I’m smiling form ear to ear today because I’ve finally done it! I reached One-derland this week! It has not been easy, and I still have a long way to go, but I know I will get there.

My motivation came from my very near miss with WLS. I had my appointment (for VSG in Mexico) scheduled, my flight booked and vacation time from work requested. Then I realized that I was going to be forced to follow a liquid diet for a couple of months. After the liquid phase I would be required to eat mostly protein and give-up most carbs. If I didn’t do this I would gain any lost weight back. I’ve seen people lose weight after WLS then gain most back because they failed to change their eating habits. I just realized that I would HAVE to change my habits regardless of surgery.

So I decided to try this on my own one last time, giving it a concerted effort. I decided to really be honest with myself about my eating and exercise, and to really follow through. I chose to not just give-up after a few weeks this time, like I have every other time in the past 12-13 years. And I chose to start with a liquid diet because I would have had to do that anyway with WLS.

What’s working for me? I have been drinking 12-14 8oz glasses of water a day. I have a fiber drink everyday, which (among other things) keeps me full for hours. I still have a couple protein shakes a day. My meals mimic those of a good WLS patient, protein first. I’ve almost completely given up starchy carbs. Except for a bite every now and then off my hubby’s dinner plate, I don’t eat pasta, potatoes, bread, chips or tortillas anymore. In week 12 I started exercising 30 minutes 3 times a week. I have little by little increased the duration and frequency of my workouts and am up to 60 minutes 5 times a week this week.

Like I said, I still have a long way to go, but another thing that’s working is not thinking about the big number. I just try to end my week at least 1 or 2 pounds lighter than the week before. So, I’m in it for the long haul.