feedyoureye

Check this out! You may need to join, I forget... I don't have to log in, but may be a free member.... http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/831069?src=wnl_edit_tpal&uac=204266DY "your gut may be making you hungry" Its creepy and cool info.

Florinda, sounds really nice, and plucking veggies NEVER needs to feel shamefull! Georgia, you have a wonderful trip! disney is $$$ but is so much fun too. Cathy, I had back problems for years, on stretch, I couldn't look down, because it caused sciatic pain in my lower back and leg... Dancing and losing weight really helped, If I stay away from very heavy lifting, I am good (fingers crossed!) I had a really tough day yesterday, cried all day and felt like I was inhabited by aliens. It was grief seeping in. Some part of me realized the loss of Mom. I had been hanging out with Dad the day before, and going through and sorting some of her stuff. Years ago she promised me a little wash stand. Their house if full of antiques, but this one little cute wash stand was always my fav. Anyway I noticed it wasn't in the house... and dad didn't know where it was... we looked in the attic (giant attic) and no wash stand... at some point it ended up in someone else's house or sold at a garage sale. Something just snapped. I even realized that it was not about the "thing" but the person... and losing that wash stand made losing my Mom real. I swear, I did a lot yesterday, cleaning out two closets (big job) and other stuff, but I ate a bunch of chocolate, chips, I did make myself eat a salad for dinner and didn't gain any more, but self medicating with the wrong kind of medication! I dosed on calming vitamins... and tried to get some sleep... the dog woke me up 3 times starting at 2 am. I do feel a little better today, but it was like a punch in the face. Actually felt like I was going crazy there for a while.

What kind of dance will you be learning?

I use MFP. I count calories, and eat more if I exercise more. I try to keep my diet balanced, I generally use the numbers recommended by MFP, but up my Protein a bit, and follow the 5:2 semi fast 1-2 days a week to maintain. I am 3 1/2 years out, and have found if I don't do this most days/weeks, I will gain weight. I am a vegetarian.

Do a search, you will find lots of threads here. Vets of the 5:2 do not recommend it to people under a year out from surgery. Just follow your Docs plan. I posted a 5:2 thread sticker at the top of the veterans page.. you can find links there. Watch the documentary, it explains a lot. I am going to move this question out of the Vets section as you are not a vet yet, but you are welcome to come here and read, just not post yet.. at one year you are welcome to join on in! Best of luck to you.

Yummy, You are in the "honeymoon" phase. You are doing great, however things do change for most people later on, after a year or so. Hunger may come back, you can eat more.... you need to learn good habits now that can carry you through these changes. Gaining gets easier for most people here later on.

Great Pagie! I worked so well for me, and still does! It is the one thing between me gaining or maintaining. Check in again and let us know how its going!

So good to see you! Pleas don't wait a year to come and visit....Hang out with us vets at least. Glad you are happy. My goal was not that tiny, I wear a 12 and goal weight is 170-173 bounce range. I am at 174 this morning, fighting getting down into the range... lots on my plate now, and eating more of what I want than usual. I feel good too, and after gaining 22 a couple of years ago, REALLY do not want to do that again. I never wanted to count calories or pay attention to my "diet" again at one point, but know for sure I HAVE TO to stay on track. I stop paying attention, and I gain. Thats it. I decided to drop the "boring, aggravated, bad feelings" about tracking, and just do it. That goes for other lifestyle changes as well, I walk, Kayak, dance regularly, and enjoy it... don't think of it as exercise, but as a way to enjoy life. I cultivated this feeling, it did not come naturally. I am a success, mistakes and all. I hope to keep my success into the future, but know that weight gain is not that far from me at any time. The link worked fine for me on my laptop.... perhaps you are on a phone or iPad?

My moms memorial was last weekend. The food really wants to be my best friend right now. I am working to write everything I eat down, and keep up with my stress relief exercise and getting out into nature. I am bouncing around 1-4 pounds above my "official goal bounce range" and really don't want that to become the new me. Its not so out of control, but the stress and sadness do lead to less than optimal choices... eating out with relatives, eating on the run.... I know it can and will change with time... Im just trying to keep my eyes open to what I am doing, and not go into ostrich head in the sand mode which leads to weight gain every time.

Hi oolismom, you are doing great!. Just a little heads up here... you guys, THINNER for life and more control over food... looks like the truth when you begin this journey, but veteran after veteran say this is work forever. After some or much of your hunger comes back, and you can eat more, and the routine may get boring... weight gain is a very real possibility. It is important to learn new routines, and remain vigilant every day. Maintinaning is the hardest part for many. I did not even get to maintenance until almost 3 years out, and at this point am considered one of the centers most successful patients. You do not get to goal and then cruse. Do follow your docs advice, and keep aware of changes back to old behavior, and you will do fine! I love my sleeve and it makes it possible to live at goal, with all the work I did during the losing phase still in place.

Right on Georgia!

Last PM i got was from someone getting ready to get surgery that was going on about how happy she was that she would never have to worry about dieting again. I told her how it is. She never wrote back.

So happy for you all Coops! congrats!

Pagie, I know its hard, but you are back here now, and asking for help. This is a good place to be! eat a nice protein dinner, then get to the kitchen and start getting rid of the food you know you shouldn't have. If you have family that eat it, put it someplace for them and set some ground rules. Use your MFP every day, plan snacks (three of them if you have to!)... lay pout a couple of days of eating plans to get you off the ground. You still have a tiny tummy, you can still use it. I know its hard to get back into a routine, but maybe you can up your walking or use an exercise dvd in front of the TV or something to get you back moving. Use the old rules, protein first, no drinking with or after meals. Take your vitamins.... and come here for support! We are here for you!

I am much further out than you, but I eat WAY more than half a cup. A half cup of dense protein may fill me up. but I can eat 2 cups or even more of some foods. Soups, salads, mixed veggies....I say just keep track of your feeling.... meaning tight stomach feelings... you don't want that, but maybe you do need to eat more. I add a pile of veggies to at least one of my meals a day. Also, sometimes acid can make you feel hungry... or thirst...

Love these family photos, you guys look great! Thanks so much Coop... one day at a time! Did a good fast yesterday, lost 2 pounds (of water Im sure!) so only 1 1/2 pounds over the bounce. I REALLY don't want to go higher than that.... eating out a lot, cake and candy around.... I just ordered a pile of the veggie protein source I like, and have cooked some up so I have on hand... that helps so much. I still have problems getting in enough protein. So the memorial was Sat and it was great, new news? Dad has asked a lady out on a date! Can you imagine getting into the dating scene at 87 years? He's a good looking guy, and in pretty good health as well... He was happy for so many years, I think the idea of being alone is just not in his makeup at this point. Those bites are so itchy! I got them in India years ago... they were the plague to me. In the Tibetan community, killing them was not happening... so the ladies would strip the beds, and drag them out into the sun for the day with the hopes of getting the bugs to leave. They lived in the wooden beds. I finally put slippery plastic sheeting over the whole bed, taped it down and that kept the bugs from crawling up on me to bite during the night. I hear orange oil or cedar oil helps too to repel them.... Happy Birthday to you Florinda. Sounds like a busy month ahead. Keep your chin up... make room for something wonderful to happen to you every day!

You know what you need to do. Get back on the horse. This plan was never about loose it then forget about it. The non negotiables for me are: no mater what I eat, I have to write it down (I use Myfitnesspal), get in your protein first most of the time, and enough every day... when you are still hungry, eat veggies or protein, and have decent snacks around the house at all times. Plan snacks if you are a snacker. Drink your water... and NOT with your food, or right after. Make moving part of your life. It doesn't have to be organized sports or the gym. Just move, a few times a week is best. I used the 5:2 to get of a 22 pound regain during the 2nd year. I use the 5:2 to keep it off. I set a goal that was not a vanity goal... which may be harder to get to and keep off. I got rid of my bigger sized clothing... I am at 3 1/2 years and am currently at 2 pounds above the top of my goal range ( a three pound range that signals I am at goal. When I go over I start the actions to get things back on track) I am pretty sure I will have to do this the rest of my life. When I stop this routine, I gain. I am very happy that I have managed to find a plan that allows me to stay at this weight pretty much predictably. I wish I didn't have to hold such a tight hand on my eating, but really, with the help of the sleeve, It works, which earlier diets did not.

http://www.medscape.com/features/slideshow/brainfood2013#1 I forget, you may have to sign up for this site, but if you are a science geek like me, it is great. I have them send me notices about my chosen interests...including WL.

Ah Florinda, Life has been a bitch to you this last year! Was it the Feds that audited you? Or Cali? I would think if it was Cali, then you throw the finished audits in their face. (nicely of course). I had my moms memorial today. It was really good, but I have to say when I came home, I pretty much passed out. Stress is not good for your body. Its time you had a break. Sounds like your business is not quite done for now, deep breath... keep putting stress relief activities in your day... and don't dwell on the past, but do learn from it if you can. Happy Birthday. Do you have any plans to have some fun or some relax time? My hubby suggested I go get a massage soon, and I think I will just have to do that.

I am struggling with maintenance right now. I am about 1 1/2 pound over my high goal range, so not that far off, but i just want to eat, I want to eat what I want, and I want all the wrong things. Craig and I are fighting, and he can be a horrible bully when he's upset about whatever. I took two days off from work to get some things done for my moms memorial, I went to the cemetery to take some pics of relatives headstones, and then out to my dads to go through another of her jewelry cases... which is a real treasure hunt, then lunch with dad and my nephew who is helping out as well. I wish Craig could be more understanding and generous at this time, but a scorpion is a scorpion. He can't help but be himself. I have managed to do a fasting day once a week the last couple of weeks, not great fasting days, but semi-good. They have really helped take the edge off the uncontrolled eating. I just don't want to say no to the foods that need real discipline to include in my diet without harm. I have been struggling to just write it all down.. whatever... that has helped in the past, and kept me in check... I don't really even feel like doing that... but keep getting back on the wagon.

You have done such a fantastic job! Only 14 pounds from your goal. At 5'6", I would think that 152 is looking really good. The weight loss does slow down and stop at some point. I even gained 22 pounds in my late second year. It took me quite a while to get it back off. I am now in maintenance, and can mostly stay in my 3 pound goal bounce range, I am about 2 pounds over that right now, my mom was sick for a while and passed on two weeks ago, and staying in focus to keep the weight off has been more than a chore at this time. I used the 5:2 method to get the 22 of. I use it to keep it off as well. I also chose a goal that was possible to keep off. Not a tiny fantasy weight... but I look good, and feel good. I keep up my new lifestyle, with exercise I like around 4 days a week, and weigh in, log my food everyday if I expect to stay on track. You are in a new non honeymoon phase. This does not mean you are a failure. You are in the pre-maintinance phase, getting ready to keep up a manageable routine the rest of your life. Do keep track of what you eat. Eat more veggies if you are hungry, drink your Water, find healthy Snacks to have around the house. Eat your Protein first. I am at 3 1/2 years out and only 2 pounds above goal range, and it took me over 2 1/2 years to get to goal in the first place! Back on the wagon girl!

Florinda. I really like your "want", "I want to advocate for those who are voiceless" This sounds like it might start as a volunteer job until you get the paying version. Helping others is a boost for me. When i have been really depressed, and feeling no point to my life, I have dedicated my skill set to others. This helped me meet others, feel better, feel self worth and even give me a chance to pull out the cute ware for events, fundraisers and such. I would head there, even if you can only afford a couple days a month to start out. Sorry about the man. You are an intense person, and need someone who can "take it" I am the same way in my own way. Be yourself, get out there and those who are attracted to the real you will show up when they do. You are an awesome, smart (and VERY cute) woman. Put on those Shooties and get out there. Swim not to feel like you used to, but for the medicine you need to get better. You will feel more like your old (or new?) self after you do it for a while for real. My 2cents.

Hi ladies, thinking of you all. Bit of a roller coaster life right now. I am all caught up on our thread... Sarah, you look fantastic, 5 weeks? Time is really flying for me right now. Florinda. I can't even pretend to understand men and my relationships with them... I just do the best I can, and try and emote the qualities I want to engender. It thats not enough, then I am shit out of luck. I have been going through my moms closet, jewelry, and under ware. I'm so glad I have been able to do it for her. Its been really cathartic. Her Celebration will be on the 16th. I have a bunch of things I have to do for that. I managed to get a News Obit written by our local paper for her. I will MC the event, and have to put a slide show together from photos of her life. I do have help, which is a real relief. I d.o want to eat for stress relief. I am bouncing from the top of my bounce range to about 3 pounds over it.... trying to get in some fasting days... imperfect but they do help keep things closer to goal. Without them, I would have gained 10 pounds by now Im sure. I really can't let that happen. Chin up ladies. Life is a roller coaster. No time like the present to enjoy life a little!

Jane, make sure to make time every day to take care of you. Eat well, and get out in nature. It really helps. I just lost my mom yesterday. We could see it coming for over a week, but still, it is hard work to take care. Im so glad I could be there for her. Sending (((Hugs)) your way.

Dear Ma passed away early Sunday morning. She was peaceful.. I was with her until around an hour before she passed. I sat up until 12:30 AM with my cousin (who lived with us for a while as a kid) and we talked memories and had some good laughs and mom was the center of most of it. They say that hearing is the last thing to go, so we included her in the conversation. She was a lovely person, her body just gave up. I went to her house with my nephew and his partner. Moms fancy victorian music box started playing without being touched... we all felt it was mom coming through with something beautiful for us. Just like her. I went kayaking with a good friend of mine in the evening, really needed to get out in the open after weeks in the care home and hospital. It rained which was very refreshing after all the heat. Saw juvenile river otters playing, that was so cool! Went back to school today. So far so good... I am triggering a lot of crying in some of the students... but its good to be here today.