HI, this is my first post! I had my surgery May 16, 2014. I have lost 40 or so lbs. Right now I am having a problem eating the right things. And I am getting bored with all the food. I would rather munch than have a meal. Are there any recipes that are easy and healthy? I have searched and most of them are complicated. I want to master the basics now, then a little later get technical. Also, I am having a hard time exercising, I just don't want to do it most of the time. How do I motivate myself? I am such a mess!!!

Welcome! You have come to the right place, you will find lots of support, ideas and friendship here. It sounds to me like you have hit a rough patch....and not at all like you are a "hot mess". I haven't even had the surgery yet and I'm kind of in the same place. I'm going to focus this week on moving more...I too have not wanted to do it most of the time....WE.CAN.DO.THIS!

Thanks! Gotta keep moving! It is one of the hardest things I have done, but I am seeing progress. I have bought a few new clothes that are a size smaller. Feels good! Eyes on the prize!

I started cross fit and jogging a month before surgery. What keeps me going is how much easier it gets , especially the jogging. That's probably when I feel the weightloss the most! It's hard to get in the mind frame, but once you do , and for me, if I exercise regular the scale moves down much faster! Always a good incentive! Good luck, it sounds like you're doing great!

Regarding motivation and exercise, you JUST DO IT!!! Just like Nike says! Once you start building the habit, you will eventually get to the point that it starts giving you energy instead of draining it. Start with walking at a good pace. Or riding the exercise bike, or whatever your energy level can handle. I ALWAYS do at least 30 minutes if I'm considering it "intentional" exercise -- time I set aside to do nothing but exercise. I try all that park-far-away, take-the-stairs stuff, but I don't consider that "intentional" exercise.

It's also fun to do some weightlifting. I'm guessing you are a female -- it's great when you start doing some body-weight exercises or lifting some weights how much stronger you can feel in the upper body... pushing open doors becomes easier.

Anyway -- you just have to decide you're going to do it and then do it. Find something you enjoy -- it won't last if you don't. Get help if you need it (I see a personal trainer). Find a friend with a similar goal and walk with them. Get a dog to walk (only if you're desperate!) But find SOMETHING to do and DO IT!

Best wishes

HI, this is my first post! I had my surgery May 16, 2014. I have lost 40 or so lbs. Right now I am having a problem eating the right things. And I am getting bored with all the food. I would rather munch than have a meal. Are there any recipes that are easy and healthy? I have searched and most of them are complicated. I want to master the basics now, then a little later get technical. Also, I am having a hard time exercising, I just don't want to do it most of the time. How do I motivate myself? I am such a mess!!!

Pick up weight loss for dummies. Tons of recipes with few ingredients and east to make. It classifies what stage you can have them at as well

Regarding motivation and exercise, you JUST DO IT!!! Just like Nike says! Once you start building the habit, you will eventually get to the point that it starts giving you energy instead of draining it. Start with walking at a good pace. Or riding the exercise bike, or whatever your energy level can handle. I ALWAYS do at least 30 minutes if I'm considering it "intentional" exercise -- time I set aside to do nothing but exercise. I try all that park-far-away, take-the-stairs stuff, but I don't consider that "intentional" exercise.

It's also fun to do some weightlifting. I'm guessing you are a female -- it's great when you start doing some body-weight exercises or lifting some weights how much stronger you can feel in the upper body... pushing open doors becomes easier.

Anyway -- you just have to decide you're going to do it and then do it. Find something you enjoy -- it won't last if you don't. Get help if you need it (I see a personal trainer). Find a friend with a similar goal and walk with them. Get a dog to walk (only if you're desperate!) But find SOMETHING to do and DO IT!

Best wishes

Exactly..it's learning new behavior it's hard but a must we have to retrain our thinking an body.. have to decide these matters before surgery. ..it's way to much to grow thru if ya don't! ! Ordered my bike...so I can sit..nice big comfy seat! !