TealSister

What are you doing as far as daily goals/exercise? I'm 3/26, down 98 with 38 to go. Last month was only 5 lbs. I need to change something up, so helpful hints are welcome! Thanks

OP - my nutritionist / surgeon / bariatric center of excellence is on the same lines as yours. 1) Protein 2) veggies 3) "good" carbs 4) if there is any room left, moderate fruit (not never again, but pretty darn close) I rarely make it past protein and if I make it past there, the max I get to is veggies. Vegetable consumption is to increase, but there is no push for additional fruit consumption. As @@VSGAnn2014 stated, double check to make sure you fully understand your plan. My advice (for what it's worth) would be to follow your plan. Everyone's rules are different. NOTE: I do not follow my plan 100%, but I am consciously working on it!

Happening to me now, too. I'm 7 months today and I have been having dinner by myself while reading (after I've sat with and fed my family). Nuts, cheese, or Protein bar. Not *horrible* stuff (except for the occasional popcorn), but things that can be overdone by mindless munching with uncontrolled portions. I'm loving the coping strategies being shared!

10/26 = 205 Thanks!

My daughter came into my bedroom looking for me this morning. She didn't see me in the bathroom because "your butt doesn't stick way out anymore!". Love it!

It's CRAZY going from a hot, sweaty mess to being chilled! I went through surgical menopause 3 years ago and it's the same for me. At times hot (but not sweaty-hot), and cold at times. Doesn't seem to be a great middle ground!

@@VSGAnn2014 You are absolutely right. I have been seeing a counselor (who also had WLS) for the past five years. I have changed so much in that time. However, this weekend she referred me to a therapist who specializes in eating disorders. I've been slipping at 6.5 months. Not terribly, but enough to show me that I'm not emotionally strong enough yet to beat my ED demons alone. I really appreciate Lipstick Lady's mention of confidence vs arrogance. Sometimes on this board my own insecurities are pricked by certain posters. There is definitely a fine line between coming across as arrogant vs confident. Confidence in other posters makes me feel I will succeed, where as arrogance tends to make me feel stupid and doomed to failure. It's so strange. Bottom line, OP, you are not alone!

10/19/15: up a lb to 206 Thanks!

You are not alone!

I'm no expert here - only six months out. However, I want to reiterate that you need to follow YOUR nut/surgeon guidelines. There are many on here that have no problems with straws, soda, coffee, alcohol, etc.and often share this information. Please keep in mind that it doesn't mean you should do the same. Don't get me wrong, I have plenty of struggles following "the plan". The plan is in place to ensure your success in this journey. Just my two cents. Best wishes to everyone!

I know... Me too... I was hoping to get to 100 lbs lost, now I'm hovering at 80 lbs, and think I might be done. Its been gradually slowing down for me. As much as I said I wouldn't make this about a number, I am so close, and I wanted to see that number on the scale I feel so much better than I did at this time last year! I have to keep reminding myself of that! This was the best decision I've ever made! Putting it in perspective - when was the last time you lost 80 lbs in six months?? THAT IS AMAZING!! Keep your chin (not chins) up - as you said this is the best decision you have ever made. The tool will keep working for us, it just might not be as fast as we want. Great job!!

10/12/15 - 205 Thank you!

I signed up to be a distributor some time ago but haven't sold anything because I am not confident in the products. Since losing about 2/3 of the weight I need to lose, I have contemplated trying the wraps but haven't yet. I have started taking the Greens since I don't have room for veggies and fruits any more. My nut said that was fine. But like the others stated above, I would spend my $$ on something else. Just my two cents

Did it!

* TALL BOOTS --- Figures that this year when I *might* fit into tall boots, booties are in . I have a new pair of knee high boots still in the box from last Fall and have been too nervous to try them on. Status: Pending * FOOTBALL GAMES -- Status: Complete! Went to a football game and didn't care how far away we tailgated, climbed to nosebleed seats without gasping for air, didn't care I wasn't drinking alcohol and stuffing my face. * OLD COATS - Status: Complete! Went through my closet and got rid of the big coats and kept the cute jackets from years ago (yes, some are still in style ). I love this time of year! Especially when layers are acceptable - even though I don't need to hide as much!

This may not make you feel better, but you're not alone! It's so hard letting go of the past demons. You learned a lesson - no temptations in your own house. You are still very newly sleeved (I'm at 6 months so no pro here), you will get there. It will be a process, but you will succeed

I had mine cut off a few years ago and resized. Now I'm wearing that bigger ring on my middle finger. I'm thinking of just getting a plain band when the weight is off.

This may not be news to anyone here, but some of it was to me. I had my six month appointment last week and told my PA that I was still only going 1x/week. She said that going every day increases your metabolism, reduces chances for colon cancer and helps lose more weight. She said that keeping waste in your colon for a week stretches the colon, adding an increase in cancer risk. Huh. I have since added Miralax. Good luck!

Sorry - long. My 6 month + "rules": Important Rules: 1. Eat only three small meals a day of 1/2 to a maximum of 1 cup food per meal. Some individuals may need an additional small meal or snack of Protein rich foods to meet their nutritional needs. There is no painless way to melt the pounds away. Total calories eaten must be less than your total calories expended in order to lose weight and maintain weight loss. 2. Stop eating as soon as you begin to feel full. Overeating may cause you to vomit or stretch your pouch and decrease the effectiveness of your surgery. Indications of fullness are:  A feeling of pressure or fullness in the center just below your rib cage.  A feeling of nausea.  Pain in your shoulder area or upper chest. 3. Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly. Chew each bit 20 to 30 times before swallowing to incorporate salvia and begin the digestion process. A meal should take 20 to 30 minutes to eat. 4. Do not eat between meals. Eat meals at regular times. Eat at the dining room or kitchen table. 5. Do not drink liquids 30 minutes before or during a meal. Wait 1 hour after a meal to start drinking. 6. Drink enough fluids during the day. Goal is 8-9 cups (64-72 ounces) minimum. Plan your Fluid intake. You may not always be able to drink when thirsty. Sip all beverages slowly. 7. Drink only low-calorie liquids. No carbonated beverages, sparking Water, beer, alcohol, tobacco and caffeinated beverages are allowed, as they will cause gaseous distention, pouch stretching, irritation, and nausea. No high-calorie drinks such as milkshakes, Cappuccino, cream based Soups, or fruit smoothies are allowed. These calorie dense liquids have poor nutritional value, lead to unsuccessful weight loss, and do not provide a feeling of fullness. 8. Eat only good quality food. Remember to start a meal with Proteins first. No high-calorie, low-nutrient foods such as cakes, Cookies, pies, candy, pastries, gravies, high-fat snack foods like chips, regular jellies & jams, honey, sugar, ice cream, etc. are allowed. Keep total fat intake below 30-40 grams per day. Read labels for fat and calorie content. No high fat meals such as salami, bologna, bacon, and sausage. They contain more fat and less high quality protein. No fried foods. 9. Bake, broil, boil, grill, steam, or roast are ways to cook your food instead of frying to cut down on fat calories. BEWARE – you may have problems tolerating high-fat, greasy foods after surgery. Season foods with herbs and spices instead of creams, sauces, and fats. Marinate meats to tenderize, flavor and moisten. 10. Have a meal plan in mind when eating away from home. Beware of buffets and salad bars. Share a meal or ask for a “doggie bag”. 11. Prepare a shopping list and stick to it! Shop after you eat. Avoid your eating triggers. 12. Exercise at least 30 minutes each day. Walking is the best exercise. Exercise may be in small 5-10 minutes increments per day. Make exercise a part of your daily routine. Up to 60 minutes per day is best. 13. Keep a daily food and exercise diary. Record amount/type of foods eaten, length of time taken to eat and any triggers that cause over eating – boredom, angry, lonely, etc. Avoid excess TV and computer time. Guide for Daily Eating Provides 1000 to 1400 calories and 50 to 60 grams of protein. Plan for about ½ cup of food at each meal, over time, no more than 1 cup. meat & Bean Group (Protein): 4 to 6 ounces each day. Serving size 1 ounce equals 55-75 calories, 6-8 grams of protein. 1 ounce of lean meat, poultry, or fish, 1 egg, ¼ cup cooked very soft dry Beans. Eat 2 to 3 ounces at a meal. Milk Group: 4 choices each day. Serving size ½ cup equals 40 to 50 calories, 4 grams of protein. Serving size ½ cup: Skim or 1% milk, sugar free yogurt, 1ounce 2% or Fat-Free natural cheese or processed cheese. Do not drink dairy fluids with a meal. Vegetable Group: 1 to 1.5 cups each day. Serving size ½ cup equals 25 calories, 2 grams protein Includes fresh, frozen, canned and vegetable juices. Use caution with high Fiber vegetables like corn, peas, and celery, skins and seeds that may block the outlet. Fruit Group: 1 cup each day. Serving size ½ cup equals 60 calories, 0 grams protein Includes fresh, frozen without sugar, canned without sugar, and 100% fruit juices. Chew fruit with skins, seeds, and membranes extra well, or peel, remove seeds and membranes, or cut into small pieces. Juices pass through your outlet without causing fullness. Try to limit 100% real juice to ½ cup or 4 ounces (diluted) a day as part of your liquids. Grain Group: 3 to 4 ounces or equivalent each day. Serving size 1 ounce equals 80 calories, 1 to 3 grams protein. Includes all foods made from wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley or rye such as bread, Pasta, cooked cereals, unsweetened Breakfast cereals, tortillas, and grits. 1 slice of bread, ½ bun, 1 cup ready-to-eat Cereal, or ½ cup cooked rice, pasta or cooked cereal can be considered as 1 ounce equivalent. Choose whole grains with at least 2 grams of fiber per ounce. Note: some patients have difficulty eating bread or any doughy bread product. Try toasting whole grain bread, use whole grain crackers, pasta, and cereals. Try brown rice, chew well, and mix with a vegetable. Eat this group last and after protein, vegetable, and fruit groups at a meal. Fat Group: 3 teaspoons. Serving size 1 teaspoon equals 45 calories, 0 grams protein. Include fats that are liquid at room temperature, such as olive, canola, corn, soybean, or sunflower oil. Some foods are naturally high in oils, like nuts, olives, some fish, and avocados. Limit intake of mayonnaise, low fat salad dressings and soft margarines. A small amount from this group helps to lessen dryness of skin and hair.

10/5/15: steady at 208 Thanks!

My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer in January 2014 - it was the most horrendous thing I have ever witnessed. I started the WLS process in August of 2014. My dad didn't want me to tell mom about it, but she overheard me say "surgery" so I told her and she smiled. She passed away on December 12, 2014 and I had surgery on 3/26/15. I know she has been with me every step of the way. Have you been through counseling at all? Everyone goes through the grieving process differently, so it's hard to say when will be the "right" time. Just make sure you have a support system in place. For me, after helplessly watching my mom being ravaged by cancer, the opportunity to control something in life has been very therapeutic. I have many, many struggles still but the quality of life is so much better now. Best wishes and sorry for your loss.

9/28 = 109 Thanks!

Great job!! Keep up the good work

@@CowgirlJane Thank you for the information. I was following this thread and am so grateful for vets who share what helped them!