Struggling already

$*&#@%& I had hoped that it wouldn't get hard this early (six weeks out). I really struggled yesterday. As of Monday, my plan says I can do trial and error with any foods. Even though I knew better, I took that to mean ALL foods. When I was on pureed and soft foods, I didn't care about my family's food, I was content to eat mine. But last night we went out to dinner and I ended up eating half of a carnitas burrito and even though I knew I was full, I wanted some of what everyone else had. I'm thinking part of my problem is letting simple carbs in like that ** burrito. If I eat mostly protein, I'm thinking that it'll be easier.  Any advice?

Also, I'm having a really hard time planning my food and sticking to it. It's summer break for me and it's easy for me to play with my plan during the day. I know this will get much easier as the school year begins, but is it critical to plan at this point?

Planning is key... not just at this stage, but for the rest of your life.

If you're going out to eat with others, look at the menu ahead of time online and choose what you'll have.

Before grocery shopping, I make a list. I start by planning the next week's meals and snacks, then make my list off that, making sure I have my favorites on it. When we get home from all the shopping, I portion everything out with the use of snack size ziplocs, 2 oz plastic cups and 4 oz reusable plastic containers. I put it in the frig or pantry in a basket that everyone knows not to touch. (I do the same for everyone else, and our entire family is losing weight!)

It's not easy and sometimes I slip - but in small ways and I don't beat myself up for it. My husband was eating Pringles the other day and I was salivating. So, I took one. And spent 3 minutes eating it and savoring the saltiness. It satisfied my urge and I was proud of myself for having ONE chip and not the whole freaking can.

You can do this! If you've got "head hunger" have something easy to grab at hand - sugar free popsicles get me through my darkest moments! They count as liquid for me, so no guilt and it satisfies the urge to chew most of the time, as well as the urge for something sweet.

I think if you can handle off the cuff eating it is fine, but most of us need to plan otherwise we can go off the rails very easily. before I put it into my mouth I make sure my calories for the day can support it and its protein first.

Next time take the bread off the burrito and eat the meat insides. stay clear of rice, simple carbs. just eat meat and if you have space/green veg.

you are so early on you don't want to let that %$%$ in- it is only hurting your mind and your progress. I'm not an expert but don't want you to have to learn the hard way. My surgeon once said this to me and it is true- be stingy with your food- don't let your family eat it- it will be gone and you will have to eat something potentially off plan.

Sorry to hear that you had a rough few days. The good part is that they are behind you and you can only move forward. I do try and eat protein forward but of course slip up on occasion.  Hang in there-you can do this!

At this point the surgery is doing all the work, so lack of planning may not affect your loss this early out (which to me is the dangerous part of this whole process- people think the surgery is magic and will always be magic, which is not true). However, you do need to work on some sort of planning and learning healthy habits to help you maintain your loss long-term.

The mental part is the hardest.

You are so right. I think what bothered me last night wasn't the calories I ate, but the feeling of being out of control. I can't count on the surgery to make good choices for me. I'll have to do that.

I am glad you came and posted. It can get out of control if we do not come to get help. Maybe seeking therapy would be a good idea. I know not everyone does not need to go. But it wouldn't hurt you. 

Learning good habits now will help you down the road. 

There a lot of people new to WLS and vets who want  you to do well

I know your struggle ! I stay at home with 3- 2 year olds EVERYDAY!!! I can only clean and paint my toe nails and go for a walk and swim so many times and find myself wanting to boredom eat. Challenge yourself to drink a 20 oz water or calorie free drink each time you are tempted to get in the fridge or cabinet. I got in 140 oz of water yesterday bc it was to hot to go out and play . Make it a game . Also, going out to eat was fine if you coulda filled up your pouch on the meat I think you woulda been fine. I'm fighting for every single lb and there's not even one that's falling off on its own and I'm trying to find ways to stay the course ! You can do this! Just figure out how it can work for you . 

Forgot to say... Once you eliminate carbs for about 3-4 days you won't be hungry for them ! 

Plan...yes.  Low carbs to reduce hunger...yes.  I promise you both of these things work for me. You are going to find a balance. It is still early in your journey. You can and will do great!

~Elizabeth