What Tips Have You Learned In Your Journey?

Hi Everyone.... Well, it occurred to me today that we have alot of post-ops and people becoming post-ops here real soon.  And there are many of us who have learned alot of tips that would certainly benefit them.  So....let's get this thread going...... What Tips Have You Leaved In Your Journey?? 1.  Keep up your support group - whether it is here on Oh or with your physican or other support group, stay with them.  there is no one else who understands what you go through, your trials and erros, than someone who has walked in your shoes. 2.  Measure everything - This not only helps you monitor your food intake, but also helps keep you accountable.  Especially since we have selective memory. 3.  Journal*journal*journal -  Logging in your weight, food and exercise is a great way to monitor trends.  Again...we have selective memory, and when we gain weight, we do not understand why.  Oull out your logs and see why.  If you ate a cookie...write it down.  Helps being accountable. 4.  When I get up, I pull 6 packets of Crystal Lite from the box, and everytime I fill up my 20 ounce water bottle, I use one.  This helps me keep track of what I am drinking and how much. 5.  I keep a calendar in my workout room (in front of the treadmill) where I log in all of my workouts.  It helps keep me motivated. 6.  As soon as dinner is finished cooking, I pack my lunch.  This way I know that I have food for lunch, I don't have to think about it and it's already packed. Ok....your turn.....what great tips do you have to share????

This is a GREAT thread!! You have already covered some of my tips but: 1. I keep my vitamins in a daily compartmentalised box and make up a week at a time - so every day I have my vitamins and know that they are all taken....... 2.  I try hard not to eat in between meals unless they are planned snacks 3.  I try not to eat sugar -  everything is under 5 gns, sugar free or replaced with splenda 4.  I still NEVER drink with my meals, never drink carbonated beverages nor drink soda There are more but I don't want to write them all........ lol! Jackie

Still being a bit of a newbie (6 mo. post op) the things that have worked the best for me are:  (1)  FitDay.com -- I log everything I eat, regardless of amount, keep track of exercise and weight.  It keeps me honest, pure and simple.  (2)  In spite of the fact I can't tolerate meat yet, I have found other ways of getting protein in to keep my intake between 90-100 grams per day.  (3)  Exercise every chance I get.  (4)  Get involved in as many support groups as possible...the knowledge and experience of others is invaluable.  (5)  Stay away from anything that was a "red light food" in the past...why tempt fate?  :)

As a newbie, I think that your tips are great reminders for us middle-age post ops (1 - 3 years) and old timersm (3 years +)....PLUS...the help the newbie post-ops just coming out of the gates. Great tips!

One I thought of is more a help to my family who works my pouch along with me... EDUCATE your loved ones or people you are close to.  Let them know a little about your new needs and what to expect.  After several staring incidents with my father over the dinner table (with mom poking him under the table HA HA) I took the time to really explain what, how and why I'm eating what I am.  And they have really come along way now.  For instance, they no longer set a glass at the table for me since I can't drink while I eat.  This may seem small, but it avoids the repetitious response to the pre-dinner question of "What will you be drinking tonight?"  Also I had a co-worker do several special things for me - like a birthday snack of cheese and peeled apple slices instead of birthday cake back in January.  :)

GREAT tips!   Educating your support system is WONDERFUL! Like you, at work for birthdays, some of us (we are either at vvarious stages of WLS or just wanting to eat healtheir) have requested fruit bowls, cheese plates with crackers, sugar free items, etc.  Surprisingly, the change is a hit with everyone.

Good am, GREAT POST JILL!! 1) Make SURE to attend your follow up appointments even years post-op to include getting blood work done and pay CLOSE attention to the results to ensure your levels are where they need to be. (i.e iron, calcium etc) 2) Listen to your body! Many folks wait too long to address issues (such as ulcers, hernias, strictures and more). Many of these issues addressed ASAP will save you a LOT of pain and tears. 3) Commit to this lifestyle each morning when you wake up realizing that you WILL falter, that no one is perfect and you WILL make mistakes. However, its important to note you have supportive, kind, loving, caring, kick-you-in-the-rear folks here to help get you back on track.  4) TAKE PICTURES! I mean it from before to years out. Your body is changing all the time especially initially and "we" as the patient don't always see it but trust you will in pictures. Its a way to document your progress not just for weight loss but for you any possible plastics and health related treatments in the future. 5) You'll face adversity and new found attention. You are not prepared for the attention and some issues you might face along the journey. Learn from others experiences even when they are VERY tough and heart breaking. Lessons taught and learned and arm yourself with knowlege. Don't just go off what others have "said" but what you would do for yourself.  6) Remember that YOU are important and you must treat yourself as such before you can take care of others. Every day for at least 20-30 minutes and longer if possible take time for yourself to reflect on your day, your goals, your thoughts and achievements and pat yourself on the back or kick your butt into gear. Every day you wake is another day to try and make better choices/decisions. 7) GIVE BACK TO OTHERS!!! Tell/share your story, experiences, ups, downs and in betweens. Make your journey one of giving and receiving and realize that you impact folks you don't even know and ones you do in ways you cannot imagine. Its so true that ONE person CAN make such a marked difference in others lives.  Enjoy! KK

Great tips and good points!  I especially like rememebring that YOU are important.  Often times we forget that.  For example, when was the last time I took a day off from work for just ME!  I cannot remember. I usually off every other Friday, but those days are filled with errands, chores, yes...my dance classes....but a whole day that belongs to just me. I took today off so I can run to son around town to take care of things for his scholarship, but...no ME time until later today. So...I loved your tips!

One of my favorite things to do is to take my  measurements monthly. When the weight seeming crawls to a stop, I notice that inches are gone. I do many of the tips already mentioned too. Food journaling is so important to me. Sometimes when I get extra smelly gas I can go and track what I have eaten. Depending on my desire to stink out my hubby I'll either cut back on that food or KEEP EATING IT!! LOL

Depending on my desire to stink out my hubby I'll either cut back on that food or KEEP EATING IT!! LOL too funny jen...............roflmaomy hubby's about to ask me to move out.