Poll: Vets...do you defy convention?

This one is a bit of a strange question when you think about it but I think it’ll make sense as people answer it. I don’t expect a huge response but for those who do respond I think it might give some good insight. 

For this one I am going to say it’s BEST answered by people who have been maintaining their weight for a little while (two seasons, let’s say).

What have you done…and still maintained your weight loss? 

I’ll give you an example.

During the holidays I am the “cookie person" in the family. Historically I’ve baked upwards of 100 dozen cookies of different varieties for parties, family gatherings, gifts, etc.

Since surgery, I have continued baking 100 dozen cookies during the holidays (and even managed to have a few of them) and maintained my weight loss.

I ask this because I hear a lot of newer folks thinking they can “never" do this or that. Or that doing this or that will doom them to long-term failure. Sure, I was apprehensive about the cookies my first year (and oddly did not taste any of them and instead relied on taste testers) but I learned to work around it and still do something I really love to do. (and not go bonkers with it)

So the message here is about overcoming. So vets…what did you do…and still maintained your losses? 

The first year while I was losing quickly and wanted to optimize my window I didn't venture off of my plan much at all. 

I still love to cook and feed people, and I do eat what I cook even baked goods.  I 99% of the time will eat my protein first and in the years since my surgery I have made sure to not drink with my meals and to wait  30 minutes after before drinking.  I can probably count on 1 hand the times I haven't waited to drink.

I do believe following these rules and the fact that I don't like to feel full and miserable when I overeat has helped me maintain.

 We have always eaten healthy at home, and I'm the only one *****ally has a weight problem, thankfully.  To maintain, I try to eat really well 4 days/week (work days) where everything is measured and planned in advance.  The other three days are protein first and I try to limit treats, but still allow them for myself.  I always wait an hour after eating to drink (except when doing a half marathon).  Oh, and I try to exercise at least 5 days a week.

That being said, I love to cook and certain holidays are mine and I haven't/won't change my recipes.  I still make a full blown Thanksgiving from the stuffing, turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole with maple syrup, lots of butter and marshmellows on top, though I do have plain mashed sweet potato for my mom (diabetic) and me), veggies, to the homemade pumpkin pies, pecan pies and chocolate pies. I'll have a little taste which is enough to keep me happy and generally fill up on the turkey (no gravy, but i do make gravy too).  And I eat the meat and no skin now instead of the wing which was always my favorite.

For Hanukkah, I still make potato latkas dripping in oil.  I might have one bite but that's it because the fat really bothers me but everyone else still loves them.  I still make banana chocolate chip muffins for my family, though these days I substitute whole wheat flour instead of white.  And there are dinners I still cook for my family that I don't eat or can only eat part of, but then I have a spinach salad with turkey so we're all happy.  It's a day to day lifetime adventure.

I'm trying to determine the regional reach of the marshmallows on sweet potatoes thing. My initial instinct is it is a tradition of the deep South?

My stepsister came up a few years ago and made them that way and I felt bad cuz nobody touched them. And everyone sort of questioned them. I'd never had them that way and it was my first year post-op so I wasn't trying to push the envelope too much.

 I grew up in Southern California but my parents were originally from New York (my dad grew up in the Bronx when it was all Jewish).  And we've always had marshmallows on sweet potato casseroles.  My dad did spend time in Louisianna, but he doesn't do the cooking.  I thought it was something everyone did so I never knew it was a regional thing.  Maybe it's more of a cultural thing?  I think everyone I know on the east coast does it.

in my first 2 year post op I tried very hard to make "healtheir" choices for others.... that was not working so well. Some were great others... baking - not so much.  I changed that. Just becasue I can't have something it does not mean I can't make that for others.

During last 2 years I learned to bake for "normal" people: cookies, brownies, cheesecake, muffins etc.  I don't try that. Not even a bite.  I usually follow a recipe, and all is good.
I still bake my "protein cookies and muffins" and that is "my food".

Other than that - I do cook much more  - and learned to cook volumes... store and reheat.  All rather healthy protein - veggie dishes. Then for "normal people" - there are also other side dishes (carbs) that I can't (or choose not) to eat. 

Last 2 years the "other" food does not bother me as much - it can be in the house on a table, but as long as I get my proteins - I am good.

Not that I'm ready for them yet, but I really like the idea of protein cookies and muffins!  I am so going to Google that when I get out of this soft food stage, as it sounds like a good treat idea for me... and maybe my beloved husband won't hate them.  :)

My routine is very important to me.  I eat 4 meals a day, 3 protein drinks.  Meals are protein and veggie with no exceptions.  However, I refuse to feel like I am on a diet all the time.  When we go out to eat, I may eat a roll.  When there is desert around, I eat a bite.  If I make desert for something special, it is SF but may be full or at least part fat.  When I have been off routine for a while, like on vacation and eating out, I get right back on as soon as I can.  If I have gained during the time, it comes right back off the first week I am back on track.  so far, so good.

I'm also good at sticking to my chosen meal plan - all food, no messing around with it or substitutions. I forego most processed food and try to eat as cleanly as possible - I actually like the taste of food. Most people would think I am a health nut rather than a WLS'er and there are plenty of health nuts in Colorado - which is one of skinniest, healthiest states in the country!!!!

I cook every day but NEVER bake - and honestly have no desire to eat muffins, cookies or cake of any description - even on my birthday - but I will buy it for others. I am not perfect and I will on a social occasion eat a slice of commercial pizza etc but my friends and family all know how I eat and pretty much accommodate me without fuss. I always think there is something I can find on any menu or at any social occasion - even if it's just a handful of nuts! I never have to pack special food for trips or anything like that.

My meals are nearly all protein plus veggies and I will eat fruit on occasions for dessert but never anything else sweet, like ice cream or pie. HOWEVER, something I eat every day that is not on most people's plans is ... CHOCOLATE!!!

I eat a snack size (smaller than a mini) bar of Hershey's chocolate every evening after my meal - of course I would prefer something cadburys from England (it tastes very different) but I have been here long enough to be able to make that substitution!!!

Two things:

1. My NUT told me to eat chocolate. She said it's good for me. :)

2. Ugh! God bless you for tolerating American chocolate. I HATE it. I eat a brand of chocolate called Divine, which is a farmer-owned company from farmers from Ghana. The company is headquartered in the U.K. It's Fair Trade. But in general Hersheys is yuck nasty sweet. Ick!