OK, that's my fear today. Factors contributing to my feeling:

1. Someone took a picture of my last week at an inservice. I saw it and if I'm that fat now, whoa! Gosh, I've got a long way to go. I just look so old and flabby.

2. I'm a month out and I do get hungry. Perhaps it's acid but I'm being treated for that.

3. I can eat 1/4 cup mushy chicken no problem.

4. I'm bloated from miralax but all thunder, no storm.

5. No good reason, just a fear.

If you are already down to 174, you are doing pretty good!

Lisa,

I think you're still just in that kind of dark space that can happen right after surgery. I'm just feeling normal and really positive about having surgery this week. Last week it was better but still a little blurry. Your mind is going to play tricks on you right now. Just hold on and it will get better.

Don't worry. It works for everyone if you follow directions. As for hunger, I doubt it is the same hunger you had before surgery. It's different right? The hunger hormone (Ghrelin), that tells the brain your hungry comes mainly from the stomach that you had removed. But, Ghrelin is also made in small amounts in the Pancreas. Usually, if you eat too many carbs, your pancreas can make you somewhat hungry. If you eat slider foods, you will continue that process. You're still at the beginning of your journey. Try eating 70% protein, and the rest veggie carbs. Let it stay in your tummy for a half hour before drinking liquids again, and I bet you'll stay on track. I still drink a 1/2 bottle of isopure a day, to ensure that I get enough protein. Also, I make sure I drink 64 oz of liquids a day. That doesn't mean to say i haven't had times when I stop losing weight. It happens. I have been at the same weight for two weeks, but I am not worried at all. I know that i haven't followed my own rules, due to having company and a weekend trip, etc. I had bad habits for a few weeks. But, i didn't gain any weight, and I am following the rules again. Good luck.

You're doing fine. I can eat 1/2 cup mushies--it doesn't matter! Just move on and follow your doctor's diet. You'll be fine.

After all we've been through in weight loss attempts its really hard to believe that something could really work. We've gotten hopeful so many times about this or that diet or supplement, that its almost scary to hope again. The fear that we'll be defeated one more time looms over all of us.

As time goes on and you are able to sustain your successes, it will gradulally sink in... this time is going to work. No matter how many times you've said that before.... I promise this time its true.

I just do my best to eat high Protein some good low glycemic carbs. Others cut carbs completely, others worry about calories only. Whatever works for you will work in the end. Even if you are not a perfect "dieter" you will be successful.

take care

stacey

you know, i had a bit of a rough go of it for a few weeks post-op. my anatomy felt all wrong and the plumbing was not working right. hell, i couldn't eat right until 3.5 months out. my major breakdown came when i was making food for my husband and kids and knew i couldn't eat what i was making... i cried. now i'm over it. the thing that happened was time, learning and acceptance. i'm so very happy i had the surgery and my suspicion is as you learn how to use it you will be, too!