Alpaca55

Such a great succinct post FC... I do follow this way of eating but having it all spelled out in this way is really something that I need to pin on the front of my fridge! Hope you’re doing well? You are clearly shrinking which is amazing ... well done! Xx

Love this - I have 25 to go and feel for you, Going slowly even though i am less then 600 calories a day? Im done with food for life - I wrecked me and really dont miss it

I agree 110%.
With that said, I got to 25 by plugging away at the same thing I was doing since Day 1: low cal, very low carb. This was coupled with slowly increasing exercise length and intensity as my health/strength/stamina improved over the months.
I consciously stopped weight loss mode when I was at 23.5. I increased calories and let go of the carb reigns to a certain extent. Now, a year out and almost 5 months into maintenance, I am at around 20-21. I still keep an eye on my carb intake: I don't eat bread nor rice; pasta I've only had during one vacation this year. However, I have been known to go to town on dessert once in a while. I exercise almost daily. This is sustainable...for me.
Edited to add: When all is said and done, BMI is just a number based on a very broad generalization of infinite body types. Your final weight should be the one you are most comfortable at and can maintain long term.

115 pounds lost is phenomenal.
How did you do it? Did you have to adopt a different strategy for the last few pound
The last pounds can be painfully slow. We have less body fat to burn. No different diet or strategy . Reaching a lower BMI was not important to me. Its just where I ended up. I wish there was less emphasis on BMI. The goal to me is healthy.
You said “The final pounds of weight loss are difficult and - because of the type severe restriction to get there - are not often sustainable”
I agree that severe restriction is not sustainable. I did not use severe restriction to get to my BMI. I used bariatic basics and the calories/macros that kept my body in weight loss mode. Many do Bariatric basics, Keto, intermittent fasting, whole 30. Vegan paleo Etc. These are weight loss phase diets.
You said "Ketogenic diets are not really recommended long-term for bariatric patients"
Maintenance phase diet is a totally different long-term food plan.(ask your office for your plan) My instructions add calories, carbs, and fats to slow/stop weight loss. It’s been sustainable for me at five years out.
You said " There's a risk that if I go back to a diet with 'forbidden foods', I may start thinking about it too much again (which - for me - would be counter-productive).
You may want to work with a counselor to address this issue. Restricting and thinking about food too much is counter productive. I hope you find your own balance with all this. None of this is easy, right?

i am in the last 25 or so.. i plan on sticking on plan and doing what i am doing. i would rather eat how i eat now than force lose it only for it to come back once you revert back to carbs.. slower the more long term.. but that is just my opinion.

I have no fixed opinion about this issue - I'm just interested to hear other people's views and approaches.
I've got to the point where my BMI is about 27/28ish and I've lost oodles of weight. I've only lost a pound in the last 7 weeks or so, but I have lost inches, so I'm not too worried. However, I think my weight loss is beginning to 'bottom out'.
Ideally, I should lose another 14-20lbs, and to this end, I was thinking of using a ketogenic diet for a few weeks. However, I've had some conversations with medical types about it recently (a retired doctor who's a friend, a bariatric nurse and the nurse at the local GP's surgery). They all said slightly different things, but the common threads of what they said were:
If reaching the BMI-25-target is important to you, then by all means try! The final pounds of weight loss are difficult and - because of the type of severe restrictions needed to get there - are not often sustainable. The differences in health benefits between a BMI of 27ish and 25 are negligible. Ketogenic diets are not really recommended long-term for bariatric patients. I might still lose more weight using a balanced diet (with small portions) and although it would take longer, it would be more sustainable. From my own point of view, I had stopped thinking about food so often and I felt that this diminished importance of food in my mind was good for my mental health. There's a risk that if I go back to a diet with 'forbidden foods', I may start thinking about it too much again (which - for me - would be counter-productive).
However, I know that some of you guys have achieved (and surpassed) that magical BMI of 25. How did you do it? Did you have to adopt a different strategy for the last few pounds, or did you just keep on plugging with the good habits you had learnt?
As I said, I'm not here to pre-judge; different things work for different people...I'm just interested in hearing about a range of strategies that work.

Such a great succinct post FC... I do follow this way of eating but having it all spelled out in this way is really something that I need to pin on the front of my fridge! Hope you’re doing well? You are clearly shrinking which is amazing ... well done! Xx

Volume is king.
In the early days when you are only eating an ounce or two at a time, then you fill that meal volume with lean dense protein only. It gives the most satiety for the least carbs and fat.
Then later as you progress and you are able to eat more like 1 cup of food, you can fill your cup with 3oz of protein per meal and have a little room left over for veg and a bit of fat.
And pretty much, during the losing phase, if you do that--you will lose all the weight you need to lose very swiftly. Later on you can stress about adding carbs to your life.
Carbs (other than veg) are added to a meal at the very very last. And if it were me and it is...lol. I add veggie carbs first, then nut/avocado/olive carbs next, then berry and yogurt carbs next. There is rarely any room for shenanigan carbs. And I keep chips and crackers far far away cuz they are my crack.
You daily protein goal for a woman is somewhere between 60-80g per day depending on many factors. That's non-negotiable.
The 3-4 non-negotiables are:
Fluids
Vitamins
Daily Protein Goals
Exercise (ie walking)

Always so wise FC! I've been lurking not posting... your wisdom has no bounds! You rock! xx

Only my opinion, cuz they may work for some. But I call those candy. And during my WLM, I didn't indulge in stuff like that cuz I wanted to be sure that I would get to goal or as humanly close as I could. Those are dangerous delivery systems for sugar (honey) and grains (oats) and nutbutter (which I didn't eat a whole lot of cuz I wanted to keep calories low). My view was that I had all the scooby snacks I need strapped and trapped on my ass--I had no business eating more that would have to be burned for energy before my body would tap into its own "scooby snack" on my booty.
The reason I have a problem with them beyond being potential triggers for some is that our goal (especially early out) when our restriction is maximum, is to eat calorically LITE while eating nutritionally dense. So if I'm gonna spend 70 of my calorie budget on something--I'd rather it be a hard boiled egg, or a turkey rollup, or a string cheese. Cuz it's a better bang for my protein and calorie buck. And with the candy, the calories will add up VERY VERY quickly for very little protein. Especially since they are so small!
It worked to my advantage within 9 months.
If I were at goal? And it wasn't a trigger for me, and helped me maintain, then I would go for it for sure! There "may" be a different set of realities in maintenance from losing phase.

Hi Sausage and beans... I’m also from the UK - London. Had my VSG surgery on 31 October 2018. Have lost 95lbs so far and still learning how to do this. I still don’t trust myself ha ha. I see a head witch and a dietician and wish I was able to meet up with folk in the UK but I was self pay so haven’t been able to find a group to join. BUT! It’s an amazing tool if you follow the principles ... it really does work! Good luck on your journey and PLEASE keep in touch! Message me if you want to have a chat. ??

Hi Sausage and beans... I’m also from the UK - London. Had my VSG surgery on 31 October 2018. Have lost 95lbs so far and still learning how to do this. I still don’t trust myself ha ha. I see a head witch and a dietician and wish I was able to meet up with folk in the UK but I was self pay so haven’t been able to find a group to join. BUT! It’s an amazing tool if you follow the principles ... it really does work! Good luck on your journey and PLEASE keep in touch! Message me if you want to have a chat. ??

Hello. Don't give up on yourself, the issue isn't food - I know it seems like it's food.
It's using food to numb your consciousness to avoid the pain. When you no longer believe that eating will save your life from anxiety, shame, exhaustion, being overwhelmed, being unlovable or lonely you will stop compulsive eating or other compulsive behaviors. You will stop punishing yourself, you will be kind to yourself. Stay connected to your feelings - sit with them without reaching for food. Breathe, cry, yell.... you are NOT the stories you tell yourself, you are not the stories your third grade teacher told you about yourself.... You are worthy, you are not a failure. Today is what you have. You only have to do today.
There is a very good book called 'mindful eating' by Jan Chosen Bays. It teaches you to trust yourself.
Start slowly with one thing. You have time, don't get distracted, let go of the guilt - yesterday is over, completely over. When you fell off your bicycle as a child - did you let it shame you? No. You just practiced more the next time, it did not define who you are. Hang in there. Keep posting.

I’m 14 months post surgery. I’ll turn 55 in November. I was 209 lbs at my surgery consultation. I’m 115 lbs today. This surgery/weight loss tool has been everything I needed to help me take control again. I had the determination, the motivation and the required knowledge but my body never seemed to let me “win” at weight loss and kicking my diabetes. I have been off insulin and oral meds since a few weeks before surgery (I chose to start eating a Bariatric plan early to lose ahead of time).
Its been so freeing...so life changing.
If you work the program, you will lose. The rate will vary but the results will be there in the end!

You should do a search here on the boards, SOOOO many great stories of terrific long term success and many Vets still here posting and living the dream. Welcome!

Hi I've just found out I'm finally on waiting list and should be getting sleeved around October time , I am very nervous I've never had surgery before ,also surgeon wanted me to have bypass because I'm type 2 diabetic but I'm hoping I will still get good results with sleeve ? Any one had sleeve long term have you managed to maintain weight loss and keep diebetics at bay ? And then theres the GERD / acid issues please tell me it doesn't happen to everyone ,also what is the average weight losses with sleevers I'm currently about 17 stone size 18 wondering what I would average out at I know it differs slightly but just a rough idea xx p.s I'm UK and UK buddies about. ?

Someone please help me get back on track! I have lost a total of 83 lbs in 6 months. I have found that I am getting into old behaviors again with drinking sugary coffees and eating sweets. I want to lose about 10-15 more lbs!!! I don't always get my fluid intake in nor my protein. Please help. If i get back on track will i continue looking weight? Or is this where my body is done loosing weight? I'm 5'3 and I am currently 135lbs. I've been at a stall for a good month.
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I will be 7 months post op VSG next Friday... a lot of things have surprised me on this journey. I had the band - but had no support or advice - so it didn't really work. I learned how to eat very slowly and that some times of the day are easier to eat than others. I also learned to know where the toilets were in restaurants and got very used to vomiting.
Now I have the VSG, I'm learning new skills and have a much better understanding of nutrition, macros etc.
My take-aways would be:
1. Be thoughtful about your meal plan - try and make everything you put in your mouth as highly nutritious as possible, as close to being 'whole food' or organic. I'm currently eating about 800 cals a day - sometimes 650, sometimes 900.
2. Don't keep temptation in your kitchen cupboards or fridge. It's easier for me to just not buy anything that is off-plan. I'm so lucky that I live on my own. I'm a granny so I visit my family and because I still have a 'secretive eating disorder', I'm never tempted to binge when I'm at their homes.
3. I'm still struggling when I have a couple of days away. The change in my eating while I'm away has a long term effect on my weight loss - it can take about 6 days for a different choice to work it's way out of my body! That is REALLY frustrating because I'm only talking about keeping the same calorie-level and carb-level - just switching up my food choices.
Good luck on your journey - because I originally had the band, I think this journey is more challenging - but you can definitely get to where you want to be! This forum is amazing and so informative! xx

I’m 63 and feeling younger by the day... ?

A great idea, I'm also taste testing protein drinks. They're a lot of new ones will little sugar and a lot of proteins. Ensure makes one the protein max and Boost Max. Both have 30 g. protein with 1 g. sugar. Watch out for the Ensure max cafe mocha. Not only does it have the flavor but it also has a lot of caffine. I'm from the south so we live on ice tea so as a replacement I make my own decaf tea in a gallon and put a slice of lemon in it. I haven't had a soda or carbonated beverage since 2009 when I had my band on. Some of the high protein premade drinks taste better with ice in them it tends to thin them a bit. Initially I will get my protein from these drinks as many of the protein powders give me horrible stomach cramps. The vegan one is the only one I can add to stuff and I can't drink sugar substitutes as I get a migrane from them. I am now down to 900 - 1000 calories a day with 60 g. protein, much like I was on the band and no sugar. Getting ready for the big day. I've had 9 years practice with this way of eating so it an easy pattern for me.

I am only 4 months out, but I would highly suggest giving up your addictions Pre-op so you don't have to fight them post-op. Sugar, soda, caffeine, processed foods, etc. It is hard enough getting through the surgery and immediate post op without having to deal with headaches and cravings. give yourself a jump start by getting rid of this stuff before hand,

I had the lap band and now I'm waiting for my last appointment. The number one thing to remember is food is not everything. I lost over 100 pounds by making food only about nutrition. If the bad stuff is not in the house you won't eat it. If you feel like an indulgence break a small piece and suck it to death. Eat slowly I mean really slow. If you can't get up and walk around between bites. Only put in your mouth something worthy of the privilege of making you happy. Most of the stuff I used to eat is what I refer to throw-away food. Do not be hard on yourself, you will have slips. Now, something I had to happen is when I tripped I fell. I think it was because my new body had a different balance. My stomach growled forever it seemed. That did not mean I was hungry, it was just rebelling. If you think you are hungry, drink water and say if I really am hungry I'll eat in 30 minutes. Usually, I didn't eat. Good luck and keep us updated!

I’m 63 had my surgery on 10/31... will be 4 months on Thursday - slow loser - just 39lbs but I have atrial fibrillation and hold water like a camel ! Might be the beta blockers ... but I feel so much better and much more mobile... my aches and pains are not as debilitating and my face and neck and boobs have shrunk! So I’m patient and just keeping the focus on Protein and Water ?

OMG! I'm so happy I could dance down the street naked! I FINALLY made it to Onederland today, 5 months post-op sleeve.
I've been stuck in a stall for five weeks, teasing me at 202 and so close but so stuck and I thought I was never going to lose another ounce for a minute or two.
But now I'm finally a LOSER! Yay! So excited! Now I feel like the scale will keep moving and it can go down to meet my goal.
So glad to be in the 100's again!

When I ate a pickled onion (small cocktail one!) ...
when I ate a slice of 'LivLife Low Carbs Seriously Seeded Loaf' - 68cals per slice, 3.8g carbs per slice!! 0.22g sodium per slice.
And, after just being away at the weekend - the weight goes up when I don't weigh myself every day! I tracked my food - kept below 1000cals, 25g carbs... maybe I didn't drink enough water??!!
Eating anything new seems to cause a weight gain it seems ... "huff"....
@GreenTealael fantastic topic!