Are we slipping?

I was told recently to NOT drop below 1000 calories a day....lowering calories isn't the way to boost weight loss in our case...it sends our bodies into starvation mode. Keeping within the guidelines of what our surgeons have told us to do at the stages we are at is very important. I don't mean to dispell your ideas Pamela, but dropping calories doesn't work if weight loss is to continue in a healthy way. Up your exercise, water intake, and keep protein at a minimum of 60 g/day and max of 90-100. Eating toooo much protein on a consistent basis is bad too. Our kidneys will have trouble keeping up with it. Whenever in doubt, ask your surgeon or nutritionist. I'm not making any "rules" to follow.....I'm changing my lifestyle and mindset. If I start applying rules...it feels too much like the old "I'm on a diet" (in other words, I'm doomed to failure) routine....so I just don't. I eat for my health now, not for my mouth or my brain LOL. I know that sounds funny, but it's true. Again, I didn't mean to step on any toes.....just wanted to say what I was told by my health team recently. Happy Easter everyone! Brenda

OK well dispell away..... everyone has a different way to work this thing. My Dr. wants me to stay at 800 to 900 calories a day..I am to go up to 1200 to 1300 when I get to goal. I saw my nut and doc just Thrusday and they seemed happy with what I was doing. I get between 60 and 70 g of protein a day I would really struggle to get in anymore than that as I have never done protein drinks. I need the discipline of rules it keeps me honest I know what I do when I just eat freely at 318 lbs I did ALOT of free eating..I paid the price with my health. I don't look at rules like you do I guess it is more a new way of life a guideline to follow. I never had a set of life rules... guides ...whatever before and that is one of the reasons I feel I had so little control on my eating. I am glad what you are doing is working for you....as what I am doing is working for me. I am following my doc's guidelines and feel great yes I have had a couple of stalls but I have stuck with my rules and started losing again..I am as of today down 112 lbs not as much as some ..more than others...but we are all different. I walked in to this with my eyes wide open and over a year and a half of research to decide on the procedure that would work for me. Did you step on my toes...I would have to say yes...guess I never responded well to lectures....and it sure felt like you were giving me one. Guess I know now why I don't post much....I have got to learn to keep my mouth shut. Pamela

Pamela, I truly apologize. When I'm wrong I admit it. I didn't mean to come off sounding superior--just like I did. I'm sorry. If what you're doing is working for you, and you're feeling great, then you're doing great! I truly didn't mean to come off the way I did. You're a success and getting more successful in this journey everyday. Again, I'm sorry, and please don't stop posting because of my stupidity. I do admire your outlook and the success you're having. And to all that gasped when you read my post, I apologize to you too. We're all in this journey together, but separately, if that makes any sense. Like Pamela said, everyone is different and what works for one doesn't work the same for another. I'm finding out that my size 7 1/2 foot doesn't taste so good, and it needs not be a part of my lifestyle change. Please accept my sincere apology. Brenda

Now don't start going and being nice to me it makes it real hard to feel self rightous!!! I should have not taken it so personal...I was snappy and I am sorry about that! I think we should just smile and chalk it up to writing our thoughts and feelings and the other person not being able to hear our tone or read our face.... and I am soooooo jealous of your size 7 1/2 foot my size 11 wide one would never fit even in my BIG mouth!!..lol hugs Pamela

Pamela I have been thinking about what I said and the more I think about it the more badly I feel. I truly admire your conviction and your strength in setting boundaries for yourself and being a wonderful example for any weight loss surgery brother or sister. You keep up the great work and you'll be at goal in no time at all . You truly are an inspiration! By the way, my size 7 1/2 shoe is wide width and it still fit nicely into my size kazillion mouth. My husband enjoyed the peace and quiet during the time I was knawing on it. Hehehe.

I try to come over here and check things out occasionally. I spend more of my time on Quixotic. I need all the support I can get. I just had my 6 mo (6 1/2 acually) check up and all my labs were fantastic. My sugar is perfect. My cholesterol is below 200 for the first time in recorded history. My iron and B12 are good. I love being healthy. I have lost 82 lbs since surgery (and 60 before). My surgeon says I am on track to lose another 80. That would put me about at my arbitrary goal of 175. I'm 247 now and started at 389. I can walk well, my asthma is under control and have so much more energy. If I didn't lose another pound it would all have been worth it. At my age I don't expect to ever be 135 or anything like that. I think I would look unhealthy. My thighs look like a charpei dog but that's ok too. I have not had candy in over a year and I don't miss it. I figure if I ever eat a piece, I'll be off and running so I just don't. Like a previous poster said, I pay attention to what goes in my mouth and make sure it is going to provide some needed nutrition. Ok, I do have my coffee. LOL Lately I have only been losing about 10 lbs a month, but I'm not in a race. I adjusted a seven-layer salad. I use romaine instead of iceberg lettuce, turkey bacon, 2% cheddar cheese and light Miracle Whip. Everyone loved it and it is so much better for everyone. I just bought some soy milk because I have heard that is good for you but I haven't tried it yet. Hope everyone has a healthy Easter.