Starting Over!

That's great news! How does success feel? Congratulations on your great success!

That's great news! How does success feel? Congratulations on your great success!

Well said Carolina girl! Great blog yellow rose....!

Congratulations!

Well said Carolina girl! Great blog yellow rose....!

you were one of the first people who friended me and calmly answered my zillion questions. for that i am forever grateful. YOU Jim, are not only my hero but an inspiration for me to carry on and hang in there, no matter what.
you are exceptional
you are special
you are my friend.

Hi Ali
I think the key to success is having your mind set on being successful at all costs. For me it is my health..I have to become healthy to maintain my health
Which has made making good choices a breeze for me. I am so determined and you can be too! Stick to your plan...you will be great!

I began making small changes at first. I stopped late night snacking and I began to exercise. I made sure I was eating nuts protein vegetables and made one meal a protein shake. Do follow all instructions from your Dr. Prior to surgery. It is for a short period of time change your habits read instead of watching TV lift weights when you get bored instead of going for food. You can do it!

I want to be small. So I eat small to be small.
I have my protein first, veggies, fruits and a very little starch. I love sweet potatoes, white and brown rice, and couscous. I Never drink with a meal.
Beef I eat the least of. Unless I get a cut like filet that is not tough. Over cooked chicken/turkey does not work well for me. I love all fish, edamame, and shellfish, pork, and meats I grind myself. I have greek yogurt with or without fruit. I love oatmeal. I really never eat more than 1 half cup protein and maybe 3/4 cup of anything else. I eat slow, chew very well and put my fork down after each bite. That took time to learn how to do that. I used to love to eat a lot of food all at once. I cannot do that today. I even need to be done eating about 3 to 4 hours before going to bed. But that's just me I want to feel like all my food has digested.
I am always satisfied after a meal because I choose to eat what ever I want. I love texture and flavor in my foods. I made a great Mango Salsa tonight and have enough let for tomorrow. Planning is key.
Best wishes on your journey and keep in touch with a "Nut" cuz they do know what is good for us, those with a LB. imaluckydog

Planning is my biggest tip. Plan what you will eat each day and stick to it. And be sure to get some exercise in there. In doesn't have to be a gym membership or some sort of full on workout. Cycling, dancing, walking and swimming all work for me.

When I was starting my process, the WLS Coordinator told me about a woman who lost over 145 lbs with Lap Band. When asked how she was so successful, the lady said that she ate her serving of protein first. If she was still hungry, she ate her serving of vegetables. If still hungry, fruit. If that wasn't enough to satisfy her hunger, she would go for a walk. I've been following that advice and have been successful so far. Good luck to you!

These habits and addictions didn't occur overnight and they won't go away that fast wither.....in fact, this will probably be a life long battle. It will be hard, we may falter, but in the end we must prevail! I say to myself every morning when I wake up "This day I battle...this day I will fight hard, this day I WILL be the victor!"
You're already working on your eating habits, which is good, but work harder to fight the boredom and the mind hunger. Instaed of chips...keep a hand tensioner that will work out your fingers, wrist and forearms while sitting at your desk. It has helped me.
Good luck and always look to the LBT for support!

If "the boys" really NEED potato chips, could they not eat those necessary potato chips somewhere besides your home? If I keep stuff like that in the house, it's way too easy to eat it. But if it's truly essential to have potato chips in the house, go ahead and eat them...but do it this way:
1. Read the nutrition stats on the package. If one serving is 13 chips, count out 13 chips, put them on a small plate or bowl. Then close the bag and put it away where you can't see it.
2. Take the plate or bowl of chips to the dining table.
3. Sit down at the table, all by yourself with the chips. No computer, no TV, no magazine, no radio, no distractions.
4. Eat the chips one at a time, concentrating on their texture and flavor, so you get the maximum enjoyment out of them.
5. When the chips are gone, put the empty plate in the sink or dishwasher.
6. Go back to doing whatever you were doing before the potato chip attack hit you.
The point of all that is to put you in control of the food, instead of the food in control of you.

After reading all of the issues with the pre-op diet I am hoping I will be able to function properly during my work days. I am starting my diet on the 22nd with surgery on the 29th. I believe I am more stressed about my emotional being that week than I am about the pending surgery! I am brand new to this blog, however I believe there is great support here!