5 years out calorie/protein question, please help!

Hello all,

I have been struggling a little bit lately these past 2 years after I gave birth to my daughter.  In February of this year I was 5 years out and I have been wondering for a long time now about a few things and am really looking for some support.  My surgeon has transferred to another state and took himself and his supportive staff along with him.  It's been VERY hard losing that support.  :( 

I know everyone's experiences and surgeons are all different.. but I was wondering if anyone could enlighten me on how they keep themselves on track this far out.  SPECIFICALLY - do you count your calories now or still just focus on protein first and then carbs and such?  I'm at the point now where I know it's all up to me to make the right choices, and I know I can eat a little more "normal" now being so far out.... but wonder should I count calories now or just focus on my WLS basics?  (In the beginning years ago I know counting calories didn't even matter to my surgeon).

Any and all advice/input would be very much appreciated.  Thanks so much for reading.  :) 

I will be 5 years out in August and am maintaining within 5-7 pounds of my lowest weight (which was like 2 pounds below my goal weight).   I have not counted calories (or carbs) since surgery (although I periodically track a couple of days of food intake in Fitday just to see where I am at as far as calories, carbs, fat, and protein).  I count only daily protein and try to limit the fat and carbs (but don't actually count them).  

I have a 5-pound weight "creep" limit and when I hit that (or get within a pound of it), I go "back to basics".  I try to increase my protein and fluids a bit and I cut out all non-dairy, non-veggie carbs until the 4 or 5 pounds comes back off. I am currently doing that for the third time since hitting my goal weight at 20 months out.  This time, I was actually up 6 pounds.  Three of them came off relatively quickly, but the last three are being stubborn. (I did have a carb-y weekend, though, so that didn't help.)  For me, counting calories would feel like I am dieting whereas going back to basics is just me reinforcing the healthy eating plan I know I need for the rest of my life.

Lora

Lora,

Thanks so much for the input.  Your last sentence is something I meant to address as well.  Hit the nail on the head as a matter of fact.  I actually feel like I am in fear of slipping back into where I feel like I am dieting, rather than it just being a habit to have better eating styles and exercising.  For so many years I struggled and "dieted" with no results and was so depressed.  And now, I don't wanna feel like that anymore.  I just want my healthier lifestyle back that I had right before I had my daughter.  So you don't count calories really?  Just basically focus on protein?  And you said you do every now and then just to see where you are?  Would you mind sharing what you find yourself at calorie wise when you do track?  Thanks again!

 Nope, I really don't count calories (and I don't have any "forbidden" foods).  I do, in fact, have a small treat of some kind every day (except when I am trying to drop those 5 pounds).  I have a sweet tooth, so usually it is 2 Hershey's dark chocolate kisses or -- if i have been paricularly good about eating that day -- a spoonful (a soup spoon not a teaspoon) of my favorite full fat ice cream.

When I track my calories, it is 1400-1500 calories. I have a knee that needs replaced, so I don't get much exercise and have to keep the calories lower to make up for that.  My food breakout is roughly 45% protein, 25% fat, and about 30% carbs.  I get about half of my protein from dairy and really limit the "white foods" (I try to limit the carbs to fruits, veggies, dairy, and whole grains, but I occasionally eat small amounts of pasta, regular bread items, or things like pretzels as snacks).

I know that some people find that they NEED to count calories or carbs, and I am mindful of the caloric and carb content of things, but when I focus on protein FIRST and then having healthy fruits and veggies, it works for me and really does allow me to feel like a normal person (and to eat like one... I don't think that, other than the amount I eat, anyone who doesn't know I had surgery would ever suspect it based on what I eat... they would just think I make generally healthy choices.)

Lora

I'm with Lora, I don't usually count my calories but I DO watch my carbs every day.

I would suggest that you log what you are eating with something like MyFitnessPal just to see where you are and where you SHOULD be in terms of protein grams and protein/carb ratios.   It's very easy for it to skew towards the carbs we all know and love!

You know how you should be eating and of course you KNOW you should be exercising every day? I haven't seen my surgeon or his team since 3 months post surgery (I moved to a different country) and although there isn't an awful lot of support for vets, I come here every day to help keep me mindful and accountable.

Good luck.

I'm about 3.5 years out. I did not track my food until recently. I was regularly gaining more than the 2 pounds I allow myself and it was driving me nuts. In addition to counting my calories, I like keeping track of my carbs, protein, fat, sugars, fiber, etc. I use myfitnesspal which is so easy. I like being healthy and maintaining my weight.  I plan on remaining at my goal weight for the long haul so this works for me.

Laura