the secret to your success?

This is my first day visiting this board. I had my RNY on 12/16/05 and have lost 115 lbs. from my pre-op diet starting weight. I am very happy with my loss. However, I am always afraid that I will blow it down the line. I'm so happy to have found this board because I know that you all are in the maintenance, or like me, still in the "honeymoon" phase. I truly think that the "honeymoon" phase is over with. I get pretty hungry sometimes. I don't eat a lot at one time, but I do graze pretty much. I developed an ulcer early on and still have trouble eating a meal in one sitting. Seems like one day I can eat something and then the next day can't. My surgeon doesn't like us to have protein drinks, but I have 1-2 per day because that seems to work best for me. My labs have been great and I am at the surgeon's goal weight. In fact, I think if I had to pick a success secret, it would be my protein drinks. I have one for breakfast at 8:00 a.m. and that keeps me very happy for 3-1/2 to 4 hours. I do drink decaf iced tea and/or decaf coffee during the morning. And then at night, sometimes I just don't feel like I can stomach "real" food and I have another protein drink. I also snack on bananas and peanut butter. I like to get protein in whenever possible. Anyway, I'm glad to have found this board.

I like my protein drinks, too, I actually crave it in the morning nowadays. I remember being newly post-op and HATING them [same brand!]. But I found a way to make them work for me, go figure! I love fluids, I always have liked to drink in large quantities and sometimes I think I'd rather drink than eat [it has to be one or the other now] because it's so much less complicated. But the shakes don't satisfy me as long as you [I only have one scoop of powder to 32 ounces, maybe that is why?]. I'm glad I found this board, too. I knew it was here, just never even gave it a look. It's wonderful to get so many responses to my post. What a refreshing difference from the main board [where I'm usually a thread-killer LOL]! xosm

Support and accountabilty....Oh plus watching what I eat :-D Really I would say being a support leader that I have to be an example to my group so I have done things the best I can to make this successful. I can't stand up there and NOT practice what I preach so to speak. So what I tell them is what I'm doing and what I really believe in. :-D Amy

Thanks for your reply, Amy. How do you keep yourself accountable? Do you journal or log your intake and/or exercise? xosm

The accountable part just comes from having to stand up to lead the support group. I have to be doing what I'm telling others to do to stay on track. I hope that makes sense. It's good to see you posting here