What's Your Approach?

If I have learned only one thing during this whole experience, it's that there really is no norm, no standard, nothing set in stone. It's ever changing and in my opinion the best thing you can do for yourself is to: A: Never beat yourself up because you aren't progressing at the same rate as someone else. B: Learn to become VERY flexible in your ways of dealing with your lifestyle as a post-op. What works for us one day may all of a sudden change in the blink of an eye...or the drop of a pound or five Right now a moderate approach seems to be working best for me. I do eat carbs ( I try to make them good ones ) Some people have a hellish time with them and have to monitor themselves very strictly or they tend to over indulge. So far so good for me but I haven't tried any sugar free treats yet, luckilly for me, I wasn't a big sweets eater pre-op, however, show me a bag of chips and we'll talk LOL. I feel that more than anything, extreme attitudes about foods and the "good food bad food" syndrome got me to 309 pounds. UGH it's still hard to say that number. I like to eat small meals throughout the day, one of the habits I picked up being a diabetic. I have found it comes in handy to help me keep my protein grams and calorie levels where they should be. At five months post-op, I still don't have any appetite to speak of, so this helps. I usually eat by the clock. I read a post on the main board asking if people eat when they aren't hungry. If I did that, I'd NEVER eat. I sort of view food almost like a medication I have to take at a certain time. I like everyone else have days that I can eat alot ( comparitively anyway lol ) and days where nothing sits well. Overall I think I have a pretty good plan and that allows extra wiggle room for the off days. Fooditudes...lol that's a Linda word ( I have quite a few invented words lol ) I went into this determined about the attitude toward food that I wanted have as a post-op. I really looked forward to the control and restrictions. I saw it as a positive rather than a " Oh no, I can never eat such and such again " It has made such a difference in how I see life. I like to see what I can do, rather than what I can't. I still enjoy my food. Somedays it can be a bit of a chore when I'm having one of those days where nothing sits right or tastes good, but I'd say a good 90% of the time it's good for me. This is now tho, and it could all change tomorrow! The only constant is that there IS no constant. So....what works for you today? Linda

here ye, here ye -- well said, my friend.

That is pretty much it. There are the basic standards like getting in enough protein but other then that I'm all for whatever works for the individual. For example, if I want carbs I eat carbs - I don't ever eat the average persons 300 - 350 grams of carbs - I just don't worry about it. I try to make good choices but I don't beat myself up if I don't. If I want a cookie I have a cookie - I don't have 6 cookies. If I want a salty crispy snack I'll have a handful of pretzels - or chips - or whatever I want - but I don't eat hald the bag. For me, so far this is JUST want I wanted. To be able to feel I can eat like a normal person (usually) but the key - 100 percent - is moderation. I also like deli meats, cheese is a staple for me. I love quesidillas (sp?) with salsa & sour cream and they have plenty of protein loaded with cheese & sometimes chicken.