@bettisboy Feel free to friend me.

Congratulations on 22 months out. 1- 2 pound bounce is not significant. You are doing great. Checking in for support helps. When I'm struggling you will see me posting more often.

How do you maintain without being too strict or to lax? Find a style that works for you. Sound's like logging your food is working. *smile*

I give myself a weight bounce range to work up and down the scale. I don't want to let a smaller gain turn into a large gain.

Real hunger, head hunger, stress eating or boredom eating. I still have to have to keep these things in check.

I eat dense proteins. Keeps me more satisfied then shakes or soft foods

I eat as much veggies with a meal until full. The bulk and fiber fills my extra sleeve space and keeps my calories low.

I keep healthy options on hand for sweet, salty and spicy cravings.

I still avoid extra carbs and real sugar. I will have them on vacation or within reason. If I gain weight, I detox off them and go back into bariatric basic food plan.

Hope all is well. Check in when you can.

bettisboy wrote: »

Thanks for the responses. Definitely some good tips. I especially like "I eat as much veggies with a meal until full. The bulk and fiber fills my extra sleeve space and keeps my calories low".

thank you for the post. I am looking to have surgery possibly late summer, and have started the process. Knowing you can not only achieve your goal but actually exceed it is very encouraging for me. What would you say was the most difficult part? I'm concerned my hubby may not totally understand the food challenges I will face while he keeps eating the way he does. he loves me, though, and is very supportive of this whole process. I'm hoping it helps him make a few healthier choices.

@azalea4175 Difficult part for me was learning the first stages and changing my relationship with food. All of this felt unnatural at first, Now its just habit. Take things one food stage at a time. Get solid in the bariatric basics (Log food, eat your food plan, hit your protein goal, exercise/activity, and hydrate)

My hubby has been supportive.

I learned that I don't have to make myself a separate meal. I cook meat/proteins and a side of veggies. I give my family bread, rice or pasta with a meal. Don't laugh, I asked him to hide/ take to work foods that are my weakness.

I hope you get a surgery date soon.

azalea4175 wrote: »

@fit_chickx the meal plan you talk about above is what I am doing now. i have lost 40# in the last year so I have been already changing my relationship with food. I joined an online group on FB run by a health coach (certified) and have learned how to manage my food relationship. I am doing MUCH better now than I was, and recognize it is probably a life long learning activity. I am still kind of on the fence about surgery. My thoughts are if I could do a 2 week liquid diet prior to surgery why couldn't I do that 2 days per week and keep to my current 1500-1700 calorie days (no added sugar, minimal carbs, etc) and keep losing? I struggle with this. Any insight is welcome! I also have GERD and have heard the surgeries can make it worse. Part of my discussion with the surgeon no doubt.

Maybe I said this once but myself and another person I am close to had such sever GERD we both had the roux en y bi pass. In the past 3 years I have only had heart burn twice, and the other person whose GERD was way worse then mine has minimal heart burn only a few times a month now!

i have my surgeons consult first week of August. Nervous and excited all in one. Any support anyone can provide is appreciated!! how do I take care of the incision sites?

Fattleass wrote: »

having surgery on the 8th of July but I am worried cause I do love food any pointer

Follow your post op diet, you can really hurt yourself if you don’t!!!

azalea4175 wrote: »

i have my surgeons consult first week of August. Nervous and excited all in one. Any support anyone can provide is appreciated!! how do I take care of the incision sites?

Most often it is a laparoscopic surgery so only a few small cuts! I had zero stitches so that helped just had tape for a week, and some mild bruising on the outside! But you’ve still had major surgery in the inside so listen to the doctor and don’t try to rush the food or you can hurt your new formed tummy!

Fattleass wrote: »

Made it through but but having hard time drinking enough liquids

So glad you made it! Yes it can be hard to drink enough in the first few weeks, I found different temperature drinks some were easier then others!! You should be about 10 days out now hopefully that’s gotten better!!!

@bettisboy Are carbs a trigger for you? I lost 175 pounds but gained 30-50# back a couple times. The way I stop the cravings is by reducing carbs, and increasing protein and oil (but the good versions: olive oil instead of butter; fish/poultry/nuts instead of red meat).

I'm currently at goal again, and craving free. It's such a relief.

68 yrs old; 5'8.5" 150# female / had sleeve in 2013

Best wishes!

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