I think we all know that with a few mouse clicks we can get tons of "advice" from doctors and researchers regarding food diaries/log/journals. But the folks on our forum are the real deal. We're on the front lines! We're living this post-op challenge. Every day. It's your thoughts, your advice and your experiences that I believe we can all learn and benefit from. There's no right or wrong answer. So how about it...

If you use one, why? How long have you used it? What are the advantages? Disadvantages? How important is it to your weight loss? Do you think you'll continue to use it after your reach your goal weight? What advice would you give to those considering a food diary?

If you don't use one, why? Have you ever used one? What are the advantages of not using one? Disadvantages? Do you believe using one would have any effect on your weight loss journey, positive or negative? What advice would you give to those considering a food diary?

My fitness pal, started a few weeks pre-op this January....I find I'm fairly honest about my caloric intake but tend to WAY underestimate my protein intake...also having down somewhere whether I exercise or not tends to keep it in my mind and make it harder to ignore. Therefore I exercise more regularly.....will probably back off when I hit goal unless I find myself gaining....then likely will go back.

I use myfitnesspal as well. I like knowing exactly how many calories & Protein I have used each day. I also track my Water, exercise & measurements. I have used it intermittently before but I have been using it faithfully since I started the program in February.

The only other times I have tracked was when doing weight watchers and I was more consistent in more recent years when the mobile apps became available.

I use Lose It and have long before surgery occurred

I use myfitnesspal. I like it a lot. I use it to record food, exercise, vitamins and water intake.

I use MFP to track food, Water and exercise, and to meet wonderful strangers across the world....

I try to inspire others and get inspiration from those on my list...will I use it after I reach my goal the answer is yes. it has become a great tool in my life.

On my list i only have WLS friends, just because I need someone to relate to what I go through daily and vice versa and we can share info, recipes, etc. this is just my opinion.

I do think having a food diary is a great idea for anyone,,so you can see what your daily intake is and how you can improve

I had surgery on the 29th of April and I just started using myfitnesspal ! If you wanna follow I'm kimberlyfanny1

I have been using myfitnesspal to keep track of my daily intake. I have been using the website about 2 weeks post op after my March 11th gastric sleeve surgery. At first I thought this was just another ackward website and was going to be a pain in my behind to use. Well, I am now going on 10 weeks post op and I have not missed a day using this website. It has been a God send for me. I keep myself honest all the time since it is my private go to. As I go thru the day I can see what have eaten and how much is left for dinner and a snack. If you can not be honest with yourself than you cannot be honest with anyone and this surgery would have been done for nothing. Being honest with myself is the only way I can keep track of my eating and losing the weight I need to get rid of. I highly suggest this website and it has helped me lose 45 pounds so far. I have to admit I have never been one for writing a daily eating journal but this has really helped me stay focused on myself for a change. There REALY is something to journaling (the experts are so right about and I kept fighting all these years). Myfitness even has a section where you can write about your day, feelings and thoughts.

My next re-think is excerising. For some reason I still can not get into a routine, what is wrong with me??? It is such an effort and in the past 4 years everytime I start to walk me knees hurt me so much I just give up. I am just hoping that as I lose more weight maybe my mindset will change. It has to change.