25 + 1 Rules to be successful

 

Over the years I have collected some common “rules" one should follow in order to be successful. So far I am up to 25+ “universal set of laws" one should heed during their journey.

 

I would love to see this list grow, so please feel free to add to it. Maybe one day this will be adopted as the Constitution of Gastric Success!! :D

 

It doesn’t matter which operation you had. Nor does it matter how long you’ve been on this journey.  I came across this and it was the “slap across the head" I needed. I hope you find it helpful

 

(1) Get your daily Protein requirements in (60 – 80 grams – your Doctor/Nutritionist may have different target amount – so follow their recommendation). Protein requirements change over time (depending upon weight loss stage, amount of exercise, hospitalization, etc). Check with your Doctor/Nutritionist concerning your protein needs.

(2) Protein drinks should be: between 20 and 30 grams of protein per serving (25 is recommended), contain less than 150 calories (110 recommended) contain less than 10 grams of carbohydrates (5 is recommended) (your Doctor/Nutritionist may have different rules – so follow their recommendation).

(3) Remember eat: Protein first, then fiber (ex veggies/fruits) then (if there is room) good (NON-starchy) carbohydrates.

 

(4) Drink at least 64 ounces of non-carbonated/non-caffeinated liquid.

 

(5) No drinking while eating and/or 30 minutes before and/or after meals (your Doctor/Nutritionist may have different rules – so follow their recommendation)

 

(6) You must east to lose weight!! Yes I know this a strange concept but if you don’t, your body will go into “starvation mode" and “store all it can".

 

(7) Each meal should take at least 25 to 30 minutes to complete. Studies show it takes this long for your stomach to tell your brain it’s full – no matter how much food is in it.

 

(8) Eat at the same time everyday

(9) Eat until you are full, not stuffed

(10) Wait 30 to 60 seconds between putting another piece food in your mouth

 

(11) Make sure foods (especially meats) are moist

 

(12) Before you put that piece in your mouth, ask yourself “Would I give this size to a baby?"

 

(13) Chew-Chew-Chew-Chew-Chew- Chew-Chew-Chew-Chew-Chew- Chew-Chew-Chew-Chew-Chew- Chew-Chew-Chew-Chew-Chew- Chew-Chew-Chew-Chew-Chew- Chew-Chew-Chew-Chew-Chew (at least 30 times, or until it feels like baby food consistency)

 

(14) Take your vitamins !!

 

(15) Remember, during the operation they put the tool around your stomach, and not your brain. So, you will need to do some self control.

(16) Exercise – begin slow (example walk; climbing a flight of stairs; park in the furthest spot in the lot) and then gradually increase. My suggestion do two days; rest a day; do two days; rest a day; do two days

 

(17) If you feel like “snacking" do something else (ex. Go outside; call a (WLS) friend; come to the board and post, etc)

 

(18) Participate in a support group!!! It is a fact that those who attend supports groups have increased weight loss long term!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

(19) ok .. a little gross and try to figure out what I am saying .. What you think may be a “GAS" may come out as a “Liquid" or “Solid" .. so BE CAREFUL and BE PREPARED !!

 

(20) Remember to speak to your Doctor/Nutritionist regularly. 

 

(21) Speak to your Psychiatrist/Psychologist at least twice a year, especially when the “honeymoon" stage is  over.

 

(22) Keep your surgeon appointments.

 

(23) At specified intervals, get your blood-work done. Check with your Doctor.

 

(24) Shop the perimeter of the supermarkets.

 

(25) If you can’t pronounce the ingredients – don’t buy it!!

 

(26) Know I am always here for you :D

Thank you, Tom.In the year and some months since my surgery, you have posted this a couple other times and I think it is great that you did. I read it every time you do and I think each time "I always forget to do[fill in the blank here]"....So, again , thank you , thank you, thank you. I hope you are doing well on your journey. I am about 10 pounds to goal....going slow..too slow for my liking haha...Have a great weekend!

WOW 10 pounds from goal!!! HOW WONDERFUL?!?!?!!? And I remember that person who had doubts. Look how far you have come!!!

You are a true inspiration!!!

Thanks, Tom! That means a lot !!