2 months out, just got back from short vacation, broke some rules...

But I forgive myself!

We met up with family at a rustic lodge type place in Ohio.  It was in the middle of NOWHERE,  and only had one restaurant so I was proactive and came very prepared.  I packed:

Cottage Cheese
Greek Yogurt
Tuna
Protein Water
Chicken
Steak
Lunch meat
Cheese
Protein Bars
etc.

You get the idea.  I only ate at the restaurant once in three days, and had a half a chicken salad.  So, how did I break the rules? 

It was HOT.  I couldn't follow the 30 minute drink rule a few times.  I was sooo thirsty.  I had a diet mt. dew.  Not supposed to drink pop.  And, GASP, I had 3/4 of a michelob Ultra.  With dinner. 

All in all, my sister-in-law kicked my butt when we walked together, every morning.  I was actually sore.  That is unusual for me just walking. 

Lost two pounds.

Finally feeling "normal".  Actually was able to keep up with everyone, and actually got all kinds of complements about how "prepared" and "on the ball" I was.  Which is a really big compliment for me.  Just trying to keep up with the crowd would knock me down and tire me out 37 lbs ago. 

 If you lost 2 pounds while on vacation I don't think you broke too many rules, good for you!

Just get back to the rules immediately. And try not to slip up too often. Too early out to be experimenting win anything. Just running a support group I see people all the time who are struggling out early because they have lapsed. So get back on track right away and you will be okay

Carbonated beverages will stretch your pouch. Water would have been the better option and it would have hydrated you much better than the caffeine in the soda (especially Mountain Dew) which acts as a diuretic. This is a learning process.

Well no you have gone and done it and broke your pouch! 

Well what do you do now?  get back to the rules and follow them again and be a bit more dilligent in the future.

Contrary to popular belief the drinking of soda or after meals has a minimal likelihood of stretching your pouch.

Drinking after meals will wash the food from your pouch faster. Prolonged drinking with meals is more likely to stretch your stoma than your pouch.

I'm glad you had a great time, and congratulations on your 2 lbs!!  And, you admitted that you broke the rules, and I'm sure you know that carbonated drinks aren't great (not all doctors agree that they strectch your pouch), and it probably is too early to be breaking rules, but you know what?  We are human.  Weight loss surgery does not make us perfect.  We are going to screw up, and we are going to learn from those screw ups, and having a beer is not going to make you gain those 37 pounds back. Yes, I am a newbie, too, but I am also a realist, and, at least for me, beating someone up after they've admitted the goofed is not the way to keep me motivated.  Keep up the good work!!

I feel like I was "realistic".  That is a good way to put it.  This was my first step to my new "normal".  Instead of chucking all the rules out the window and going crazy, I planned ahead, and compared to a year ago, did very well. 

I am for sure back on track.  When you step out of your "bubble", you sometimes have to go with the flow.  I am back in the bubble, and plan on being here for quite a while.

3 more pounds til onederland, 14 more pounds until I can get into a BUNCH of old clothes.

I think you did great for 3 months out. I am 5 weeks postop and am in Israel for the month; working hard to follow all the rules. I am sure my 3 tiny chunks of chicken from last night's dinner were marinated in something, but I've got ready access to my yogurt, cottage cheese and turkey slices!
Glad you got away and could enjoy.