Assistance from Veterans Requested

I read about myfitnesspal.com on a previous post. I registered for it, and WOW! What a handy tool. I can't believe I have never heard of this site before now. I am so excited. I may go out and by me a smart phone now just to have it with me all the time.

Anyways, I would really like any suggestions form the Veterans of VSG on OH. Handy tools, odd tips, great food choices,  any do's/don'ts & exercise methods. I would LOVE to hear of anything that you discovered over the months/years that has been detrimental to your success in this journey. I have a lot of lbs to loose so I need all the tools I can to aid in my success. I appreciate all of the suggestions, advice, and tips I have seen so far on OH. I welcome any added info. Thanks everyone!

This is what I did for success in my losing stage:

1) measure your portions religiously and only eat that amount
2) Do not eat until full
3) cut carbs, increase protein, push fluids
4) plan and schedule meals
5) Move more when you can
6) Prepare yourself mentally for stalls, and do not have unrealistic expectations on getting skinny. We didn't get fat overnight, it's going to take time.
7) I ate lots of meat, cheese, eggs during my losing stage. Skipped all white carbs, and only ate veggies that were less than 55-60points on the glycemic index
8) Recognize, address and resolve your food issues surgery is NOT going to fix the mental aspect of food issues
9) Losing weight was/is disgustingly easy. Maintaining is a different ball game.

I can't claim to be a veteran, but keeping a food diary has really helped me.  There are tons to
choose from on the internet.  It has helped keep track of protein, water consumption and
identified where I was going wrong.  It helped me realize I was taking in TOO MUCH calcium and to drop my calcium chews.  I can go back thru my days intake and see what things I chose that
increased my carbs too much, or where I got too much sodium. I use MYFOODDIARY, it does
cost 9$ per month, but there is a free trial period.  There are other sites, many which are free.
Find one you think is user freindly.

Hi there,

Follow the rules, previous poster has very good points....

great foodie website by WLS surgery gal:

http://www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/

Fluids are important, protein first, as you get further out....don't deny yourself, I'm not one for using fake fats....

First, realize that you have made a serious committment to a new life-style.  You are on a medically engineered and, hopefully, a medically supervised, weight-reduction program that will show maximum results over a 12-24 mo. period.  I'm a bit of a zealot about this; it's the only way it works for me - I'm a sometimes grouchy old fart; less grouchy now, according to wifey, but with a few more farts.  I have lost 125 lbs. in about 6 months.  I have also lost diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and obesity-induced lethargy.
I do the following:
I eat a mini-meal 4 times per day - @ 4 hr. intervals
I consume between 1100-1300 calories per day - every day
I eat a well-balanced variety of foods, focusing on protein, but including veggies, fruits, etc.
I do not snack between meals.
I take my vitamins every day.
I FAITHFULLY log every bite I eat on Myfitnesspal.com

I exercise enough to burn a minimum of 500 calories per day - every day.  My primary exercise has been walking (3 mi. in 60 min. currently is my current min.) but I now have added gym training on resistance machines, golf (walking) and hard-ass yard/gardening activity. I exercise every single day - oh, I said that before - so it must be important, huh?

I have an army of supporters - I told everyone who loves me about my decision pre-op, listened to their comments, heard some apprehension and explained my decision to those who had questions.  I am not troubled by any "secrecy" issues - I don't need any additonal "drama" to deal with on this journey.  If someone dosen't understand WLS, I try to educate them.  I believe this to be as necessary a medical procedure as my heart procedures were years ago.  Both are life-saving and life-altering strategies.  I left any shame of misgivings I had about obesity and WLS in OR along w/85% of my stomach.  I try to attend 3 support group meetings for WLS patients per month; I try to candidly share anything I think will help others. 

I am blessed with a spouse who is as committed to this probram as I am.  She is my #1 cheerleader, confidant, and coach - she has lost a "nasty" 10 lbs. in 6 mos. and we share the pride of what is being accomplished.  Our future is bright as we continue our retirement journey.  I'm a healthier, happier, 65-year-old who needs to lose another 50 lbs.  No problem.
Pop-Pop

I forgot to mention a very vital part of my success was to attach myself to a mentor. Not a buddy, not someone going through surgery at the same time, but someone that already "been there, done that" and had proven results. I had to find someone that matched my personality, and someone that could give me honest, insightful, and a hardcore no bull**** approach to success.

I didn't need to be coddled, or spoon fed information, or suggestions. I wanted it to be blunt, honest, and respected the member that I chose to go to privately with my concerns.

That member no longer posts here, but we stay in touch. She was a vital part of my recovery, and success. I highly recommend finding someone that shares your personality traits, and opinions on WLS. There is a vast group of veterans out here. Some of us shared the same mentality during the losing phase, and others have vastly differing opinions. It took me months to find my mentor, and without her constant support and information, I would have been lost.

Thanks you all are such an inspiration! I just informed my DH I am definitely getting a smart phone w/app to myfitnesspal.com for mothers day.  I will use this app for tracking food/water/exercise. I hope to increase exercise daily. I am walking about 15 minutes a day now but I know that isn't enough. I will be on the "lookout" for a mentor as well. That is a great idea. I agree about this being a lifelong journey. I know that they did not do surgery on my brain and that is the main organ that led to my extreme morbid obesity. I am going to work on all of the suggestions you all mentioned. Keep them coming. I hope that this particular topic stays in my forums for a while so that I can refer back to it until these tips are instilled in my brain. Again, Thanks OH vets! If you think of anything else, don't hesitate to message me.