Post Date: 12/3/07 10:16 am Almost 3 years out and still losing! I attribute this to many factors 1.) strictly adhering to what we know to be true for WLS patients and the diet they should stick to. 2.) exercise 3.) motivation in the form of a fellow WLS alumni I work with who has gained back 100 of the 200 lbs. she originally lost. 4.) Continued follow-up care and lastly 5.) staying on track with my vitamins. #1 DIET: We knew going into this sacrifices would be made in the form of what we could (should) and could not (should not) eat. My surgeon was brutally honest when he asked me if I was willing to give up breads, pasta, rice, potato's and sugar the rest of my life. If not, he was unwilling to take me on as a patient. An eating planned was designed for the success of his patients and noted that when one falls off the plan things will not progress as they are intended: a. restriction of simple carbohydrates and sugars; b. grazing strictly prohibited; c. feed and feed often with the caveat that this would be controlled portions and the prescribed foods i.e., lean proteins, fruits, vegetables. d. proteins, proteins, proteins always a better choice than chips. #2 EXERCISE: The benefits and gained are more than just weight loss. Weight training in any form promotes building of muscle which burns calories through-out the day with the extra added benefits of stronger bones and the release of endorphins that combat fatigue and depression. There are no excuses this is me time and I like me! #3 MOTIVATION: The one person who could set an example for me did so in the worst possible way. By observing her eating habits I was given a birds eye view of how not following (what should be a life long commitment) will be the brick wall hit by many. #4 FOLLOW-UP: Being accountable to my doctor helps me in my success to say nothing of monitoring my health. #5 VITAMINS: There is no excuse not to take them. Don't have time for the pesky iron pill the consequences are fatigue, anemia and in some cases the need for transfusions. Find it a pain in the ass to take your calcium? Just wait until you take a fall and something breaks. Need I say more? I once worried about being able to afford plastic surgery for the ugly bat wings and the inevitable loose skin on the belly. Some how they are not as important as I once thought. My energy and stamina are off the charts and a whole new world has evolved. Do I slip? On occasion. Do I worry about weight gain during the holidays? Not at all. These last 3 years has allowed me to change my eating habits, given me back my health and taught me that I can do this. Forever.

OMG, Ruth thanks for bringing up the subject. I've become known for never feeling hungry, that is, until recently! Now, I can't stop the demons. HEAD HUNGER. All I think of is what to shove down my pie hole. We are going to address this in the next support group (in 2 weeks), but my demons are working overtime. Just knowing that others are in the same boat is a little comfort, but I wish we were all free of the nasty demons. Back to basics for me! Cindy

Ruth, You are not alone! The only time I can keep food out of my mouth is when I am busy, especially up to my elbow in paint. I started repainting the inside of my house so that I can be busy all the time that I am home. I told my husband I just thought the house needed a fresh coat and am too proud to admit that I am doing it to keep out of the refrigerator. The food demons are just zapping my energy! Diane

not headaches, that was last month, this month it is aches and pains from the cold. I attribute most of my aches and pains to stress and frustration at finances and the upcoming holidays. they are just sucking the life out of me. I have switched back to ibuprofen for pain management. tylenol was just not kicking it for me.

I'm so glad I'm not the only one ~ not that I want you to be going through it too if you know what I mean... I made a double scoop protein shake to have just after I posted this, and it did help for a while so it made me wonder if my body is craving nutrients? I'm going to try having shakes for my morning and afternoon snacks to see if it makes a difference. If I have a double scoop I get 240 cals and 50 protein which is in the right direction. I was reading on the nuritician board that it's a complete myth that you can only absorb only so much protein in one sitting. Now if only you and I could calm things down in our family lives that would help! Hope hubbie wasn't too mad when he got up