Learning how to properly track what I eat....

[medicine1girl 2]

Hello, like you, I have been having a really difficult time losing the weight I wanted after surgery. I had my surgery June 2013, to date I have only lost 45 pounds since surgery but I initially started at 343 pounds. I am now at 264 because I lost 40 pounds preparing for surgery itself. I finally came to the conclusion after reading multiple blogs that I needed to write down everything that went into my mouth just so I could analyze and try to figure out what I was doing wrong. I decided I needed, and had to, carry a note pad that I could use to write things down. My family and coworkers initially thought I was crazy and too consumed with losing the weight but I am determined to do it, after all, isn't that why I had the sleeve done? YES!!!!

I found a site online that I could get nutritional facts about any and all foods (that I have looked up) on it. Starbucks, fast food restaurant's, etc, I am finding out the truth about the foods that I am consuming and realizing that better food choices are a must. Just because something is high in Protein doesn't necessary mean it's good for you. I want to do a 5K walk this summer and progress from there. I also want to feel better and prove to myself that yes I can do this. I hope that I can be an inspiration to help get others in my same boat.

About me, I work as a Registered Nurse full time (3 shifts) a week, mother of 5, graduate school student full time, and help my husbands and son's with their business, trying to get it up and going. Yes, busy to say the least. But I have learned, if you want something bad and long enough, you CAN do it.

Good luck==Tracy

[McButterpants 2,846]

Tracking my food, then analyzing it was an eye opener for me.

I thought all fruits and veggies were good and would sit down to a bowl full of corn thinking I was doing well, then wondering why I wasn't losing weight.

I have found the right mix of protein/carbs/fat for me right now - It will probably change as my body changes. Right now, I feel good eating what I'm eating now. I tried to go super low carb about a month after surgery and felt really deflated, I had no energy. Once I upped my carbs, I felt so much better. But the carbs I eat now are different - bread is a rare thing for me to eat (I really don't enjoy it any more, so I figure why eat it). I eat fruits and veggies that are low on the glycemic index.

Best of luck to you! I love that you're working towards a 5K - that's one of my goals, too. :-)

I'm just over 9 weeks out - I don't log everything every day, but most days, I track just to keep myself honest.

[Leepers 1,195]

Hi Tracy! I came over for a little visit from the Lapband Forums. But we all want the same thing, right?

I'd like to suggest the MyFitnessPal app. You can download it on your phone. You can search every food or even snap a pic of the bar code and it will all show up. Just choose your portion and it puts it all on there for you.

I love it. It really helps me watch my calories. I know the lap band should keep me from eating as much, but if what I'm eating is crap, then I'm not gonna lose weight.

Best wishes to you! Keep at it, you still have a very impressive weight loss.

[JeanZ_RN 378]

I decided I needed, and had to, carry a note pad that I could use to write things down. My family and coworkers initially thought I was crazy and too consumed with losing the weight but I am determined to do it, after all, isn't that why I had the sleeve done? YES!!!!

I found a site online that I could get nutritional facts about any and all foods (that I have looked up) on it.

I hope that I can be an inspiration to help get others in my same boat.

About me, I work as a Registered Nurse full time (3 shifts) a week, mother of 5, graduate school student full time, and help my husbands and son's with their business, trying to get it up and going. Yes, busy to say the least. But I have learned, if you want something bad and long enough, you CAN do it.

Good luck==Tracy

So they thought you were crazy? Fffffpt. Let them think whatever they want. Your dedication to the goal is wonderful to see - yes, an inspiration!

What is the web site you found? (I don't have a smart phone, so I need different resources.)

I'm a registered nurse too! I work in administration - quality, to be specific - so my work is not as physically demanding and my hours are different (8-10 hrs a day, 5 days a week). And I don't have HALF the stuff going on outside work that you do. Wow!, and hats off to you for managing all that and still having the energy to tackle the weight loss journey. You ARE an inspiration!