Babbs

Ask your insurance, but they usually go with the starting BMI.

Not judgement. TRUTH. Good luck with your upcoming surgery. I'm out.

Wait. What?? Of course not! And I have had MANY struggles with this process, and I am usually the first one to post them for a little encouragement and help. I'm a newbie, and still have so much to learn during this process! What I do know is if I'm not compliant with the program most of the time, (which I am, and proud to say that) this will all be for not. I think people get concerned when they see someone who does not have the correct mentality to be successful. The veterans can see it a mile away. Like someone else said, they just want the OP to understand that this is a life long change, not another "diet" we have ALL been on 100 times. My gosh, nobody is claiming to be perfect. Just compliant. Why again is this a bad thing?? Yes, we all "slip up" once in a while. But if it's CONSISTENT, then that person is not in the mindset they need to be to become a successful WLS patient. I think that's all they we are saying. Stop being so touchy and maybe learn a thing or two from people who have been there.

I don't eat regular crackers, but I do eat these in moderation. Still a little high in carbs, but I figure they are better than wheat crackers. I didn't start eating these until about 3 months out....

*Checks InItToWinIt2015's profile* Surgery date: February 24th, 2015 For someone who hasn't even HAD the surgery yet, you sure know a lot about it? Stop being all judgey and mean. We are all in this together. Just sayin.

Oh my goodness!! I found these the last time I went to costco and just picked up more I loved them so much! Great with Nut Crackers, a tomato, celery, or just right out of the cup! 8-4oz servings, and each serving is: 150 calories 4 grams of fat 13 grams of Protein 17 grams of carbs My new favorite lunch or even dinner. It's delicious!

@@JamieLogical We are in the same boat. Same thing as you, upping my exercise and strength training at the end of December to hopefully move things along hasn't really changed the rate I'm losing, although I definitely have toned up some. I am 30 away from my goal, and although I'm hoping to lose it by my year date, I know at the rate I'm losing I may not. I've just made peace with the fact that I may have to work that much harder after to make sure I get there. Slow losers unite!

Oh boy, it's THIS thread again..... You are going to find a wide variety of opinions on this subject. You will need to do what you are comfortable with. Me? I'm an open book. I tell everyone. And I could give a %$#@ what people do or do not think about it. Because of that, people in my life have been VERY supportive. At least to my face

Please call your surgeon and get clarification! They are all different, and we don't know your surgeons specific instructions!

On one of my many attempts at Weight Watchers, I had a wonderful coach who was teaching a class once say "Just because you broke one dish unloading the dishwasher, doesn't mean you have to break the rest" Move on, and start over. Look deep inside yourself to understand the reasons you don't feel completely committed at this point. I'm not one to judge about how well I did or didn't do during the pre op, because I did not have the pre op liquid diet (thank goodness). I can tell you I had a "food funeral" before surgery, and it didn't make me any less committed to the post surgery diet once I had it. Because of GERD complications, I was on 6 weeks of liquids afterwords, but I knew it was for my own good at the time so I didn't stray from it. I am also pretty much a stickler to the program to this day ( I'm proud to say). I don't really think it's fair to question her commitment to the program based on the pre op diet. But that's like, my opinion, man. Oh, I almost forgot! PLEASE PLEASE read "The Emotional First Aid Kit" by Cynthia Alexander. I am half way through it and don't know how I was getting through this before I read it. Should be must reading for any pre op and post op WLS patient!

It's not?? I do?? Darn it! *Kicks dirt, walks away*

I get why my panties were in a bunch about the comment. Here's the deal: The complete and utter HYPOCRISY of his statement! The contestants on that show exercise for 8 hours a day. According to his statement, they are losing weight the RIGHT way, and not turning to "distasteful weight loss surgery." How about he give us the skinny (pardon the pun) on how many of those contestants keep the weight off after they are back in the real world and the show is long over? I'll be willing to bet the stats are better with WLS patients. Notice how I used the word "contestant"? This guy is the spokesperson for a GAME SHOW, and he wants to tell us what the right way is to lose weight? And for those of you who say "Oh, who cares what some guy on TV says about WLS. I'm happy with mine"...that's the EXACT reason why we need to speak up and defend our choice to lose weight and keep it off! If we as the WLS community just stand idly by and let people misinform and misguide millions of people about it, we are doing a disservice to ourselves, current and future WLS patients. You say you don't need to be an advocate for WLS just because you had it? If we all in the WLS community aren't willing to speak up and fight the ignorance and misinformation that's floating around out there, who will?

I think the way you're going about it is perfect, especially right now when you need to worry more about getting your liquids and protein in instead of the numbers on the scale. I used to weigh once a day, but I am one of those that freaks out when I go up and down as you tend to do daily. I also stall a lot, so I made a decision early on to weigh once a week, every Monday right after my morning tinkle. That way I'm not seeing the everyday fluctuation that happens without going into a tizzy But that's just me

I'm a relative noob, but this has been one of the more difficult things to overcome so far. I am trying to get into the mindset of actually enjoying the company and event instead of the food. I'm making strides. I am going to Maui in April, and the pre surgery me would have been online checking out the restaurants and obsessing about all the wonderful food I am going to eat. Now, I've noticed I'm more excited for the experience itself, and even was planning how I was going to get my exercise in while I'm there! Oh how things change...for the better

@@kikicoates78 That is my philosophy also. My weight loss is very similar to yours...lose a little for a couple weeks, stall, lose a little more or gain a pound and stay there...you know the drill. I just think shaking things up and increasing your caloric intake for a day or so usually will do the trick to break the stall. Those are the days I only eat "bad" carbs like bread, crackers, and so forth. You aren't crazy. Obviously it worked for you, and it works for me, so the conclusion is there is something to it.

I was so wrapped up in myself the first couple months (you really have to be) that I used to fret about what friends and clients would notice what I was or was not eating at lunches and other public functions. The truth was, nobody cared or even noticed. I don't think about it at all anymore.

The only thing that seemed to change for me is I used to hate green beans...now I love them post surgery. I suppose that's a good thing

Happy Birthday! I agree with what @ said. You will look back at this birthday next year and realize this was just a small bump in the road of your journey. If you aren't thrilled you did this by your next birthday, I will be very surprised. Hang in there, it gets so much easier! I promise!

Another thread reminded me of another rule I don't follow....caffeine. I currently do and always have consume a small amount of caffeine every day from either tea or coffee. I just couldn't give it up. Don't judge me!

Okay,I know everyone will jump all over me for this, but I had caffeine as soon as I left the hospital. Started with tea, but now I have 2 cups of coffee a day. It was just one thing I wasn't willing to give up. What does your surgeon say?

That's a great chart! So 150lbs at my age (47) would be very realistic. Thanks!

I always eat either watching TV, reading or browsing the internet. I eat too fast (always have) and I find it helps me slow down a little. I also don't count fat or sugar grams. Other than that, I follow the rules pretty well. Mostly

I have heard that is an old wives tale. Calories are calories no matter what time they are consumed. If eating in the evening or after dinner is putting you over your daily caloric allowance, then yes it could be an issue. If you're tracking your calories and are still within the daily allowance, then I don't think it it's a problem. *Shrug* Congrats on your weight loss and maintenance by the way! If I'm half as diligent as you are about maintaining my weight when I hit goal as you are, then I'll be in good shape

I'm barely 5'5" and a little older, so I want to be realistic and say 150. I may go 145 for a little cushion.

Premier Protein shakes are my favorite, and also seems to be a favorite of quite a few people. I hated making shakes, so I liked having the "grab and go" aspect of the Premier Protein shakes. They taste good (the chocolate tastes like a thicker chocolate milk), plus you can find them at Kroger's, Costco, Sam's Club, Wal Mart...I just like being able to pick up more when I need them instead of ordering them. I still drink one for breakfast every morning at 5 1/2 months out.