lsereno

I do feel better and more attractive, but about a million miles from perfect. I have to watch the negative self talk. After fitting comfortably in size 6 clothes (and not those gigantic vanity size 6s!) I was excited for bathing suit season- right until I tried three or forty on looking for one that fit OK. Also has a crappy experience at Victoria Secret trying on bras. I don't have nearly as much extra skin as some, but it's too much for their bras. Also, I really hate the extra skin. Not enough to have plastics because they are expensive and I'm just not up for more surgeries. But I do feel like I look WAY better at 135 instead of 254. Perfect? No, but much improved! Lynda

Yeah. Higher fat foods = weight loss. Not what I was expecting. Of course, I know I probably didn't get all my Protein in every day because most days for Breakfast I had instant oatmeal, small cup of regular yogurt and a little fruit. At home I eat a cup of greek yogurt daily. It gives me 23 grams of protein. Lynda

Oct 1! Coming up quick. I'll be thinking of you. Lynda

My fav is Fage 0 plain. I add Splenda and berries. My current fav is blueberries. Lynda

Not sure who you're asking, but I prefer to work out EARLY, before Breakfast. Lynda

I walk for at least an hour four days a week. I am going to be adding two days of strength training (30-45 minutes) to that in the coming weeks. Lynda

How about Greek yogurt? Soft eggs? cheese? Anderson Split Pea Soup? Skim milk? Lynda

Lots of Water, lean Protein, a little fat free dairy, and some low cal veggies if you are still hungry. Under 800 calories per day. Weigh your food with a scale to endure accurate portion size. You can do it! Lynda

Oh and I did get results with this. I went from 135 to 140, which was my original range, but I was unhappy there and I went back to around 800 per day till I dropped back to 135. When I pass 137 now, I eat at around 800 per day till I drop lower. I don't have the same issues losing that you had though. Lynda

Well I'm gonna buck the trend and say try the 800 calories per day with enough Protein. Not sure if its doable with your very restricted food food choices. But that is my opinion. Lynda

You've got some great advice, i also recommend weighing your food with a food scale to get an accurate take on portion size. Lynda

Hey foxbins good to see you! It's been awhile. Glad you are still at goal! Lynda

I quit my daily shake around 5 or 5 months, but still used them when I traveled because its harder for me to get Protein in on the road. My program preferred us to have them at night after trying to get enough protein in, but at first I had one in the morning and one at night, then tapered to one at night and then finally one at night just on days when I didn't manage to get enough protein. I believe I read we need 1/2 gram for every lb we weigh. One of the ways I got enough protein is Fage 0 greek yogurt. 23 grams per cup. Cottage cheese is also loaded with protein. Lynda

I really think one of the reasons I didn't stall till I got to normal BMI and slacked off on the last few pounds is in part due to the muscle mass I built pre-op and continued to work on as soon as I was released for strength training. I highly recommend building your muscle mass to help healing and weight loss. Lynda

I went through Kaiser Fremont. My surgery was with Dr. Hahn on May 17, 2011. I've been at goal for almost 18 months. I only had to do liquid the day before pre-op. I followed the pre-op diet in our plan book for the months before surgery. And I pretty much use that diet at goal too, with a few extra treats thrown in. Jessica, I was scared before surgery too. I will be thinking of you on the 10th! Use the time pre-op to run errands, pay bills, clean house, and stock up on staple items for your household. Also, if you have a DVR, record some movies and if you like to read, get some books. It's nice to have something waiting for you at home for the times you don't feel like doing much. Lynda

I haven't heard of shakeology, but if you don't intend to do it for the rest of your life, I don't think it's a good weight loss strategy at a year post-op. I know some people have to eat less to lose and it sounds like you may be one of those. Are you tracking what you eat? If not, start there. You need at least 65 grams of Protein and 64 oz. of fluids per day. I also recommend weighing and measuring foods and liquids because it's easy for portion creep to sneak up on you. After tracking your food for a few days, look at where you can cut some calories without too much pain. Can you substitute a lower fat version of something? Cut out a snack? Are you eating white bread, rice, or potatoes? Eating whole grain instead of white grain and eating healthy starches, such as a sweet potato or Beans, will provide carbs that keep you full longer. Lynda

Yeah, those can't come to my house. Along with the Protein bars. I do eat candy, but its an occasional treat. I don't keep it in the house. I know these are much healthier than candy, but they wouldn't be in my hands. Lynda

WELL, my first thought is to think of some guy snooki would look good with and rave about how he looks. But that's not too productive. And it's not really how I got to 30+ years with hubby. So, instead I would say "It would make me feel great if you said something nice like that about me!" Plus he may not have noticed as much he should because 1. He has an idealized picture of you in his mind that he sees most of the time no matter what you look like and 2. He sees you every day and the overall change, while dramatic, is less noticeable when he sees it every day. Lynda

I'm coming up on 18 months at goal, and I still have to watch out for binge behavior. I agree with Jane: not eating enough earlier in the day can set me up for raving hunger after dinner. But I have learned that and pretty much have that handled, still.... I sometimes get the urge binge after dinner, and sometimes I fall off the wagon. I can't eat as much as I used to during a binge - thank god! but I have to watch it. Most of the time I can talk myself out of the bad behavior, but not always. Lynda

Godwin's law. Lynda

I am 5'6" and weigh 135. I have a small frame and chest. 135 is a little more than the middle of the normal BMI range. But if you prefer to weigh more, I suggest adding healthy fats. Avocado, nuts, nut butters and olive oil are all good choices. Hummus is also pretty high in calories and good for you. Lynda

Congrats! Glad to see you here and that you are doing well. I wish food didn't appeal to me as much, but I still love it. I have managed to stay at goal for 17 months though. Lynda