m a worrier by nature and definitely above what my dietician said I’d be “able” to eat, but generally I’m feeling really positive! 38 lbs includes my two week preop, but I’m still thrilled with 38 lbs in two months!

Sorry you are sick, I do hope you feel better soon! Getting sick has been a fear of mine since I got the band in 2011... I couldn't imagine what it would be like to get the full on Flu or something super stomachy... On a side note, you look amazing, congrats on your achievements!

I found that I like the powdered protein shake mix MUCH better than the ready to drink kind. I used Syntrax nectars, mixed with unsweetened vanilla almond milk (I like the Almond Breeze or Walmart/store brands better than Silk). I know it'll take time to order it, but you are probably looking at 4 weeks of liquid diet (2 pre-op, 2 post-op) so you will need to find something you like- or at least don't actively hate. I bought a shaker bottle at Walmart, the kind with the metal-coil ball in the bottom, and everything mixes pretty well. For a savory option, I made my own chicken and beef broth. Roast the beef bones on 375 for about an hour, then simmer them in bouillon broth (I got mine at the Dollar Tree) with onion, garlic, carrot (can't remember if I used celery or not). Drain out all the solids and keep the broth (you'll probably need to remove the fat layer after the first chilling). You make the chicken the same way, except I used the carcass from a grocery store rotisserie chicken (I always freeze the carcasses when we are finished with the chicken- but you could buy one, pick the meat and freeze it- some day in the not-too-distant future you'll be able to use it in soup, stew, chicken salad, etc.)

Feeling ROTTEN this AM, people mention dreaded 3 week stall, NO ONE. mentioned a 14 day Flip-it-All! I feel as nasty rotten today as I should have right after surgery. The thought of EGD and balloon dilatation was mentioned yesterday, instead of marching bravely into Stage 3 I feel like I am. Being an abysmal failure at Stage 2. Liquids I concede may be draining ok, seems like cream of rice and thicker hanging up in "Precious Pouch". Doesn't give a sensation of emptying. Some poachers even say they can listen to their body letting loose with a swoosh into their jeje small intestine, amI still too swollen to feel THAT? Good news - lost 6.5 pounds in a week Bad news- I had to feel pretty crappy to do it. WTFN? Nurse Practioner was making EGD noises yesterday, is that the NEXT step on this journey? Don't want my old plumbing,back, just want this NEW ONE to WORK!

Just out of curiosity since I haven’t ate food in like 2 days, I got on the scale. Wanna get 2.5lbs away from goal? Get the stomach bug 😂