Hello all,

I'd like to start a thread for those of us who made it to goal but for some reason or another, are having trouble staying there or getting back there There seem to be a few of us now who are trying our best to stay on track, or get back on track.

I thought if we had a place to post what we're eating, and what we do for exercise, we could encourage one another. We could make suggestions to each other on what food finds we have found work well ( sleeve portions, low carb favorites, meal ideas, snack ideas, etc.,Anything you feel is helping you, we all want to know about it.

Lately, I am having a lot of trouble exercising. I've done the same thing for so long, I am just sick of it. I need some new routines. I've done the elliptikill and the same weight machines for so many years, I think my body doesn't even consider it exercise anymore. I am a big baby about exercising alone, so that's why I choose these machines. I can do it by myself, and watch tv at the gym. I wish I had the money for a trainer to show me some new stuff . I'd like to learn what to do with the kettlebells, but I feel stupid swinging them around not knowing what I am doing. I have the same problem with the free weights.

I hope this thread takes off and we can all motivate each other.

It is a day by day process. Every day I try to do my best, but these social situations where food is all around me is so freakin hard!

Staying on track can be so hard sometimes.

I need some inspiration. I have been working out all summer completed two sprint triathlons one was Danskin (women's) in Seattle and other a local one (with boys). They were 1/2 mile swim, 12 mile bike ride and a 5k). The weather (Northwest) will change and then I am concerned about my ability to continue on my fitness Quest. Bucket list: 1/2 marathon. Olympic distance triathlon (it is 2X the sprint distance). Now that being said I joined a all-women's training group. I could only run aka jog a very short distance, and same with swim (it took all I had in me swim in a lake!) I know this isn't for everyone but for me it took me to the next level of maintaining my weight. I only weigh once a week, I don't log my food anymore but if I gain I will-it really helps me. My new dilemma is I have grown to hate Protein drinks and bars. We have a smoothie place but it makes me sick. I don't tolerate dairy-no longer can I eat ice cream-not a bad thing. Anything too fatty I get sick! chicken is getting old (I don't like fish and don't eat red meat) I want a magic food with protein that I stomach!!! The only one left is Power bars they only have 8-9 protein and lots of sugar. (I did use these during my training). I do snack on almonds, keep little packs in my car. I logged in VST to help me see that I am not alone. Getting my band out and getting a sleeve has made a real difference in my life. People call me skinny, you are so small (I wear a size six) I think for once I finally believe that yes I am "little". My fat self lurks around every ready to make me feel bad about myself.

Thank you all for being there every time I log onto VST!

Dee

I am also struggling... my knee is still bum... going back to the sports med person tomorrow... we will see what she says... I am back on Southbeach.. hoping to get away from some of my unhealthy eating habits . I do feel better already and have lost 3 pounds, but I was up almost 14 pounds from my lowest... OUCH. The cute pants are tight. I don't like. Not being able to exercise as much does not help.... I was on TV twice this weekend, helping out at an art auction for the local PBS station... they say it adds 10 pounds, but I have to say even with the 14 pounds, I looked a heck of a lot better than I would have without the sleeve! I have started cooking for myself in the morning before work, this really has helped me in the past keep the food healthy and filling. Thanks for listening girls!

Yeah, I am struggling too. I have way less time than I used to have, and haven't been exercising nearly enough.

It's just so hard to eat right ALL the time. I gain immediately if I stray from good eating habits, and it's a lot harder to take it back off than it used to be. I wish everyone around me would eat right too, cause it's so hard to have will power ALL the time. When I see someone eating, it's hard not to join in.

I was out of town for a few days and had lunch and dinner out. I was amazed at how much steak I can eat now. I hate that I can eat so much more than I used to be able to.

I can really eat now. I actually feel like I am on a diet. I really have to count my calories. Nights are the worst. I have finally been maintaining my weight at 1 year and 4 months out...actually gained a pound this week. I finally feel I have a tool and it is my choice if I don't want to gain. Not a lot People come back to the board after a year out so we don't really know the long term success. I feel like this forum should be packed. I am hungry a lot more too. Pretty scary! I just hope I do not gain.

So what kinds of things are people finding they use as their "go to" food they grab in a hurry. Mine is baby bell light cheese. At night' date=' I have to have a 100 calorie pack of

chocolate dusted almonds.

I've just recently gotten started eating Jerky. I bought some turkey jerky at costco the other day, and I really like it.[/quote']

Hi, i'm in the same boat... i just went and bought turkey lowfat and had it sliced really thin, i put low-fat cheese or cow cheese and roll it up and put a tooth pick in it. its fast and easy.

I can really eat now. I actually feel like I am on a diet. I really have to count my calories. Nights are the worst. I have finally been maintaining my weight at 1 year and 4 months out...actually gained a pound this week. I finally feel I have a tool and it is my choice if I don't want to gain. Not a lot People come back to the board after a year out so we don't really know the long term success. I feel like this forum should be packed. I am hungry a lot more too. Pretty scary! I just hope I do not gain.

Yeah, I have been trying to tell people for a long time now. So many people who are under a couple of years are convinced they have completely changed their eating habits and don't have any desire to eat in between meals anymore.

I know I am a grazer. I really have to commit to not eating in between meals. I need to just make sure I don't put anything in my mouth.

Thank you both for responding. It is nice to know I am not alone. No one (but my immediate family) knows I have the sleeve. Sometimes I feel like I should tell more people but I do not want to be judged plus it is none of ther d.. business, Still looking for the magic Protein. Tried a new bar simple truth need to look closer at the ingrediants (didn't have my glasses on)if any thing has inulin (chickory root) I can not tolerate it, I only had a bite but today I am going on a mission. Did drink one the ones you get a costco. I just don't want to slack on protein .carbs is why I had the band to begin with!!! I hope you both have a nice day and keep checking in (I am up so early because I am spliting a night shift with some one, I am a day person for sure.

Dee

Ok I'm pre-sleeve but on long term track to healthy life!!! I hope you don't mind but I've been thru a struggle recently and so have some good advice I'd like to share:

*see a nutritionist or dietician or therapist again! Each of these people can help you one on one with LOTS of great advice and motivation tailor made to you! They should also provide a judgement-free environment to talk about emotional issues that may be affecting your eating and exercising habits.

*replace food with something else very indulgent! I cannot stress how important this is!!! I bet everyone of you have put yourself last for a long time until you decided you were important enough to take care of (probably leading to your decision to have wls) and it will be hard to regain that sense of self importance! But you have to treat yourself (regularly) with something other than food, massage, music, concerts, movie tickets, sporting events, makeup, new clothes, new bed sheets or other nice things you like but put off. You are saving on the food you used to eat so indulge a little- it will boost your mood and confidence!!! Ignore this step at your peril

*try Yoga, Tai Chi, Boxing, Ballet/Hip Hop/Jazz etc, Rowing/Kayaking, Aqua Zumba, MMA, Horse Riding, anything you have ever seen that looks like fun and gets you out of the house! I'm devastated we don't have a decent yoga instructor in the area, but we have one of the best MMA facilities in the country- as soon as I lose some weight I will be back into my training! It's not exercise, it's a lifestyle!

*increase "incidental exercise"- remember to take the stairs, park further away and walk, run up the stairs rather than walk, hang laundry out rather than use dryer, take the more active shift at work, anything you can think of...

*stop nighttime snacking! I have decided to have dinner between 7-8pm and not eat or drink anything after this time. Pretend you are fasting for a blood test. A new study is getting a lot of hype regarding nighttime fasting. The main concern is that ppl can't stick to it in a modern lifestyle, but if you can go between 12-16 hours then you will definitely be better off!!!

http://articles.latimes.com/2012/may/18/science/la-sci-fasting-diet-20120518

* if you're bored with your routine than make a planned change. It is unscheduled eating that gets me in trouble. Make a plan that you like and try to stick to it again. If you need to tweak it (add Snacks, change times etc) do so, but use a plan to avoid head hunger snacking.

*try to remember what really worked for YOU in the past! If you hate big breakfasts (like me) then YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE PERFECT!!! Do what works for you! Yes it would be better to have "this" but in order to be the "healthiest I can be" I'll have "that". I swap chocolate for fruit, you might switch it for carob, you might switch to dark chocolate which satisfies the craving better, you might not need it very often at all so eat it whenever the craving is very strong. I eat muesli and lite milk for brekky coz it fills me up and tastes great, and honestly it's better than skipping it and gorging on lunch!!! Yogurt is better for me than ice cream!

*you will go up and down! You are not a machine! You have hormones, commitments, temptations all of which can end up hijacking your routine if you let them. Be as the bird on the Water, slowly rising up and down with the waves, but never sinking

These are a few things that have helped me get back on the horse recently! But also reading vst really helps! I think it's the community factor that helps me remember I'm not alone and keeps my head in the right space... Don't be afraid to ask for help or give help!

Peace and happy travels!

Im 14 months today from my VSG and have been at goal for a month. I actually lost another pound this weekend. I dont know if it will stay off or not but I am 2 pounds under goal now. I have just been eating whatever I wanted since maintenance just to see what happens. I still eat my protein, muscle milk, cheese, etc. but I have had some cookies at night with milk, a few deserts, etc. I am still losing apparently but its much slower now. I want to keep losing really slowly another 5-8 pounds so that when I get the bounce back, I will still weigh 135 pounds. I am having plastics in 6 weeks so I dont want anymore drastic loss and I dont think I will have that happen. I have only lost about 5 pounds in two months now. I feel I am pretty stable.. its keeping it off that I am worried about because i have a helluva sweet tooth!

Im 14 months today from my VSG and have been at goal for a month. I actually lost another pound this weekend. I dont know if it will stay off or not but I am 2 pounds under goal now. I have just been eating whatever I wanted since maintenance just to see what happens. I still eat my Protein, muscle milk, cheese, etc. but I have had some Cookies at night with milk, a few deserts, etc. I am still losing apparently but its much slower now. I want to keep losing really slowly another 5-8 pounds so that when I get the bounce back, I will still weigh 135 pounds. I am having plastics in 6 weeks so I dont want anymore drastic loss and I dont think I will have that happen. I have only lost about 5 pounds in two months now. I feel I am pretty stable.. its keeping it off that I am worried about because i have a helluva sweet tooth!

What surgery are you having done. I am so scared to do it. I will probably do it eventually, but the timing and $ have to be right. Your job is right up my alley sort of. I oversee the education department at my museum. I am currently having them put together our firearms and ballistics workshop. What cool interactive demonstrations could you do with the public? We are doing the barcode number identification if it has been scratched off. i have 1/2 of a stereo scope so I have been calling crime labs all over to find the other parts or get a donation of an old (still functional) stereo scope.

I have a really bad sweet tooth too. That's definitely my downfall. I see people eating Cookies and I can't say no. I have a friend who loves to invite me over and then starts baking cookies when I get there.

I need to get it in my head that sugar makes me break out in big rolls of fat. It's like an allergy! I get fat instead of getting hives!

This weekend I have watched myself get out of control. I am just over 1 year post op and look great. Not down to where my mind thinks I want to be but looking really good and feeling good. I really need to work on my mindset. I know that if there's something that is sweet sitting on the counter, I will eat it, even if I'm not hungry. I have asked my hubby to not buy this stuff because I'm the one that ends up eating it, and yet he still did, and I have trouble telling him no, to buying sugar free cookies. So now I need to work on my mind and stopping thinking about food when I'm not hungry. This is such a struggle for me. It would probably be easier to have surgery on my brain. LOL Anyways, I am freaked out when I read something about our ghrelin hormone coming back and causing us hunger. Need to research this. Thanks for listening, tomorrow I will be on protein drinks to get back to basics. Oh I am a terrible stress eater.

I bought cucumbers for my night time snack. I realize now that I have to remove all the sweets in the house. I am ok with it. I also decided to stop drinking liquids with artificial sweetners. So no carbs, sugar or aspartame like substances. It isn't that bad. Veggies are super yummy.

I bought cucumbers for my night time snack. I realize now that I have to remove all the sweets in the house. I am ok with it. I also decided to stop drinking liquids with artificial sweetners. So no carbs, sugar or aspartame like substances. It isn't that bad. Veggies are super yummy.

Yup! Apart from the occasional coffee on an early morning (with raw sugar) I'm completely on water! I choose not to drink my calories