DLCoggin

When I gain a couple of pounds, I reduce my calorie goal by 100-200 calories for a day or two and my weight comes right back down. I've done it many times. But failing to log your food in MFP every day dramatically reduces the value of the log. For example, one of the advantages of a food log is that it makes you accountable to the most important person in the equation - you. Log the good days and not the bad (or vice versa) and you're only getting half of the story. Odds are good that your weight is responding to the half that you aren't logging.
Logging also gives you confidence that you are managing your weight as opposed to your weight managing you. Nothing builds confidence like making a calorie adjustment and then seeing the results on the scale. When you do that three or four times and you see the results every time, your confidence soars. You know you are in control and that is a great feeling. It also works the other way. If your weight drops below the number you have established as your minimum (I have a five pound "window"), you simply increase your calorie goal 100-200 calories for a day or two and you'll see your weight come back up.
One of the strongest features of MFP is the ability to customize almost every aspect of your weight management. For example, you are struggling with sugar. Go to the MFP website and login (you cannot do most customized values from the phone app), go to My Home > Goals > Change Goals and then choose the Custom option.
My daily sugar goal was set (by MFP) to 60g. A few days ago I decided that was too high so I changed it to 40g (20g would be even better but "baby steps" are usually a wiser way to go). Just knowing I made that change increased my awareness. In the last few days I have consciously chosen to pass on relatively high sugar temptations that I was pretty sure would have resulted in my exceeding my goal. So far I have not exceeded my new 40g goal. Perhaps a small victory. But in my mind an important one. And one that has been relatively painless. MFP increases your awareness which in turn encourages you to make better choices.
I believe that it's crucially important to treat not only your calorie goal, but all goals in MFP as "averages". Using my new sugar goal as an example, I want to "average" 40g a day. That doesn't mean that I can realistically expect to never exceed that goal. Special occasions are part of life and often involve food relatively high in sugar. So when (not if) I have a day where I exceed my sugar goal, I simply make a mental note to reduce my goal for the next couple of days and I'm right back on track with my average. As long as you log everything you eat, every day, your weekly summary of all of your nutrition information is a tap away. Divide any given number by seven and you have your average.
Next to the surgery itself, food logs are the single most powerful tool that you can have in your arsenal. Commit to MFP for 90 days, get to know it, experiment with different values for calories and nutrients, and it will teach you the numbers that work best for you and your lifestyle. You'll see the results where it matters the most - on the scale!

I read this thread today for the first time (tough to keep up sometimes). Like just about everything else with medicine in general and bariatric surgery specifically, everyone is different. So with absolutely no judgment of what works for others, this is what works for me.
I've been logging in MFP since the day of my surgery and right up to what will be three years in October. It's no secret that I'm passionate about logging. I could write a book on the benefits - for me. Of all of the many advantages that logging offers me, one stands out above all the rest - control. Since reaching my maintenance weight of 155 lbs (just under fourteen months after my surgery), my weight has never been below 151 or above 156 (which is my personal "weight window"). Once I reached my maintenance weight, I started weighing pretty much every day and I continue to do so to this day. My weight this morning was 152.8.
I manage my weight with absolute confidence. Logging gives me the real-time feedback that enables that weight management and the confidence that results from knowing I am in control. Like many others, I monitor Protein, carbs, sugar and fiber (ugh). But the metric that corresponds most directly to changes in my weight, up or down - is calories.
My daily goal is 1600 calories. Do I hit that goal every day? Absolutely not. Do I stress about not hitting my goal every day? Absolutely not. The key for me is treating that goal as an average. Hitting any calorie goal every single day of your life is unrealistic, unsustainable and most importantly - unnecessary. Monitoring my weekly average calorie intake is priceless. If I have an 1800 calorie day, I simply make a mental note to reduce my calories by 100 to 200 calories for a day or two and I'm right back on track with my average. If I have a 1400 calorie day, mental note to increase my calories for a day or two and I'm right back on track with my average. I've done both many times. It works like a charm.
I use the same principle in response to changes in my weight. If my weight is at or near the upper 156 limit of my window, I make a mental note to reduce my calories for a day or two and it comes right back down. If my weight is at or near the lower 151 limit (it does happen), mental note to increase my calories for a day or two and it comes right back up.
There are many awe inspiring success stories in the weight loss journey. We're all different and we all find the strategy that works best for our individual lifestyles and preferences. The "best" one is the one that works best - for you.
You guys have a terrific day!

I consult on a Facebook group made up of people who experience very large weight losses through Bariatric surgeries and today I am struck by how they view their slimmer bodies and the BMI chart. What strikes me is that when they get down to within 30-40 pounds of what the BMI chart says is goal for them I notice many deciding they know better than the chart. The phrase, "I feel good at _____ weight" keeps coming up, as though that "feeling" makes irrelevant the BMI chart and scientific data about the dangers of carrying an extra 30-40 pounds on our bodies. Heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as other illnesses linked to overweight, don't care when we set an arbitrary number that we "feel good" about.


Today I'm wondering if it has more to do with the emotional work left undone when the excitement of the huge weight drop is focused on. It's great to focus on the big drop and enjoy it but it is also important to do the emotional and psychological work to embrace a body without a protective layer that keeps the world at a distance. I wonder if not doing this work accounts for people deciding to hang on to the last 30-40 pounds and deciding the BMI chart doesn't apply to them. Again and again, I see the term, "Everyone is different." While that is true, I see it as an excuse to not face fears about a life without fat and finish the job of making the body as healthy as it can be.

I know this pitfall well, which is why I care so much about it and am writing about it now. When I was 333 pounds and got down to 210 in my 30s and 220 in my 40s I said the same thing! "Good enough! I'm big-boned! The BMI-chart doesn't apply to me because I am 6'3" tall. I naturally have a linebacker's body. My body isn't meant to be slim." The thoughts that limited my possibilities seemed to go on and on and they did stop my progress at the exact weights at which I accepted those thoughts as fact.

The last and final time I lost weight I decided to allow my team of professionals, my coach and doctor, to decide when the goal had been reached for my body. I decided it was possible that my thinking about my body was limiting my results.
Imagine my surprise when a slim, sexy, very un-linebacker's body was waiting for me at 175 pounds and a BMI of 21. Imagine! The BMI chart applied to me too!! I try to gently point this out on the message boards I consult on, but people carefully choose their language with the term "I feel." We are taught to respect "I feel" and hold whatever follows in reverence. The problem is that many couch a thought with "I feel" terminology. They are actually expressing what they THINK and the thought, unexamined, limits their potential.

I love to work with people willing to differentiate between what they think and what they feel. These people are willing to examine their thoughts for patterns that limit their possibilities and may even cause a backwards slide into obesity. Really, losing the weight is just the beginning. Working with our thoughts about our weight and almost every aspect of our lives is central to long-term success and health.

I expressed thoughts like this on the message boards and within minutes there were multiple comments from people reverting saying "The BMI chart doesn't apply to me because I feel [this and that]." Losing a lot of weight isn't the end of the journey. It is just the beginning. So I believe examining the thought patterns that led to obesity is key in order to not return to obesity.

The BMI is not a perfect tool. No tool is perfect and there are some concerns as to its' value in all cases and for all bodies. But why not test it ALL THE WAY in your weight loss journey rather than holding-up short of optimal results? What do you think?

CTRose I cannot tell you how valuable I believe your willingness to share your experiences with us is. Your candor and honesty are themselves an inspiration. You write like you talk and you feel what you write. That's a gift. I sincerely hope that you will share your journey with us often in the coming days, weeks and months. Just from reading what you have shared so far, I truly believe that there is not the slightest doubt that you will succeed in your Quest and I am looking forward to following your progress and sharing ideas with you along the way.
A very sincere "Thank you!" and welcome to the best weight loss surgery forum in the world. One that just got better with your membership!

CTRose I cannot tell you how valuable I believe your willingness to share your experiences with us is. Your candor and honesty are themselves an inspiration. You write like you talk and you feel what you write. That's a gift. I sincerely hope that you will share your journey with us often in the coming days, weeks and months. Just from reading what you have shared so far, I truly believe that there is not the slightest doubt that you will succeed in your Quest and I am looking forward to following your progress and sharing ideas with you along the way.
A very sincere "Thank you!" and welcome to the best weight loss surgery forum in the world. One that just got better with your membership!

It is an unfortunate truth that 5-10 year veterans like yourself seem to be few and far between on the WLS forums. I personally would love to hear more about your experience and lessons you have learned at the different stages in your journey. How much weight did you lose? How long were you able to maintain it? What were the keys to your success? What are your thoughts on possible causes of starting to regain weight? What steps are you taking to reverse it? Do you find the challenges you are facing now similar or different to the ones that you faced early on in your weight loss journey?
There are a lot of compassionate and knowledgeable folks here at BP. You're in the right place!!

My doctor never suggested a calorie limit either. 11g of Protein is great. I have an Excel spreadsheet that has almost 100 grocery store, frozen, and fast food items that are all high in protein (and I'm adding to it all the time). Forum rules don't allow me to post it but I'd be glad to email it to you if post your email address or PM it to me. I've sent it to dozens of folks here on the forum. One of the biggest (and best) surprises I've had following my RNY has been the number of delicious, high protein options there are out there!!

My doctor never suggested a calorie limit either. 11g of Protein is great. I have an Excel spreadsheet that has almost 100 grocery store, frozen, and fast food items that are all high in protein (and I'm adding to it all the time). Forum rules don't allow me to post it but I'd be glad to email it to you if post your email address or PM it to me. I've sent it to dozens of folks here on the forum. One of the biggest (and best) surprises I've had following my RNY has been the number of delicious, high protein options there are out there!!

The weight can stay off long-term. I know this in seeing others who have had the surgery around around the time I did. I have made my mistakes, and ultimately and paying the price a bit on getting back on track. I am thankful I did not gain all of my weight back....in fact as of today I have about 30 more pounds I would like to loose. In essence, I did get out of control, but not to the point that I can't fix this. I am eating correctly, exercise and weighing myself daily (something I hate to do, because it just tends to work my mood). I am trying to stay positive and make better choices. Realistically, that is what everyone on this forum needs to do...stick with the plan the doctor(s), nutritionist, support groups and whatever else you have in place have discussed with you. Remain diligent! One thing I remember early on in this process, while attending a meeting (before having the surgery) was listening to other patients who spoke about their progress and results. I recall a few telling the group how they "cheated" on the food plan, eating 15 chips or whatever it was and that they were fine. Looking back now, I some comments like that made me think that you could cheat, I could go back to my old habits....I could be the skinny person that never had to diet.....hah! Wrong! If you are investing in this operation, whether you are self-pay, insurance covers, sleeve, band, Rny.....then you are very serious about your future. Take this surgery to be the biggest gift you could ever give yourself...cherish it!
This surgery has truly given me a second chance at life, I just understand that better now then I need years ago....

I have always resisted logging what I eat. Don't wanna; ain't gonna, was my motto. And guess what? All my "successful" diets eventually failed (Diet Center twice, Weight Watchers 3 times, Nutri System, self-starvation, and a 400-calorie in-patient stay in a hospital on a ketogenic diet.) I lost 100 lbs three times, and they all found their way home - and brought friends. So this time, I got on board with Protein counting. And then I discovering MyFitnessPal and now I'm logging everything that goes in my mouth, plus exercise. For me, not logging gave me permission to make bad choices - and not have any accountability for them. Logging forces me to be honest with myself. And logging in the early stages of this journey is really easy because you don't eat very much variety, so the food you usually eat are remembered by the app. Web-based logging has made all the difference. And since I hope that this is my last weight loss/lifestyle program, I plan to do whatever it takes to succeed. Even if that includes [gasp!] logging.

My doctor never suggested a calorie limit either. 11g of Protein is great. I have an Excel spreadsheet that has almost 100 grocery store, frozen, and fast food items that are all high in protein (and I'm adding to it all the time). Forum rules don't allow me to post it but I'd be glad to email it to you if post your email address or PM it to me. I've sent it to dozens of folks here on the forum. One of the biggest (and best) surprises I've had following my RNY has been the number of delicious, high protein options there are out there!!

"The 2014 Advanced Framework for a New Diagnosis of Obesity as a Chronic Disease" was very recently presented at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) 23rd Annual Scientific and Clinical Congress in Las Vegas.
In a summary article published by Medscape Medical News on March 17th, the author states "The framework is the latest step in an ongoing process to develop new approaches to obesity, based on the American Medical Association's June 2013 designation of it as a chronic disease, which originated with a proposal from the AACE. The need for a new obesity definition was among the major ideas to emerge from a consensus conference on the subject, held in March 2014, which involved participants from healthcare, research, science, government, industry, insurers and advocacy, according to AACE President, Dr. Jeffrey Mechanick."
This is a powerful example of what @@Alex Brecher stated in his article - "An important benefit of classifying obesity as a disease is the increased awareness."
The AACE in conjunction with proposals from the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association and The Obesity Society is suggesting three classifications for obesity: Obesity Stage 0 (BMI 30 or greater with no obesity-related comorbidities), Obesity Stage 1 (BMI 25 or greater with one or more mild to moderate obesity-related comorbidities, and Obesity Stage 2 (BMI 25 or greater and one or more severe obesity-related comorbidities).
The recognition of obesity as a disease by the medical community does not mean that the stigma surrounding obesity is going to disappear. It does mean that many obstacles have been removed, and many doors opened, for researchers and physicians to formulate and pursue treatment options for the global epidemic of obesity. That is good news for the millions who suffer from this debilitating and life-threatening disease.
Full Article

I read this thread today for the first time (tough to keep up sometimes). Like just about everything else with medicine in general and bariatric surgery specifically, everyone is different. So with absolutely no judgment of what works for others, this is what works for me.
I've been logging in MFP since the day of my surgery and right up to what will be three years in October. It's no secret that I'm passionate about logging. I could write a book on the benefits - for me. Of all of the many advantages that logging offers me, one stands out above all the rest - control. Since reaching my maintenance weight of 155 lbs (just under fourteen months after my surgery), my weight has never been below 151 or above 156 (which is my personal "weight window"). Once I reached my maintenance weight, I started weighing pretty much every day and I continue to do so to this day. My weight this morning was 152.8.
I manage my weight with absolute confidence. Logging gives me the real-time feedback that enables that weight management and the confidence that results from knowing I am in control. Like many others, I monitor Protein, carbs, sugar and fiber (ugh). But the metric that corresponds most directly to changes in my weight, up or down - is calories.
My daily goal is 1600 calories. Do I hit that goal every day? Absolutely not. Do I stress about not hitting my goal every day? Absolutely not. The key for me is treating that goal as an average. Hitting any calorie goal every single day of your life is unrealistic, unsustainable and most importantly - unnecessary. Monitoring my weekly average calorie intake is priceless. If I have an 1800 calorie day, I simply make a mental note to reduce my calories by 100 to 200 calories for a day or two and I'm right back on track with my average. If I have a 1400 calorie day, mental note to increase my calories for a day or two and I'm right back on track with my average. I've done both many times. It works like a charm.
I use the same principle in response to changes in my weight. If my weight is at or near the upper 156 limit of my window, I make a mental note to reduce my calories for a day or two and it comes right back down. If my weight is at or near the lower 151 limit (it does happen), mental note to increase my calories for a day or two and it comes right back up.
There are many awe inspiring success stories in the weight loss journey. We're all different and we all find the strategy that works best for our individual lifestyles and preferences. The "best" one is the one that works best - for you.
You guys have a terrific day!

CTRose I cannot tell you how valuable I believe your willingness to share your experiences with us is. Your candor and honesty are themselves an inspiration. You write like you talk and you feel what you write. That's a gift. I sincerely hope that you will share your journey with us often in the coming days, weeks and months. Just from reading what you have shared so far, I truly believe that there is not the slightest doubt that you will succeed in your Quest and I am looking forward to following your progress and sharing ideas with you along the way.
A very sincere "Thank you!" and welcome to the best weight loss surgery forum in the world. One that just got better with your membership!

CTRose I cannot tell you how valuable I believe your willingness to share your experiences with us is. Your candor and honesty are themselves an inspiration. You write like you talk and you feel what you write. That's a gift. I sincerely hope that you will share your journey with us often in the coming days, weeks and months. Just from reading what you have shared so far, I truly believe that there is not the slightest doubt that you will succeed in your Quest and I am looking forward to following your progress and sharing ideas with you along the way.
A very sincere "Thank you!" and welcome to the best weight loss surgery forum in the world. One that just got better with your membership!

CTRose I cannot tell you how valuable I believe your willingness to share your experiences with us is. Your candor and honesty are themselves an inspiration. You write like you talk and you feel what you write. That's a gift. I sincerely hope that you will share your journey with us often in the coming days, weeks and months. Just from reading what you have shared so far, I truly believe that there is not the slightest doubt that you will succeed in your Quest and I am looking forward to following your progress and sharing ideas with you along the way.
A very sincere "Thank you!" and welcome to the best weight loss surgery forum in the world. One that just got better with your membership!

It is an unfortunate truth that 5-10 year veterans like yourself seem to be few and far between on the WLS forums. I personally would love to hear more about your experience and lessons you have learned at the different stages in your journey. How much weight did you lose? How long were you able to maintain it? What were the keys to your success? What are your thoughts on possible causes of starting to regain weight? What steps are you taking to reverse it? Do you find the challenges you are facing now similar or different to the ones that you faced early on in your weight loss journey?
There are a lot of compassionate and knowledgeable folks here at BP. You're in the right place!!

that's what I was told, count Protein grams, and to stay off of scale everyday!

So good to hear from all points of view. We all need different things and different tools. I am logging now and it helps me stay accountable and aware. The electronic tools help make it easy. I look at trends too. For example today i realized I'm eating more carbs than I thought.

Thanks for your response and information. If you continue as you are, you should have continued success. I ended up slipping up somewhere. Fortunately, I did not regain all of my weight back, however gaining 40 pounds is 40 pounds too many. So, I am back at it and working these pounds off. I know that this time it is going to take much more work...much like trying to improve your grades when you r in school...it takes more time to pull up your GPA then just simply maintaining it. So if work is what it will take, I am on board!
Thx again..

I am 6 years out going on 7. I went into surgery weighing 301 lbs. A year and half later I was at 120. I have stayed between 120-125 for the past 5 years. My secret is that I let myself eat what I like, but I NEVER over do it. If I want to eat candy, I'll eat candy but I won't eat a TON of candy. I have mastered the self control. I do snack through the whole day. I don't eat 3 separate meals. I just graze slowly all day...like a cow. Haha. I do weigh myself every week consistently to make sure I'm still where I want to be. .... My sister also had the surgery done 5 years ago and has gained her weight back. I feel so terrible. However, she kept up a lot of bad habits like eating fast, eating more, and drinking with all her meals... That's one rule I have never broken, I never eat and drink together. .. I don't know if there really is a secret to keeping off the weight. I know we're all different and we've all had different experiences. Just stick to what you know works, Protein first, eat slowly, keep track of what is going into your body, and keep yourself motivated.

Wow! You have truly touched my heart! Thank you so much for your message it meant more to me then you will know. I will of course keep everyone posted. I feel this site alone was one big step in a more positive direction. As I mentioned before, I have gained weight back, but fortunately it was only 40 pounds. Yes it is 40 pounds too many, but it is doable to lose this weight. I appreciate all the positive encouragement that I have received from this thread, it was a bit unexpected...but soooo appreciated!
Love this site!

CTRose I cannot tell you how valuable I believe your willingness to share your experiences with us is. Your candor and honesty are themselves an inspiration. You write like you talk and you feel what you write. That's a gift. I sincerely hope that you will share your journey with us often in the coming days, weeks and months. Just from reading what you have shared so far, I truly believe that there is not the slightest doubt that you will succeed in your Quest and I am looking forward to following your progress and sharing ideas with you along the way.
A very sincere "Thank you!" and welcome to the best weight loss surgery forum in the world. One that just got better with your membership!

CTRose I cannot tell you how valuable I believe your willingness to share your experiences with us is. Your candor and honesty are themselves an inspiration. You write like you talk and you feel what you write. That's a gift. I sincerely hope that you will share your journey with us often in the coming days, weeks and months. Just from reading what you have shared so far, I truly believe that there is not the slightest doubt that you will succeed in your Quest and I am looking forward to following your progress and sharing ideas with you along the way.
A very sincere "Thank you!" and welcome to the best weight loss surgery forum in the world. One that just got better with your membership!

I want to thank you for starting this thread. It is a reminder to stay vigilant. I am 18 months out and learning maintenance. Relatives whisper about me saying "when is she going to stop". They don't mean losing weight. They mean going to the gym and watching my intake. They don't understand that the answer to that is never. Exercise and mindful eating has to be a way of life or I won't keep the weight off. This is a chronic disease and the treatment is vigilance and there is no cure.
In answer to another question about how strict to be from the beginning regarding carbs, exercise, etc, I think that will be very dependent on the individual. Some people need to be vey strict. One bad bite will trigger cravings. Other people need a splurge once in a while or are in danger of having a "blow up"
For my part I decided that no food is off limits to me if I track it. I refuse to feel guilt. I have learned from tracking what my patterns are and what can trigger cravings or weight gain. Does that always keep me in line. Well no but it's a start. I also don't freak out if I don't get my four days a week in the gym. Life happens and I get there the next time I can. But I also do allow wimpy excuses like I used to.
Again thanks for starting this thread. I am only 18 months out but I am hoping in 5 years I will still be within 10-15 pounds of this weight. Ideally the same weight but I am practical. In any case it will take work.