lsereno

Still catching up on threads from the holidays.... GG sounds like you are getting burned out with the drudge of weight loss. Maybe it's time to go on auto pilot for a few days, sticking with foods you know are well within plan so you don't have to think about them much and then do something new. Something that would have been hard at your heavier weight. Ride a roller coaster, buckle in the airplane seat, squeeze in the little empty spot on the beach bench. Read a new book, watch a movie. Maintenance can be a drudge too. Lynda

Welcome to the goalies bench! There's room for lots of us, because we don't take up much room. It's a terrific way to start the new year. Although you are not crowing from the rooftops and doing a crazy goal dance, congratulations are in order. Congrats and Happy 2014 and beyond at goal! Lynda

For me, it's my scales: one for me and one for my food. Next up, smaller cups, plates and bowls. While I was still drinking Protein drinks, I loved my blender ball cup. I also use a pill holder for my supplements. The Calcium ones are the only ones that don't fit. I store them in a sugar shaker. I keep them in the medicine chest by my toothpaste so I remember to take them. Lynda

So glad you brought this up! This food label uses a trick to make it 0 calories. Note that the serving size is 5 grams. That's about 1/6th of an ounce. They made the serving size that small so they could say it's 0 calories. Foods with up to 4 calories per serving can be rounded down to 0 calories. So that sauce may have as much as 24 calories per ounce. Assuming two ounces in a quarter cup, a quarter cup would be closer to 50 calories. Here's an article with details: http://www.hmrdiet.com/Inspire/Blog/P/161 Lynda

Well, personally, I think that fear can be healthy. I have it too, at 2.5 years out. I use it to keep my eating in check. I'm not obsessive, but I do weigh every day and cut back if I am not in my two pound bounce window. So far, it's working for me. I am worried about year three, which for me begins next May. I'm hoping that by staying vigilant, I can avoid the third year regain. Lynda

It would be great to have rules for this forum as a stickie. They don't show on the ipad app. I wasn't aware they had changed because my computer is need of repair and I access the site almost exclusively from my ipad now. Lynda

I like Starbucks via instant decaf and I also like Pete's Italian roast decaf. I used the Starbucks instant to add variety to my vanilla Protein powder. I was cleared for decaf before leaving the hospital. I was cleared for 1 cup of coffee per day at three months. For my second cup, I have decaf. Lynda

My plan had Clear Liquids for two days, full liquids for two weeks, then the third stage for four weeks allowed most Protein except beef, and most fruits and veggies if cooked. I ate moist fish, poultry and pork, and all foods from the full liquids phase. Lynda

In full liquid stage, my plan allowed cream soups, yogurt, cottage cheese, milk, and all Clear Liquids. I was lactose intolerant but did well with unjury chicken, Greek yogurt with Splenda, French vanilla Gold Standard whey Protein mixed with soy milk and Anderson Split Pea soup. For variety, I added Starbucks instant decaf to my vanilla Protein Drink. Lynda

I took clothes to my face to face support group. Left them in my trunk and had people take what they wanted after the meeting was over. What people didn't take, I donated to charity. Lynda

Hi Paige, I think the valentines day challenge is a great way to stay accountable. During the losing phase, I participated in all the challenges, recording my weight once per week. I recommend setting up your kitchen for success by getting rid of tempting foods or at least moving them if you must keep them for other family members. Stock up on your in plan favorites. Mine include sugar free drinks such as hot cider mix, SleepyTime tea and decaf coffee, low cal meats and cheeses, whole grain bread, oatmeal, frozen non starchy veggies, fresh spinach, Greek yogurt and frozen berries. I use a white board on my fridge to track fluids and Protein intake. Buy yourself a few non calorie treats such as scented lotion, lip balm, and candles. Buy a new game or puzzle to keep your mind and hands busy. Think about your biggest challenges to heathy eating and come up with a plan. For me, it's always after dinner. I save calories for a small, filling snack, have Hot Drinks, and go to bed earlier. I'm rooting for you! Lynda

Congrats and welcome to onderland! It's an especially significant accomplishment during the holiday season, when sweets and treats are lurking everywhere. Here's to a happy and healthy 2014! Lynds

Thanks all! I'm home from Christmas with the family, wearing my new robe (size small!), and looking forward to a few days of laying around. Lynds

So, I'm over my bounce range and so far I haven't done a good job of stopping the snacking, but tonight I am not eating after dinner. I will not starve! My Christmas present to myself: at goal or under. I've got two weeks, lots of parties and get together a, but I know I can do it. Starting with tonight. I've got my lotion and lip gloss on, and I'm sucking down my SleepyTime tea with Splenda. Lynda

Thanks all! Home from a family Christmas visit, wearing the new robe and looking for what to do next now that Christmas Crazy is over. Lynda

Thanks FYE and Georgia! I am happy that I made it. So easy to get in that " I deserve it" mode. Telling myself what I really deserve is to be happy and healthy helped a lot. Lynda

Christmas Onderland! That's a great gift to yourself. Congratulations! Lynda

Merry Christmas to me! 134 today and I am going to enjoy a little Sees Candy tomorrow without any guilt! So grateful for the sleeve. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2014 at goal! I got my bod pod appt for January 9. Curious to see what my body fat is. Lynda

Happy Camper, Merry Christmas! Glad they have a diagnosis for you. Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year. Lynda

Sassy, your program is the first I've seen that doesn't require 64 oz of Fluid a day. I do recommend drinking on a schedule, it's the only way I could get my fluids in at first. I used a little notebook to track fluids, meds, and food and took it with me to my doctors appt. As I got further out, I switched to using a magnetic whiteboard on the fridge door. Hope your holiday is happy and bright! Lynda

Baked sweet potatoes ( extra festive if you peel, mash, and put in hollowed out orange halves. I make the day before and reheat so it's gets more orange flavor) Christmas salad (greens with cranberries and almond slivers) Deviled eggs Oven roasted veggies ( almost any winter veggie, such as cauliflower, squash, carrots, rutabaga, Brussels sprouts, broccolini) Lynda

First year out, I was 7 months post-op and still losing. Last year, I had a 5 lb. bounce range, which I went over in January after a lot of holiday treats and drinks. This year, I reset my bounce range to 2 lbs., which I hit right around Thanksgiving. I've been keeping a much tighter rein. Not sure if I will be at goal (135) at Christmas, but I will be close. 136.2 today. It is tough. Honestly, my big fear is after the three year mark, which for me is next May. I love that I have worn the same size for three holiday seasons, my holiday is much more about other things than food, and my energy level is through the roof. Lynda

For me, if I miss a day, a start on the Colace. One at night and one in the morning until movement occurs. It's crucial to drink enough fluids. Drink by the clock if fluid intake is a problem. For example, 8 oz. every two hours.

I added carbs (mostly whole grains), fats (Peanut Butter, avocado, oils and butter, fattier meats), and the occasional treat and it did the trick for me. I generally eat three small meals and two Snacks. My BMI is 21.8. Many prefer a higher BMI, but I like the long and lean look. I am small-boned and small-chested. I weigh17 lbs more than what I weighed in high school and my 20s. Lynda

love the new pic!