From One Longtimer To Another--I Need Your Help

[Rhonda Roo 1]

First, let me intro myself. I'm Rhonda Roo--and I had VSG 4/10/08 (almost 5 years out) with Dr. Dirk Rodrigues. He used a 40 bougie. I lost 100% ewl in 18 months; and had kept it all off until one year ago.

One year ago--a year filled with loss, and grief, and major life changes. Truth told: I threw all I knew about proper eating out the window and turned to my old friend for comfort. Sugar, Carbs, Fat--and binging to numb emotions. It is a trade off, and I chose it. and it cost me a regain of 20 #s; but I did make it through many a tough situation.

I am ready to re-engage, to utilize the tools I learned through behavior counseling to more healthily handle emotional and stress eating: the distract, feel the emotion, avoid avoidance, proper addressing and communication yadda yadda. I am ready to pull up the big girl panties and soldier boots and really get back to where I know I should be. Grief is not all the way done--but I am in a place now to better deal with things.

So, back to basics I go. I know the rules, and know to journal (love SparkPeople). What I seem to forget is what "normal" should look like for us who are this far out. Those who have been successful in maintaining their weight loss, or those who have had a large regain, and was able to readjust to relose, I need your insight.

Please share with me what a day in your life of eating: what does it look like? food choices, portions, how frequently do you eat this far out? I have a feeling I stretched out sleevie, so I do not want to trust the "feel full" guide that I was able to use before. I do not physically feel hunger (yeah, no grehlin); but the mind of it. (when will they start doing lobotomies for that????) I get hiccups still--but only after I had eating too much. yes, bananaman likes the "I told you so"--but he doesn't offer a "not another bite" clue that I am aware of.

Thanks for any and all replies.

Rhonda Roo

[gmanbat 5,889]

Rhonda Roo,

Thanks for posting this! This is beneficial for the forumites to realize that letting go of discipline will cause gain.

I hope we can help you in your getting back. 20 pounds is not a giant hurdle, you've no doubt beaten worse than that before. I've heard tell that newly acquired fat goes off easier.

My diet at 11 months out is approximately:

2 eggs with cheese - Breakfast

small whey shake- mid morning

chicken chunks and some green vegetable - lunch

small whey shake or turkey strips- mid afternoon

fish or chicken and vegetable- supper

fruit or small whey shake before bed

Water bottle in hand all day

on heavy workout days I have a power shake before Breakfast

This is my ideal day, it hasn't always worked out that way but this is my default day that I return to.

I wouldn't worry about having stretched it. Just eat right, hit the Water, exercise, and you'll be in good shape real quick.

[SouthernSleever 236]

Hi ya! I'm 2 yrs 2 months post op. I reached goal 6 months ago and have been holding pretty steady until this last month. I made a goal not to gain weight (which i do every holiday) this winter. I've been sticking to low carb which has suited me well thus far and i've lost an additional 5lbs this month.

Breakfast

1 egg, 2 bacon, 1/2 toast

snack motz cheese

lunch roast beef 3oz and brocolli 1 oz

Snack cottage/motz cheese

dinner grilled chicken (or other protien) and veggies

I drink coffee all through the day and use cream and ideal sweetner, sometimes i use vanilla (not sugar free or fat free) Creamer 5tbs.

When I eat I start with protien first then work my way around. I eat until I feel satisfied not full and then I make sure Im active. Don't buy what you shouldn't have. chips are my downfall so I don't buy them.

I have Snacks and sweets a few times a week that don't fit in with low carb (ie a doughnut last night) but for the majority of the time I focus on protien first.