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i am scheduled for my second fill on may 10. i have lost 10, and the last couple of days i have gained back a couple. i dont think it is true weight gain, rather i think it is Water retention and lack of regularity. regardless, i hate not seeing the scales move. i MUST break the weighing everyday habit... Maybe my next fill will give me some restriction and i can get this party started!

Jillian You might want to check out this thread that Tiffykins posted. Its got lots of information on post op guidelines on what to eat - foods which will be 'winners' for you. Did you not get a nutritionist when you had your surgery with any guidelines from them? Basically if you stay within the guidelines of the good foods and stay away from 'bad' ones then you should easily be able to avoid weight gains. I can't recall when you had your surgery - but if you're sticking to your guidelines from your nutritionist then you shouldn't really be gaining, unless you are having bod foods all the time. The sleeve is a tool.... but not something to help you eat bad food choices and still lose weight.... to get to your goal you'll need to exercise and eat a healthy diet, and confront any issues you have with food. Perhaps your therapy you said you had started can help with this. Good luck

Renee, you REALLY need to read Crosswind's post "I left my stomach in Mexicali". It's normal to be wondering if you've lost your mind making this decision. Drastic times call for drastic measures. You've tried everything else, right? And you're tired of being a failure at something so many other humans seem to do effortlessly (lose or maintain their weight), right? Welcome to the club! Life isn't fair!! Some chicks get fantabulous bods and are "bootylicious". Other chicks (like me) get fat reading a grocery list and are relegated to nicknames like "eartha-quake". So, after determining that I've thrown a boat load of money at fighting this "problem" over the years that I could have paid for the surgery 10 times over, I've FINALLY said "stick a fork in me, I'm DONE!" So, while I don't know how things will ultimately turn out (my surgery is April 26th) I do know how it's gone for me in the past -- unrelenting struggles resulting in unrelenting weight gain and self loathing. I'm way too old and way too tired to keep fighting the insanity scenario. I'm going for it and I'm NOT looking back. Empress

I hear alot of people here saying that they are skipping breaksfast my Dr tells me never to do that and that you should eat withing a 1/2 hr of waking if your weight lose is slow and you're not eating breakfast maybe try and add a protein in the morning and aee how you do This is an article I found Some people skip breakfast in an effort to lose weight, but the practice is more likely to cause weight gain than weight loss. Skipping breakfast is strongly linked to the development of obesity. Studies show that overweight and obese children, adolescents, and adults are less likely to break the fast each morning than their thinner counterparts. According to research, skipping meals, especially breakfast, can actually make weight control more difficult. Breakfast skippers tend to eat more food than usual at the next meal or nibble on high-calorie snacks to stave off hunger. Several studies suggest that people tend to accumulate more body fat when they eat fewer, larger meals than when they eat the same number of calories in smaller, more frequent meals. To teens, especially teenage girls, skipping breakfast may seem like a perfectly logical way to cut down on calories and lose weight. It's important for moms to educate their kids about the importance of the morning meal and the role it plays in maintaining good health and preventing obesity.

Good Morning Every one, I need some suggestions for mushy foods besides mashed pots. I've been experimenting this week, seeing what I could eat. Was banded on 3/23. I've noticed my weight starting to creep up slowly and that is a no no. I've been exercising with Zumba tapes for the last couple of days, so not sure if my body is trying to adjust to the minimal food and exercise or what. Any one else having issues with slight weight gain post op after starting to eat more solid foods?

Hi I am being banded March 12, 2010 and the time doesn't seem like it is flying by fast enough, but I know it will be here some day I'm 38, mother of 2 boys, an LPN in nursing school as we speak to get my RN. On November 6th, 2009 I herniated my L4 disc and have been in and out of agony ever since. My doctor suggested I take off at least 100 pounds, but told me that it would all have to be done by diet or at least until I could get the pressure off my spinal nerves, yeah RIGHT!!! Anyways, all I am waiting on now is for my income tax return to get here as I am flying in to El Paso and going into Juarez MX for my surgery to be performed by Dr. Jose Rodriguez as I do not have insurance and his reputation seems pretty good. I am using BeLiteWeight to facilitate my surgery and they are very nice. My biggest problem with my weight seemed to come after my children were born and I had double oopherectomy operations after tubal pregnancies. I just started racking up the weight until I am so out of shape, my metabolism is shot, and I can't seem to get it off. My weight gain is making me hurt everywhere and I am to the point I won't look at myself in a mirror anymore. My S.O. is a little reluctant and thinks I might leave him after I lose the weight, but with reassurance he is actually starting to get excited and showing me a lot more support. My family, who is all in the medical field, are very hard headed and continue to believe that I should just eat right and exercise and it will come off and feel that what I am doing is a bit self-serving and I could use the money somewhere else. I will be very happy to join the March-banders and wish each and everyone of you the best of luck!!

Caryn do what i did , i looked up food online that had no cal, like popcorn Truly Zero Calorie Foods Water is the only true zero calorie food that occurs naturally. Water is a great addition to your diet in a variety of ways. Eight 12-ounce servings of water every day are suggested as a healthy part of any diet. However, it has an added benefit when you're trying to diet to lose weight: it helps fill you up! Water can be frozen into ice and crushed or shaved in order to add a different consistency to your diet. In addition to water, diet soda pop is found in zero-calorie versions. It comes in name brands and generics and is typically sweetened with artificial sweeteners. Quite a bit of debate surrounds these beverages and whether they are healthy additions to your diet because of the artificial sweetener aspect. Experts offer conflicting claims that artificial sweeteners cause health problems or contribute to obesity and some studies show that diet soda may actually contribute to weight gain. Negative Calorie Foods There are several fruits and vegetables that occur in nature that while they have calories when consumed, are said to actually result in negative calories or a calorie deficit after digested. According to this theory, these foods cause the body to extend more calories to digest than contained in their nutritional content. The result would make them zero calorie foods after digestion. If you believe this theory, then these foods can basically be consumed without feeling guilty. They are healthy and provide nutritional content your body needs, but they do contain calories. Keep in mind, also, that even according to this zero calorie theory these foods only have this negative calorie effect when consumed without extras added to them like butter, sugar or dips. Negative Calorie Foods Asparagus Apple Beet Cranberries Broccoli Grapefruit Cabbage Lemon Carrot Mango Cauliflower Orange Celery Pineapple Chile peppers Raspberries Cucumber Strawberries Dandelion Tangerine Endive Garden cress Garlic Green beans Lettuce Onion Papaya Radishes Spinach Turnip Zucchini Eat Healthy

I am also banded but am 10 years with it now! I got my surgery around July 2009 and I couldn't be happier with my decision. I haven't had a fill in about 6 years though and have some how managed. I did have some weight gain when I got pregnant both times because my doctor didn't want me to have any fluid in the band. I think my stomach has shrunk over time or something. I can't eat as much as I used to but I can pretty much eat anything I want. I do get stuck sometimes on bread and potatoes unless it has some sort of condiment on it then I am fine. I haven't had any problems or issues with my band in the last 10 years. Good luck to anyone that is getting it and may you have an easy journey!!!!

Hey Anne... Been there... (((Hugs))) Good luck with you fill... crossing my fingers that this one will give you a bit of restriction! Without restriction it would be pretty darn normal to have weight gain unless a fairy sprinkled you with magic dust that took away the issues leading to being banded in the first place. Let us know how it goes!

bbk - i just realized your having PS soon!! what are you having done / excited?? i myself going through a odd phase - but enjoying it! i think:rolleyes: i USE to be the small one (5'1 - 120lbs) among my friends, then gained 75lbs in 7yrs and basically stopped all social outtings. i was just disgusted w/how nothing fit properly - my thighs touching each other - and was constantly self conscious of what i was eating if i was having lunch w/the girls. i know my friends saw the weight gain & only my closest when alone would bring it up , and offer help to work out , etc. i choose the Lap Band, cause i needed help - diet & exercise weren't working, well they were - but if i had a halt in weightloss; i'd get frustrated & grab a bag of chips. i am very happy w/the results so far. 20lbs to go & have SO much fun going shopping in my guest closet for my cute clothes i outgrew over the yrs. i have from size 6-16, and it's been fun getting rid of the larger sizes each month. sat night DH and i had a wedding, where we hadn't seen friends since we were banded (hubby banded same day as me).....it WAS so awesome to be to told how good you look VS the "look" that represented (ooohhh you gained weight)... ....oh and the energy level...WAY up, i'm more active now than when in my 20's ps - North TX Resident as Well;

I am 46 years old - 260 lbs - I agree that even though our friends and family offer their support - they dont understand REALLY. I dont think anyone who is not going through this themselves. It has been such a roller coaster and I have not even had the surgery yet. I find myself trying not to talk too much about it to those around me because I think they are tired of hearing about it! I am scared, excited, worried and a lot of other feelings I cant explain. I am in info overload - yet feel I dont know enough. Have heard all the horror stories from friends who knew friends who didnt do well - you know there are people out there that want to scare you into not doing this. What I find though is those people generally weigh 120 lbs and have never fought weight in their whole life! They dont know how it feels to be someone else under all this fat! They also assume that if I would "watch what I eat" I could do this on my own. Well I have always tried to watch what I eat. I havent had a fried food in probably 15 years. I am not a binge eater nor an emotional eater. Though I do tend to graze when bored and I do have a sweet tooth from hell! I dont eat 3 hamburgers and a large fry with a diet coke in a single sitting! I do know I am fat because of the things I have put in my body and because I dont exercise. I also have thyroid issues and other health issues over the years that have added the weight as well.When I was 32 I had cancer - the treatments caused a 50lb weight gain in just a very short time. I have never been able to get rid of all of that even after all these years. They dont know crap! No I never was the type to just eat a small salad - but I also wasnt the type to over do it either! Anyway - none of us need to hear those types of comments. If we had not tried diets - starving ourselves only to gain more back once we figured out that being hungry all the time wasnt working. Do they really think this whole process is just a simple walk in the park? Do they not realize that we are cutting our insides in a last ditch effort to create a healthier happier person? Well that is the end of my rant..lol. I am here for you and anyone else who needs me. We can do this - we will do this - and we will be success stories!! You and me both. My date is also august 5th and scared to death.

I'm condused ..you are losing weight well with your band right and because you have saline in it right? Well, seems to me the band is doing it's job..once you have thesalineremoved you may find you are not losing weight. I had my band unfilled for 2 months and believe me when I tel lyou, it's a whole different world with no saline..thank god it is only unfilled for 2 months or I could of been in some serious trouble with weight gain. If you do not want your band any longer, do not get it removed, get it unfilled, then see how you do, that is the great thing aboutthe band, if you start to gain you can always get it filled again...a question though...why are you sick of your band if it is working for you? How much fill do you have? Have you considered getting a partial unfill?

Hi all, Well, today I ate a 1/2order of burrito/refried Beans for lunch today...very full, but NO slimes, NO PB's and NO chest pain. Yeah...maybe this will be the sweet spot for me...1.2cc. Dancer...I've noticed just today that my port is "pulling" a little after having it "messed with" yesterday at the unfill. I suppose it readjusts with any changes in that area...exercise, weight gain, weight loss, snug clothing on top of the area, etc. so it kinda makes sense that you'd be having lots as you increase your workout routine!! Way to go!! At least now, you won't have to "worry" about that little "TUG" from time to time. (P.S., the lady that did my unfill said she speculates that its related to increases in body temp...take it or leave it!) No cheetos needed today...or crackers! Just a nice, nourishing, satisfying 1/2 order of Mexican fare!!! It has been a good day!!! Nanster

Well hello there!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just posted on facebook that I'm getting a fill next Wednesday, I'm fed up with the weight gain, my round face. So lets seeeeeeeeeeeeee Life......... Life is good. Robby is still Robby...... however his ped.. said his ODD is FAR outweighing his ADHD so I'm on a waiting list for KU to call.. to get him into their program...... You all know that Charles and I are done........ been done for a while.......... so ok.. who out there saw it coming? LOL My V'sssssssssss been there for me since before..... Robby needs counseling....... he has lost the only dad and brothers he's ever known, although he is happy.... he misses them....... misses the chaous......not me. All I feel is relief and peace when it comes to that part. I recently put myself on the online thang........ mainly for grins...... and some funny stories have happened..... OH and you might remember that I no longer work for nuns..... and I have to tell you...... IT IS WONDERFUL! To be free of Charles and the judgemental NUN(s) I am now the Business Office Manager at a small skilled nursing facility, and it is sooooooooooo nice to have the red carpet rolled out for me and to have everyone say how fast I'm learning it all........... FREE...... Robby and I have also moved out of the old depressing house with tons of bills............. ( I filed bankrupsty, and was able to start fresh) in yet another way............. We now live in a very nice apartment (4plex) in a small town and the best thing is I have no trouble making ends meet... so I guess now its time for me to get back on track with this gained weight............ time to take on the next step again. My violets have never left my heart........ SO HEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY:w00t:

Kat, as always...you clearly have a way of expressing what others are maybe thinking but cannot put into words. On the steroids...I was on them for 5.5 yrs. Really raised havoc and contributed to a lot of my weight gain. Helped with the symptoms I was dealing with but also helped add the pounds (along with the fork in my hand).

I think that with the band it is better than with bypass as far as the long-teerm help from the procedure goes. I've been attending one of my surgeon's required pre-op meetings. He has some of his post-op folk go and sit on a panel for Q & As. I am the longest post-op aside from the facilitator who is 7 years GBP. The facilitator speaks a lot about the honeymoon phase with GBP, where you need to change your eating habits. She says that the body learns to work around the malabsorbption and can absorb everything you eat. She says this is the reason many bypassers regain weight. I just don't find that with the band. As we've absorbed every calorie we've consumed. Nothing has changed. Sure, we cannot keep forcing food down, else we can trigger a dilation. Or we can trigger a slip with extensive vomiting. But if all that is good and we are eating a bit too much, we can get a little fill to help us out. Nancy, don't wait to see your doctor because you are embarrassed by the weight gain. You might have problems with your band. Get it seen to. IMO, there is no point in keeping trying if your band isn't working right. That is the same thing that got us to needing WLS in the first place.

Wecome home Barbara4. Glad you had a good time without much weight gain and hope you get over the colds quickly. Of course I'm all for the Vegas trip. I looked at the calendar and I have three thoughts. The first weekend is close to the Memorial Day holiday. The last weekend is close to the 4th of July holiday. The 17th is Father's Day. These are just observations and may not make any difference to anyone but thought I would point them out to anyone who might have family obligations on those dates. That would leave the weekends of June 9th and June 23rd. Is the plan to get a group of rooms at one casino? Or let everyone get their own rooms? It's such a big place with so much to see and do it will take an organized coordinator to keep us all together. Sounds like a good job for a trained "project manager". Just kidding you Barbara! I think we should have scheduled things together and plenty of free time to do things on our own. At this point I'm not sure about my husband attending but I'm sure there will be plenty of gals that will go single so I think we should keep that in mind and not plan lots of things that include husbands that might make singles feel left out. At his point I am thinking a weekend away with the girls (without husbands) sounds really good! These are just a couple of my thoughts. Let's hear from others. Do we have any idea how many are planning to attend? Happy New Year to everyone!

Ooh, Kelly, I'm with you in hoping you're not allergic to dairy! I'm a cheese girl, too, even more than ever now, since sleevie doesn't like most meats or eggs. Globe, I really think you should contact your doctor. Something's off, and it's not something you're doing, as far as I can read. Sounds like you're doing exactly what you should with your diet, and you exercise a LOT, in my opinion. Seems like you're burning more calories than you take in, so I'm really puzzled about the weight gain. So strange! But definitely check with your doc and keep us posted! So the last few days I've been kind of overdoing the carbs, even for me (I've never really restricted carbs because of the pickiness of my sleeve). I'm going to get back on a more "normal" diet for me--I'm thinking I'm going to up my salad veggies, lower my chips/crackers and cheese, and up my shrimp. I'm also going to try chicken again--maybe a bite or two with some salad, just to see. I tried turkey on Monday and it was rather emphatically rejected by my sleeve, but I really want to find a good animal Protein source that I can rely on besides shrimp. Need the Iron and protein!

Oh, Girls, I got very concerned after reading a thread on another website. The person sounded just like us and was 4 years out telling she had regained 60 pounds!!!! Then others started talking about weight gain too 50+ lbs. then I realized it was a RNY forum. but.... Yikes!

Coops, I have been eating around 1200... and slightly lower carbs...around 70.... Yesterday I ate around 1500 and still lost .4...go figure. My weight is going down. I thought I was going to stay on the same plateau forever... but I have hope to reach goal now! I am 3 pounds from "Normal" and 7 from goal (will probably adjust down another 8-10 as a cushion... that will take me another 10 years to lose!) You can do it! Slow and steady wins the race! I have changed how I eat.. more greens (Kale) raw and cooked, more veggies, flax oil, flax/almond butter, blueberries and more organic produce, grass fed eggs... more Omega 3... I don't eat meat or fish so I am working on getting other sources...fresh local walnuts... less sugar....I read in prevention mag something about omega3(spring fats) vs omega6(hibernation fats) in the diet and weight gain... so I figured it wouldnt hurt, and it hasn't! http://www.prevention.com/food/smart-shopping/vanishing-youth-nutrient?page=2

I'm right here with you I have a 36 BMI and my co morbs are hi cholesterol and recently back troubles. The weight came on with the last pregnancy 10 years ago and hasn't budged no matter what I do. Live at the gym eat only healthy but alot. At my age tho 48 I can see where this is going and with menopause on the horizon more weight gain is coming. I almost feel like I did when I was pregnant lately with these hormonal changes. I feel that hunger I get when I PMS but all the time. If Cigna denies me for not having a serious heart condition (that's what they said when I called) I will have to pay $24,000 out of pocket here in NY...OUCH. I hate to go back into debt. Then I worry that the band won't work as well on a women going through perimenopause. My blood sugar is all off. Thinking of HRT but scared. Thanks for letting me post my silly thoughts that rattle through my silly mind.

The scale keeps me aware of microtrends. I use MyFitnessPal to track my weight and I weigh daily. There have been three two-week intervals where I gained and lost 6-8 lbs. even though via food-tracking, I confirmed there was absolutely no change in my daily caloric intake. I reassured myself that these gain/losses were aberrations, not signs of actual weight gain. They could be explained by water retention, salt increase, medication changes, etc. So I look at 7 day, 30 day, 90 day, and 180 day trends. For the past six months, I've been relatively stable and I owe this to food diarying and daily weighing.

Lap-Band System After surgery, it is extremely important to follow diet guidelines to assure proper healing and to obtain adequate nutrition. Your pouch that is created by the Lap Band needs to heal, so you must sip fluids slowly and avoid getting overfull. Once your pouch has healed, you need to continue to keep portion sizes small to maintain your weight loss. You will progress through the following phases of the Lap-Band diet after surgery. Liquid diet. For the first two weeks following surgery, you will consume only liquids. For one to two days after surgery, you will need to sip only clear liquids or fluids that you can see through. Clear liquids include diluted apple juice, chicken or beef broth, sugar-free gelatin and artifically sweetened, non-carbonated beverages. If you tolerate clear liquids without difficulty, you may add full liquids to your diet. Full liquids include the broth of low-fat, creamed soups, protein shakes, milk, yogurt and sugar-free puddings. Most people require two high-protein supplements daily. Your dietitian will calculate your individual protein needs and provide examples of how to achieve this amount. Avoid carbonated beverages as they may cause gas, bloating and pain. Pureed diet. You will need to puree your foods for approximately two weeks. Your meals will be small and should focus on high-protein foods. Regular diet. By 5 to 6 weeks after your surgery, you will be incorporating foods with more texture to your diet. You will always have to chew your foods thoroughly, avoiding tough meats, fibrous vegetables and doughy breads. But your diet should ideally include low-fat proteins, fruits and vegetables, healthy carbohydrates and heart-healthy fats. Protein. Getting adequate protein in your diet promotes proper healing and also helps your body to maintain muscle and lose fat. It is important to choose lean protein foods because they are lower in calories and will help ou maintain your weight loss. Also, high-fat foods can cause dumping syndrome and make you sick after surgery. Protein is made up of amino acids. The body can make 13 amino acids, but nine amino acids are essential, meaning they cannot be made in the body and must come from food sources. A food source is said to be complete if it contains adequate amounts of essential amino acids. The following types of protein products are readily available: Whey is a byproduct of the dairy and cheese industry and is a complete source of protein. <LI class=copy>Whey isolate has virtually no lactose in it. Lactose is the sugar naturally found in milk. Some people become lactose-intolerant after surgery and experience gas and bloating after drinking dairy. If you are or become lactose-intolerant, whey isolate would not cause intestinal distress. Lactaid milk and soy milk are great alternatives for people who are lactose-intolerant. Whey concentrate may contain some lactose in it; however, most people can tolerate this product without problems. [*]Soy products are made from soybeans. Soybeans contain all the amino acids essential to human nutrition and are a complete protein source. [*]Hydrolized gelatin or collagen. These products do not contain all essential amino acids and are not recommended for weight loss surgery patients. Protein Shake Recipes. Protein shakes are needed to get adequate amounts of protein after surgery. We have specific products that we recommend, but remember that if you do not like the taste of your shake you are less likely to drink it. The following recipes and tips may help you improve the taste of your shake. Simple Shake (28 grams protein) 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder (20 grams protein) 8 ounces fat-free milk Mix well in shaker cup or blender. Banana/Peanut Butter Shake (12 grams protein) 8 ounces fat-free milk 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter 1/4 - 1/2 banana Blend until smooth in blender. Orange Dreamsicle (28 grams protein) 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder (20 grams protein) 1 scoop (individual serving) sugar-free Sunrise Orange Crystal Lightâ powder 8 ounces skim milk Alternatives: substitute 4 ounces orange juice for 4 ounces milk; substitute 4 ounces yogurt for 4 ounces milk; add 1/2 tsp. orange zest to shake. Hot Cocoa (13 grams protein) 1 tablespoon Splenda 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa 2 tablespoons dried milk powder 8 ounces non-fat milk Dash salt Blend Splenda, unsweetened cocoa, dried milk powder and salt in large mug. Blend in milk, stirring until dissolved. Microwave 1 minute on high or until hot. Can also heat in saucepan on stove. Tips for Protein Shakes. <LI class=copy>Use flavorings such as vanilla, almond and coconut extracts to improve flavor. <LI class=copy>Coffee added to chocolate-flavored protein powder makes a mocha-flavored shake. <LI class=copy>Bananas, strawberries and peanut butter add the most flavoring to shakes. <LI class=copy>Unflavored cocoa powder can be added for a deeper chocolate flavor without adding fat. <LI class=copy>Freeze milk in ice cube trays to make milk cubes. Blend these with your shake to make it icy cold and to add protein without diluting your shake. <LI class=copy>If you are lactose intolerant, you can use Lactaid milk or soy milk to add protein to your shake. Yogurt can be added to shakes to increase creaminess and protein. Long-term Tips It is important to make healthy food choices throughout your weight loss process to be as healthy as possible while losing weight. Healthy food and lifestyle choices are critical to maintain your weight loss long-term. These tips are recommended for people who are in the maintenance phase of weight loss. <LI class=copy>Eat three meals a day. Have a healthy snack only if hungry. Skipping meals does not promote weight loss and results in overeating in the long run. <LI class=copy>Eat lean proteins first at each meal. <LI class=copy>Include fruits and vegetables with meals. <LI class=copy>Avoid drinking fluids with meals. Fluids may force foods through your pouch too quickly. This may cause dumping syndrome in gastric bypass patients but may cause all patients to become hungry quickly and eat more food throughout the day. <LI class=copy>Strive to drink 6-8 cups of water daily. Artifically flavored drinks are fine, but we recommend that you avoid carbonated beverages, even diet soda. The carbonation in diet soda may contribute to enlargement of the small pouch. <LI class=copy>Chew foods thoroughly. Your small pouch will not be able to physically break down foods that have not been chewed to a liquid consistency. <LI class=copy>Avoid problematic foods such as tough, fibrous or overcooked meats; doughy breads; pasta; rice; skins and seeds of fruits and vegetables; nuts and popcorn. <LI class=copy>Stop eating when you begin to feel full. It is critical that you do not eat to the point of feeling overfull. People have stretched their pouch by eating too much and have regained weight. <LI class=copy>Take daily vitamin and mineral supplements. Have labs checked annually. <LI class=copy>Weigh yourself weekly. It's much easier to correct a 5 pound weight gain (physically and psychologically) than a 25 pound weight gain. <LI class=copy>Attend support group meetings. Don't "forget" that you have had weight loss surgery. Staying in touch with other weight loss surgery patients is a great way to reaffirm your journey and stay on track. Exercise. Many patients know people who've lost weight without exercise, which may be true for a single individual, but most people who do not exercise have a more difficult time reaching and maintaining their optimal weight loss. And exercise has multiple benefits in addition to controlling weight such as decreasing risk of cardiac disease; lowering blood pressure; improving mental function; improving blood glucose levels; reducing risk of some cancers; and improving immune function. Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Physical activity is defined as activities in addition to normal daily activities such as work, shopping or housekeeping. Hope this helps! Audree :clap2:

Hi and welcome! We each do IF a different way. And any way that works for us...is good. Right? If it were me, most days, I'd try to start whittling down on the additions to the coffee until on IF days I was just doing black coffee. You may not be able to. Some days, I just do'nt want to exist without my 1oz of PP in my coffee. Doc's say to get the best bang for your autophagy buck you need to avoid any source of calories. But that's when you're hard core IFing in my honest opinion. I think 14/10 is a good place to start. Gradually work towards longer fasts if possible? 1000-1100 cals for me is beyond maintenance and into weight gain mode. So for me to lose, I have to be lower on average for the week. I can have some of those days, but then I have to average them with having more 500-600 cal days...

I think maybe you and I have similar triggers. Dayum, I wouldn't wish that on anyone! haha! It really sounds like you're at burnout phase. ((hugs)) I think you should try doing your moderate approach to IF like 14-16hour fasts, then eat regularly, following your surgeon's rules: protein first, low glycemic veg and fat, plus carbs at the end if you still have room or want them and see how it goes. Quit ordering off the appetizer menu, quit ordering chicken if that's not what you want...And keep your cals in the 800-1000 range-ish. No beer or alcohol. *sniff* Cuz you know, misreh loves company! And keep track of it here! I think that's the cool thing about this thread is that we are kind of n=? how many are doing IF from this thread and we should all post our experiences so others might learn or have a light bulb moment. You know? I def think your weight gain is beer related and if you go clean for the next 3-4 days you will be down those 4 and who knows, maybe another one as well? UGGGGGH on the late night food runs! I swear I thought about you as we were sitting in Taco Bell last night. LOL.