How Closely Do You Stick to the Program?

[Andrew0929 1,102]

At 15 months out I continue to follow the program. I've been at goal for 6 months and fully-realize that successful maintenance (for me) includes ongoing exercise, logging/measuring food, and making healthy food choices.

[Rogofulm 2,440]

At 15 months out I continue to follow the program. I've been at goal for 6 months and fully-realize that successful maintenance (for me) includes ongoing exercise, logging/measuring food, and making healthy food choices.

Have you added anything back into your diet to stabilize your weight, or has it found its own equilibrium? Are you eating exactly the same? Bigger portions? Did you reintroduce some carbs, or are you keeping that door tightly closed to avoid the slippery slope? I recently got to goal and am working on figuring out what works to stop losing, but not gain. Thanks!

[CheleLynn45 615]

I have followed my docs plan pretty close to the letter. But basically it is just my new lifestyle, I do not feel deprived or that I might be missing out on something.

I was determined to follow the rules and work this tool for all it was worth. This way when I get to goal I can just continue on with my lifestyle with maintenance. Well that's the plan anyways!!

[Andrew0929 1,102]

At 15 months out I continue to follow the program. I've been at goal for 6 months and fully-realize that successful maintenance (for me) includes ongoing exercise, logging/measuring food, and making healthy food choices.

Have you added anything back into your diet to stabilize your weight, or has it found its own equilibrium? Are you eating exactly the same? Bigger portions? Did you reintroduce some carbs, or are you keeping that door tightly closed to avoid the slippery slope? I recently got to goal and am working on figuring out what works to stop losing, but not gain. Thanks!

I went back to my nut and she identified an appropriate level of calories and carbs to stop losing and that has worked well. She took into account my level of exercise along with my height and goal weight.

I've expanded my selection of foods, but in general, stick to healthy things. I still monitor my nutrition levels daily and supplement as needed.

[Rogofulm 2,440]

At 15 months out I continue to follow the program. I've been at goal for 6 months and fully-realize that successful maintenance (for me) includes ongoing exercise, logging/measuring food, and making healthy food choices.

Have you added anything back into your diet to stabilize your weight, or has it found its own equilibrium? Are you eating exactly the same? Bigger portions? Did you reintroduce some carbs, or are you keeping that door tightly closed to avoid the slippery slope? I recently got to goal and am working on figuring out what works to stop losing, but not gain. Thanks!

I went back to my nut and she identified an appropriate level of calories and carbs to stop losing and that has worked well. She took into account my level of exercise along with my height and goal weight.

I've expanded my selection of foods, but in general, stick to healthy things. I still monitor my nutrition levels daily and supplement as needed.

Thanks! I'll use that advice!

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

I'm pretty much with others who've posted here.

I track my food daily (use MFP to plan / track it). I do drink some wine these days, but just count it like everything else.

I follow the basic rules -- I have a calorie target, Protein target, eat healthy veggies, drink liquids I'm supposed to, exercise at least 5 days a week, walk a helluva lot more than I used to.

In short, I'm just in control since the sleeve and wasn't before the sleeve.

Compliance, consistency, accountability, a good support network, and a little patience. IMHO, those are the "secrets" of success.

[blondebomb 580]

At 6 months PO i tried a little wine it was a light color an did fine. I dont drink much maybe a few times a yr but i did good. I keep balanced in my diet still follow my surgeons plan an doing great.

[samuelsmom 670]

When I read the title of this thread I thought of myself and wondered if I was doing it wrong as I don't follow any "program." After reading all the posts I realize that I do!

Protein/calories/fat/etc: I don't track any of it and think I would go nuts if I did. I had to do it pre-op and hated it. Made me feel like a "patient." However, I am aware of what I am eating. To me that is a real breakthrough. When I think about what I am eating I make much better choices.

Protein first: Always

No liquids with meals: Not a problem

Exercise: Keep waiting to like it but don't yet... However, I do go to the gym at least twice a week and see a big difference!

64 oz water: I try but most days don't make it.

Alcohol: I had my annual wine cooler during the Super Bowl and did fine!

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

When I read the title of this thread I thought of myself and wondered if I was doing it wrong as I don't follow any "program." After reading all the posts I realize that I do!

Protein/calories/fat/etc: I don't track any of it and think I would go nuts if I did. I had to do it pre-op and hated it. Made me feel like a "patient." However, I am aware of what I am eating. To me that is a real breakthrough. When I think about what I am eating I make much better choices.

Protein first: Always

No liquids with meals: Not a problem

Exercise: Keep waiting to like it but don't yet... However, I do go to the gym at least twice a week and see a big difference!

64 oz water: I try but most days don't make it.

Alcohol: I had my annual wine cooler during the Super Bowl and did fine!

Funny thing. When I first started my weight loss journey, years before I decided on WLS, I joined a gym to take Water aerobics. Even though I was going 4 times a week, I can't say I loved it. I liked that I felt better and was more mobile and flexible as a result so my body liked it. I took and African Dance class yesterday and while I sweated and tried to move my body like the instructor, I realized that not only do I like working out, but when I can't work out like the 3 days last week when I couldn't get to the gym because of the snow, I miss it.

I currently work out 5 -6 days a week and not only love it, but I am always looking for new things to try. My point is keep it up. At some point your body not only starts to love the how it feels, but craves it.

[samuelsmom 670]

@@BLERDgirl Thanks for the encouragement!

[monopoly2015 27]

When you say 'Drink only what you are supposed to'

What are you go to drinks? I'm very over Water and want other options! What are some options?

[JamieLogical 8,727]

My point is keep it up. At some point your body not only starts to love the how it feels, but craves it.

Back when I lost 90 pounds "on my own" I did Couch to 5k and even though I felt like I hated every second of it, when I had surgery and was no longer able to run for a long time, I literally dreamt of running. I missed it WAY more than I thought I would. I restarted Couch to 5k a few weeks ago (two workouts into week 4 now) and I am definitely back to hating every second of it! But at least this time I know I can/will get to a point where I actually enjoy running again and can call myself a "runner". Oh and the rush you get when you finish an actual race? It's AMAZING!

[JamieLogical 8,727]

When you say 'Drink only what you are supposed to'

What are you go to drinks? I'm very over Water and want other options! What are some options?

I only drink Water and coffee. But a lot of people do tea or do water additives like Crystal Light, Mio, etc. As long as it's sugar-free.

Edited March 9, 2015 by JamieLogical

[livvsmum 2,370]

During the first 9 months or so after surgery I stuck to the program to a "t". I did not waiver even one time. I saw an incredible loss during that time. I lost the majority of my 140 pounds during the first year. Since then I would say in "maintenance" I stick to the program still 95% of the time. I enter all my meals and weight in Myfitnesspal and try the very best I can to stick to 80g Protein, less than 40g carbs, and 100 oz of Water. When I do this I can still even lose a little more, though as the numbers get lower the losing gets slower. I am determined not to be one of those people who get to a certain point and realize they physically "CAN" eat all the things they used to and go back to it and gain the weight back. It's just not an option for me.

[bikrchk 1,313]

I'm not sure what you mean by "stick to the program". I am not on a "diet" so there's nothing to stick to and no guilt for the occasional indulgence. I eat well\clean\healthy, (whatever you like to call it) about 80% of the time, choose Protein first, take my supplements, (including protein supplements to get me to 75g per day), weigh once per week and exercise regularly.