jandseakin

I lost 110 pounds the first year or so, and have gained half of them back. I have done the reset, South Beach, counting carbs, etc. I do well for a week or two, and then gradually fall back into snacking, sweets, comfort foods. I am so tired of plain protein. I am wondering where to turn now. Do I try the same thing again and again, or do I try something new? It seems the more restrictive my attempts are, the worse I fall off. I know what I need to do, I just don't know how to do it so that I can stick to it forever. I also know tracking helps, and I get daily exercise, but maybe not enough. I guess my biggest disappointment is that it comes right down to "willpower" again. The first year there was no willpower involved... I was satisfied and full with what I was supposed to eat and the weight fell off. Not so anymore. I know there are no easy answers, and I don't mean to be negative, because I have no regrets. The sleeve was the best thing that has happened to me. If anyone can help me... Not by telling me WHAT to do, because I know that, but HOW to do it, I would be eternally grateful. Just coming back here and reading about others who have struggled and won, has been uplifting. Thank you!

I found the parmesan cheese crisps by Kitchen Table Bakers at Wal-Mart in the deli foods section. Before that I had been buying some very expensive ones out of town at Whole Foods.

I have several rings that don't fit anymore. I have decided to melt down the gold and use that money to have a nice wedding ring made. After 44 years of marriage, I now prefer silver to gold. So, I will have one nice platinum or white gold band ring made with channel-set diamonds. I have 10 teeny diamonds and 3 medium ones to work with. Every time I look at my hand I will be reminded of what I have accomplished and how badly I want to stay at goal forever.

I occasionally have one of the Kashi high protein cereals. Special K makes one too.

My NUT tells me that it is ok to "taste", and to use portion control and eat in moderation. That sounds fine, but if I could eat in moderation, I wouldn't have ended up where I did. I tell her that I am a food addict and there are certain foods I just choose not to eat because I know that instead of being satisfied with a bite or two, I will just want more and more. I understand what she is saying, that there should be no "forbidden foods", but I know myself and I am afraid It seems that a lot of you veterans have figured out what works for you, and you choose to eat healthy and avoid junk. This is my goal too. Any thoughts on this? I really value your input. d.

No, but that is in my future. Please let us know how you do.

Getting hiccups is my sleeve's way of telling me I'm full. I just get a few and they always make me smile.... "I'm done.".

Soup is always a good , easy choice.

Snack packs of almonds, and protein bars.

My pre-op diet was 40 grams of carbs or less. I loved it! Eggs, cottage cheese, low-fat cheese, meat, fish, chicken. If I got hungry I just had another piece of something. I wouldn't want to do without fruit, etc., forever, but it was sure a quick, painless way to lose short term. I lost 19 pounds in 3 weeks. Best of luck to you!

I'm 64, so health was a big reason. But also quality of life. There are too many things I want to do and places I want to go and obesity was making it much more difficult and much less fun!

I just want to encourage any "pre-ops" out there. After surgery I had no pain except minor discomfort in the shoulder from gas. I haven't been nauseated or thrown up once. If you hate protein drinks, please try Unjury. The chocolate splendor tastes llike hot chocolate, the chicken soup is tasty, and the unflavored can be added to so many things without any taste. It takes a few weeks to get your energy back, but this is temporary. Ask for help and nap when you can. Take your vitamins, B-12, and calcium. Drink throughout the day, just stopping 1/2 or so before eating, and wait for 1/2 or so after. It really doesn't have to be difficult. For so many of us it has been an extremely positive experience every step of the way. You can do this!

Rainae, that is brutal! Wow!

2 days clear liquids, 1 week full liquids, 1 week puree, 2 weeks soft food, then regular food. No problems at all. I'm 4 months' post op.

It's not stomach gas pain. During laparoscopic surgery they fill you with gas. Afterwards it takes a few days for the gas to disseminate. The pain is usually in the shoulder area. Mine was very minor and not a big deal at all. I was lucky to have no real pain... just a little discomfort the first few days. I wish the same for you.