I enjoy reading everyone's posts, this may seem like a stupid question, but how do all of you keep up the will power to stay in track? I'm pre op, I want this more than anything , but I've failed every diet ! How does the surgery change your will power to stick with it? Or is it that you don't really have a choice?lol I hope I can do this, I start the liquid diet in 2 weeks!

I've kind of wondered that myself. My dad and step-mom both had surgery last spring but it seems like my dad has started to gain some weight back. He's making poor choices with food and exercise. I feel like after I lose the weight I won't ever want to get heavy again and that will motivate me but I wonder....

I wish just having WLS would make us skinny / healthy. We have to make the choice daily to eat the right foods. I could eat a bag of chips if I wanted, in one setting. It's a "slider" food so I stay away from them. I allow myself "cheats" occasionally. This is when I'm most thankful for my "tool." I went to a restaurant, ordered my favorite meal, and it looked like I hadn't hardly touched it. Pre WLS, I would have eaten the whole plate, plus dessert. The sleeve or other WLS is a great tool. But, you still have to make the right choices. Some people can't tolerate unhealthy foods that they were able to pre-op. I, however, can eat anything. So, I have to make the right choices to stay on course.

I made the mistake of eating like I was in maintenance for 3 - 4 mos. It was nice that I didn't gain weight, but I am upset with myself for throwing those months of weight loss away.

Many people do re-gain after WLS surgery. I know I will never be 380's again. I have worked way too hard and feel so much better even though I'm a ways from goal. I may struggle from time to time, but I've gone through too much to throw in the towel.

I'm not willing to settle for anything less then complete success. I deserve it and so do you!

Thanks for all your input. I understand that you have to make right choices, I understand that I will probably still crave the wrong things, it just amazes me how so many of us have struggled, and there is finally a way to overcome this fight! I guess I've failed so many times that I can not accept that this time I will succeed ! I hope so! Good luck to all of us!

"whether you think you can, or you think you can't...either way you are right"

We have to put in the work... I don't eat junk anymore...no interest in it either...no carbonated beverages, no alcohol...and I don't miss any of it.

When we go out to eat is the only time I will have a true carb...one warm, hot roll (or half if they are big)...and I enjoy every little mouthful instead of stuffing my face full of bread, and all the other crap like I used to.

It's a wonderful tool... but don't put it up on the pegboard and let it collect dust...USE IT !

@@BigGirlPanties that is favorite quote ever! I'm so excited to start this journey, love this app too! Very inspiring

@cutiecake ...thanks...it applies to so many things in life, right?

Truly, I don't regret this one iota...I wish I had done it DECADES ago and maybe my arthritis wouldn't be so bad...

It is easier to stay on track ...but there is still work to be done... I have been "maintaining" for way too long... I need to break this stall and get the rest off, and it will be hard...but if I don't and stay here....I am a happy girl!

I understand why you would wonder that - it's an excellent question. The way being sleeved helps me is that I now have a short list of very simple rules that I have to follow if I want to get to my goal weight and stay healthy. They go into effect when one is released from the post op liquids/pureed/soft foods restrictions. They are:

• Consume 60-80 gm Protein per day and 60-80 oz of Clear liquids per day. Every day.
• Do not drink anything for at least 30 minutes before a meal or snack. If you forget and do drink, re-set the timer and wait another 30 minutes before you eat.
• Eat dense protein first at every meal. Eat a very few bites of non-starchy veggie in addition if you have room.
• Decide how many meals and/or protein Snacks you're going to have per day, and stick to it.
• Do not eat between meals.
• Wait at least 30 minutes after every meal or snack before drinking anything. If your mouth gets really dry you could rinse after eating or brush your teeth.
• I avoid alcohol because I'm concerned it would decrease my ability to resist bad food choices.

Follow those rules at least 90% of the time, and you will succeed. For the other 10%, do not beat yourself up - just get back on the wagon immediately and Sleeve On!

I was very fortunate in that I was not hungry at all for 2-3 months post op. I ate because I knew I should. When my hunger returned it wasn't as intense as before, and by then I had established my new eating habits which helped a LOT. Now I eat every 4 hours (8a, 12n, 4p and 8p), and I keep my carb intake as low as humanly possible. Both factors contribute to my never being hungry for very long at a time.

What keeps me on track when I could never stick to a diet before:

1. The feeling of satisfaction / fullness after each meal, plus the decreased hunger, is the main thing that makes it possible for me to stick to the plan. I do get head hunger sometimes, and when I can't ignore it I have a big glass of Water, a SF popsicle or some SF Crystal Light.
2. I've lost a significant amount of weight doing this, so I KNOW it works.
3. I will be da**ed if I'm going to throw away the $12,500 I paid out of my pocket to have this done, not to mention all the work I've done (and the goodies I've resisted eating) to get to this point. Sometimes I just repeat to myself, as many times as necessary "I'm not going to eat that. Not gonna do it. There will be goodies available when I'm at my goal."
4. The support available on this site and on the Facebook group I belong to is PHENOMINAL. It helps SO much, especially at those times when family/friends would probably beat me to death if I mention one more thing about the trials and tribulations -- or the NSVs -- related to being sleeved.

The above have kept me going even through a 6-week stall, and I am deTERmined to get to my goal. Hope that helps. Best wishes.

Edited May 9, 201412 yr by JeanZ_RN

@@JeanZ_RN thank you so much for all the info! I can not wait to start my journey , how long ago was your surgery?

My surgery was 11/13/13. My 6 mos surgiversary is next week.