Repost from main board: One non ops way

OK here is some advice for anyone wanting to know how to get a head start before surgery or a non-op. I have lost a total of 124-126 pounds depending on the scale I have degeneration in my lower back L-4,L-5 and S1 and when I came here was in pain most of the time. I still have pain at times, yet I find myself going out and doing more things, feeling happier and better about myself than I have in the last 5 years. I can fit into anything from a 18-20 depending on make and cut and my shirts wooooooo the biggest difference is how my shirts fit me so far, still top heavy but I have a figure now! I was in 26-28 jeans that were very very close to being too tight. Here is how I do it, first of all I am not on a "diet" I actually despise that word. I have made a commitment to a lifetime lifestyle change. First thing to do if you don't have one ...get an account at Fitday.com this will become your lifeline. Honestly put down everything you put in your mouth each day. Look at it in a week and see the patterns. Change it from there. Also post on the What did you eat thread it holds you accountable. Next thing to do is to decide what you can and can't live without, you will be surprised with what you find. I do not eat White Bread at ALL anymore and I don't miss it. The one time I did eat an English Muffin I pretty much had the signs of dumping according to a wise post op here. It made me sick to my stomach, sweaty and tired to the point I was laying on my couch crying like a baby. I gave up Pepsi 99%, it was 100 but I do have a few, and it is still better than the 12 I drank daily before. I eat a cup of cottage cheese(1%) a day most days if not more. Great source of protein and it tastes good. I eat almonds which I love anyway as a snack. I maintain portion control according to the packages. I don't eat Tortilla shells with taco's anymore I use 12 chi chi chips and add cheese to that and it tastes better than a "taco". I LOVE boneless skinless chicken and can find many ways to make it. Tuna fish is a great friend (canned in spring water). Roast beef from the deli I get has 9 grams of protein per serving and 0 carbs. I have not given up Carbs my goal is to have them and my protein equal or the carbs a little less. Salads are your friend, make them fun but healthy. I use cheese and Ranch on them, sunflower seeds instead of croutons, real bacon instead of Baco-bits and I loveeeeeee to add Cucumbers to them. Usually I just add the cukes and some Ranch and I am a happy camper. I love and live for Crystal/Wylers Light, Fruit2O and Water with lemon in it. Find the flavors you like and stock em up. Also I have found I like Ritz crisps better than french fries, they are tasty and I can eat the reccomended serving with a burger and be quite full. I do several things to work out. I go up and down my basement stairs which is a terrific workout in itself, I dance, I use the excercise bike, my Gazelle and I have the tae bo DVD's for Cardio and Flex. I try to do at least 2 of the above a day. Sometimes I can only get through the Warmups for the DVD's but that is still good. I can go 25 minutes on the bike with turning up the tension every 3 minutes one notch...don't forget to turn it back down though I did once and scared myself at how hard it was to push ! I have several personal goals at Fitday; Minimum calories a day is 900 ...MAX is 1500, protein is 50 a day. I also weigh once a week and keep track of it on there. I keep track of my Excercise also. Just remember be honest or it will not work for you. I have been taking in way less calories than I burn every day and I know I have to come here and face everyone with my successes and failures so I am going to make sure that this time I stay a loser. So for those that have been denied, are not heavy enough or just plain decide they don't want WLS don't give up there is hope and if I can do it I know anyone can. Use the support here, give the support here and learn to start your new life. A P.S. Here. This was written before my plastics and I updated my total weight loss. Right now I can not excercise due to some of the complications and restrictions I have on me. I am a walking machine though and do get up and down the stairs pretty well (Ask Tooter LOL). I was also asked about protein drinks so I want to add this. I do not support any one drink. I use slim fast personally and I can do that because I do not dump. I would say that any whey protein that you are looking for would work the same if you can tolerate it be it from Wal Mart or a online store. Just do not make these drinks the MAIN source of your protein, make sure you are getting solids in also. Tara Non-op 301/175/Dont care if I lose another pound ever.

Tara, Thank you for that post. All the women on this non-ops board are success stories, whether they've lost an ounce or 200 pounds. It is great that you've made this a lifestyle change, because that is the goal to a permanent healthy life, as we are all coming to find out! Donna

Thank you Donna and I agree no matter what is lost it is a success!