4 Months Out

I thought this might be helpful for those earlier in their journey (just read "3 Months Out"). I lost more than 1/3 of my excess weight pre-surgery due to an insurance required 6 month supervised weight loss program.  Now at 4 months, I am 3 pounds below my surgeons goal, 3 pounds above my original personal goal, and 13 pounds above my new personal goal.

It amazes me how fast this has gone - I couldn't eat much in the beginning.  I still can't eat more than 3 oz of dense protein.  I do get hungry but dense protein always curbs the hunger.  I am able to go out to dinner with friends with no problem.  I either get an appetizer or small meal which is protein based and stop when full (always have leftovers, which is great for during the week).  I enjoy what I eat, but am happy to stop when full.  I pack my lunch for work.  Life is now sipping water constantly and taking my vitamins on time (spacing the iron and calcium makes it critical that I set timers to get them all in).  

I walk daily (elderly dogs are thrilled) and am bike riding 3 times a week (I live on Cape Cod).   I feel great physically (except when some foods disagree).  I am more than thrilled I chose VSG, but still worried about maintenance.

What a nice, hopeful post.  Congratulations on your success, especially the pre-op loss.  You are doing great. 

It took me a while to figure out maintenance, but I know you'll do fine based on your success so far.  It takes determination, and a long term commitment to health.  But it is possible.  I've been maintaining for about 2 years now and I found a strategy that works for me.  You will too.

Carol

You don't have to worry about maintenance as long as you begin to plan for it as you approach. I have found it to be true that maintenance is more challenging than the loss itself. Take this time to think about the lifestyle changes and a good habits you have acquired. Those things will continue to be your anchor, and you will just add back some healthy options like healthy fats. Many successful maintainers set a five pound "weight target range" to live within. When you get below the low end, look at adding some calories back in. When you near the top end of the range , pull things back a bit. Because you won't have the consistent scale rewards anymore, be thinking about other measurable fitness, spiritual, social, etc. goals you can work toward.

It sounds like your head is in the right place ! You've got this !!

I had noticed that people talk about having a maintenance range - it sounds like a good way to manage it.