I just recently began the journey of getting approved for weight loss surgery. I have been told that I need to lose 10% of my body weight pre-op. For me, that means 31 pounds in order to obtain approval.

I was just wondering if anyone had any tips on fighting cravings on those bad days I know we all have, as well as during my MP, which seems to rob me of all my willpower. I was also wondering if anyone had any tips on which foods are better than others, and what a good daily calorie balance is for someone who is pre-op. I do pretty well with eating a lot of Protein and green veggies, as well as fruit. I've also been able to ward off my ice cream cravings (ice cream is the devil, haha) and I stopped eating almost all candy, except for hershey bars.

I'm very good about eating only when i'm hungry, and portion control, but i've noticed that when it gets to be later at night, I slip and i'll have some Cookies or a muffin. This continues to yo-yo my weight. I'm hoping to get approved for surgery by January, and I was wondering if it is healthy/possible to try to lose 25 pounds in 3 months.

Thanks!

Orientation: 9/27/09

Initial Consult: 10/22/09

Stay away from the DEVIL (LOL) for one! I would recommend staying away from cookies and muffins completely. Buy yourself some sugar free stuff. Limit your carb intake to like 40-50 carbs a day. Eat valuable carbs though, like pasta. 1200 calories a day should be a good target. Make weekly menus and STICK TO IT! Sometimes things look real good on paper and when you plan, you tend to mean well for yourself. Drink more water and go ahead and cut out the sodas b/c you cannot have um after surgery anyway. Fruits are good....but....they are sweet and untill you can get the sweet craving under control, try to eat fruit in the mornings. I like peaches and cottage cheese sometimes for breakfast. Stay away from fried foods and fast food. And most importantly....EXERCISE! Walk, ride a bike, whatever floats your boat. 30-45 min a day or everyother day. I think you can reach your goal by January. Stay focused! We are here for you!!!!:thumbup:

Carbs cause cravings - usually for more carbs. If you deeply cut your carbs (get nearly all of your carbs from non-starchy vegs), your cravings should decrease within a couple of weeks. Until then, try some of the sugar-free hard candies (suck, don't chew).

Instead of Hershey Bars, there are some sugar-free puddings if you absolutely must have something chocolate.

Start making small changes. Reward yourself for doing well. (Lose five pounds, buy something small for yourself.)

You'll get there.

xoxo