I am almost 5 months out and while I am super thrilled with my weight loss, it is definately slowing down. I know that is normal, but i still have a long ways to go so I would really appreciate tips from those of you that managed to keep the momentum going. I started with a total of 150# to lose to get to my personal goal and although I am more then half way there, the remaining is still daunting.

I have been cranking up the exercise intensity and frequency. I am doing pretty well with food, but i notice that I am more likely now to get hungry (appropriately, when I haven't eaten) rather then forgetting to eat. This seems a normal progression to me, and I am still eating under 1,000 calories a day but it feels like a warning sign that old habits could creep back - extra diligence is in order! I would love to stay rolling along as best I can and I know there are a bunch of you out there that have done this! I may not lose 150 in my first year, but I want to get as close as I can.

Thanks!

Hey! We share a surgeon - the best of the best for sure.

You know, in that first six months the habits you will keep forever really lock in. If I could give one piece of advice it is to be a complete freak about focus in the first year... follow the rules like a religion and when you are 4 years out like me... and you find yourself backsliding, you will have that solid base to rely on.

If I had my time back I might have added more excercise into my new habits, but as far as following the bariatric lifestyle, I lived and breathed it, and it is serving me well now.

Mamabear is right. I stuck to my dietary plan and ate 600-800 calories with few carbs and moderate exercise until I reached goal. I still do that 95% of the time although I allow myself flexibility on special occasions. Every day was a special occasion when I was fat but now I realize that how I eat most days has lots more influence on my weight than the one or two meals a month that are off-plan. I also don't keep trigger food in the house and can usually talk myself out of buying it in the store. I weigh myself daily and cut back if I am over 140 (it's only happened once). Keep up the good work and you will eventually get to your goal too.

Just to "weigh in" to this conversation again... I never counted calories because that didn't work for me. It felt too much like a diet which triggers rebelion in me.

I used my sleeve to tell me when I was needing to eat, and when I was full. It controls your intake - but you have to layer your food.

1. Protein first, then veg then if you still have two bits left, maybe carb.

2. Carb junkies like me shouldn't have your first carb of the day until after mid day to keep cravings at bay

This is easier to maintain than calorie counting for some folks, and really tunes you in to your sleeve-boss.

Thanks for the encouragement. I have been doing a good job of keeping "unhealthy" food out of the house, but my adult son recently moved back in. I stupidly bought these little packs of Cookies for his lunches and of course they are calling my name - I gave in once and was a bit disappointed that they weren't that great anyway.

That surprised me because i really haven't had food cravings or anything so far. I guess it sort of startled me that I felt the urge to eat food not on my plan - it was a reminder of how those old habits are still looking over my shoulder looking for a way in.

And yes, I am so thrilled with Dr Landerholm and everyone at Pacific surgical - i got great care and am getting great follow up. At this point, I feel like it is up to me, to just keep "working the sleeve" to get to my goal.