Dyros

@KennyM
17 years out. You have done fantastic.
Yes, vegan can be done. Link to the vegetarian/vegan bariatric thread on this site below. It may help to read the past posts. They can answer questions from experience.
Vegetarian/vegan 101:
https://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/1101-vegetarian-or-vegan-eating/

Congratulations for working towards a plant based diet. I am 5 months post op, and it is absolutely doable! As for Protein, there are so many options. Let me count some ways....broccoli, Beans, legumes, nuts, Peanut Butter, chia seeds, hemp hearts(omega 3), nutritional yeast, tofu, tempeh, setian, viral wheat gluten, most plant based pastas, quinoa, sprouted grains, oats, nut butters...ooh boy! That was a lot 🤣😂 There really is a lot of options out there. I have started to make my own unmeat crumbles. I didn’t learn this way overnight, but I didn’t get this fat overnight neither. My thinking on this WLS for me, is I took a drastic change to lose the weight, and I took a drastic change to keep it off. I comend anyone who is changing there lifestyle after this surgery. My surgery date was 12-12-19, and I have lost 68 lbs. I am living my best life, and I feel the best I have ever felt!  

Plant Protein is just as ‘complete” as animal protein. The idea that plant Proteins are “incomplete”, necessitating some sort of “protein combining”, was based on a 1971 fad diet called “Diet for a Small Planet” by Francis Lappe. “Protein combining” was debunked DECADES ago, yet for some people this myth remains pervasive despite 49 years of medical and scientific nutrition evidence to the contrary.
All of the essential amino acids humans need are structurally identical regardless of the source, so in terms of getting enough protein, it doesn’t matter if amino acids come from animal or plant protein. But protein isn’t consumed in isolation, since all plant and animal foods contain essential nutrients in addition to protein. And the other nutrients that you’re consuming – or not, depending on whether you eat animal or plant protein – is where the serious health implications lie.
Plant protein is packed with fibre, antioxidants, and thousands of protective phytonutrients. Animal protein has absolutely no fibre, antioxidants, or phytonutrients whatsoever. Plant proteins contain no saturated fat and cholesterol. All animal foods (including “lean” meats like chicken, salmon, turkey, etc.) contain saturated fat and cholesterol. We don’t need to consume any saturated fat and cholesterol, since our bodies naturally produce all the cholesterol required for physiologic functions. Eating saturated fat and cholesterol causes atherosclerosis (the accumulation of excess cholesterol in the lining of our vessels) and significantly increases the risk of heart disease, currently the number one cause of death in developed countries. People eating a plant-based diet devoid of animal products have significantly less risk of developing heart disease, and several studies have found that a plant-based diet can even reverse atherosclerosis. Plant protein causes no increase in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Animal proteins cause our bodies to produce higher levels of the hormone IGF-1, which stimulates cell division and growth in both healthy and cancer cells (higher circulating levels of IGF-1 result in increased cancer risk, proliferation, and malignancy.) Plant protein causes no increase in trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). Animal proteins increase circulating levels of TMAO, which injures the lining of blood vessels, creates inflammation, and enables the formation of cholesterol plaques in blood vessels. Plant protein causes no increase in phosphorus or fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Animal proteins contain high levels of phosphorus, and when we consume a lot of phosphorus, the body reacts by producing high levels of the hormone FGF23 to normalize phosphorus levels. FGF23 injures the lining of blood vessels, creates inflammation, and enables the formation of cholesterol plaques in blood vessels, and is directly associated with heart attacks, sudden death, and heart failure. Plant protein causes no increase in bone health problems. Animal proteins have higher concentrations of sulfur-containing amino acids, which can induce a subtle state of acidosis when metabolized, causing our bodies use to compensate by leaching Calcium from our bones to help neutralize the increased acidity. Studies have demonstrated that populations with higher dairy consumption, or higher consumption of animal protein in general, have a higher incidence of bone fractures. You probably conducted a lot of research to determine which type of 1 or 2 hour bariatric surgery would allow you a healthier and longer life. Conduct even more research to determine if what you eat every day for the rest of your life after surgery is going to increase your health and longevity, or increase disease and shorten your life. Everything we put in our mouth either increases longevity by decreasing the development of disease and illness, or contributes to premature death by increasing the development of disease and illness.
Dozens upon dozens of peer-reviewed studies confirm that people on plant-based whole food diets (meaning whole minimally processed plant-based foods, and no processed foods) are at significantly lower risk of many diseases including cancers, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and obesity.
So get your protein from plants whenever possible to maintain your weight loss for life and become as healthy as possible. Eating vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, tofu, whole grains, and other plant-based sources of protein is a win for your health and the health of the planet.

Tomorrow will finish up week two of 'back to basics' for me. I am drinking 3 bariatric specific Protein Shakes, eating 1 bariatric specific Protein snack and 1 bariatric specific protein lunch and then I eat a sensible homecooked dinner focusing on eating protein first and if I am still hungry, vegetables. I have found that the amount I can eat has drastically reduced itself over the course of these past two weeks, and quickly. I feel full most of the time and when I start feeling hungry, it's time to eat/drink. I found a program on another website, which I will not name due to the possible conflict of interest. They also sell items and while they are 'okay', they are not the best tasting...which led me to this site. I am due some items from the shop here tomorrow and I am hoping for better flavor. However, I have already lost close to 4 pounds and I feel great.
If you would like me to share more specifics, I can send a personal message (of course that is if we can because I'm new here and don't know lol).

Hi !
I am ten years out ! I had regained about 45 pounds of my 145 pound weight loss .... and decided it was time to lose it again. So just over a year ago, I started with cutting down on treats to one a day.... and then going from chips with lunch or eating out during work days to bringing a salad to work.... then back to either steamed eggs for Breakfast or oatmeal. And concentrating on eating Protein first and foremost. And cutting out potatoes and sandwiches, and Pasta and back to finding the freshest vegetables and fruits I could and making healthier meals and making sure there was leftover chicken for lunch the next day, and eating grilled fish and veggies ..... and in 13 months I lost 45 pounds. No, it doesn't come off like it did right after surgery, but I still have some restriction and I know what I need to do.... I won't ever be a skinny woman.But I am alot healthier and I am back to where I got after surgery.. I started at over 320 pounds and had surgery at 54 years old. I am now 64, and back to where I am comfortable. My new goal is to maintain the weight loss, and maybe lose another 5 pounds this next 12 months or so.... but I am very happy with myself. You can do it. One cookie not eaten at a time !!!

I had my op 5 years ago and have regained more pounds than I expected  and feel very down, which makes me eat emotionally! Never a good thing! Well I have just decided to lose the pounds and have started eating low carb and started listening to podcasts all about weight loss, Keto and healthy ways , I find it really helps listening to 1 podcast a day to help keep me focused and motivated!

I had my op 5 years ago and have regained more pounds than I expected  and feel very down, which makes me eat emotionally! Never a good thing! Well I have just decided to lose the pounds and have started eating low carb and started listening to podcasts all about weight loss, Keto and healthy ways , I find it really helps listening to 1 podcast a day to help keep me focused and motivated!

I had my op 5 years ago and have regained more pounds than I expected  and feel very down, which makes me eat emotionally! Never a good thing! Well I have just decided to lose the pounds and have started eating low carb and started listening to podcasts all about weight loss, Keto and healthy ways , I find it really helps listening to 1 podcast a day to help keep me focused and motivated!

I had my op 5 years ago and have regained more pounds than I expected  and feel very down, which makes me eat emotionally! Never a good thing! Well I have just decided to lose the pounds and have started eating low carb and started listening to podcasts all about weight loss, Keto and healthy ways , I find it really helps listening to 1 podcast a day to help keep me focused and motivated!

I had my op 5 years ago and have regained more pounds than I expected  and feel very down, which makes me eat emotionally! Never a good thing! Well I have just decided to lose the pounds and have started eating low carb and started listening to podcasts all about weight loss, Keto and healthy ways , I find it really helps listening to 1 podcast a day to help keep me focused and motivated!

I’m here, 4.5 years, only here occasionally when looking for some inspiration!

I had the same problem and felt nauseous because my digestion wasn’t working properly! Try reflexology it’s worked really well for me !

Hi ChooseHope
No sleeve for me! Because I WAS an insulin-dependent diabetic, by-pass was my best option. Also, I suffered from GERD for years and years and the sleeve, again, was a no go.
The biggest advantage of having this surgery after 50. Hmmm....besides having maturity and wisdom? Well, we've had 50+ years of eating behind us. Been there, done that. Also, my diabetes is in remission, I won't be having those knees replaced, and I feel good. As I inched closer to the retirement age, I secretly knew that with all my health issues, I wouldn't be around. If I was lucky enough to be around for retirement, I probably wouldn't have feet because of diabetes. What a fun retirement I had to look forward too. Dead or an amputee. Can I have more motivation than that?
Biggest disadvantage: My mental demons. But the demons are there, if I had surgery or not. I just have to apply everything I learned through the years and from my five years of therapy I am strong. I am worth this. And the biggest one: My wit and intelligence are my shield, not my fat.
Biggest struggle: Not getting discouraged when the honeymoon period is over. I am working on healthy habits now so that when that time comes, I will be mentally and physically ready. Struggles are opportunities to overcome and prove you can do it. I love the feeling of accomplishment over a challenge.
I'm glad you started this thread. We aren't the majority, but we can relate to each other.

Nothing is perfect... it just isn’t.
I’m so happy to have many long termers.... some with fills; some not.
I’m thrilled that many of us seem to sticking with it...

and ya. I want to lose 10 more pounds But I’m ok and can navigate this world
And not worry out getting up in a room ...not feeling fat. Ok. 11 years here I come

Gastric bypass causes your body to not absorb all of the calories in the food that is eaten. Your colon has like finger-like appendages called villi that grab food and hold it against the wall of the intestine until it can be absorbed. When a portion of the intestines is bypassed, then calories do not get absorbed.
It takes the body about two years to grow enough new villi so that all of the calories in food can be absorbed again. Then an average of 20 pounds is gained during the third year after surgery. To stop the weight loss you have to eat less calories. The honeymoon is over and there is no more free ride. There is no pouch reset. Everything you eat will get absorbed now.
Two years is where counting calories and following a diet is the only way to stop regain. Many people regain half of the lost weight by year five. Some regain all of it. Start fighting it now, it will not stop on its own.

@@Veronica Page
Hang in there, we all have struggled and if someone says they haven't, well I don't buy it. We are all here for each other. This is a place we can be honest with how we are doing. (There are some that aren't on here that are suffering cuz they've started to gain.) You are here, checking in, being honest. Good for you!
I've been told by those who have traveled this road before us that the last 25% of our weight loss can be very hard. We are past the honeymoon phase, the hunger is back, we can eat more. Now we have to be even more diligent like we were in the beginning. And there is always the terror of gaining some of it back!
I see a therapist to keep me on track and he gave me a kick in the butt. When I was whining about having to watch what I eat every day, he gently said .....get over it!! Yea, its hard and it's also hard for millions (WLS or not) to maintain a healthy weight. Holidays, TV ads, food at work..... I have now joined the millions who have to watch what they eat. If I'm honest with myself, my healthy weight friends (and those who are overweight too) have to watch what they eat, everyday! They keep portions small, eat healthy food and exercise. Yes, occasionally they eat too much and then they get right back to eating healthy. So what did I think it was going to be a cake walk!? I tell myself the hard truth, GET OVER IT. This is how it's going to be. I will always have to be careful. I will always have to limit my portions, I will take 2 steps forward and occasionally one back. But I'll keep moving forward.
We can do this!!

@@kelly lynn I hear a lot of people who share in your struggle. I'm glad to see you're reaching out as that is the first step back to success. There's a wonderful website called bariatriceating.com. They also have a Facebook page with thousands of people in your exact same situation. The website was started and is hosted by a woman who is 15 years out so she knows all about the regain. I hope you'll check it out as there's a world of great information on the site. I just love it! I wish you the best and know you will succeed!!! They have a program called BOT (Back on Track):
Information is pretty thin stuff unless mixed with Experience.
Just one year ago I had a closet full of clothes. AND. NOTHING. FIT. ANYMORE. I was ashamed, astonished, upset, despondent and had to do something. I’m older and my body is different but I figured it out again. The Secret to Losing Weight AFTER Weight Loss Surgery is Diet & Exercise. Yes, the big bad ‘Fad Diet’ that the negative Nellies are up in arms over is Diet & Exercise! (that’s okay, let them wallow in their Oreo and Tortilla eating while we lose regain weight)
The secret sauce of a plan is simply Old Fashioned Diet & Exercise fueled by Bariatric Surgery, Inspire Protein drinks, small workout routines and our Kick Butt Bariatric Eating Support Group on Facebook!
Thousands of members in our Facebook Support Group excitedly post their ‘BOT’ or Back On Track successes. People are losing a lot of weight again. ‘BOT’ works!
It is hard to get the ball rolling but you have what it takes to dig in and do it. I know exactly how you feel and what you face and so do BE Team members on Facebook who are there to help you! Make up your mind and lets get moving. There are two parts… follow both and you will see that it is like flipping on the switch for weight loss. No kidding. Nothing like a fast ten pound weight loss for an amazing attitude adjustment!
1. DIET – 5 SMALL Protein MEALS A DAY
Reality Check.
IF we made good food choices before bariatric surgery, we would not have been Morbidly Obese. The same denial works against us now. I tried telling myself I was not eating differently than I was ten years ago! You are trying to float that by folks too. Get real with yourself. I gained weight back because of my food choices. You know you are eating differently. Say it out loud. Admit it. Own it.
There are bariatric groups all over Facebook where they talk about how much they can eat, that sugar doesn’t make them sick, that Mountain Dew or drinking soda doesn’t hurt them, they compare notes on how many slices of pizza they can fit and how much of a Subway Sandwich they can eat. Until you admit YOU are the problem and take ownership of the situation, it’s pretty certain that you will continue along the same path to where you started. This is where we split into two groups – the Dreamers and the Doers!
Solution?
Removing choices to limit calories, carbs and sugar. Five Small Protein Meals a day – 4 of those consist of Protein Drinks and the last is a Healthy Protein & salad Meal – this will limit your total caloric intake. This premise of Protein Drinks throughout the day paired with a healthy protein and vegetable supper is the cornerstone many successful diet plans, including world renown Johns Hopkins Hospital medically supervised weight loss programs. (there is a $6000 program fee to join the JH plan and it’s an amazing program that shepherds many to large weight losses, but ours is free so you might want to try us *first*)
#InspireLiquidWillpower
You can use any brand of Protein Drink to follow the plan but we recommend and use Inspire Protein powder and my current pantry contains vanilla, strawberry White chocolate, banana smoothie and Peanut Butter Cup. The satiety or ‘fullness factor’ of Inspire protein drinks is off the charts and they taste fantastic. Inspire is liquid Willpower for me, it is applauded by nearly all in our Support Group and it should do the same for you! One bag of Inspire makes 20 drinks & at 4 per day, you will need 3 bags for your 2 week commitment, or 6 bags for your 4 week commitment. A smaller investment than Nutrasystem! We do recommend a 5th shake to be used after supper IF nighttime snacking is a problem for you as it is for me. I drink an Inspire Peanut Butter Cup drink while watching The Real Housewives so I will stay out of the fridge. It’s a 100 calorie indulgence that works like a charm.
My Day
Breakfast – 1 scoop Inspire Protein Powder blended with about 6 ounces of Almond Breeze Unsweetened Almond Milk or Skim Milk or Water. TIP: I am a reformed *lifetime Breakfast skipper* I fix myself a huge mug of black coffee and at the same time blend an Inspire Protein Drink. Inspire is like a glass of chocolate milk, small and thin: and allows me to ‘break the fast’ with protein. No Blender Needed. Glass – Milk – powder – Stir – Sip
Mid Morning Protein Snack – 1 scoop Inspire protein powder blended with about 6 ounces of Almond Breeze Unsweetened Almond Milk or Skim Milk or Water
lunch – 1 scoop Inspire protein powder blended with about 6 ounces of Almond Breeze Unsweetened Almond Milk or Skim Milk or Water
Mid Afternoon Protein Snack – 1 scoop Inspire protein powder blended with about 6 ounces of Almond Breeze Unsweetened Almond Milk or Skim Milk or Water
Healthy Protein Supper – Bariatric Eating Menu for the Week
The easiest meal plan is Protein FIRST, followed by lower carbohydrate vegetables, fruits. Our ultimate goal is to transition to a really sensible healthy diet that you read about all the time.
For Back on Track the nightly meal consists of a grilled, broiled, pan seared, roasted or poached protein such as salmon, shrimp, cod, halibut, chicken, beef sirloin, turkey tenderloin served with seasoned lower carb vegetables or salad.< /p> IMPORTANT:
1. No bread, no potatoes, no tortillas, no rice, no rolls, no Pasta, no high carb foods.
2. Do NOT drink with your meals. If you have been drinking with meals. STOP IT.
3. Drink 8 cups of Water or zero calorie liquid daily. If it’s difficult for you, download our free Hydration app at GetHyApp.com
Here is your first week of evening meals. All recipes are linked on our site.
Monday – Salmon with Mango Salsa, broccoli
Tuesday – Asparagus omelet, lettuce Tomato salad
Wednesday – Chicken Cutlets, baby spinach salad
Thursday – Cheesy Meatball Skillet, romaine tossed with lemon, olive oil and parmesan
Friday – chicken Lettuce Wraps" rel="external nofollow">Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Saturday – Warm Shrimp Salad with Avocado
Sunday – Grilled Marinated Flank Steak, lettuce tomato salad
2. EXERCISE – THE NEW ‘EASY WAY OUT’ OF OBESITY There's a whole plan laid out on the website for this!
The Skinny
It’s a beautiful thing and you’ll be So Proud when the fat begins to slowly melt away, almost as it did when you first had surgery. The clouds clear and the sun shines more brightly when you’ve got your Groove Back!
In just a few days you will feel better and notice a difference. In two weeks your clothes will fit differently and this great feeling will begin to pull your through this plan with EXCITEMENT instead of the PUSH that it will take right now.
This plan for weight loss after bariatric surgery is proven to work for either first time or regain. I have lost over fifty pounds that ‘I found’ after all these years, but more importantly I redirected my life. I am talking ‘tough love’ because I am the person who put away her skinny jeans that no longer fit and ignored the problem until I had to do something. I was the one in danger of failing.
My experiences can help you if you truly want to lose more weight or take control of a gain. This plan turns on the fat burning engines. No kidding. Let’s roll.
The only reason not to begin right now is fear of failure and I promise if you follow this, YOU WILL NOT FAIL. We got this one.

thanks @bewell. I'm getting over it. I was whining and wishing I could cool breeze it til goal but I was heavier than most who started when I did so I can't really beat myself up. Where I haven't lost weight recently I have gain muscle and look a lot leaner then I did. 2016 is my year to get to my personal goal and make my life what I want it to be. 25 more pounds and I'm having my stomach done, I never wanted to really be thin as I want to be healthy and I think that is where I stand. I feel like I have 5-8lbs of excess skin on my tummy and some on my inner thighs. I gained 2 inches in my booty due to the 200 squats I do a day and I feel pretty good. I need to have my kitchen on lock down after 7 cause thats when I start roaming it like a rodent eating things for no reason. So weird how I never wanted to eat to now I really want to eat again. Stinks and wish those desires were cut out with my stomach. On the best side my skin and hair looks amazing and I feel pretty for once!

I have great news for our Jewish members who keep Kosher. We just got many of our products in the new BariatricPal Store certified Kosher. I'm attaching our newly issued Kosher certification for specific BariatricPal products. We have other Kosher Bariatric products that aren't covered by this certification as well.
BariatricPal Kosher Certification.PDF

Hi all - checking in!
Surgery was a year ago on 1/19 and I am at GOAL!!!! Had my annual appointment with the surgeon's office - PA & Nut were both very pleased and said they would see me next year.
I'm super happy... on to maintenance. I track my food EVERY DAY and stick to a certain amount of calories/ protein/ carbs but other than that I don't stress too much. My nut has been very helpful and I think I'm in a really good place to maintain.
I don't post much but have followed this group all year and everyone's input has been so valuable.
Looking forward to hearing about how everyone is doing!
Nicole

I'm feeling great a year out, down 75 pounds altogether, running twice a week plus 2 functional training exercise classes. but also 3 pounds has crept back on, due to snacking after supper!! (I'm trying not to eat after 9 pm) because once I start snacking, I keep coming back for more food 20 minutes later!! (I'm eating healthy snacks) it's just the bad habit that I had that got me fat in the first place!

I am a type-1 pumper. I was sleeved 12/08/15. I have lost 25 pounds since day of surgery. I am on less than half of the insulin I was on before surgery. I am also off of 3 blood pressure meds, and all of my cholesterol meds. My blood sugars have been great, and I've only had 2 lows that needed to be treated, which I do with skim milk. I feel great and have a lot of energy, which I didn't expect. I upload my blood sugars with carelink(I have a Medtronic minimed) to my endocrinologist once a week and they adjust as needed. It has been a blessing and I couldn't be happier with the decision!

T1 diabetic since I was 12...it will be 1month tomorrow since I've had surgery. My insulin use is down dramatically! I'm on an insulin pump. If I get anything out of having this surgery, it will be better control of my diabetes. Looking back at the posts I'm kinda late, but I hope you all are doing well! Best of luck and health!

How did everyone do over thanksgiving!? The holidays are SO full of naughty treats! I enjoyed small amounts and drank lotsa Water. No gain when I stood on the scale this morning. Yay!

Regain glasses suck.
The moment regain becomes a problem we put on those regain glasses and NOTHING looks good.


A few years ago I distinctly remember reading a post from a woman that went something like this.
I hate my hair. I don't like my face and don't know how to use makeup. I hate what I'm eating every day and I'm sick of it. Oh and I gained 5 pounds.
One of my most often repeated quotes...."we are rarely upset for the reason we think". Of course I assume you can guess what she was really upset about. I wrote her and told her to get a cute haircut, go to a department store and get someone to show her how to do makeup (free) or check out thousands of makeup videos on You Tube. I also told her she could change what she eats every day. Of course none of that made her feel better because she didn't FEEL like doing any of that because she was wearing her regain glasses loud and proud.
It seems that for most people everything looks pretty awful through those regain glasses. I want to help you take them off. You say "Yeah right…like I haven’t tried… and mostly..... I don't FEEL like it. I don't feel like doing anything." I have often pointed out that when you were at this weight on the way down you were ecstatic! Do you see how your perspective totally messes with your head? Why do we obsess about the lowest weight we ever reached instead of constantly realizing what our highest weight was and being grateful we aren't there? And if you choose to obsess about your lowest weight, doesn't it make sense to move towards doing something about it instead of continuing to walk down regain road?
Unfortunately we have this big adjustment to make after weight loss surgery because the first year we are wearing the "honeymoon glasses" and EVERYTHING looks GREAT! Remember how wonderful everything was when you lost your first 30-40 pounds? Yet you were heavier than you are now. You could hardly mess up at all the first year. It was all good!
One day you wake up and you can't find your honeymoon glasses. You start to take for granted the little things like being able to tie your shoes, paint your toe nails, fit in an airplane seat..... and the next thing you know it isn't enough anymore. Some of us hang in there for a while or even a long while and eventually something shifts and you start to think about how much you miss those honeymoon glasses.... you start looking for that feeling in other things like our old friend Mr. food. He’s tappin' you on the shoulder every day..."Pssst....remember me? Remember how much fun we had? Oh come on... a little sum-um sum-um won't hurt you". All the while your old friend has some regain glasses stuck in his back pocket just waiting to slide them on your face.
One of the most extreme cases of the perspective meter being out of whack was a woman I met who had lost 485 pounds. Not a typo! She lost 485 pounds but she had gained 40 back. She was all out of sorts and literally more miserable than when she weighed her heaviest.
I asked her to imagine that 485 pounds sitting on the floor. Right next to it 40 lbs. I guess we could say it looks something like this. (For those with perfectly analytical brains please forgive me…I guesstimated it)

I told her not to give that 40 pounds the time of day and dust it off. We give that regain so much power and of course we can pile plenty of shame on top of that for good measure. Shame is toxic, shame keeps us down. Shame keeps those damn regain glasses cemented to our face.
Here's the thing....if you don't take off the glasses and begin to turn things around....chances are that you'll look up in another year with more regain. Get off the insanity train today. Of course you remember... “Insanity=doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome”
Everyone is different but here are a few suggestions. You can’t build Rome in a day but you can always do the next best thing. (Thank you Post-Op and a Doc for “the next best thing”)
Look at your before picture in the morning and FEEL what you felt like. Sit it that for a while. I do that every morning without fail. Remember the things you wanted so badly. BE GRATEFUL you aren't there. If I could put you back in that body for a week you would be SO grateful to be you right now.
Quit thinking about the perceived mountain you have to move and pick up the shovel and start with one scoop at a time. Instead of Nike's "just do it", change it to "just start". (Thank you Chuck for that one) It’s too overwhelming to plan into the next century. I can hear the questions now….how long will this take? It DOES NOT matter. Just move toward your goal instead of away from it..... just for today. Today is all that counts.
Get the crap food out of your house. I know many people who find creative ways to do this with a family that feels they have to have the crap food. Put it in a place it can locked up but you'd do your family a favor by getting it out of their reach as well. Sugar and junk food is as addictive as any drug and they will guarantee that you will still be wearing those regain glasses. See my “M&M” story in this post.
Find a way to move your body that you can enjoy. I LOVE to dance. I hate to run….I wanted to love it but I don’t. I wanted that runner's high and I just could not get it. I love yoga and if you think you can’t do it, watch this! I describe yoga as slow dancing with yourself. Abby Lentz from Heartfelt Yoga is a dear friend. Look her up, she has DVD’s.

http://video.pbs.org/viralplayer/2365170173


You won’t do anything for very long if you perceive it as suffering. When you eat healthier food envision how you are nourishing your body. Remember it will make you feel better and look better instead of putting on more weight which equates to depression, physical pain, more misery and a shorter life span. Again the most important part of this is to stop the bleeding that has begun with regain. Nothing in life is easy so here comes your choices…...choose your hard.