Tips on losing the required weight prior to getting a date!

Hi Everyone, I have had all the tests, pokings and proddings that are required; I actually passed the psych test (much to may children's surprise) and I've attended the required support meetings, however, I plan on attending as many as possible. The last step is losing the 15 pounds and I've not had a whole lot of success in losing the weight! Do any of you have tips on how you lost the weight? Anything that you found works would be very interesting to see. Who knows, maybe you have a new method to share! Thanks to everyone, Trudi

Hi Trudi, I followed the plan the diatician gave to me with one exception. For 2 days every week I would do just liquid protein drinks, then back to the smaller portions etc recomended. It helped me move along in my program faster and it helped knowing it was just 2 days, then I could eat again. I lost 30 pounds in 3 months doing this (though for the first month I just did the diet they recomended, but the last 2 months I did the liquid part). Hope that helps! It was hard, but I knew I needed to do something to lose the weight!

Hi Amy, Thank you for your advice, unfortunately I haven't even gotten to the point where I get to see the dietician yet. I've cut down on the portion sizes, changed to all low or no fat items and of course low carb except for the fruits. I've upped my water intake to 60 - 80 oz per day, eliminated caffeine and avoid all sodas (I used to allow myself 1 or 2 diet sodas a day). I'm eating salads for most every meal and am drinking a couple of glasses of water before every meal to try to fill up on fluids first. I'm trying to stay around 1,200 calories a day. I'm sure it will work eventually, but it is seeming to take forever to lose the 15 lbs. What kind of liquid protein drinks did you use? That might be worth a shot! Thanks again, Trudi

Hi there, I am a pre-op patient of Portsmouth Regional, with a surgery date of 12/13. I was required to lose 24 lbs (originally 23, but silly me didn't take it seriously at first and gained a lb) so since then, i've lost 22 lbs in 2 months. I have done this by eating NOTHING fried, NOTHING with oil, mayo or butter, sugar free and low cal EVERYTHING when given the option, lots of fiber (use spinach instead of lettuce, makes a big difference) and no white or refined breads. Also, I replace at least one meal with EAS AdvantEdge Carb Control ready to drink shakes. They are fantastic - 100 calories, 1 gram of carbs, and 15 grams of protein. They also have lots of vitamins in them. they're $14.99 for a 12 pack at BJs, and when I told my nutritionist about them she said she highly approves of them for my post-op diet as well - even better for you than Carnation Instant Breakfast! Oh, and 20 ounce bottles of Fruit2O plus at BJs is $9.99 for a 24 pack. They have lots of vitamins and their unique flavors taste awesome. Makes getting in 80 oz of water a day a bit easier. In my opinion, Fruit20 plus is much better than Crystal light, and it doesn't have that gross artificial coloring! Also, for exercise, i've been doing lots of swimming at my local fitness center. I go REALLY early am before work, so no one's there to feel embarassed around, and it's such a wonderful, invigorating way to start the day. Not to mention I don't feel hot, sweaty, and achey afterwards, either. In addition, most of the people I do aqua aerobics with are older, or heavy as well, so I don't feel so out of place with my fat a$$

Hi Trudi - I found some success in the Atkins diet - which is essentially high protein & low carb - which will be our eating diet after surgery. I wasn't hungry w/the unlimited amount of protein that I was allowed to eat. Who are you going through for your program? The 15 lb requirement sounds like my program at Parkland. Good luck to you. -Sabra

Hi Sabra, Thanks for responding, I started the Atkins induction last Sunday and have been religious about it, this is too important to mess up, now! I'm going through Dartmouth Hitch**** in Manchester, Dr. Gould is the surgeon. Have you had your surgery already? And if not, where do you stand in the process? Good luck to you as well, no matter what side you are on at this point! -Trudi

Hi Trudi - how is your induction phase going? It's really not that bad... I've been on worse diets (lol). My surgeon is Dr. Loosmann & I'm scheduled for lap-RNY on Monday - Dec. 5th. I'm nervous, but really excited. Do you have a date, yet?