Georgia

I used Pure Protein because they had less carbs and sugar. From what I've read this past week Quest has not exactly truthful in their stats. Also, ANY Protein Bar can become like candy almost. One is good, two even better and that is a lot of calories and carbs. . Yeah, I know most aren't calorie conscious and are only concerned with protein and at the beginning stages that is great. Believe me later, when you are able to eat more, you can overeat with them!

1. Yes, I believe our bodies DO have a set point and many times, it's higher than the goal weight we are striving for or have reached. For me, I found that I reached goal VERY easily in 8 months. 100 pounds gone. Boom. I IMMEDIATELY changed my eating patterns somewhat and for a while all was fine. But it's been proven you need to "hold" a weight for a certain period of time for your "setpoint" to really adjust to that weight 2. Not so much bored with eating plan, I think it is hard for some of us to realize that TRULY we WILL revert to old habits. Of bad eating easier than we ever believe possible. A little here, a little there and over a period of two and half years I regained 27 pounds. 3.I think most of the "vets" will agree (there are a few lucky ones) who will tell you that hunger does return and yes, the dreaded ghrelin can still be produced. Now, some of the actual hunger CAN be increased stomach acid which most don't realize it's that and keep eating to "fill" the hunger pangs. My PCP says he thinks everybody should probably take a small dose acid reducer like Prilosec daily. I have a prescription and use it sporadically because I HAVE found more acid reflux in the last few months. 4. Lose a few more pounds? I had to find a way of maintenance that WORKED for me and that I felt confident in doing. For me, I stumbled onto 5:2 lifestyle, lost the regain, back to original goal of 150, lost another ten and now down another pound on way to another 5 down. With that said, yes, some might be considered vanity but after looking at charts, my age, etc I decided to be at the bottom of my ideal weight range to have a true "bounce" of 3-4 pounds. So far, so good. I think my body has somewhat adjusted easier to this lower weight using 5:2 and Knowing that I Will be disciplined in my approach to eating. Like others have said, realistically, we will NEVER be able to just live as if we were never obese. Our bodies are somewhat metabolically altered. What it takes for a non-obese person to maintain is clearly different from a WLS person (go to research section and read some of the articles). I have been slack in the last couple of weeks and allowed less clean eating than in prior weeks but I know I will be fasting Tuesday and Thursday (500 cals) to help clean up my act! Hope that helps answer some questions.

You know, I have realized over the course of : us years that if I get REALLY tickled and start really laughing hard, my chest hurts and seems I can't really breathe deeply. I have wondered about it.

No, I did not. Thankfully. I couldn't tolerate the protein shakes either so I was hard pressed to get my full protein but I forced myself to do the clear protein drinks isopure. Yuck! The very thought now makes me want to nard! Ha! And water was the worst. Made me totally nauseous so I quickly discovered Crystal Light and for then on, sip sip sip and a few bites of whatever and I was good for months.

Girl, you are looking fabulous! And you are married to "Fiddleman?" I love him!!!!

Do you mind if I ask why you are having the bypass? I was sleeved 3 1/2 years ago and would like the info for reference if you don't mind discussing.

I have friends who didn't eat much food for a long time. With that said, once you lose what you want to or reach goal, you have to learn how to HANDLE food so that is the process you need to be learning as you go along. What works for you, protein wise in FOOD; how to get protein IN Using food; what works for me as an average day in maintenance, etc. Also, as you go along, you will get back your food desire. I would t worry too much about it now. You are doing well!

What am I missing? No pic or blog link. - And I want to read it!!

It def gets better quickly! Hang in and fight the emotions

That's sounds really interesting. So,basically, if something goes wrong they can "unfold", huh? That sounds pretty cool. Is the stomach folded so that only the non-stretchy part is the smaller part so it can't stretch out over time?

I have a pot of chicken tortilla on cooking now! . I'll go light on the chips when I eat or not add any but it will be GOOD today!

So amazing! Very happy it's working for you. It has for me too! So glad I finally did it. Had the book on my Kindle for months before getting desperate about losing my "regain!"

I'm happy for you. Many of my friends have had to pay substantially more for their insurance coverage and can't keep their present.

Wow. Wow wow wow WOW!! Y'all all look A MAAA ZING!!

Sounds like everyone is making their (OUR) way back to good eating. Wanda, so happy for you that 5:2 is finally rewarding you for your efforts Shelia, glad you had a HAPPY birthday. Another January "baby!" I can eat about 3/4ths of a 6" subway but I take the top piece of bread off. I don't eat there much anymore, though. Don't do much eating out at a which is so different than the past. Now, like Kim we eat a lot of soups and "whatever" at home. We usually eat out or pickup for Sunday lunch. I've never been a big fried chicken person but somehow right now I like it and sad to say, it's the extra crispy breast I like but it's usually not a whole piece and nothing else much with it. My eating hasn't been as clean as in the past months -not gaining- but not doing myself any favors health wise either by adding back more "snacky" kind of stuff. I absolutely crave PB cheese crackers and can down a pack way to fast and want more! lol Skinny, you are staying "skinny"! Way to go with the loss. Kim, cinch that corset tight!!!!! Hitch up those boobies high!! And TAKE PICS! Coops, Sar, Chimera, Florinda, Sheryl and Denise, keep the posts coming. I read them all and chuckle more at the "love" gang!! Not that I understand all of them. I'm OLD AND BORING! Ha! (Coops Sar and Chimera, y'all not included in the love posts! Ha)

Can you explain plication? I'm not familiar and sounds interesting. I am sleeved and very successful and happy but always researching and studying. Thanks and congrats!

Didn't somebody here say LV was on FB? I had a convo with BTB and he said he had been more active on FB. Anybody know their user names. I am a big FB advocate and user and would like to connect with them.

Gonna try them myself!

Yes, it is very natural to regain hunger; although, some are lucky enough to say they have little! As for me, at 3+ years out, yes I get hungrier on some days than others BUT the beautiful thing is IFI eat correctly, it's still small amounts and I still have great restriction. As long as you don't add a bunch of "slider" foods, you will be good! Also, if you have excess stomach acid you will THINK you are hungry a LOT! Have you tried taking an anti-acid reducer like Prilosec. I do, not always, but some, and find that it is true! I think that's why we feel hungrier on SOME days and not others. Also, if you are eating too many carbs, you will truly be hungrier.

It would seriously be a better way to um, regulate one's self, though! At least, tasty! Ha!

WOW! just WOW! And all true! I really need a donut now.

No rice or VERY little for me. As others have said, makes me feel somewhat sick when it swells up. AND, as it is a carb, I don't usually have it except a couple bites will satisfy me.

I see it also!

I'm thinking you must not be "blowing up" the profile pics since if you did mine, you'd see all the WRINKLES AND BAGS under my eyes! LOL Untouched - ex-fat person now a "mature" adult woman! Ha!