lsereno

I used to really suffer, but it slacked off as time went by. Noe, I just burp more than I used to. Lynda

cider doesn't have soda. It is a lot of sugar though. I'm 2.5 years out and at goal for a long time. I enjoy the sugar free cider all fall and regular cider as an occasional treat. Lynda

I snack at least a couple times per day. At first, I needed Snacks to get in the required Protein. Now I use snacks for protein and calories since I am at goal. Lynda

Congrats Sparkle - what a wonderful gift to your children- a heathy and happy mom! Lynda

I'm more than two years out and have been at goal for more than 1.5 years. I do not eat more than three ounces of Protein at a time. I can eat that, and about 1/2 cup of veggies in one sitting along with a little starch. Today for dinner I had a cup of chili and a small piece of cornbread. Lynda

Check with your surgery center and see if someone has to accompany you or pick you up. Lynda

Walk or go to an exercise class. Write down how you are feeling and then destroy what you wrote. Typing an email then deleting the draft without sending it works for me. Do something nice for someone else. Hope you feel better soon. Lynda

8 strength classes in addition to my normal walking routine.

I have a few. Fruit skin, such as apple skins. Sometimes it's ok, sometimes not. Tortillas. Greasy food. It's either spaghetti sauce with meat or the Pasta, not sure which. Still can't tolerate much dairy other than hard cheeses and Greek yogurt. Margaritas. I think it's the sweet and sour mix. Lynda

I also weigh every day. And when I want to drop a lb or two fast, I drop to 800 calories and walk a little longer in the mornings. I do not starve on 800 calories. It allows for plenty of low fat Protein, nonfat dairy, and no starchy veggies. Also, I'm more vigilant about my fluids and be sure to get at least 64 ozs. Lynda

I eat cereal, but didn't start till I was over a year out. Sometimes with Breakfast and sometimes as a late night snack. Lynda

Thanks so much for checking in. Although I've been maintaining for more than 1.5 years and I'm 2.5 years out from surgery, I'm still afraid of regain. I've read many people regain between years 3 and 5, so I really appreciate hearing your success at 5 years. Walking is my favorite exercise too. Lynda

Congrats! Thanks for hanging in there shining the light for those that follow. You look fabulous! And happy! And healthy! Lynda

I bought one of those that mixes into a cup, but I hated it. I'm still using my 20 year old blender with glass jar. It works great for my yogurt shakes. I prefer my Protein drinks made with a blender ball. Less foam than the real blender. Lynda

Goldy, so sorry to hear this. Although I chose the sleeve, I have met many successful and happy bypass patients over the years. And Eggface is someone who blogs all the time. she has a bypass and she's done very well. Hoping for a quick and permanent resolution to the issues that have been bothering you. Lynda

Congrats MG! I'm a little over six months behind you. So proud of you and our fellow vets here. Love the new shoes and they will make you much happier for much longer than any cake ever could. Lynda

oK. You made me laugh out loud. I have a pic of my grandma from the 50s with one of those. Lynda

What size meatball? At one of my fav restaurants in San Jose, Buy the Bucket, the meatball is the size of a baby's head. I could eat about 1.5 ounces of more solid Protein, such as meatball at three weeks out. My program didn't allow beef till after 6 weeks. I'm 2.5 years out and I top out at 3-3.5 ounces of solid protein with a little veggies and and a little whole grain. Last time I ate pizza, about a month ago, I ate two slices from a large pizza with hand tossed crust from Pizza Hut. Lynda

Remember, self soothing doesn't have to be self destructive. Cut out the extras and track what you are eating. Not sure when your surgery was, but if it was less than a year ago, try cutting back to 800 calories per day. Be sure to get your fluids in too. You can't control what else happens to you, but you can control what you eat. Make it a choice that leaves you feeling better, not worse. Set yourself up for success by making sure you have low calorie, nutritious foods that are quick and easy to prepare on hand. Buy some low calorie drinks and use them in the evening. Buy a lip gloss and lotion and apply them when you want to snack between meals. Add an early morning walk or an evening walk outdoors. The fresh air and movement always help me feel better and I do my best thinking on my walks. I hope things are better for you soon. Lynda