Long Term Weight Loss - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Connie · 06-30-2005, 12:41 PM

I had my surgery March 21 and have been doing well. I have been walking and trying to be more active. I am able to eat most things and have been cooking as I always have for the family. I just don't eat much and pick out most of the noodles and concetrate on the protein and vegetables. I am thinking I should learn how to cook with less fat and so I tried a "Weight Watcher" receipe for chicken recently. I was disappointed in how plain and simple it tasted. I figured I should try to learn to cook low fat so that my weight loss will be permanant. Though when I think about it, I never gained weight from eatting too much chicken.

My question goes out to those of you that have been successful maintaining the weight you want to be. How do you balance your tastes with what's more healthy? Do you eat what you want of food food and limit the extra's? Did you change the way and what you eat? I am looking for some tips to maintain long term weight loss.

I have alot more weight to go and want your input for the hard part - maintance.

Lap Dr Callory
March 21, 2005
278 / 210 / 130

bridgetgirl · 06-30-2005, 01:06 PM

I have been maintaining for almost a year now. I stil do protein first, veggies second. I have added carbs, like 1/2 piece toast to my egg and 2 slices of bacon. Also, I notice to add carb snacks instead of protein ones. IE having crackers or chips when I feel like snacking vs SF Fudgesicle or cheese stick.
I fluctuate between 165-170 and have been for a year.

I still stay away from sweet desserts. My decadence is licorice but I have it occasionally rather than often. I have that or no sugar added Fudgesicles.

I think your body will take you to the point where it wants to be, then you have to still eat the same way pretty much to maintain things. Its with the snacking and too much caloric intake (like from those flippin chips and crackers) you experience weight gain.

Hope this info helps ya!

Julez · 06-30-2005, 01:45 PM

Bridget-
Do you know anyone that has gained alot of the weight back???
Good job on the maintenance

bridgetgirl · 06-30-2005, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Julez

Bridget-
Do you know anyone that has gained alot of the weight back???
Good job on the maintenance

Oh yeah my little chick a dee, a few in the year and a half I have been on the board. I find it is those that do not go to support groups! That is the key to staying accountable, support. I believe that 100%. I have told my sister that, if she gets WLS she has to stay in support no matter what!

Its sad too, because they dont come back to support to get back on track for fear of rejection or looking like a failure... but its exactly were they need to be to get back on track. There are no failures, just those who have wandered off the beaten track. I'd like to wrestle their bootays back to support group!!!!! If your out there, you know who you are... come home!

Dara · 06-30-2005, 11:52 PM

Connie:

I feel that maintenance is the scariest and most difficult part of our journey. I've lost literally hundreds of pounds in the past. I am a very successful dieter and I'm a very successful gainer. But I've always been a complete failure at maintaining a reasonable weight for any length of time.

I had WLS on April 27, 2004 and have maintained under my goal weight for more than six months now. I feel you must change your old bad eating habits to be successful in keeping the weight off. I try to follow the rules--primarily protein, low carbs, little to no sugar or bread. I also do not drink carbonated sodas, mainly because I was a total addict before surgery and I don't want to go back there.

I track every bite of food that goes into my mouth on fitday.com. This has been a tremendous tool for me. I always know exactly how many calories I've eaten at any given time of the day--how many grams of protein, fat and carbs. This is great in helping me to maintain control of my eating.

I've also instituted a regular walking program into my life. I hate exercise, so walking is perfect for me. I feel that some type of exercise is essential in maintaining long-term weight loss. It burns calories and increases the metabolism.

No one said this was going to be easy. WLS is no sure thing. We still have to be aware of our diet and food. But I really believe that I now eat to live, not live to eat.

I hope this information helps you in some way. Good luck with your efforts.

Barbarajo · 07-01-2005, 06:43 AM

I am not a long term person I'm only 6 months out. But as far as cooking low fat. I spice up my cooking. I use alot of Chili powder, garlic, season salt, pepper, soy sause, lemon, lime, liquers, wines, all kinds of stuff to spice up my low fat foods. I am enjoying eating this way. I have always loved low fat cooking. I enjoy all the fresh vegies and stuff. I cost less now to cook this way cuz I am not eating so much of it.

Like last night I have left over of chicken and a beef kabob. I cut up the chicken and beef heated it in olive oil added fresh red bell pepper and onion, garlic, chili powder, salt, soy, lime, pepper. stir fried it all together. served it with on triangle of toasted pita and enjoyed. It was fantasic. I some times do the same thing with tofu and snow peas.

Also you might want to look into sauces. I love peanut sause, (watch the sugars) or other sauses. There are so many options to spice up your life at the grocery store. Go seek and enjoy.

kbrenner · 07-01-2005, 09:40 AM

How do you find out about the support groups? Are the only support groups the ones listed on this website? How often do they meet? I agree that support is important after surgery. I'm scheduled for July 11th and am feeling a bit nervous today.

melanie hirschorn · 07-01-2005, 10:01 AM

i had my surgery in april 2003. you do need to change your eating to maintain. everything i eat is low fat. first, after surgery, anything with a lot of fat does not agree with me. i think people have to realize having surgery changes your life forever. i don't care. i'm perfectly happy. there is food i cannot eat ever again even if it is a small portion because it just doesn't agree with me anymore from having surgery. i need to stick with low fat and stay away from sugar. both get me really sick, even in a small quantity. exercise, like dara, said, is also the key. surgery is only a tool and you need to be willing to change. good luck,
melanie

gramamarc · 07-01-2005, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbrenner

How do you find out about the support groups? Are the only support groups the ones listed on this website? How often do they meet? I agree that support is important after surgery. I'm scheduled for July 11th and am feeling a bit nervous today.

Just keep watching this site. We usually post upcomming meetings. I know there are 2 comming up in East county. (That's if you live in the SD area)
Welcome to the board All I can say is read read read!

kbrenner · 07-01-2005, 10:26 AM

Thanks, I have been reading. It's very helpful.
I do live in San Diego, Clairemont Area. But I'm open to traveling to wherever the meetings are.
Do you know if they are weekly, monthly??