I am currently 6.5 wks post op and trying to find my way in terms of what will be successful for me. I believe that my weight issue has been a result of food abuse. In the past, I learned that deprivation will not work. I learned that receipes will not work since I have very little time working and with two small kids. I am happy to have a meal with my family much less cook three different meals - also I don't cook much to begin with....

My question is has anyone had long term succes or reached their goal by merely decreasing or restricting the volume of food they eat in addition to a commited excercise plan?

I think you've basically named our "diet" plan, or mine at least. BTW, I'm not wise, but I'm successful with my VSG - 91 pounds lost in 7 months so far.

You'll have to concentrate on getting in your 70g of Protein and your Water, but the beauty of the sleeve is that we do reduce our food consumption. I'm still workiing on shopping for my reduced consumption, but I'd rather throw stuff away than eat more than I need.

You should be fine eating more or less the same foods your family eats. Bonus for them is that you will be cooking healthier meals now than you were before surgery, so they may lose some weight too.

Good luck!

Just keep it simple. focus on protein first, veggies, and some starches. You will do just fine. Make sure to get you water in. Dehydration sucks.

I don't cook an awful lot, either, maybe 2-3 meals a week. I'm pretty diligent about breakfast, though - I whip up something quick like oatmeal with protein powder and peanut butter/raisins, or make a whole bunch of oat pancakes with blueberries ahead of time and just heat them up.

Otherwise, we eat out a lot, so I'm always packing leftovers. Even sushi and sashimi is fine the next day - I just put the leftovers in an airtight container and stick an ice pack in the bag in the morning, I just make sure to eat it no later than lunchtime the next day.

I try to make healthier choices when we eat out. For example, tonight I opted for grilled fish tacos with dressing on the side - so it was mostly lean protein, veggies, and a corn tortilla with like a teaspoon of mayo-based dressing. Not unhealthy at all, IMO! And now I have another taco left over for lunch tomorrow.

I also pack healthy snacks to have throughout the day - I like fruit, veggies such as baby carrots and edamame, and Oikos single-serving yogurts.

When all else fails, there are always protein bars, although I try not to eat them too often.

BlackBerryJuice! Your post made me hungry!

I eat protein, a lot of it. (Or I atleast try 80-90 grams) Baked, grilled fish is common in our house. Chicken, turkey and lean ground beef. I do eat steak as well. I do limit the amount of carbs. Still try to keep between 20 and 30 grams a day. My caloric intake has increased a bit. I am still losing. If I had my way, my meals would consit of all protein. I do eat some veges. I love, love, love watermelon. Breakfast is usually one egg either scrambbled or hard boiled. 1/2 cup of cottage cheese. Snacks I try to keep a container of mixed nuts and take a handful in a baggie as a snack. and some fresh fruit and veges to munch on. That usually will satisfy the need to have something crunchy. Instead of potato chips I can eat baby carrots and or a few slices of cucumber. It is all a matter of what works for you. Some can do more carbs than others. Some do all protein. The most important thing (To me anyway) is exercise. That is what incorperated with the "diet" ( I prefer to call it the new lifestyle) is what makes everyone successful with the sleeve.

Best of luck!!!

Have a stellar weekend everyone!!!!!

Deb

I eat Protein, a lot of it. (Or I atleast try 80-90 grams) Baked, grilled fish is common in our house. chicken, turkey and lean ground beef. I do eat steak as well. I do limit the amount of carbs. Still try to keep between 20 and 30 grams a day. My caloric intake has increased a bit. I am still losing. If I had my way, my meals would consit of all protein. I do eat some veges. I love, love, love watermelon. Breakfast is usually one egg either scrambbled or hard boiled. 1/2 cup of cottage cheese. Snacks I try to keep a container of mixed nuts and take a handful in a baggie as a snack. and some fresh fruit and veges to munch on. That usually will satisfy the need to have something crunchy. Instead of potato chips I can eat baby carrots and or a few slices of cucumber. It is all a matter of what works for you. Some can do more carbs than others. Some do all protein. The most important thing (To me anyway) is exercise. That is what incorperated with the "diet" ( I prefer to call it the new lifestyle) is what makes everyone successful with the sleeve.

Best of luck!!!

Have a stellar weekend everyone!!!!!

Deb

Thanks for breaking it down Deb! This is do-able!

windycitymom, I'm 3 years out and i consider myself very successful. . .other then follow my doctors advice and keep my appt's i really didn't do too much to help the weight loss along (at this time, I'm snacking on almonds and diet coke). . . now at 3 years out i am maintaining and love it. . . it's nice to be at peace with myself for once. . . i have reached my doctors goal for me, but would like to loose about 20 lbs more . . . but i'm definately not killing myself getting there . . . good luck!

You all are so inspiring, thank you. I guess I am mourning my old 'friend' which is food abuse and I fear that I wont learn new habits during my honeymoon phase.