For 5 weeks I was perfect and did everything by the book.Now that I'm back at work, I'm finding it hard to do everything right (I do get fluids) and I'm HUNGRY! Help! I'm relying on protein drinks too much (too tired to cook after work), I'm not exercising (because I need to get to work in the morning). I'm having a hard time getting my butt into gear. I even had one really bad day when I had 1,200 calories. (averaging 800 otherwise though). I seem to have lost my motivation and I don't know where to find it!

Donna hang in their!! I'm a month out and I've done near 900-1000 cal a couple of days, now I'm back on track. As my hubby says, it's not that bad considering that i used to easily eat 3000 cal a day. You cannot give up now (i know that I would of given up already if it wasn't for the sleeve)even if you want too. You can do it, and try excersizeing, you'll get a great high from endorfins and that will give you motivation to keep going! I know how you feel though, I get hungry too, head hunger more than anything, so I've cut down my meal portions and just eat a snack when I'm hungry, after a few bites i'm full.

I know it is hard, energy is in short supply those first weeks. It really is easier to do the shakes, and they are good for getting in the protein requirements, but try try try to find a way to get in some solid protein. I know everyone is different but for me that makes all the difference. It fills you up and it lasts a lot longer. The shakes will just slide right through and then wham you are empty again. Don't get discouraged, it takes a little time to learn about how to work this new tool and you have only had yours for six weeks! I lived on ready made chicken from the deli at my grocery store and if you buy Lean Cuisines or Weight watchers frozen meals and eat the meat first, there is very little room left for the rest so you wind up with only 1/3 to 1/2 the calories and carbs. I hope this helps..:thumbup1:

Thanks. I made it through today--just under 700 calories, 2 roasted small skinless chicken drumsticks, once thin slice deli roast beef, 1 slice lowfat swiss cheese, corn tortilla and 2 slice swiss cheese quesadilla, 2 Protein shakes and I just realized I've had no veggies. I guess that's what the Vitamins are for. I was so into it for the 1st 5 weeks, now the nutrition balance part is really challenging me. And the exercise.

It's hard to "practice" a total lifestyle change pre-op. I did everything I could think of to prepare myself. I thought I would have the energy to cook, but work has kicked my butt. I've recovered a bit of motivation today, but I feel like I'm having a sort of WLS crisis. I also got kind of discouraged reading on another board where gastric bypass people 2 years out were gaining weight back. There were a lot of them. I don't want to end up like that.

What motivates you once the novelty has worn off and the reality of daily life sets in?

For 5 weeks I was perfect and did everything by the book.Now that I'm back at work, I'm finding it hard to do everything right (I do get fluids) and I'm HUNGRY! Help! I'm relying on Protein drinks too much (too tired to cook after work), I'm not exercising (because I need to get to work in the morning). I'm having a hard time getting my butt into gear. I even had one really bad day when I had 1,200 calories. (averaging 800 otherwise though). I seem to have lost my motivation and I don't know where to find it!

Donna, i don't know if this will help, but i have never lost the hunger thing either. . but you know what i do? i fight the feelings with every ounce of my living Fiber. . . i work too, i get up at 6 am get to work by 7 am leave work at 5 pm meet hubbie at the gym by 6 pm, workout til 7 pm come home, have lean cusinine for dinner. . by 9 pm i'm showering and getting ready for bed, do it all over the next day. . . on the weekends I don't go to the gym, this is when i spend my day cleaning and cooking for the following week so that hubbie has food, go help daughter if she needs groceries, or whatever (college kid, we support her 100%) wash the cars, etc . . . it takes routine, but once you get yourself going and keep going you'll do it. . good luck!

Thanks thinoneday, I needed that little pep talk too. I still have hunger at almost 3 months out. I read here about all of these people who can only eat a few tablespoons of food at one time - not me! I can eat a good size portion (no where near what I used to eat, but still more than most). I just need to set up a routine that keeps food out of the picture and focus on other things!

Solid protein food is the answer. I also like apples as they do a good fill job and they are good for you, but you may be a bit early for that. Having a good egg breakfast will stave off hunger till lunch time too I found.

Hang on in there.

Jane x

Donna,

I totally relate to the lack of energy. I am only recently getting back to my old self and my surgery was May 4. As far as motivation, I find it right here. I get on every morning and focus on success stories, unless there is a particular issue and then there is almost always a thread on it. It really helps me keep focused through the rest of the day. Knowing there are so many other people who have made this choice and reading how they are doing it helps me when I get weary. Also compare some before and after photos along the way. I still look so heavy to myself in the mirror but when I look at photos I see the difference. I still feel so obese on the inside but the pictures show what is really going on. Hang in there, lifestyle changes are hard but now you have the sleeve to help! And the egg breakfasts really do help the hunger ALOT.

You said you got through the day and it looks like you had quite a bit of solid Protein. Did you notice if it helped with the hunger?

I think it did help. I'm a little shaky but I made it through today too. Thanks for the encouragement! It's just a rough patch I think. I did lose 2 lbs this week, so it's not as bad as it could be. This morning I had eggs with a bit of garlic and potato [not much], and a mozzarella/basil/tomato salad for lunch (the other half for dinner) and a Protein shake. Total calories just under 800.

The fresh tomato (peeled) was a little iffy, I think I won't try that again for a while.

I feel like I'm entering a "one day at a time" mentality to keep going.

Anyway, thanks everybody, the feedback really helps.

Donna

I am feeling hungry too! Only started this week, up until now i have filled up very quickly and stayed satisfied. I am feeling a bit disappointed to be honest