msgabrii

First of all, don't ever say "only to lose 42 lbs."!! That's a LOT of weight. Go to the grocery store and try to hold 8 bags of potatoes (5# bags). You'll realize that is a LOT of weight. I've done it with 15 pounds. Be proud of how far you've come!!! Second, don't be afraid of food. I know that's easier said than done, it's part of the psychological programming we all have to learn to reprogram. You need food in order to lose weight. Food gives your body the energy to burn calories. And yes, EAT THE PROTEIN! Make sure you get your minimum of 60 grams. If you have to, use the Protein Shakes to get it. The Protein helps your weight loss also.
Try not to get discouraged. Keep moving forward with your stages of eating. I'm only 2 weeks post-op and I'm already eating regular foods. But I can tolerate it. I'm not sure how your tolerance level is. For right now, don't be concerned with calories. Just get in your protein while keeping the fat and sugar low. And if you are able to, get moving. Just walking will help you. Remember, this is a journey. It will not happen overnight. At your next meeting with your nutritionist, let him/her know what's going on. I'm sure you can get suggestions and help. Keep up the great work! I'm only down 15 lbs right now, so be proud of your 42 lost!!!!

Hi there, so happy you are getting back to your life in a healthy way. Managing pain can be difficult and you are very courageous to have dealt with your issues around alcohol. I hope your back is healing well and it sounds like things are coming together now. And a beautiful little eight year old at home. She doesn't need those Snacks in the house, or the ice cream. She can have her treats outside of the house but right now you need a clean pantry, fridge and freezer so you're not tempted by sliders. chips and ice cream are sliders and she will understand. You can have fun taking her for something special while you have a coffee or tea. Getting back to basics will really help and you'll save money.
Do you like chili? When I cook ground beef I heat up the skillet first then put the meat in so it gets nicely browned -- add spices, garlic, etc. then when it is browned I kind of chop it up with the spatula and I add stock -- chicken or beef stock, either one, it comes in a carton at the grocery store -- and I cook it down for a long time then add Beans, can of crushed Tomato, etc., whatever you like. This method makes the beef not stringy -- it breaks down and gets soft from cooking in the stock and it's very band-friendly. Sometimes I use black Beans and make more of a Mexican Beef (can use a spice packet from the store but watch out for sugar in ingredient list) -- family uses this for taco night while I just usually have a little bowl, maybe with cheese. Other times I use the same beef method to do a red sauce for Italian. Just do the beef up and add a few jars of sauce. Family has theirs on Pasta and I have mine on a little salad or broccoli, etc. So yummy. All of these freeze beautifully so it can be very economical.
Sorry to go on so long -- haven't had my tea yet! Sending very best wishes. I also wanted to say that a walking program might really help -- starting small and adding in a little at a time. Nice to get out of the house and great PT for your back.

@@enjoythetime - Thank you so much for your response! It was something I needed to hear.....it's so easy to forget how motivated I was before and my life sort of revolved around making sure I did everything right for the band to work. I need to get there again. It's difficult when you are out of work, have a lot of time on your hands, but yet can't seem to do anything. I would greatly appreciate it if you could message me those recipes. I have two cookbooks for post op, but there are some things that I have trouble eating. And any meat from the night before, unless it's in a sauce, I can't eat the next day. They are too dry and they get stuck. Thanks again! Talk to you soon :-)

@@enjoythetime - Thank you so much for your response! It was something I needed to hear.....it's so easy to forget how motivated I was before and my life sort of revolved around making sure I did everything right for the band to work. I need to get there again. It's difficult when you are out of work, have a lot of time on your hands, but yet can't seem to do anything. I would greatly appreciate it if you could message me those recipes. I have two cookbooks for post op, but there are some things that I have trouble eating. And any meat from the night before, unless it's in a sauce, I can't eat the next day. They are too dry and they get stuck. Thanks again! Talk to you soon :-)

@@msgabrii first of all I'm sorry for all of the trials you've gone through during this last year and half! The good thing, is you recognize and take accountabilty for your problems and that is the first step in the right direction so good for you for getting back on track!!!!! You should be very proud of that!
The first thing I would do is start tracking your daily calories, Protein and Water intake. I always have 3-4oz of Protein at each meal, 1/2 cup veggies and then 1 starch if I have room, which often times I don't. Always, always eat your plate in this order, protein, veggies and then the starch. Don't drink anything with your meals or for one hour after and always stop eating at the 20 min. mark regardless of your hunger level.
I stick with around 1200 calories per day along with a target of 60-80g of protein and 80oz of Water.< /p>
One of the biggest things for me is to always have things on hand that don't require any preparation, so that if you find yourelf out of time or in a hurry there's no excuse to just eat whatever. I always have lots of deli meat and cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, Protein Bars, such as Quest etc. so that i can just grab and go.
For Breakfast typically I will have a 100 cal. Dannon light greek yogut with 3 tsp. of trail mix.
For lunch I will either have a salad or some left overs from the night before or I will bring 4oz of turkey meat some kraft slim cut slices of cheese, a couple of romain lettace leaves and some okios greek yogurt dip and roll it up and eat it.
For dinner, I will stick with chicken, fish, turkey or chicken burgers, chicken tacos, roast, etc. I have some recipies if you're interested I will be more than happy to send them your way.
Hang in there, you've been able to overcome alot so there is no doubt that if you put your mind to it you can get back on track and win this battle as well!!!!

An adjustment won't help you make healthy choices. If you can eat 1/2 a sandwich and be full, i don't know if you need a fill. That sounds about right to me. You need to get back in the game. You know what to eat, it's so darn hard at times. I know it is, but you can do it. You have to want to do it, and it sounds like you do. Start fresh, like you just had the band and get back to thinking and eating like you did when you lost that 30 pounds. It's hard, but it is do-able. You did it once. The right choices are a very very big part of this process.
Going back in for a check up / fill may still be a good idea. Get in and talk to them, they are there to help and want you to succeed.
Don't be ashamed. We all struggle.
VERY Best of luck to you!
You can do it!!!