Kathy, the diet is pretty solid, you can also ask about meal replacement shakes.  I had been so hardcore in my exercise, and diet, my surgeon actually told me he wouldn't require a full liquid (or meal replacement diet) many surgeons require of their patients.

I use Chike (iLikeChike.com), and have for close to two years now (I had my surgery 2 years ago Nov 16), and know I am getting more nutritional bang for my buck.  Two of my five daily meals is Chike -- 180 calories, 1/3 most of my nutritional vitamins/supplements, and 28 grams of protein.

I started trying to eat "post surgical" size portions for a good six months before I got surgery - it really made the transition to next to nothing the weeks after surgery ;)

If you get used to eating a scaled back diet, and STICK WITH IT, you will succeed.  I have had a DIFFICULT time walking the walk, so I am going back to basics!  As you journey further out from surgery, you will fall back into "bad habits".  I sadly do not dump, and yes, I have pushed to see what I can/cannot eat, sigh.

Hang in there, and think long term.

Brenda : )~

Hey Kat,

I sometimes ask the same thing, but remind myself HOW FAR I HAVE COME.  When I started this, I weighed 474 pounds, and I am facing my 2 year mark in mid November, I am still 100 pounds away from my goal.  We all slow, but that is when it becomes more of how willing we are to continue working toward a healthy life.

Hang in there, you aren't alone!

Brenda : )~

Once a week works best for me -- especially since I purposely "forgot" where I hid my scale.  If I don't weigh once a week, I lose my accountability.

B  : )~

HW 474
CW 272
since the last time I checked in -- up 12, sigh... But, I am going to get my head back into it!

Stay Positive!
Brenda : )~

It happens to ALL of us, so more protein, I also use Biotin, A, E, K, and Zinc to keep my locks looking lovely!

Brenda : )~

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

We all lose at different speeds, so don't freak when you plateau -- it's because you were smoking through the early phase!!!

Stay positive & keep on Losing!!!!  Amazing how well you've done, be proud of this accomplishment!!!

Brenda : )~

Sarah,

We have all been where you are -- and support garments -- ahem, girdles -- can really help!!!  You may have been the person who wrote me while I was in Oregon, but if you want to know about panniculectomies & when to start getting consults - coverage, etc, go check my Nov/Dec 2011 blog.  One other member here on OH actually got her surgery two days after mine -- and she only went to a consult with my surgeon (we were on different programs), and got scheduled for surgery almost immediately.

I had my panniculectomy on Leap Day - lost 18 pounds of flesh, but with swelling, it took almost 6 weeks to see all 18 pounds.  My swimsuit & jean size before - size 26, current swimsuit is a 20, just bought size 22 NON stretch jeans.

Most surgeons want you to be a year out from WLS, but if you are a class 3 or higher - it is reconstructive, and can be done before the year or before you get to "goal" weight.

Brenda : )~

Got back from an almost romantic vacation along the Oregon Coast (I got my period the night we drove down).

Sprung a leak -- I developed a seroma, it started looking iffy on Friday night, knew by Sunday, "Yup, it's an infection..." Called the doctor's office umpteen times for an appointment, drove 6 hours, only to have it POP before the appointment.  Sigh.  On the UPSIDE, no needle or proceedure to releive the pressure.  Two weeks antibiotics & light duty.

My daughter needed to driven to the shipyard in Seattle before my doctor's appointement.  My daughter just got her AA in Applied Science & may have a Journeyman ONE Position (in this economy) right out of school!  I love my kid!  But, she needs to pay rent, she'll be making more moola than ME!

I am sporting size 22 jeans, eventhough I soiled them with goo (crime scene photos available).  Haven't worn a 22 in like a bijillion years!!!  I love my panniculectomy!!! (See blog Nov/Dec 2011 for info how to get it covered).

Life is fabulous, even when there are bumps in the road!!!!

Brenda : )~

HIGH FIVE!!!!!!

B  : )~

Christi --

CALL YOUR DOC ASAP!  Getting over an infection/thrush/etc is just medication away.  If you are running a fever, CALL IMMEDIATELY.  Pain is not all you have to deal with, there is possible infection, depression (what did I DO to myself), fear, confusion, anger, and then back to the healing portion of the whole equation.  Emotionally, you have taken a body slam, so give yourself a little hug, and try not to worry too much.

Whine if you need to -- that is WHY WE are here, support!  Many of us have been where you are - just think YOU will be where we are in a matter of time!!!  Hang in, and try to stay positive.

Brenda : )~

The problem many times is in the head, which frustrates me that surgery doesn't usually include mental health services.  I actually am having to self pay for therapy, as I have lost and gained too many times in the past, that I want to be able to face life without having to have the crutch of food.

I have found that I am an ANGRY eater -- my daughter pushed my buttons one afternoon, "That's it, I'm hitting Taco Bell!!!"  When I realized I wasn't hungry, just angry.  I hadn't had a Taco Bell craving in so long, I laughed when I put two & two together -- I didn't pick up Taco Bell, by the way.

I also exercise like crazy -- swam 500 MILES last year, and my goal is 600 this year.  My weight wasn't coming off, so I started to think, "I haven't been keeping a food journal, I wonder...?"  My first DAY, 1900 calories!!!!  What? What! What?  Problem solved, and I have been keeping a daily (there's n app for that!) food journal for two months now -- NO MISSED DAYS!  The OTHER thing you may find interesting, I am finally and slowly losing after my panniculectomy.  LESS fat cells to deal with - may or may not have a connection, but I am LOSING again.

There isn't just ONE reason, in my case, it has been three issues I worked on.  Your body is also at a set point (look it up), and it will take a reduction in calories to break it -- not just the exercise.  Another thing - do you cross train or do one type of exercise every day -- it will make a difference.  Hang in there, keep a positive outlook -- you've lost 175 POUNDS -- you are still in a better place stuck then you were before you started this journey.

It will happen -- that you are reaching out tells me this!!!

Brenda : )~

Clean Closets lead to Happy Thoughts!

Congratulations!!!  Out with the old, in with the new!!!

Brenda : )~