Regaining the use of my TOOL

So I am trying to turn over a new leaf in my life and get back to using my tool correctly.  I have slipped and gained and I worked too hard to get here to go back.  I don't dump from sugar.    I wish I would.  I am logging the calories, sugar and protiens of everything I put into my mouth as a way to make me more accountable and realize how I am making bad choices again.  My First question is; How much sugar should someone have who is post op?  I know most of you are on sugar free diets, if that is the case, could you tell me how many sugar alcohols you are taking in on a given day? I feel like I am starting all over with this nutrition thing.  I feel like everything I have learned, I am re-learning.  This is a horrible place to be in. Secondly....It's been about 6 months...but I am smoking again.  I am starting today with a 21 mg patch to quit.  Last time I had to quit I was on Wellbutrin and the patch.  What are some WLS friendly snacks I can munch on while trying to quit smoking?  I know I'm probably taking on too much, with quitting after gaining and expecting to lose, but I have to do this. Please tell me all the things that you love post WLS food wise to help me plan better for shopping.  If you prefer to PM me please do so.  But what are the things you consider "must haves" in your pantry or fridge that contribute to your continued WL?  

Paula, Glad to hear your back to using your tool. I'm still pretty new at this, but I will try and help. As far as sugar, everything I eat is SF, as far as the sugar alcohol, it's in my protein bars I eat, I get about 14 sugar alcohol a day. I also eat fruit which has natural sugar. I know protein is important, but my must halves are: Bannanas, strawberries, salad, scrambled eggs with cheese & veggies, and seafood. I also have hot tea in the a.m. and p.m. I was just on vacation and I ate 2 bannanas a day as extra's. I came home 3 pounds thinner. They fill me up and settle very well with my tummy. Good luck and I hope this helps a little. You look wonderful and have lost so much.  Kelly

Thank you Kelly!  I'm not a big fan of banana's...but I will have to consider that.  I love boiled eggs, cheese and seafood.  But I will have to look at adding more fruits and veggies.

You are not alone in the slipping to old habits, mine is stress carb eating.  I too have gained some weight back and again need to refocus on my tool.  My surgeon says to never have anything with more then single digit sugar grams.  When you read the labels it is surprising how much sugar is in so called low calorie foods. My surgery has been 4 yrs and each year seems to get harder. I would suggest no snacking as that only leads to more eating.  The big thing to using the tool is WATER WATER WATER, maybe loading on water could help you with the stop smoking.  The best thing we can do for ourselves is not have the "BAD FOODS IN THE HOUSE".  We need to focus on the protein, veg. and fruits.  Somethings are just meant to maybe never be eaten again if that was what got us to the health crisis we were in.  Good luck in your journey

Thank you!  I do A LOT of carb eating, which I assume is not helping with my blood sugar issue.  Single digit sugar grams....I hadn't heard of that one.  GOOD to know.  I DO know that one thing I have to stress to myself is the NO DRINKING after eating rule.  I am even going out to buy a timer to set after I eat...LOL  but I hope it works.  Yup.....I agree, fruits, veggies and protien.

Paula, I'm right there with you.   I don't think I've gained yet but I've sooo fallen off the wagon and gone back to eating too much crap.   I went shopping last night and bought lots of fruit...salad stuff for if I feel like I won't be able to resist a snack.   At least it'll be healthier.   I buy the single serving chicken entree things....like chicken kiev type of things....one of those is plenty if not too much for lunch....I pop one of them in the oven.   I also told my family no more ice cream in the freezer....no more candy in the house....they want it they get a single candy bar that they eat and is gone.   I am struggling big time but I'm hoping I can turn myself around.   Something I got myself that I've been enjoying this morning....I hate coffee so can't have a decaf coffee with s/f syrup ewwww.   I steamed some milk on the stovetop....added a little s/f hazelnut syrup and a bit of ff whip cream on top.   I actually had that for breakfast this morning and I'm still feeling full.   It also gets me some calcium and protein in.   My favorite like that is with the s/f almond flavoring but I couldn't find it.   I'll watch this thread and hopefully I'll get some ideas too.

My kids snack too much on crap anyway so filling the pantry with healthy things would be good.  I'm so glad that I'm not the only one struggling.  The only way I can handle my protein drinks is with instant coffee and some milk.  So coffee is ok for me, but your milk idea is good too.  Which reminds me....I haven't been taking vits either.  I know my bloodwork is ok, but you never know when that will fall by the wayside too.

Hey Dear! Must have's: Beans, yogurt, string cheese, seafood~ frozen in a resealable bag, ckicken(canned works in a pinch)....Protein rich stuff Sugars:  Not sure the real answer but I keep it to natural Sugar and Sugar Alchol's As far as munchies for quiting, go for the protein bars, also check out the SF candies as they make TONS of options now a days.....  munchin' on carrots and other veggies provides nutrients and fill you up To get back on track do the 5day pouch test.......that'l  get ya back to the basics. WAY TO NIP IT IN THE BUD NOW.....You can do it!!!!

What kind of beans? I got string cheese, shrimp (i love) I have both frozen and canned chicken and tuna in water.  

I think I may just need to "ACT" like I can't have sugar...train myself to NOT opt for the sugar.  Go SF! I remember you did tell me about the protien bars at Target....what were they called?

SF candies....I'll try that one.

We love snacking on carrots at home (tay and I)

I may just do that 5DPT.  I should start it tomorrow...I have my glucose test on Wednesday.  I have to eat regular till then so I guess Thursday.

Paula  Good for you for realizing you need to get back on track and taking the steps to do so. Some of my must haves are: soy nuts ****ep salted and those honey roasted in case I want salty or sweet) baby carrots or apples and dip em in peanut butter salad, cheese stix, high protein cartons of yogurt, those kashi high protein granola bars, bananas, frozen fruit for smoothies and I still do the SF popsicles. Hugs and good luck doll YOu can do it!!