delta_girl

I have really been wondering about this. I'm only 5 weeks out, but I've been on vacation for a week and have been eating in a lot of restaurants; Soup, fresh grilled fish, yogurt, oatmeal, etc. I almost dread meal time. Eating is not. "fun " anymore. It is more of a chore. Drinking is fine and no big deal. This may sound sick, but I hope it lasts. I'm tired of my life being ruled by food.< /p>

I have really been wondering about this. I'm only 5 weeks out, but I've been on vacation for a week and have been eating in a lot of restaurants; Soup, fresh grilled fish, yogurt, oatmeal, etc. I almost dread meal time. Eating is not. "fun " anymore. It is more of a chore. Drinking is fine and no big deal. This may sound sick, but I hope it lasts. I'm tired of my life being ruled by food.< /p>

My surgery was Sept. 26 and I'm in the same situation. I haven't lost in 2 months. I do eat more than I did for sure, but I also make a lot of good choices. I don't even eat a fraction of the sugar, processed foods, or saturated fats that I did before.
I'm wondering if I can reconcile myself to partial success and never getting to goal. I could make a huge push and lose the last 20 lbs, but could I sustain that with my lifestyle? Perhaps not.
It is frustrating, yes.

Why should I feel obligated to tell you?
Why should you feel entitled to ask?
It is my choice, not yours, what I elect to explain about my private life.
I don't have "secrets." I have privacy. And that is my right.
I did have someone ask me yesterday why I was not eating the pre-Thanksgiving Breakfast that was served at work. I said it was not on my nutritional plan. They then asked what I was doing to lose weight. I told them that I eat Protein first and exercise. That is truthful. Should I then launch into a detailed disclosure of everything that I did/do and why? Hell no.

All of these restaurants have good choices. We don't tend to make them, though. You can easily eat 2-3 days worth of calories by having a big meal at any of these places, but you can also have a very good, sensible meal at each of them as well. Self-education is a HUGE part of success. At least in my opinion. Just be informed before you go.
Chili's has a "Lighter Choices" menu selection.
At Olive Garden:
mussels di Napoli = 180 calories
minestroni Soup = 100 calories
chicken and gnocchi Soup = 250 calories
zuppa toscona soup = 170 calories
Venetian apricot chicken lunch portion = 290 calories
Applebee's has an "Under 550" designation. And there is on way we can eat the whole serving they provide. These include:
Napa chicken & portobellos
zesty Roma chicken & shrimp
roasted garlic sirloin
signature sirloin with garlic herb shrimp
At Red Lobster:
grilled lobster, shrimp and scallops = 340 calories
6 oysters on the /12 shell = 50 calories
shrimp cocktail = 120 calories
salmon = 250 calories
snow crab legs = 90 calories
lobster tail = 170 calories
seafood stuffed fish = 330 calories
cesar salad = 270 calories
cup of clam chowder = 230 calories
cup of lobster bisque = 210 calories
cup of chicken tortilla soup = 150 calories
Denny's:
4 slices of turkey bacon = 180 calories
low fat yogurt = 160 calories
egg whites = 50 calories
bowl of chicken noodle soup = 160 calories
cup of clam chowder = 200 calories
cup of veggie beef soup = 111 calories
half serving of cranberry chicken salad = 310 calories
oatmeal with milk and brown sugar = 240 calories
Fit Fare omelette = 390 calories
Veggie skillet = 330 calories
Fit Slam = 390 calories
Though Cracker Barrel does not provide calorie information for its menu, they have healty options such as low fat yogurt, fresh seasonal fruit, eggs, lemon pepper trout, grilled chicken and salads.
At Outback:
kid's menu grilled chicken = 147 calories
Ahi tuna, small = 363 calories
grilled shrimp = 319 calories
grilled chicken = 401 calories
very low calories counts on steamed Beans or broccoli, grilled asparagus, salad
The Keg:
shrimp cocktail = 127 calories
backed garlic shrimp = 309 calories
escargot = 280 calories
crab legs = 208 calories
lobster tails = 215 calories
teriyaki chicken = 353 calories
teriyaki sirloin = 366 calories
mixed grilled veggies = 131 calories

All of these restaurants have good choices. We don't tend to make them, though. You can easily eat 2-3 days worth of calories by having a big meal at any of these places, but you can also have a very good, sensible meal at each of them as well. Self-education is a HUGE part of success. At least in my opinion. Just be informed before you go.
Chili's has a "Lighter Choices" menu selection.
At Olive Garden:
mussels di Napoli = 180 calories
minestroni Soup = 100 calories
chicken and gnocchi Soup = 250 calories
zuppa toscona soup = 170 calories
Venetian apricot chicken lunch portion = 290 calories
Applebee's has an "Under 550" designation. And there is on way we can eat the whole serving they provide. These include:
Napa chicken & portobellos
zesty Roma chicken & shrimp
roasted garlic sirloin
signature sirloin with garlic herb shrimp
At Red Lobster:
grilled lobster, shrimp and scallops = 340 calories
6 oysters on the /12 shell = 50 calories
shrimp cocktail = 120 calories
salmon = 250 calories
snow crab legs = 90 calories
lobster tail = 170 calories
seafood stuffed fish = 330 calories
cesar salad = 270 calories
cup of clam chowder = 230 calories
cup of lobster bisque = 210 calories
cup of chicken tortilla soup = 150 calories
Denny's:
4 slices of turkey bacon = 180 calories
low fat yogurt = 160 calories
egg whites = 50 calories
bowl of chicken noodle soup = 160 calories
cup of clam chowder = 200 calories
cup of veggie beef soup = 111 calories
half serving of cranberry chicken salad = 310 calories
oatmeal with milk and brown sugar = 240 calories
Fit Fare omelette = 390 calories
Veggie skillet = 330 calories
Fit Slam = 390 calories
Though Cracker Barrel does not provide calorie information for its menu, they have healty options such as low fat yogurt, fresh seasonal fruit, eggs, lemon pepper trout, grilled chicken and salads.
At Outback:
kid's menu grilled chicken = 147 calories
Ahi tuna, small = 363 calories
grilled shrimp = 319 calories
grilled chicken = 401 calories
very low calories counts on steamed Beans or broccoli, grilled asparagus, salad
The Keg:
shrimp cocktail = 127 calories
backed garlic shrimp = 309 calories
escargot = 280 calories
crab legs = 208 calories
lobster tails = 215 calories
teriyaki chicken = 353 calories
teriyaki sirloin = 366 calories
mixed grilled veggies = 131 calories

Protein shakes are not ideal, not especially tasty, not something most people would choose to have. But it is part of our program. I sucked it up and drank them during the weeks that I needed to. It was an act of compliance that was not always the most fun, but I had a level of commitment to follow through.
Sometimes I couldn't finish it. Sometimes I thought I would croak because I tried a new one that I hated. I knew it wouldn't kill me and it wasn't forever, so I did it.
I don't drink them much anymore, but I did it during the time period that it was necessary and didn't do a lot of complaining, even when it wasn't easy. You do what you need to do. Like paying taxes or cleaning the toilet. You just do it.

Someone mentioned these a long while back but I can't find the thread. Anyway...
food for a discounted price. Here are some restaurants that recognize WLS cards:\
Golden Corral
Olive Garden
Chili’s
Applebee’s
Red Lobster
Denny’s
Cracker Barrel
Outback Steak House
The Keg

All of these restaurants have good choices. We don't tend to make them, though. You can easily eat 2-3 days worth of calories by having a big meal at any of these places, but you can also have a very good, sensible meal at each of them as well. Self-education is a HUGE part of success. At least in my opinion. Just be informed before you go.
Chili's has a "Lighter Choices" menu selection.
At Olive Garden:
mussels di Napoli = 180 calories
minestroni Soup = 100 calories
chicken and gnocchi Soup = 250 calories
zuppa toscona soup = 170 calories
Venetian apricot chicken lunch portion = 290 calories
Applebee's has an "Under 550" designation. And there is on way we can eat the whole serving they provide. These include:
Napa chicken & portobellos
zesty Roma chicken & shrimp
roasted garlic sirloin
signature sirloin with garlic herb shrimp
At Red Lobster:
grilled lobster, shrimp and scallops = 340 calories
6 oysters on the /12 shell = 50 calories
shrimp cocktail = 120 calories
salmon = 250 calories
snow crab legs = 90 calories
lobster tail = 170 calories
seafood stuffed fish = 330 calories
cesar salad = 270 calories
cup of clam chowder = 230 calories
cup of lobster bisque = 210 calories
cup of chicken tortilla soup = 150 calories
Denny's:
4 slices of turkey bacon = 180 calories
low fat yogurt = 160 calories
egg whites = 50 calories
bowl of chicken noodle soup = 160 calories
cup of clam chowder = 200 calories
cup of veggie beef soup = 111 calories
half serving of cranberry chicken salad = 310 calories
oatmeal with milk and brown sugar = 240 calories
Fit Fare omelette = 390 calories
Veggie skillet = 330 calories
Fit Slam = 390 calories
Though Cracker Barrel does not provide calorie information for its menu, they have healty options such as low fat yogurt, fresh seasonal fruit, eggs, lemon pepper trout, grilled chicken and salads.
At Outback:
kid's menu grilled chicken = 147 calories
Ahi tuna, small = 363 calories
grilled shrimp = 319 calories
grilled chicken = 401 calories
very low calories counts on steamed Beans or broccoli, grilled asparagus, salad
The Keg:
shrimp cocktail = 127 calories
backed garlic shrimp = 309 calories
escargot = 280 calories
crab legs = 208 calories
lobster tails = 215 calories
teriyaki chicken = 353 calories
teriyaki sirloin = 366 calories
mixed grilled veggies = 131 calories

Feeling bad all of the time.
My big size 10 shoes were all tight and I wondered how my foot had grown larger to an 11.
My large closet and the guest room closet were full of clothes in three different sizes, none of which I could wear.
Not making it to the bathroom fast enough before a bit of urinary incontinence kicked in.
Looking like a sweaty mess all of the time.
Hiding food.
.....gosh this list could go on and on.

All of these restaurants have good choices. We don't tend to make them, though. You can easily eat 2-3 days worth of calories by having a big meal at any of these places, but you can also have a very good, sensible meal at each of them as well. Self-education is a HUGE part of success. At least in my opinion. Just be informed before you go.
Chili's has a "Lighter Choices" menu selection.
At Olive Garden:
mussels di Napoli = 180 calories
minestroni Soup = 100 calories
chicken and gnocchi Soup = 250 calories
zuppa toscona soup = 170 calories
Venetian apricot chicken lunch portion = 290 calories
Applebee's has an "Under 550" designation. And there is on way we can eat the whole serving they provide. These include:
Napa chicken & portobellos
zesty Roma chicken & shrimp
roasted garlic sirloin
signature sirloin with garlic herb shrimp
At Red Lobster:
grilled lobster, shrimp and scallops = 340 calories
6 oysters on the /12 shell = 50 calories
shrimp cocktail = 120 calories
salmon = 250 calories
snow crab legs = 90 calories
lobster tail = 170 calories
seafood stuffed fish = 330 calories
cesar salad = 270 calories
cup of clam chowder = 230 calories
cup of lobster bisque = 210 calories
cup of chicken tortilla soup = 150 calories
Denny's:
4 slices of turkey bacon = 180 calories
low fat yogurt = 160 calories
egg whites = 50 calories
bowl of chicken noodle soup = 160 calories
cup of clam chowder = 200 calories
cup of veggie beef soup = 111 calories
half serving of cranberry chicken salad = 310 calories
oatmeal with milk and brown sugar = 240 calories
Fit Fare omelette = 390 calories
Veggie skillet = 330 calories
Fit Slam = 390 calories
Though Cracker Barrel does not provide calorie information for its menu, they have healty options such as low fat yogurt, fresh seasonal fruit, eggs, lemon pepper trout, grilled chicken and salads.
At Outback:
kid's menu grilled chicken = 147 calories
Ahi tuna, small = 363 calories
grilled shrimp = 319 calories
grilled chicken = 401 calories
very low calories counts on steamed Beans or broccoli, grilled asparagus, salad
The Keg:
shrimp cocktail = 127 calories
backed garlic shrimp = 309 calories
escargot = 280 calories
crab legs = 208 calories
lobster tails = 215 calories
teriyaki chicken = 353 calories
teriyaki sirloin = 366 calories
mixed grilled veggies = 131 calories

Greatest thing for my health that I've ever done. There is not a single thing about the amputated part of my stomach that I miss. Good riddance fundus.

Greatest thing for my health that I've ever done. There is not a single thing about the amputated part of my stomach that I miss. Good riddance fundus.

Feeling bad all of the time.
My big size 10 shoes were all tight and I wondered how my foot had grown larger to an 11.
My large closet and the guest room closet were full of clothes in three different sizes, none of which I could wear.
Not making it to the bathroom fast enough before a bit of urinary incontinence kicked in.
Looking like a sweaty mess all of the time.
Hiding food.
.....gosh this list could go on and on.

Someone mentioned these a long while back but I can't find the thread. Anyway...
food for a discounted price. Here are some restaurants that recognize WLS cards:\
Golden Corral
Olive Garden
Chili’s
Applebee’s
Red Lobster
Denny’s
Cracker Barrel
Outback Steak House
The Keg

I also have the scale. Love it. Auto-syncs wirelessly.

I also have the scale. Love it. Auto-syncs wirelessly.

I've pretty much maintained for the last 5-7 months at or around 8-10 lbs from goal, which I still have yet to reach. (I was once 2 lbs away).
I travel a great deal for work, so eat out a lot and don't usually deny myself much. Overall I eat somewhat healthy for the most part, even when eating out, but bad habits can sneak back in. Where I still could not tolerate certain foods at 14 months, I can now eat anything and everything with no problem. I can also eat more than I could in the past. Though I will probably get fussed at, I do drink alcohol when I want (craft beer, wine, mixed drinks), snack, don't measure food, don't count calories, don't exclude any foods, skip Breakfast, occasionally drink a few sips with meals, don't always eat enough Protein, and I never exercise. With all of that said, I am still stabilized on average around 8 lbs from goal with indulgences.
Last week I decided to regain some measure of control over my relationship with food and the bad habits that I have been allowing to become more and more a normal part of my eating habits. My first thought was a lot of fear. That I couldn't do it. That I would fail (again!). Those old fears from a lifetime don't just vanish. If I never reach "goal" I'll be ok. It isn't an end all and I don't know if I could realistically maintain it considering my lifestyle and choices. But I do want to address creeping gains. 3 lbs become 5 lbs become 6 lbs become 8 then 10.
Changes I have made are focused on protein and Fiber, small portions of lean meat and good fats (chicken, eggs, olive oil), fresh vegetables (spinach, kale, cucumbers, celery), and some fresh fruit (frozen banana slices, frozen grapes, watermelon juice), and a few random carbs (Beans, Stacy's pita chips ....yeah, I know....). So mostly protein, fiber, a very small bit of good fat, and some carbs. I also allow myself a few teaspoons of ice cream at night. Maybe two. Ben and Jerry's.
Outside of the Ben and Jerry's and pita chips, I'm averaging around 850 calories a day easily. Not saying this is good or bad or what anyone should do. I'm no nutritionist and have no medical expertise relating to proper maintenance nutrition. But I will say that it has been surprisingly easy, which would have been impossible pre-VSG. I attribute most of it to the reduction in ghrelin. The added fiber has brought on a lot of stinky gas and I'll take that any day. I am not going to eat like this every day. I plan on doing it for around 80% of the meals I eat during the month of June, with the other meals more relaxed in composition. In 3 days I've lost 1 lb, so far so good.
Just a share for anyone interested.

I've pretty much maintained for the last 5-7 months at or around 8-10 lbs from goal, which I still have yet to reach. (I was once 2 lbs away).
I travel a great deal for work, so eat out a lot and don't usually deny myself much. Overall I eat somewhat healthy for the most part, even when eating out, but bad habits can sneak back in. Where I still could not tolerate certain foods at 14 months, I can now eat anything and everything with no problem. I can also eat more than I could in the past. Though I will probably get fussed at, I do drink alcohol when I want (craft beer, wine, mixed drinks), snack, don't measure food, don't count calories, don't exclude any foods, skip Breakfast, occasionally drink a few sips with meals, don't always eat enough Protein, and I never exercise. With all of that said, I am still stabilized on average around 8 lbs from goal with indulgences.
Last week I decided to regain some measure of control over my relationship with food and the bad habits that I have been allowing to become more and more a normal part of my eating habits. My first thought was a lot of fear. That I couldn't do it. That I would fail (again!). Those old fears from a lifetime don't just vanish. If I never reach "goal" I'll be ok. It isn't an end all and I don't know if I could realistically maintain it considering my lifestyle and choices. But I do want to address creeping gains. 3 lbs become 5 lbs become 6 lbs become 8 then 10.
Changes I have made are focused on protein and Fiber, small portions of lean meat and good fats (chicken, eggs, olive oil), fresh vegetables (spinach, kale, cucumbers, celery), and some fresh fruit (frozen banana slices, frozen grapes, watermelon juice), and a few random carbs (Beans, Stacy's pita chips ....yeah, I know....). So mostly protein, fiber, a very small bit of good fat, and some carbs. I also allow myself a few teaspoons of ice cream at night. Maybe two. Ben and Jerry's.
Outside of the Ben and Jerry's and pita chips, I'm averaging around 850 calories a day easily. Not saying this is good or bad or what anyone should do. I'm no nutritionist and have no medical expertise relating to proper maintenance nutrition. But I will say that it has been surprisingly easy, which would have been impossible pre-VSG. I attribute most of it to the reduction in ghrelin. The added fiber has brought on a lot of stinky gas and I'll take that any day. I am not going to eat like this every day. I plan on doing it for around 80% of the meals I eat during the month of June, with the other meals more relaxed in composition. In 3 days I've lost 1 lb, so far so good.
Just a share for anyone interested.

Why should I feel obligated to tell you?
Why should you feel entitled to ask?
It is my choice, not yours, what I elect to explain about my private life.
I don't have "secrets." I have privacy. And that is my right.
I did have someone ask me yesterday why I was not eating the pre-Thanksgiving Breakfast that was served at work. I said it was not on my nutritional plan. They then asked what I was doing to lose weight. I told them that I eat Protein first and exercise. That is truthful. Should I then launch into a detailed disclosure of everything that I did/do and why? Hell no.

No doubts, questions, or complaints. It has been the best thing I have ever done for myself. I wish I could have had the current level of medical advancements 20 years ago. The difference is physical, mental, emotional, and completely life changing.

No doubts, questions, or complaints. It has been the best thing I have ever done for myself. I wish I could have had the current level of medical advancements 20 years ago. The difference is physical, mental, emotional, and completely life changing.

Its been quite a while since I've been here, but thought an update might be appropriate. My "after" picture shown here is actually around 8-10 lbs heavier than I am right now. I'm still losing, but very slowly at this point. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them, but be prepared for some brutal honesty that may not jive with other experiences and perspectives.

Whatever is your direction or definition of "compliant" go for better than that.

I just read about Panera's Hidden Menu today. You won't see it anywhere in the store. You have to request an item specifically from the Hidden Menu.
Here are photos and descriptions of the choices:
http://mypanera.panerabread.com/articlestips/article/access-into-paneras-hidden-menu/
And nutritional information:
The so-called hidden menu has six items, including the power Breakfast egg white bowl with roasted turkey (180 calories; 25g protein), the power Breakfast egg bowl with steak (230 calories; 20g protein), power Mediterranean chicken salad (360 calories; 35g protein), power Mediterranean roasted turkey salad (320 calories; 22g protein), power chicken hummus bowl (330 calories; 33g protein) and the power steak lettuce wrap (280 calories; 28g protein).
I can't wait to try the Power Breakfast Egg White Bowl!