I am about three months post op. I have been experimenting with a variety of ways to approach my eating habits, so that I can find something I can live with for the rest of my life. I refuse to diet, because over many years it's become clear that diets don't work and that is why I needed bariatric surgery to begin with.

I love my pouch. There are many days when I have little to no appetite, and practically have to force-feed myself. Especially during the first half of the day, where I mostly just drink coffee with Protein powder. Eating before 2 PM seems to make me very nauseous.

I am finding though, that is where gets busier, and other areas of my life are beginning to fill out more, and become more demanding, I am feeling a lot more fatigue and stress. During these times of tiredness, when I have the need to continue pushing myself to get things done, I find myself eating too much and eating the wrong things to keep myself from falling over from exhaustion.

What do you do when your body and mind are overtired and you do not have the option to replenish yourself properly?

Well, my approach (which has worked tremendously well and ensured I lost 100 pounds and have kept it off now nearly a year) wouldn't work for you, since you "refuse to diet" and "diets don't work."

I also eat 3 meals a day, including Breakfast and lunch, which it seems you don't always eat, and I don't drink lots of coffee anymore.

BTW, I'm now eating 1800 calories a day and maintaining at 135 pounds.

Part of the process, whether we like it or not, is re-educating ourselves on how to eat. Smaller meals, protein first, complex vs simple carbs, etc. it isn't really a diet because diets are by their nature temporary. This is a lifestyle change to eat and be healthier. Increased physical activity is also part of the program. I find that when I eat my meals and get my protein in I have energy for the day, but if I go too long without food, I get exhausted. Keeping to a regimen has worked for me so far and I intend to keep it going.

Being healthy is so much more than the numbers on the scale.

You might want to talk to your doctor or a therapist about health strategies.

Some critical success factors, that I am continuing to learn and refine over the years:

Following my post-op program, which means: getting at least 64 oz of Fluid, 100 grams Protein, taking all of my Vitamins and supplements and doing some sort of exercise, every day in addition to avoiding starches and added sugars, eating mindfully, and choosing healthy, nutritious foods as often as possible.

Getting enough restful sleep.

Avoiding carbonation and caffeine.

A spiritual practice. Journaling, praying, meditating, reading, sharing, etc.

Expressing and practicing my creativity.

Staying connected to other people.

Spending time alone to recharge. (I am an introvert with extrovert skills).

Treating myself with kindness.

Forgiving myself and others.

Gratitude.

Some important things I have found I have to make time for are: swimming, massages, creativity, and restful sleep.

Another area that I think is critical is finding a healthy job/career.

After years of working, I am currently on disability. When I return to work I absolutely must be careful to find a healthy workplace. No more toxic, soul-sucking jobs for me!

Being healthy is so much more than the numbers on the scale.

You might want to talk to your doctor or a therapist about health strategies.

Some critical success factors, that I am continuing to learn and refine over the years:

Following my post-op program, which means: getting at least 64 oz of Fluid, 100 grams Protein, taking all of my Vitamins and supplements and doing some sort of exercise, every day in addition to avoiding starches and added sugars, eating mindfully, and choosing healthy, nutritious foods as often as possible.

Getting enough restful sleep.

Avoiding carbonation and caffeine.

A spiritual practice. Journaling, praying, meditating, reading, sharing, etc.

Expressing and practicing my creativity.

Staying connected to other people.

Spending time alone to recharge. (I am an introvert with extrovert skills).

Treating myself with kindness.

Forgiving myself and others.

Gratitude.

Some important things I have found I have to make time for are: swimming, massages, creativity, and restful sleep.

Another area that I think is critical is finding a healthy job/career.

After years of working, I am currently on disability. When I return to work I absolutely must be careful to find a healthy workplace. No more toxic, soul-sucking jobs for me!

Very inspirational! Thank you!