xpost: What I'm learning about my body

Thank you! There's a picture from yesterday (eight months post-op) on my profile that my friends can see. I was a little bummed about where I am with my weight loss because I felt that even for a lightweight, it was slow. I lose in stops and starts with loooooooong stalls between, so it evens out to less than ten lbs a month. Still, I just have to remind myself that it doesn't really matter how long it takes to reach goal (which is actuallu 130). It's a marathon, not a sprint! I just need to take care of myself and the rest will follow!

Danielle, your picture is stunning.  You look so great.  I hope that your body gets into a good groove where you don't have to fight for every ounce to stay at your goal.  I think you've done phenomenal and should be so proud of yourself.  You're totally right, take good care of yourself and the rest will follow!!  Bravo bravo bravo for you!!

Thanks Honey!  Don't you ever lose touch!

I've learned that my body is fickle.

It likes to gain weight when I start an exercise program--if I have been away from it for a while. 

I can eat the same number of calories in the day, but if I eat the majority of those calories by 3pm, I lose better.

Still haven't figured out the calorie/carb thing.  Trying to post my meals now to be able to better analyze.

IT'S A WORK IN PROGRESS

The weight gain when you start an exercise is muscles storing more water/glycogen

I think I'm learning your 3pm rule about myself ... I think for me, its about keeping my body fed, so I make better choices (fewer carbs), which leads to me being less hungry

You might try myfitnesspal.com ... it calculates calories/protein/carbs/fat for you ...

Lin, you're so right about a work in progress!!  I honestly thought I'd find a better/easier balance post-op, but that hasn't been my personal story.

Interesting about the 3pm.  I've always heard:
Eat breakfast like a King
Lunch like a Prince
Dinner like a pauper

Apparently that works for you!  I posted that on the Atkins board recently but people didn't respond that they eat that way.  I've been trying to figure out how to get in enough during the day that I'm not so hungry at night. 

Protein bars don't work for me at all (makes me hungrier, triggers the carb monster) ... but I find the Pure Protein RTD  makes me content (I use them in same way you would use a protein bar) 

When I want a protein shot I use Bodytech Dutch Chocolate Protein Pudding from Vitamin Shoppe or else I use a scoop of Hydro Whey Chocolate powder (30 grams) in a protein hot cocoa.  Problem with the cocoa is that it's calories that don't keep me full for more than an hour so it's not a meal.

 Lee, I want to congratulate you on getting your weight to move downward. You are so patient and persistent. Your posts are insightful and helpful.

 It seems I lose steadily for a week or so, 1/2 pound a day. Then stuck, may even go up a bit. Then it starts again. I don't see any differences in what I eat. My sleeve still does not like meat. Tried a 2 oz. hamburger, and sleeve rebelled. Protein drinks are my main source of protein. I think I am too new to have any insights yet. I do know that loss has slowed and my hair is falling out, but those are predictable at 3 months out.

You're still so fresh out from surgery Wendy.  Revel in the weight loss because you look fantastic!  You are already sporting a normal size body and look so cute.

Revel in the hairloss because it's a sign that the weight is coming off.  Dr. Baggs says that the hairloss stops when the rapid weight loss period is over.