courtoomp

I'm sorry you're struggling. I am not as far out as you, but I think I can still speak on this. It sounds like you never (or insufficiently) dealt with the emotional aspect of your weight. I think many of us enter into this surgery with a fantasy of looking great and believe that will translate into feeling great/stable physically, mentally, and emotionally. Unfortunately this philosophy doesn't work (and explains how I failed so many weight loss efforts in the past!). As much work as we put into improving our bodies, I think we have to put just as much or more work into our heads. I would recommend two things. 1) start with the basics. Visiting your nutritionist is good, but it sounds like you already know what's wrong (unhealthy habits)--back to basics of Protein and veggies and water/fluids. I think of this as our foundation. Track everything honestly and bring that in to the nutritionist. 2. I really think you could benefit from talking to someone about how you have slipped. Were you immersed back in your pre-WLS lifestyle? Going out to dinner a lot with friends? Has your stress level increased? Relationship or financial or family problems? Try to really look at why you're turning to food. Maybe you're one of those rare sleevers who truly just had bad habits with no emotional explanation for those habits...but I have yet to really meet someone who doesn't use food to handle a deeper issue. Maybe it's just me, but I know I didn't get here overeating at parties or having just a couple extra bites of food. I got here because I used food to cope, to fill a void within myself, to numb out the good and bad...i could go on. I didn't mean to preach. It's brave of you to share bc it's hard to admit when we are f***ing up! You are going through something I know i fear...slipping into bad habits. I hope you can settle back into focusing on why you did this to begin with and dealing with the head issues. Courtney

You look wonderful! I can totally tell the difference. You look fitter and firmer. Sporting yoru workout clothes also adds to that image! :-) keep it up!

Thanks! I'll look into the crystal lite naturals. Is stevia healthier than Splenda? I haven't done my research clearly. Never heard if Desani drops...what are they sweetened with? Thanks!

Yes. Both will cause your 'eating' hormones to be released. I try not to chew gum for this reason. I find it makes me hungrier and heartburn worse.

Yowzer! Amazing. Not gonna lie you look stunning before, too. Cute dresses! Haha I'm starting to develop a girl crush on your style. I'm sure you just feel amazing. Congrats!

Exactly simplyjax! She said only do a Protein drink if I 'feel' I need it...so after workouts or if just not into eating that day. Variety variety variety! I equate it with working out...your body gets used to the same old things every day, so spice it up and keep it guessing with a varied diet! How liberating to not have to be a slave to protein and carb counting.

I went to the nutritionist today. Like so many here i have considered myself a slow loser...well relative to all the super speedy ones!...and I have been down for not seeing results as quickly as I wanted. Well, the nut told me to increase my food. She said at this stage I am healed and should be focusing on eating normally. Wow what a concept! Not 100grams of Protein and 25 carbs?? Nope. She told me to up my cals to 800 and if I don't lose in 2 weeks then up it to 1000. I was shocked! She also said to get 80ish or more carbs a day from fruits and veg and whole grains. I have never been more thrilled at the idea of a quinua salad and some apple! Anyway I shared this to confirm that eating real food may make the journey a bit slower but all the tastier and hopefully lasting. Courtney

Anyone else with me on hating fat free dairy? Other than Greek yogurt I just can't get behind the idea. The cheese doesn't melt, the texture is usually weird. My question is why do we use this junk anyway? I know we want to watch our cals and fat but with eating so little I am much fonder of having the real stuff (or at least reduced fat)!! So what do y'all think? Any decent ff products that hold up to their fattier counterparts? Specific recipes where you can't tell the difference if ff or not? Sleevers far out or in maintenance who use the fattier versions?

Thanks everyone. So glad to hear others also want REAL food! I am very much on board with eating delicious stuff bc we can only have a little. I just got so tired of reading recipes and posts with ff products!

Just fiber. The sugar is the less healthy part of carbs.

I was STARVING from day 4-10 or so. It was so bad I cried. Yeah, I cried from hunger. Not my cutest moment. But my surgeon said it's common and that it would pass; and guess what...it did! Now, 6 weeks out, I get hungry some but not that grueling stomach eating itself feeling. He said that may be a result of the inflammation causing your stomach to move/grind a lot. Best of luck!

I'm 7wks out and eat 600-800 cals a day with >65protein and <50 carbs. Hope this helps. I am going to an actual dietician on Thursday so will update if she enlightens me on anything. I am a very slow loser so maybe my advice is worthless!

Anything by Sean Paul. I love that reggae feel!