I decided to post my very first blog and make it a trend going forward because, frankly, I need to hold myself accountable. I don't know what is wrong with me. In the past, I have always been very gunho about diets and exercise. Yes, eventually, I would fall of the wagon, but at first-- up to a year at a time, I have been very disciplined. I must admit, I havent been with this band. Starting with the 2 weeks of liquids, I cheated a few times. Ultimately, I did lose 15 pounds or so pre op, but I shouldn't have cheated. Once I got back from surgery, it was hard to do liquids again and I went to pureed much faster than my doctor recommended. Since then it has been a roller coaster. The first month I lost almost 30 pounds. The following 3 months have shown the same 4 pounds off and on again. I can't blame it on anything but myself. I have had 2 fills but I have not been eating the way I should. Protein tends to make me sick. I even bought lean cuisines and those made me sick too. So I find myself eating things I totally shouldnt. Like last week I had friggin lasagna (and not the lean cuisine type). I've also been drinking diet coke. It is this addiction that is so hard for me to give up. I swear I break out in sweats just thinking about it. I dont know why I have no motivation but the weight isnt going to come off alone. I refuse to even step on that scale this week because I can just tell by my reflection that another pound has creeped back on. So I've decided, come hell or high water, that the next week (possibly two) will be full liquids again and NO MORE DIET COKE. I WILL start exercising and after that I will start eating low carb and journaling my food. Someone out there, please keep me in check. I do so much better when I have someone to be accountable to besides myself.

Over and out.

Every surgeon has different rules, so do follow yours. But I went to a nutrition seminar last week and it did clear up a few things for me. (I had my surgery July 30th) We were told to follow the 3-3-1-rule, that is 3 bited of lean protein, 3 bites of veggies, 1 bite of carb, chew slowly(of course) and eat slowly, then 3-3-1 again.The idea is to fill up on the protein and veggies and not the carbs.

She also told us when reading labels try to make sure the amt. of protein vs. the amt of carb are similar. In other words don't eat something (protein bar or otherwise) if the amount of protein is 4 grams and the amt. of carbohydrate is 30.

Beware of hidden sugar in things even as benign as yogurt.

we were told not to worry much about calories, we are to pay most attention to carbs, protein, fiber and sugar. (and if you are hypertensive or renally impaired, sodium)

You've done this before and now you have a wonderful tool to help you along the way...go for it girl!!

I haven't lost much so far because I'm weak when it comes to portion control. I have done lots better than before the band, but until I get to my sweet spot I am exercising pure self control (and I do lack alot in that dept.) I go for my first fill this thurs. the 4th. Hope I am able to see a difference then. My doc told my friend (who had her surgery a week before me) that the first fill is for getting used to a slight restriction, as we didn't get any fill at the time of surgery.

Best of "luck" to you!! You can do it. we're all in this together. I think if all these other women can do it, so can we!!!

Angie :tongue2:

Thanks for that awesome tip, Angie! That is such a great rule and I will definitely put it into practice. I was able to go grocery shopping yesterday for full liquids so as of today I am back on track. 1 week of liquids and no more soda and then on to low carb living. As for the fill, I have had 2 and not yet hit my sweet spot but it does get easier and easier to exercise portion control with each one. Not so much with picking the right foods though. That's all up to me. Thanks for reading and advising :tongue2: