You found your sweet spot?!! How much can you eat??

[DebbieGail 0]

I'm a slow learner when it comes to listening to my body.... I don't know if I've had that full feeling...I'm just doing what my doctor told me to do...1/2 cup or less - 3 times a day....with emphases on Protein. I'm extremely lucky because I have a wonderful retired husband that cooks/measures what I eat. He is along for the ride right beside me. I can tell you that I am NOT hungry between meals. I'm on the trial and error stage of eating anything...I keep wondering if I will know when I can't tolerate a certain food. There are things my doctor has told me not to try for 6 mos. beef, pork, bread, celery so I haven't tried them yet. Fish, chicken, turkey, eggs, & cheeses are treating me great. We eat out at least once a week...I've learned to ask the waitress/waiter to serve me only 1/2 cup of what ever I order and put the rest in a to go box...which so far they have been very pleasant to work with...In fact, I had one waiter that was hilarious...he couldn't believe that was all I wanted especially when he then asked my husband what he wanted and he ordered the steak with a loaded mashed potato... the waiter teasingly told him he was "mean". When my food came they did their best "in a small artichoke dip bowl I found a little bit of the Pasta, two strips of the grilled chicken, and 3 pieces of broccoli very prettily arranged" At the end of our meal the waiter came back and stated that he did not want to be "mean" but it was part of his job to ask "Do you want any dessert?" My husband was not "mean" ... he was full and declined the dessert. The waiter gave me some encouraging remarks as we left. By the way, my husband has lost weight since my surgery and I have to fuss at him to eat. I also had left overs that made me 4 other meals.

Anyway back to the question originally asked...I am living in my sweet spot ... my activity level is up, my energy level is way up, I'm never really hungry, food does not control me, my friends are amazed at me, my students (kindergarten reading) laugh more because I am more playful and active with them (last week I even joined them in P.E. class when they were doing Free Dance FREEZE! (I'm showing my age, they couldn't believe there was a real dance called the "Swim"), my husband and I have did more together since the surgery because I can and am willing to try and I'm beginning to believe I do have a future, my knees and back are not hurting and I am not in constant lookout for someplace to sit. Sweet Spot - I've found it and I'm living there! And yes I do know the definition of the sweet spot you are referring to but I like my definition better!

________

Highest lifetime weight 386

Began this journey 8-25-08 weight 376 (lost 10 lbs before I went to meet my doctor, was told I had to lose 26 pounds before he would do surgery.

Day of surgery 12-11-08 weight 343

Today's weight 321

I know I have a way to go but haven't to date set a final weight goal ... but have set a life goal --- "eat to live changed from living to eat" and be healthier

________

My wish for everyone, including myself - find, stay in, and work to stay in their definition of "Sweet Spot" because it probably is a little different for each of us.

[gingerbug 3]

Sweet Spot - I've found it and I'm living there! And yes I do know the definition of the sweet spot you are referring to but I like my definition better!

Isnt that awesome? That point where you have the energy, attitude, and inclination to live life with gusto? That in itself is the reason I have a smile on my face these days!!!

[Sooverit! 1]

This is a great idea MM...about tracking what foods keep you full longer. I just started thinking I have to eat more Protein foods..like eggs, cheese, etc. I think I will track the time it takes to feel hungry again ....really good idea and I haven't heard this before either. It is true some foods especially now after the band effect my hunger more.

Thank you everyone. I had my fill--did the liquid, mushy thing for a week and have been adding things into my diet.

I'm still frustrated at how quickly I feel hungry. For example, today I had a toasted high Fiber english muffin with a scrambled egg and a piece of turkey bacon at 10am. My tummy was talking like crazy by 1.

I think I am going to start documenting how long things keep me full. I already track my food--but the time of satisfaction sounds like a better indicator.

Here's to getting and staying below 240. . . . it's been my demon number!!

cheers.

[Jewels68 0]

I have a 10cc band. Right now I have 6.5cc's in it and might be a tiny bit too tight this last time.

I had 3cc's put in at surgery- 11.26.08

1st fill 12.29.08 ~ 2cc's

2nd fill 1cc 1.16.09 .5cc taken out- too much at that time

3rd, 4th & 5th fill .5cc's felt great

6th fill last Thursday. I think is too tight again. HEARTBURN like no other. Monday I'm calling to have a .10cc taken out.

So far so good. These past three weeks I have lost about 8 or 9 pounds.

I can eat 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food at a time.

Taco's are my new fav. One and I'm full. Old days I could have eaten three or four.