Post Op question if you are at goal or close

What did you think your daily life would be like when you got to this point? 

I for one was under the impression that I would be eating what everyone else is just less of it.

I found that to be totally untrue but for the past two days I did delve into the other side and was happy with the smaller portion, its the nutritional info I need to research first though before taking the plunge.

I did not know the remainder of my days would be 1,000 calories or less and no more than 39 grams of carb to continue to lose.

What was your impression and what is it now?

well I am about 3 1/2 years out and about 16 pounds from goal and I do eat "normally" just smaller portions. I have noticed since having the baby that my pouch feels very tight and I have little desire to eat which has helped to get the scale moving again. I was maintaining my weight pre-pregnancy though by just eating smaller portions. I am around 1200 calories a day but I don't track it as much anymore.

I am almost 6 years out. And I would have never thought my calories would have to be around 1200 or so to maintain.

I also thought I could eat whatever I wanted just a tiny bit. Like a smaller slice of pizza, or a small fry instead of a large, etc.

I do eat a few things I shouldn't occasionally, but for the most part, it makes me sick AND if I ate like that all the time, the pounds would be packing right back on.

At the time of my surgery, I was educated on increasing protein, small portions and the drinking while eating rules.

I can't believe the amount of information patients today receive. It's awesome and amazing. So much of my journey has been trial and error, and alot of figuring things out on my own because the education aspect of the surgery wasn't the same then as it is now.

AS I've said numerous times on these boards, I break ALL the rules.  I believe that I am THE exception to WLS in the fact that at 3+ years, I'm 25-30 pounds under goal and have maintained my weight for over 2 years.  I eat well over 3,000 calories a day and don't really work at my diet.  That said, I would like to lose another 10-15 and be able to maintain that but I think my body likes my current weight.  I'm also not an exercise fanatic.  I do exercise but not the amount I did during my loss.  My health is pretty good all things considered. 

When I started the program, my goal was to get down to 220.  My Nut had me start at 2,200 calories a day for maintenance.  I find it hard to believe people are eating under 1,000 even at several years out.  And many AREN'T losing any more weight.  I realize that physically they may not be able to eat more but I do believe they aren't eating enough.

Ohhh, believe me, I am quite capable of eating 3,000 calories a day, but I dare not considering that doing that would either put my protein thru the roof or the fat or the carbs, and probably a combination of all three.  Needless to say, when I exceed 1,000 calories the scale starts to go the wrong direction.  I would still like to lose 15-20 pounds to lose my thigh meat.  You are the exception, but usually men can live more dangerously than women.

Interesting question.

I don't think I had any "real" expectations of what I would be eating.

I don't keep track nearly as well as you do. And, I've had some regain without loss of those 5 pounds.  So...go figure.

When I'm at work I eat basically the SAME things...greek yogurt, ricotta cheese, sometimes a salad w/ meat, fruit, nuts etc.  This is because this is what works for ME considering I don't always have time to eat as slowly as I need to with dense meats etc.

As far as my daily non work routine...I do eat mostly "normally" just smaller portions - except for sugar.  I have a few french fries with my meals...if it's something like a burger I generally don't eat the bun, or at least, not half of it.

I guess when I went for my pre op visit they told me that I would always have to follow the rules..although my protein would DROP for maintenance...which they did...when I was losing they wanted me at 70gm...but after when I was maintaining they wanted me around 50-60gm.