BrownDoesAll

For anyone regretting the decision believe everyone that says it does get better!!. You've made a life altering decision and you did that for a reason. Remember that reason and power through. For some it gets worst before it gets better. this is the time to work with your brain.. Learn to handle your food urges they are there and will always be there.. this is the best time to figure out how to control food and not let it control you. The beginning is the best time you have to lose the most amount of weight, so stick with it, power through in a few weeks, maybe even a few days you'll begin to feel better. Hang in there

OD I love movies.. what did you see?

Hi Ladies.. I had a great weekend. LV Glad your back in the game. UK Cathy. good idea on the personal trainer. I'm still not there yet. Cheri. She is adorable and of course a good reason for a weight gain. Just think you'll be able to set her on the right nutritionists path with all you've learned and your new eating lifestyle. I may not have been an overweight adult had I had more information about eating right during my youth and especially my teens. My grandmother always told me not to eat bread, but there was no real understanding of carbs and sugar avoidance or ever really balanced eating in my household at that time. Your children are lucky they have you to teach them all of that. CGJ glad you got back safe , sounds like the trip was a success. Continue to rest, relax and heal. The 50th anniversary party I threw this weekend was a great success. I had a fabulous time. There was lots of dancing and dancing and dancing. I had on a new dress, currently the smallest size dress in my closet and I felt beautiful. Really enjoyed my self, until I got home and started to relax. Well I got the worst Charlie horses and leg cramps I have every had in my life!!. So much pain I wanted my family to take me to the emergency room!!.. Lucky hubby was willing to rub my feet which is where the pains were starting , rub my legs and help me stretch them out. OUCH!! such pain. I know.. I know... if I were exercising often that would not have happened.. I have cleared a path to my recumbent bike and might have to wrap my head around moving more than once a year. Still nursing the initial 3 pound loss. I weigh daily, and I've seen a 5 pound loss, but it goes up and down. This will be the second week of really moving the calories down under 1200 and no snacking on fast days, not even planned ones. trying to learn control. Marching into a new week..

Don't rush it. Eating too much may cause it to come back up..and you don't want that. Try to focus on something else (I know its hard). this is the time when you can lose the most amount of weight, but it may slow down if you rush it. there will be a point in time when your able to eat more, take advantage of this time now.. when the sleeve doesn't want much more.. take your time.. patience..this is the long haul, but well worth it in the end

Think about the reasons you wanted to do this in the first place. If those reasons are still valid then this is the right move for you. You will lose weight after this surgery. However.. and really hear this from me and others..if your not fully committed to keeping the weight off you will gain it back and it will be harder to get rid of, then you've wasted money, some agony and time. Your making a life time decision. your stomach will be smaller..you will not be able to eat as much as you can eat now. I'm a two year vet and I enjoy everything I used to eat.. all be it.. in smaller amounts.. but the smaller amounts satisfy me even now. I warn again though.. if I over indulge I will gain weight. You want to really be committed to this life style change your embarking on or you will be unhappy.

Fasted on Monday and Thursday of this week. Not too bad..As always, easy to do while at work. Drinking plenty of Green tea. I have a salad of lettuce, celery and cucumbers ready for the lunch time, and I'm able to keep moving. Diner is perfect protein and veggies. Then.. you know. So I'm going to listen to some advice I heard a long time ago. If you continue to do the same thing, you'll get the same results, if you do something different you'll get different results ( or something like that ). My next fast days will not include planned snacks. No snacks on fast days. I've gotta learn to do without. Also. FYE, CGJ and Georgia helped me realize I need to lower my calorie count, so focus on getting below 1200 ( may be lower ). One thing at a time for me.. then I'll tackle the exercise monster I hate to look at. Have a great day.. fasting or feasting!!

Chimera and Sarsar Glad you guys are still here and doing well. OD your brave hitting the dating pool, gotta get past some frogs to find the prince. Laura-ven if your like me and simply reading and not posting this is for your. I hope your doing well, "getting into a better headspace" as I think you put it. You know probably better than me that you have to keep going, the alternative is to give up and gain weight. Even though I didn't lose any weight last year I did enjoy life but stayed at the same weight. Maybe a break from trying to lose weight is what you need. You don't always have to be the uplifter.. This time we are here to give you encouragement and help lift you up. So if your reading this. Here's another cyber hug ( !!!! )

Georgia.. thanks for checking on me. I think you and FYE are right. I"ve been looking at my calories lately and working to stay below 1200.. It would be easy if I didn't eat snacks.. that's my area of focus right now.. Once I get that under control then I'll focus on moving. This past week my days were much closer to 1200 and fast days closer to 600 so I have some work to do in the area of control

TanyaB I didn't have much pain after surgery, but I did have horrible weakness. So weak I couldn't walk, and felt I had made a terrible mistake. I can only imagine how I would have felt with pain as you describe. I can safely say.. hang in there.. this will pass and you'll be on your way to a new lifestyle real soon. Stay strong..

Way to stay with it. It's a long process.. took me almost a year from the decision to the surgery. I had to do the 6 month pre diet as well for my insurance. With such determination and focus.. I'm sure you'll do well.

you'll find your taste buds changing lots.. you'll hate something today that you may like later and visa versa.. Just remember.. this is the best time to lose the most weight ( I really missed my window and regret that ).. so I give this advice to all newbies. stay with the program, don't rush the phases (liquid, mushy, etc), start exercise as soon as you can ( check with DOC ) and most important learn new lifestyle.. and stay focused.

Enjoy your birthday. Chocolate on chocolate is my kind of cake. Enjoy the cake, Expect to gain a bit, then get right back on that control horse !!.

LV you sound just like me when I came back from vacation. Weight loss is so fragile. I had to be talked down off the "I HATE MYSELF" ledge. It's no fun, Sending prayers and cyber hugs that you find your way back to a place where you can continue . Its a daily freaking struggle. Maintenance is hard enough, but losing is a tough really tough battle. You have come so far. Vent. here with us!! It helped me. Vent!! Vent !! Vent!!.. But feel the cyber hugs,

HI CGJ. I want to own a shotgun. The pump action ones I see on TV.. I see myself defending my family with a pump action and pointing at the person to get to stepping, and they run away in fear!.. As a child and now I love westerns. Cowboys were my favorites. OH so manly ( LOL ) Don't get my started on my obsession with the Rifleman!. For my random thought of the day. One of my ( and I have a few ) pet peeves. People that wear baseball hats backwards, then use their hands to shield the sun from their eyes. I just hate that . Can't suggest any good books the last book I read was the Twilight series (i'm not ashamed to say) Stay strong, don't do too much, rest and heal you'll be moving soon enough

FYE.. Your observation about calories I think it spot on. I've been reading more and researching and agree if I want to kick up the losing I have to lower my calorie intake, keeping protein and carbs in mind. I'll shoot to stay under 1200 and see if that gets me moving. Honestly after these past few weeks and really tracking again I know exactly where the problem is.. its the snacking.. even the planned ones can ruin an otherwise good day. I think I've got this for a while. Up the veggies, watch the calories, and get the snacking under control. CowGirlJane as for the exercise to be perfectly honest I really admire you so much!!. I have never ever been one for exercise. I hear the athlete in you, I hear the adventurer in you. I didn't realize you were 49!! I was gonna blame my attitude on my age, I'm 56 or so ( I lose count ) You sound like a spring chicken with a zest for life and I do so admire that. I'm just more of a laid back person. Nurturing my family brings me the most joy, I am honest excersise is a chore for me, nothing I ever look forward to. I have a recumbent bike I try to ride in the mornings, but find ever excuse not to. I took zumba for a while, that was fun, but something always got in the way and I stopped going to class. I know I have to move, Mentally I know that will help with weight loss. For right now.. I'm gonna focus on getting those calories under control, and less snacking. When that stalls , you are so right I am going to have to kick up the exercise. Never a warrior I'll be, there is no athlete in me waiting to get out so I know I will never be a size 8 ( oh so proud of you !! ) but I have no desire , right now, to be that size. I've been looking for a body shot, but haven't found a good one to post. I'm larger on the top, small waist and larger hips. HIps and boobs are in proportion (I think). CGJ you do have my permission to yell at me to get off my butt.. the next time I'm whining about gaining or stalling.

Hi All, Still here, been really busy at work and evenings having to stuff 100 thank you party favors with Hersey Kisses. BTW 9 are 200 calories and 3 protein, but 25 carb. So. I'll be glad when they are all boxed up and out of sight. Had a good Monday fast day. I've lost the 3 pounds gained from my vacation weekend.. The 3 pound gain that sent me over the edge. Thanks to everyone for pulling me off the ledge. Tracking again and now paying more attention to calories, used to focus on protein and carb count. Thanks FYE.. for pointing that out for me. Coming into the holidays which for my family is full of gatherings and eating, looking for good recipes . GT I'll pull out some of those treats and meals from Eggface. Also with the weather getting cold good soup time. Hope everyone has a good day. Hugs OD!! this is a hard time, but think positive about the future.. ohh the possibilities!!

OD So sorry to hear about your breakup, never a good time in a persons life even its ultimate for the best. On a happier note, congratulations on becoming a grandma. Do you have other grands or is this your first? I had my first grand two years ago. that's what pushed me to do the surgery. I have two year old grandson and my daughter living with me.. such joy. HMMM finger foods for a baby shower ? If you like to cook, follow Eggfaces easy recipe for mini quiches they are good, can be made in advance and warmed up at the party, mini muffin tins can make plenty, and you can enjoy them guilt free. Another suggestion and I always include this is cold cut plate, add cheeses and bread,, red and black tooth pics to help guest pick up their cold cuts. add a tray of lettuce, tomato and pickles. I've also made a fruit bowl. May not have this stuff in season. Take a watermelon hollow it out ( save for later ) add cantelope, grapes, strawberries, etc to the inside of the hollow watermelon. Looks really nice. And one last thing.. take strawberries , dip in chocolate (google lady bug strawberries). Have fun

FYE.. no worries to go against DOC or NUT I haven't seen them or been under their care in over a year.. I just remember her last advice and why I had not found a good calorie count to help me lose weight. My normal doc checks on my diabetes which is in remission since the surgery. She is old school and doesn't prescribe to low calories and has no idea how to advice me with the sleeve. I want to take advice from someone who's been where I'm at, someone like you and others in the group that have been successful managing eating with the sleeve and now having success with the 5:2. I really think 5:2 will help get the calorie count under where I've normally been ( and we see my normal has not been helping me lose ), and 5:2 will help gain control of the night time munchies. Can you give me a sample of your 1200 calorie non fast day? Do you think lower calories will enhance the weight loss? Do you count protein? I'm all ears and of course no worries.. I'll take all advice and do what I think will work for me. Sincerely appreciate input from this group.

FYE.. thanks for checking in on this and maybe your right 1700 on a normal day is too much to lose weight. Perhaps that's the problem I have been in maintenance mode for calories. I talked to my normal doc about trying to lose more weight and she told me to increase calories and not do lower calories any more. I've been tracking and thought staying under 2000 was a good goal, but maybe your right that is too high? I checked in with my original NUT at the beginning of the year and she has always told me not to count calories, but to track Carbs and Protien. I've always done that carbs under 60 and Protein at least 90. Honestly though my tracker shows calories I never really paid that much attention to them. Just the Carb and Protein counts. Wonder what a good calorie goal for me should be and Include that in my carb and protein watch CowGirlJane.. I have thick skin and will not get offended.. I've asked for honest help and I appreciate any thoughts you have. We've all been here and I don't feel judged.. Today I ended at1450 calories ( rounding ) about 470 breakfast, 200 lunch ( two turkey lettuce wraps ) 370 for diner.. ate wings and side salad with the family out. this is where I lose it 410 in snacks 1 power crunch bar and 1 mrs fields cookie. 1450 cals, 52 carbs, 111 protein My pedometer reads 8420. I get lots of steps on the weekends. A typical day non fast day for me Breakfast around 300 most days less. Eggs, Sausage, or Eggs and bacon , a frozen breakfast sandwich on flat bread, fit light greek yogart and protein hot chocolate about 40 minutes later. lunch is usually from 200 - 300 either tuna with or without a hard boiled egg and lettuce or meatball, tomato sauce and cheese, or Atkins frozen meal, or turkey lettuce wrap, or chicken salad, or left over protein and veggie from the night before. Dinner is typically around 400 calories. Always protein , veggies and or salad. occasionaly small amount of rice. Snacks are my downfall. Planned snacks are about 60 - 100 calories, SF puddings, sf chocolate fudge bars, WW deserts and the dreaded Power Crunch bars, which are 200 calories. As I look back over my FatSecret diary I'd say the 1700 cal days are days I see I ate fast food ( nuggets or Wendy's chili ).. Most of the days are closer to 1400 and 1500.. In the past I had been eating 2 power crunch bars which took me up as well. Really I'm open.. what are your thoughts.

I read the link.. really good.. I have read the Dr. Michaels Fasting book, and belong to the Fast Diet UK forum. I agree 5:2 does have other benefits and I believe it will help so I'm gonna stick with it. I'm interested in the part of the link that talks about IF and the effects on women. today Saturday 10/19 non fast day, woke up really really hungry, (due to no late night snacking last night).. Had 2 fried eggs and 2 sausage patties rounded 470 cal. will eat out will be near fast food. then home for diner. Saturdays are typically the highest calorie days at 1700

OD.. I am exactly the same way.. Can be really good all day long. Passing by the snack setup at work, WIN!, passing up the candy trap in the Grocery check out WIN! Fighting the urge to buy chips and the gas station WIN!. Eating a healthy diner, cooking the pasta or potatoes for the fam and not putting any on my plate WIN!. OH..Brown your really in control. Then I settle down to watch some TV.. I deserve a few minutes to just sit right? Commercial.. time for my snack .. which I have planned into my plan for the day. I eat my delicious SF pudding. Then something happens in my brain.. All the strength to have those WINS!! are gone. My brain says.. you've been so good today one more SF snack will not hurt! URGH!!.. Then mindlessly I find myself eating some nuts (nuts are good for you). And so the night time cycle begins.. OD sounds real familiar. So while I'm back in "DIET MODE" oh how I hate that. During FAST nights not eating at night is something my brain can handle and I have FAST night WINS! by not eating after I complete my meal and planned snack. I agree that 5:2 has helped in that way. I'm off for my typically weekend of shopping, this is the last weekend before the gala 50th anniversary party I'm hosting for my favorite aunt and uncle. 100 guest, catered affair, decorations, wrangling vendors (djs, cooks, florists, photographers and most hardest to wrangle my controlling aunt. Fun times. Sounds like a pain.. but I actually enjoy this stuff. Keeps me busy and takes my mind off eating. What are your weekends like?

Friday 10/18 was a Fast day. Normal fast days are Monday and Thursday.. This week I did Monday , Wed and Friday. BK hot protein chocolate, lunch salad just lettuce and salad dressing, diner steak, onions, mushrooms, lettuce, planned in Sugar Free Chocolate Fudge bar ending Friday fast day at 535. CowGirl my pedometer reads 6040. Normal activity walking around my office, then shopping after work. I'm staring at my recumbent bike and trying to mentally get ready to ride in the mornings, but not quite there yet. I really really hate traditional excersise. I know excuses, excuses.. I'm just being real honest. I know that will more than likely kick the loss into gear.. but If I put in the effort and it doesn't I'll really be crushed. I will focus on ensuring my pedometer reads at least 6,000 daily (then begin to move up). I'll think of it that way and not focus on the time I need to ride the bike..

Thank you everyone. I knew this was the right group to share this with. I hear everyone and appreciate the push. I will stick with 5:2 and be really strict and focused about it. This is a crazy time to begin the "diet phase" again, but if I don't do it now the holidays will surely be even more difficult. . Coops stall for 2 years , and Georgia slow loser does sound like me. We are all in the same struggle, just at different stages at different times, that's why its good to stay in touch and get advice. Had a good Fast Friday, saving my chocolate Bunny sugar free fudge lite for later and will be at 559. CowGirlJane, I am embrassed to day I don't know my blood type. I'll have to take a full body pic, I'm usually hiding behind someone in my pics. Hope your resting and not in too much pain. FYE losing weight on vacation.. now that's a vacation!!

Hi ladies.. I'm still here. Most are so close to goal, and glad 5:2 is helping. I'm not so sure any more. After the vacation I gained the 3 back took me so long to lose. I see everyone has been there before. I did fast Monday, Wednesday and planned to do one today Friday thinking that would help. Maybe I shouldn't but I'm a daily scale person and this AM I'm actually beyond the 3 back. Very discouraging. Is it possible 5:2 doesn't work for slow losers? I think I may have read that once. Very discouraged. OD.. how long did it take you to creep back to where you didn't want to be? Over the past two years I've never gone above the 255. I will say the past 5 weeks have not been a total waste, I've lost few enough inches that helped me fit the size 16 pants I've been trying to wear.. So getting all new pants this weekend.. that should keep me motivated. If you ladies don't mind I'm gonna start a new thread.. I'll post for a week only my daily meals.. besides tracking in my FatSecret. app I'll tell you guys what I'm eating, if someone would check that thread and work with me I"d be so appreciative. I'm starting to feel like such a fat failure and that's just not me. Sorry to be the self absorbed Debby Downer of the group, but I could really use some help. I know you have all been where I'm at, and I applaud your loses and the ability to lose 100 pounds and stay there. Your all awesome. Cheri still on the journey after giving birth, Coops, Georgia, Laura and FYE keeping it off and so close to goal. you ladies are my heroes. Don't get me started at how proud of CowGirlJane, losing almost 200 pounds and making the decision to go all the way with the body lift. What an amazing transformation.

FitBit ?? I'll have to Google that. I wear a pedometer and during the week I average about 5,000 steps.. on the weekends easy 9000 - 10000. Finished my Wednesday Fast. less than 500 calories. Drinking Green Tea then bed.. Good Day.