18 months

well guys it's here! this is the anniversary that we all had surgery 18 months ago! So now what? I've heard that it gets harder from here on out...that doesn't excite me I can definately eat more than I could a year ago - I have to give serious thought to what I put in my mouth now...I don't dump on many things Now it's time to maintain what we've done and fight to continue to lose those last pounds that will take us to our goal - I'm just not sure that my goal will ever be realized...my friend told me the other night when I told her that I wanted to lose another 20 lbs that I won't be happy there either - I will want to lose more after that...I don't think so...I am actually "content" where I am now bodywise...I would truly like to see the scale 20 lbs lighter and be able to wear that size 8 but I'm not sure that can or will happen unless I have plastic surgery done...and unless I hit the lottery or a miracle happens where my insurance covers everything I would like to have done (tummy, arms, breasts, thighs & butt) I will have this skin forever and always and I will be okay with that - I am healthy for the first time in a very very long time and happy with my appearance - clothes cover a multitude of sins! Anyway - the main reason for this post is..................... in regard to protein - does anyone still use the protein powders and such? and if so is there a solid reason for it? I put protein in my coffee every morning - I know I am getting at least 40 grams a day by doing that...I have basically stopped drinking shakes - now that we are this far out do we still need to concentrate on the protein? I have talked to others that are 18 + months out and they "eat normal" now - I don't know that I will ever eat "normal" again - I am way too paranoid - I will be the one person that fails this surgery and gains all the weight back - I wake up every morning worrying that this was all a dream and that I am still 300 lbs - it scares me to death! Okay - I'm done...I'm not sure if any of this made sense to anyone - lots of random thoughts! Love, Linda

Linda, What a thoughtful post. Thanks, I will be 18 months March 15 and I still do protein drinks. For one big reason: Breakfast is not ME!! and I run everymorning and need something with protein after I run. A protein shake works instead of breakfast. I might throw some unflavored into a crystal light raspberry drink just to make sure I am over the protein limit, But I do not think I will ever give up the protein drinks. Quick and easy( I hate to cook) I do eat whatever I want but I swear I had brain surgery too cause NOTHING( or should I say) very few things taste good to me. I am single and live alone so dinner is just as likely to be a couple onces of cheese and a few crackers as anything else. I was the drive thru queen prior to surgery and still haven't figured out how to do dinner without cooking!! I would like to believe that I am eating healthy choices now: My cheese is low fat or from 2%fat and I honestly am happy with what I eat. I do go out and can order stuff: Mexican is my favorite then Italian ( I live in Germany and they have plenty of great Italian Restrants). But honestly, I LOVE that I now eat cause I have to not becaue I am stressed or whatever. For me it will always be protein first: Hate Green stuff. and that is good enough for me. Don't get me wrong...I can still eat because of stress: I am in love with sugar free girl scout cookies and other junk foods, but because I fill up so quickly... a single serving is just that...No more eating the whole box and then some. I am pleased with my new eating habits: No fast foods but I do not miss it either. I truly eat whatever I want even stuff with sugar in it: I am currently addicted to cherry tootsie pops( From valentines candy) and problably have several a day. I am hoping I run out of them soon or get tired of them. I too could loose another 10 pounds but at 155ish and almost 45 years old, I am so happy to be sixe 8 or 10 depending on pants/jeans. I have never been this healthy before. I was fortunate to save for plastic surgery for the last 18 months and have had a TT and breast lift. It helps me a lot and will have the butt and thighs when I can save the money or hit the lotto here. Other than that, I am happy, healthy and can't believe it has been 18 months!! Thanks again for the post. And congrats on how you have done the last 18 months. Jacqueline