How Closely Do You Stick to the Program?

[mnmlst 249]

I'm about 4 months out and down 70 lbs. I find that, at this point, I *must* stick to the program to see a loss. What about you?

How long ago was your surgery?

How closely do you stick to the food/exercise plan you were given?

Are you losing well?

[Recycled 2,182]

To the letter.......

[Mrs.RRn 2,111]

I eat clean 90% of the time & workout most days of the week- I do much more than my surgeon has ever required of me. It's how I live best/feel best.

[alwaysvegas 702]

I have found that 'sticking to the program' has simply become my lifestyle now. And it's really about the choices I make about eating and exercising. However, I'm conscious that I have deviated from 'the path' pre-surgery and gained back the weight I had lost and more.

I'm trying to find that balance with food, exercise, satiety, happiness, and all that good stuff.

Edited March 3, 2015 by AlwaysVegas

[JamieLogical 8,710]

I stick to mine VERY strictly and my loss is sloooooow. I'd be terrified to find out what would happen if I went off plan. Probably would GAIN weight!

[Graciesmom04 184]

Of course I'm a newbie...only 5 weeks out, but I've found if I try anything not on the list, I feel sick. It's too sweet or just doens't sit well. I tried a strawberry shake Friday night....had been looking so forward to a treat....took 2 sips and gave it to my husband. Just couldn't do it. I know this won't stay this way.....but sure is good incentive at the moment to stay focused!

[Healthy_life2 8,324]

@@mnmlst

I am 9 month's out from surgery. I follow my eating plan that has been modified by my surgeon. I exercise more than what is required . My weight loss has not moved in months. Not keeping up on my plan I believe would send me into weight gain mode

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I stick to my program and have from day 1. I exercise more than required but I feel better when I work out so I work out 5 -6 days a week for at least an hour.

[5BeautifulDays 68]

I do mostly follow plan. I also track and measure every bite of food I eat, and exercise hard several days a week.

Places I've varied from my nut's suggestions have been fairly small and infrequent. I've had some sweets, an adult beverage, and some bread/crackers--but they're rare treats and I make sure they fit into a day that is still around 900-1000 net calories.

I'm still losing, although it has slowed a little. If I saw gains, I'd go back to the more extreme plan.

[Graciesmom04 184]

5beautifuldays - how well did you do with your "adult beverage"? I'm terrified to even try it due to the horror stories the therapist told me presurgery! I'm headed this weekend to Chicago with a friend and the hotel has free drinks. Do I dare even attempt one?

[tamg26k 479]

Most definitely, almost to the extreme! I eat very low carb and even higher Protein than the plan recommends. No soda, no caffeine, no sugar, no breads, etc. I really don't feel as though I am missing anything.

I've done really well so far. This is my 8th month since surgery and at my weigh-in on 3/14 ( I only weigh in once a month) I should be down close to 145 lbs. I couldn't be happier. I exercise about 5 times a week as well. My biggest problem at this point is not getting enough calories. Who knew this would ever be a problem!

Best of luck!!

[Rogofulm 2,440]

From the responses so far, it appears that those who adhere very closely to their plan have been extremely successful.

Okay, here's my recipe for getting to goal weight....

• Start every morning with a Protein shake
• 70+ grams of Protein every day
• 64+ ounces of Fluid every day
• Non-starchy vegetables as fullness allows
• Eat protein first, veggies second, and if you really need it, fruit last
• Don't drink anything for 45 minutes before or after meals
• Only protein-based Snacks (nuts, cheese, yogurt, Jerky, meat leftovers)
• Completely avoid starches, sweets, and booze
• Very limited fruits, and no fruit juices
• Walk 30+ minutes every day
• Try to have a plan in place for every situation
• When you will be in an unknown situation, bring fluids and protein with you
• Jerky can be purchased almost anywhere, and a 3.5 oz bag is a meal
• At restaurants:
• Do not have bread, dessert, or booze
• Order a meat dish
• Substitute a 2nd veggie for the starch
• Calories and fat don't matter
• Carbs and sugar do
• Establishing repeatable routines makes it easier
• Guys lose weight faster; it's not fair, but it's true

I followed my plan pretty closely and it got me to goal, even with lots of social occasions and restaurant dining. Now to see if (with a few modifications) it will work in maintenance, and how sustainable it is for the long haul...

Edited March 3, 2015 by Rogofulm

[5BeautifulDays 68]

5beautifuldays - how well did you do with your "adult beverage"? I'm terrified to even try it due to the horror stories the therapist told me presurgery! I'm headed this weekend to Chicago with a friend and the hotel has free drinks. Do I dare even attempt one?

I had a single glass of plum wine (it was iced, and not much wine--Mickey Mouse is stingy with the liquor!) with some teriyaki salmon. I did break the no eating/drinking together rule for this, because I feared alcohol on an empty stomach more than distention. I felt it, but not more than usual. It *was* out of my system really fast, though.

I won't make a habit of drinking, for sure (I did feel a little bloated after), but it wasn't a bad experience.

[ProjectMe 909]

I'm about 4 months out and down 70 lbs. I find that, at this point, I *must* stick to the program to see a loss. What about you?

How long ago was your surgery?

How closely do you stick to the food/exercise plan you were given?

Are you losing well?

I had surgery Dec. 16th.

I follow my surgeons plan to the letter.

I am losing at the rate my body wants to lose at (1-2lbs/every 2 weeks).

[AlanaRN 419]

I'm very strict and follow my plan exactly. I track everything I eat. I avoid carbs, sugar, caffeine. I weigh my food. I'm 5 months out and down 82 lbs!