K33

You are correct. My MD said not to even think of weighing myself for one week!

I love this thread. We teens of the 1960's are still behaving radically and shaking up the status quo by having WLS "at our age." And as one kind member reminded me, we still have 30 years to go!

Today I am reading the book "Hungry", by Allen Zadoff. It was recommended by another VST member. It's not about WLS, rather about food addiction. Written very well, and really funny.
"It Ain't Over Until the Thing Lady Sings" by Michelle Ritchie. She had a Gastric Bypass a number of years ago, and as an Addiction Counselor provides a lot of good suggestions for maintaining weight loss after WLS. I am getting a lot out of her book.
Other really good books:
"Sleeved for Life" by Debra Knowlton
"Stranger Here" by Jen Larsen
"The Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients" by Colleen Cook
"Okay, I've Gone Through Weight Loss Surgery, Now What Do I Do?" by Joanne Moff
All available in Amazon. Happy reading!

I've been lurking on this thread, but I guess I'm going to be brave and step into the fray.
I'll start by admitting I have serious eating issues. About a year before I had surgery, I felt so out of control with binge eating, and helpless to do anything about it, that I sought professional help. It was an interesting process, but one that helped me with insight (why), rather than with strategies (so, now what?).
When I decided to pursue WLS, I did so with the clear understanding that it was not going to be a fix for my eating issues, just a tool to help me manage the physical hunger. The first 6 months or so post-op felt fairly easy, and I surpassed my surgeon's goal, I became an avid runner, and completely changed both what and how I eat, with every intention of making those changes permanent. But carbs and sugar began to creep back into my diet, and it took me another 6 months to lose 14.5 of the last 15 pounds to get to my personal goal.
I suspect I could have been one of those people who struggles a bit to quit losing, if I'd stuck to eating what I'd planned, but I'm struggling again with binge eating, and as of this morning I'm about 23 pounds from my personal goal (I hate to admit it,but I've been quite a bit higher than this).
I've tried CBT, and I read everything I can get my hands on dealing with emotional eating, sugar addiction, etc. I haven't made it to an OA meeting yet, but I know where and when the nearest meeting is, and I'm seriously considering it.
Does this mean I don't "have any 'smarts' at all", since I regained quite a bit?
...Ouch....
I frequently see discussions about regain that comment "sure, if you're sucking down milkshakes and ice cream all day you can regain", and "you can eat around the sleeve if you're determined to", the implication being that those of us who don't maintain well are stupid, or stubbornly choose this path. I understand the fear of regain, and the desire to feel "safe", to think "I'm too smart to do that, so I'll be ok". But I'm a confident, well-educated woman, with a graduate degree and a good career in an intellectual field. And I'm very self-aware of my eating issues. I get on the scale every single morning, even knowing I wasn't going to be happy about the number I'd see there. Yes, I was scared about regaining. Yes, I knew I needed to address those few pounds before they became more. But I haven't got this figured out yet, and some days my old habits win. I'd venture to say that a good percentage of us have work to do on the mental/emotional side of this journey, and I feel a bit lost on that path.
Still, I have no regrets about having chose surgery. I'm out hiking every weekend I can be, up at 5am to head out in the mountains with the birds and the squirrels (I'm a grouchy hiker with hermit tendencies, so I gotta hit that trail before the chatty groups show up!) I'm much happier, and more confident in my body, even with the regain. I can't fit into all the skinny clothes in my closet, but I still believe it's possible to get there, and I'm not giving up. And, I'm pretty proud of the 80+ pounds I haven't regained, and I know without a doubt that without surgery, I'd probably weigh even more than I did pre-op.

Nice

I tell everyone. If I could shout it from the roof tops, I probably would. This surgery has given me my life back. I honestly don't think I would have survived more than a couple of years without surgery and to be honest, I'm not sure I would have wanted to continue living as I was. It hasn't all been easy, but I have lost 168 pounds total including 54 pounds in the couple of months prior to surgery. I can stand and walk again, I'm not afraid of chairs any more, I am off almost all meds. I can put on my socks and tie my shoes with ease. I have dropped 7 - 8 sizes, lost 22 inches from my waist and 6 inches from my neck. I feel so much better physically and emotionally. Seeing a therapist for help dealing with my food issues and other issues, and having this surgery are the best things I've ever done, I can't keep it to myself. As others have said, its a personal decision that each of us must make, and be comfortable with.

Oh, please don't feel disappointed. In a few months eating 'slow carb', you will be back at 145.
You helped me see that vigilance is important. For me, I feel bad about myself for being fat, and I hope that when and if I have some regain or bounce back (which is expected), I don't want to feel bad about myself for losing ONLY 90 # instead of 100#. Keep your chin up and everything in perspective.

I know I'm new here and still don't have my surgery date scheduled yet but this is what one thinking of. First, I have my brother as an example and he's the one that talked to me about getting this done as he did in Oct 2012. I've watched his quality of life get better and relationship with his wife and kids get closer! Here's what I'm doing! I think of how I feel now...fat, lazy, ugly, inhibited to do the things I want to do in the way I want to do them, I think back on the day several years ago where I got on a roller coaster with my nephew and couldn't fit...the workers tried and tried and gave up and I had to walk the walk of shame off the ride as everyone that was waiting on the ride watched!!! Totally completely feeling like I was the largest person ever!! I'm not saying u feel like me but these are the things that are driving me forward! I finally got to the place where I had to admit...I can't do this without help....and it's not easy for me to give up control!
I've started to sorta "train" now. I'm juicing, and not drinking with meals, finding things I can have later that are perfect ounce sizes and trying them now to make sure I like them! Lol! Training my mind when I go out to eat that this will be changing and packing half my food for later. Am I 100% on things...nope! But I'm preparing myself!
In the end I think of my life now and how I feel and how I want to feel and will feel, wear what I want and not have clothes hurt sometimes! Feel healthy, pretty, like a woman! Right now I feel just...well like a shape! Round! Lol! It's gonna be a challenge, some major changes, some work! But I've trained myself to be how I am now so I can retrain myself! The trial is outweighed by my confidence and self esteem enhancing to come!
Hope this helps! We are here for each other!! Sorry I'm so chatty tho, lol!! :-)

You could consider seeds as well, some nuts are high calorie and higher fats, seeds are a fat source as well, some have good fats that are considered healtiest, I like Almonds, pumkin seeds,chia seeds, walnuts too, keeping some moderation on it all. I also eat edamame thats dry roasted and has a good Protein content, recently tried something called, chia chips and mushroom chips at an on line I use for a few items and it's all about nuts and Snacks, yet, there is allot of caution I take when selecting whats good as this site also has got to many bad things that are way bad for a healthy weight loss regiem.
http://www.globalhea.../healthy-seeds/
http://www.globalhea...h/healthy-nuts/
http://www.nuts.com/...chia-chips.html
http://www.nuts.com/...d-unsalted.html
http://www.nuts.com/...s/mushroom.html

Yep, a third voice chiming in! I think that it's important that you tweak your diet until it's ideal for your body. That means you'll still lose weight, hopefully at the same pace, but you'll feel better mentally about food. That helps immensely with controlling the urge to binge or graze on less than ideal options.
I was really surprised to find that my body gave me such a large window to work with during the loss phase. There was no real difference in my loss pattern when I added in twice as many calories and carbs a day, but mentally it was a complete breakthrough.
Don't be afraid to go back to basics, tracking those calories and searching for the right diet for your body. It doesn't matter if someone else does things differently. What matters is that you find something that works for you. If you can't do that, maintenance will be a struggle.
Real fats. Real sugar. Good quality carbs. These things all help us feel more satisfied with what we're eating. Moderation is key, so start experimenting.
Good luck,
~Cheri

Everyone has their own feeling and strong opinions about who needs to know what about themselves. I didn't tell and don't plan on disclosing my personal issues with others. Just like I didn't tell others (even though very proud of him), I don't go around telling others about my husband vasectomy. Nor do I tell others about my surgery for a prolasped uterus due to (proudly), having 3 ten pound babies. I also didn't tell others about a wart I had removed from my butt when I was in jr high.. Oh and I don't tell people my front tooth is fake, due to a friend pushing my face into a Water fountain when I was in fourth grade. I'm not ashamed of anything I do or have. I just think its no ones business or for the fact... others probably don't give a $ H I T anyway!

I admire you for being able to tell the truth. I have not had the courage to tell anyone except a few people. In all honesty, I am ashamed that I had to resort to surgery to beat obesity. It is something I am working to overcome. Don't be too harsh on those of us who have chosen to keep it a secret. It really isn't anyone else's business, and WLS is a very personal decision. I tell people I am eating a lot of Protein and exercising. That's not a lie, unless you consider it a lie by omission.
-Kendra

I can only do aspartame sparingly so having it in my Protein Powder is a no-go. I stick with Jay Robb. 110 calories for 26 grams of high quality whey Protein isolate. Sweetened with stevia..Mixes easily by just stirring with a spoon. no grittiness. does not taste like feet.

Oh, please don't feel disappointed. In a few months eating 'slow carb', you will be back at 145.
You helped me see that vigilance is important. For me, I feel bad about myself for being fat, and I hope that when and if I have some regain or bounce back (which is expected), I don't want to feel bad about myself for losing ONLY 90 # instead of 100#. Keep your chin up and everything in perspective.

I feel your pain around Girl Scout Cookies. I opened a box while I was driving home thinking I can stop at 3 Cookies (I already KNEW I couldn't stop at just ONE!)
Before I knew it, after my 15 minute drive, there were 8 cookies LEFT! I too gave away the rest.

By accident, I did not eat dinner until 930 p.m. tonight. It was well balanced meal. And of course I am NOT craving any extra food or sweets. It may not work all the time, but it was a relief tonight. I too struggle with after dinner cravings and eating a snack right before bed.

Oh, please don't feel disappointed. In a few months eating 'slow carb', you will be back at 145.
You helped me see that vigilance is important. For me, I feel bad about myself for being fat, and I hope that when and if I have some regain or bounce back (which is expected), I don't want to feel bad about myself for losing ONLY 90 # instead of 100#. Keep your chin up and everything in perspective.

Marilyn Monroe wore a size 14

Sittin' here myself, looking at the sunny day from indoors. Can't get mobilized to put on my shoes and take a walk. Read your post and realized I , too, am having a bit of the blues. No particular reason. The carbs have been calling my name for weeks now. Sort of wonder what I was thinking in trying to drop 5 pounds in December. There is always January. I am beginning to wonder if I am afraid to lose 5 pounds. I know that when I had a deadline, such as in my insurance runs out and I would have to self-pay, I was much more motivated. Afraid of having to pay myself helped me, but so did the spring/summer seasons of fresh fruits and veggies. Well, I'm going to stop analyzing and at least go put on my socks as a start. :-)

Kaiser Richmond, CA patients,
Which surgeon did you prefer and why?

I love this thread. We teens of the 1960's are still behaving radically and shaking up the status quo by having WLS "at our age." And as one kind member reminded me, we still have 30 years to go!

I love this thread. We teens of the 1960's are still behaving radically and shaking up the status quo by having WLS "at our age." And as one kind member reminded me, we still have 30 years to go!

Wow you look amazing!! Good job!! Are you doing any exercises??? Thanks for sharing!!!