re: Wednesday's meeting in short

The 10 mistakes were raised to 12 mistakes. Here goes. 12. Not keeping a food diary 11. Drinking with meals 10. Not drinking enough fluids between meals 9. Trying to sneak in sugar 8. Eating too fast 7. Waiting to get hungry before eating 6. Not taking the recommended vitamins & minerals 5. Starting on solid foods too soon 4. Drinking juice 3. Not using a protein supplement 2. Thinking the surgery will solve everything 1. Believing this is a low-carb diet. We all know whoever does not comply can possibly fail.

Thanks so much for the info E! I for one, am struggling... and I am doing (or not doing) #12, #10, #9, #8, #7 and semi #2 and #1. Not sure how to get back on track, I don't even really feel I was ever "on track" but the surgery just did it's part, now it's my part, and I can't seem to do it, the old "I knew I'd fail" mentality is back. I pretty much understand the list and why's, but don't really know the why's of #1.. the low carb diet part... can anyone help explain why this is NOT a low carb diet? I appreciate anyone's thoughts. Thanks. T

Hi Tina, Maybe I can help with the low carb part. Low carb has become such a ubiquitous term in the last year or so. I think a better term might be "smarter carb" When you say low carb to someone, they generally think of Atkins, unlimited fats and unlimited portions..which isn't entirely accurate. if most people bothered to read beyond his 2 week induction phase, they would see that he did advocate adding in lower glycemic carbs ( ones that don't convert to sugar as readily ) over time. I don't agree with his theories on fat, I don't think too much of anything, no matter what it is, is good for you. The feedback that I have gotten from the nutritionist etc. has been to include all foods in moderation placing the emphasis on protein first to be sure we get enough. It feels better to me to do this because as I always say, extreme dieting, not allowing certain foods and that mindset in general helped me diet my way right up to 309 pounds. This time is different. My attitudes about food are MUCH healthier than they have been in years. We need those low glycemic carbs for brain function, vitamins and good bowel health and are encouraged to include them. So in essence this isn't a low carb ( read forbidden carbs ) diet, but a well rounded healthy plan that includes foods from many sources. As for the other stuff, I find that keeping a food diary really helps alot. I was doing it on the computer for awhile and printing it into a notebook. Now I am using a little book I picked up the the dollar store. I keep it on the table with a pen handy and record what I eat. I even make a little star at the top of the page to help me track bowel movements ( oooooo did I just TELL you that?? it helps me to track trends and keeps me honest. Tina, you have done a great job....( yeah yeah even with that damn doughnut and birthday cake ) I have faith you can do this, and I think inside YOU know that you can do this too, you are just having trouble letting yourself believe it, and that's ok, because you are aware of it and that's half the fight. I read before where you said you were walking the feild when kids were at practices, that shows you are making an effort, and that effort really will pay off. Tell your old "fat self " to be quiet and go sit down, she's GONE. Look at yourself how we see you, and that's as being a success. You look fabulous, I know you feel good too, so let yourself enjoy it. Tweak your plan by making a few small changes and you will be good for the long haul. You are gonna be just fine. Now back away from the doughnut and get your diary out! Linda

Thanks for posting these Elissa, I hate missing info from meetings and I know I won't be able to make the Sept. Saturday meeting. These are really good reminders of the basics. I think we would all do well to print them and post them on the fridge. I know I'm going to. I vote you official board secretary! Do I hear a second? *waits for Elissa to smack her* Linda

I second that "motion" Linda!!! Elissa has my vote...

Thanks Elissa, I forgot about the meeting and worked out last night up on the 3rd floor at PMRI. To answer the why this is not a low carb diet .... It is because,your suppose to eat fruit-3 servings, vegtables-2 servings, and bread- 2 servings---all of which have carbs! Carbs are our Friends, they give us a better mood. Added Sugar is the enemy! True Confessions from a former Sugar Junkie!

Thanks for posting these Elissa! As a new post op I need to post these reminders too!