Between eating what you should, and what you want? And when I say this, I am not even referring to splurging on Macdonalds, but more so, picking the more Protein rich food versus something which isn't as high in protein, but isn't bad per se.

I know my friend said she stuck to her "diet" hardcore until she reached goal, then slacked up a lil

Do you reserve weekends, for a "special treat' or only on special occasions/holidays?

I have been trying to do "protein first" for years and it's not necessarily because of the plan that goes along with VSG. When I was preggo, I had Gestational Diabetes. I remember my OB explaining to me that our bodies process the carbs so quickly that we need to let our stomach get busy working on some Protein so that the carbs break down appropriately and do not turn to sugar so quickly. NOW, add to that the fact that in order to come even close to 70 grams of protein, I have to eat a lot of it.

To answer your question though, I will have a small "treat" every now and then with my family. Example.....We went to yogurt shop after dinner the other night to Celebrate my sons Baptism. I made sure that a) I had protein in my tummy from dinner I looked at nutrition facts and chose lowest carbs possible c) had a very small portion.

One thing I really had to learn about myself was to get rid of this "well crap, I fell off the wagon so if I'm gonna be bad I might as well be really bad" mentality. I have REALLY been trying to "think like a skinny person" and mitigate the damages when a treat is inevitable. (eating with protein and making best choice I can)

I am trying really hard to be like 2bslimKim and eat almost no carbs and drink a ton of Water. However, I wanted this surgery to feel "normal" and I'm finally starting to. I want to take full advantage of this first year, but at the same time I want to enjoy the journey. I think it is going to be a daily balancing act for me. Just trying not to beat myself up over the small (tiny) treats that are few and far between and when they do happen try to make the best choices possible. Good luck with your balancing!!

What I've noticed is that if I have a bad day that is when I want to munch. Since surgery, when I get that way, and I munch I am in no way eating the quantity I used to eat. So I do it in a much more controled way. I eat 4 Doritos instead of 1/2 bag, I eat 1 oz cheese versus 1/2 lb. I get the munch need met but I haven't blown all the hard work either. Also, because I have more control, I've really picked up on my stress eating and what triggers it. So in the past that 1/2 bag of Doritos would be gone and I didn't even know it! Now I recognize that I'm stressed and I am able to settle myself down mentally at times. But there are times when I want those 4 Doritos so I eat them. But as a rule, I stick to protein first.

I really agree with Lanette about not beating yourself up.

I do eat Protein at every meal, choose protein rich Snacks, and count my protein to see if I need a boost with a shake or a bar. However, unlike others on here I don't watch the carbs. I do eat veggies before starches. I find that I can't get in the bread, Pasta and rice like I used to, so it's really no problem. I eat a few bites when we have it, and have no cravings. I do however crave sweets like I never did before. I have never been a sweets eater, now I see them everywhere and want them. Working on willpower over that new problem.