Deneishia

My weight loss journey started in 2010 when I weighed 386 pounds. I became stagnant and didn't lose any weight for several years after I lost the initial 100 pounds. I got the sleeve in June of 2016 and it saved my life. Learning how to eat again has been fiffucult. Learning how to eat around my food addiction has been especially difficult. But im happier than I've ever been and I'm going to run a 5k next month!

I had Dr. Atkinson do my surgery in June. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am 6 months out of surgery and about 12 pounds to my goal of being under 200 pounds. The addiction issue was why I chose the surgery. I knew it would help keep me focused on recovery. I've realized that like all addicts, it's a life time struggle. I'm trying to learn to refocus that energy. Also, eating Whole Foods every 2 hours actually feeds my addictive behavior in a way that maintains my success. Putting something in my mouth all the time keeps me satiated. Keeps me from craving "crap". I've redone my favorite foodsk with healthier ingredients so I still have a ¼ piece of chocolate cake but it's really decadent vegan ingredients plus Protein sooo I'm trying to feed the addiction as well as the body and the soul. Frozen yogurt pops with Greek yogurt and extra protein feeds my ice cream need. And fully loaded mashed cauliflower with gravy fulfills the mashed potatoes desire. Beanitos chips are made from Beans so I get chips but it's actually protein and Fiber and not carbs. If you don't give yourself healthy alternatives then you will feel like you are dieting your entire life and that will set you up for failure. Don't deny yourself, just find healthier ways to have what you want. And if there isn't a healthier way then do 2 bites and walk away. Remember that you can eat anything, you are allowed to... but what do you really want? Weigh the pros and cons. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Ah... Brands... Sorry! The Protein Water at target is ProBalance protein water the punch flavor and there is one on Amazon specific to us bariatric patients called Bariatric Choice. The protein shots I use are the the bariatric choice brand. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

That's great! I found a Protein Water I enjoy. It's from Target. Today I had that and a Starbucks Protein shake with 2 extra scoops of protein, a Protein Bar and then my regular lunch and I'm over 100 grams! I also bought protein shots to put in my water so I mixed those in with crystal light and made protein Popsicles, worked really well for me. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was thinking of using a waist trainer as a girdle because the stomach skin and such is just making my clothes fit strangely. If not a waist trainer... Any other suggestions for hiding the gifts of my weight loss? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Good luck! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Awesome, thank you! I contacted a trainer / nutritionist today to go over this concept of macros with me. I just want to be my healthiest self since I was so close dying Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App I was not given calories to follow but nutrition goals to reach. (90 or more grams of Protein and 90 ounces of liquid) I worry about calories now that I'm walking 5 miles a day and swimming or bowling as well through the week. I'm afraid I'm not eating enough but I feel better if I take my Vitamins and reach my gram goals. So the calories don't matter as much to me. Some days I burn 1000 calories and may only eat 900. I don't know if that's good or bad. Thoughts?

The reason that we do this surgery is because, there is no "rehab" for food addicts. We can't just "stop" eating the way others stop smoking or stop drinking. Cheating on a diet does NOT make you a horrible person! Cheating on a diet makes you HUMAN AND NORMAL!! I'm 3 months out of surgery. I've made unhealthy choices since I've been able to eat regular food, however, my body now makes me sick if I eat something sugary or fatty and I just tell myself that I can eat anything I want but to remember my goals. So 90% of the time, I choose something healthy. This is a process NOT a destination. Your goal is health and longer life. The number the scale is just a bonus. Listen to your body and NOT your mind. And as long as you do what's healthiest for you 80% of the time, the 20% of life when you don't, doesn't matter. DONT BEAT YOURSELF UP!! The first picture is in 2010 at 386 pounds. I lost 100 pounds over several years with several hundred "cheat" meals and feeling like I failed. The other picture is 3 months out of surgery and I've dropped 50 pounds. I've also "cheated" several times. Don't let those times define your entire journey. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Acid reflux is an issue for me. Tomatoes can cause it got me. However, I wish I knew more about what you ate to help with ideas Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

This conversation thread gives me such hope. Giving up soda Water (I loved the bubbles, I gave up sugar drinks and soda years before the surgery). I'm going to go get a sparkling water right now! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Right after surgery I worked up to a mile a day... Now I'm up to 5 miles a day and swimming 6 times a week. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

That is so inspiring!!!! Congratulations!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Lean body salted caramel shake is actually really tasty and decadent Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App