When can we start eating normally? Confused.

[gottagonow 82]

Per my doc, 28 days after surgery and it's back to normal food.

Similarly, 4 - 6 weeks depending on when we get that one month visit in. It does't mean go crazy but we can try other foods. Since anything with carbs seems to disagree with me in a "where's the toilet kind of way," it easy to avoid that. I haven't changed much since given the clear. I hate that feeling when you just know this food is not going to end well.

[Rebellious Butterfly 91]

Nice thread

[jajmj 40]

The one word I kept reading is DIET. There is something I once heard that I can't forget. The T in diet stands for TEMPORARY. Don't consider yourself on a diet. It's a change in your life. I always told myself that if I was ever given the gift of this surgery I WOULD NEVER GO BACK!! It's got such a psychological aspect to it. All the people that are supporting me - I refuse to let them down. If that means redefining what I consider my "NORMAL" foods to eat - then I guess that's how it's going to be. I am a pretty strong headed person so I have that going for me as well. I would just hate to see us all go through this then fall off.

[SnohoGal98296 371]

It seems that to some "normal" equals french fries, fast foods, breads and sweets. Why these trigger/unhealthy foods are considered normal should be the question! When I think of what I consider normal eating habits, I think of the majority of my friends and family who tend to eat pretty darn healthy. It was me who was eating the most indulgent foods at a restaurant, it was me that had the largest pile of food on my plate, it was me who never refused dessert, it was me who everybody always said "made enough for an army" (think dinner parties or potluck scenario). I was the abnormal one.

I agree about being careful what we consider "normal", that is why I consider it a "New Normal", I fully intend to follow the Protein first rule, and to stay away from simple carbs, etc. But I do not plan on being on a diet, because that has negative connotations for me. I guess I prefer the term eating healthy, staying away from processed foods ( as soon as I can, all these Protein shakes and SF foods are the epitomy of processed food, :-D), using my sleeve to help me keep portions within my surgeons guidelines and work on my head hunger issues.

That will be my New Normal.

Edited June 23, 2014 by SnohoGal98296

[bikrchk 1,313]

I'm 9 months out and in my goal range, (under 149 pounds) and still losing about a pound per week. I wear a fitness watch that does heart rate and record my intake and exercise in MFP so I know what's going in and what I'm burning on a daily basis. I choose Protein first almost always, but work in a small treat almost daily, whether that be protein'd "ice cream" or a handful of dark chocolate almonds. Occasionally, the treat is complete crap like part of a desert at a restaurant or a glass of wine.

I do focused exercise 5 days per week (stationary bike at 4:30 every work day) burning about 600 calories a pop so that I can maintain this kind of flexibility in my diet. Exercise was not a part of my life pre-op, but it is how I choose to maintain balance now. I love the fact that I never have to feel deprived or like I'm on a diet. At this point, I'm trying to slow down the weight loss and figure out what maintenance looks like, but it's still coming off which freaks me out a little. I'm eating about 1200 calories per day. At 148, I'm definitely not "too skinny" yet, but I'm 5'6 and already in an easy 6 and I don't need to get too much smaller. I have faith that my body will level out where it's supposed to be.

Many folks choose to maintain their loss by giving up trigger foods. I know that can work because I did it form the pre-op diet. The longer you go without, the less you want the junk. For me, I prefer to exercise. If you're hitting your Protein and supplement totals, IMHO, the rest is calories in vs calories burned. You just need to figure out what works for you and commit to a lifestyle that works.

[getnhealthyintx 281]

Right now, 7 weeks out I am focusing on Protein 1st. I am getting tired of telling people..."i cant have that". I need to change my attitude to I dont want that.