8 wk pst op-SOMEBODY STOP ME!

Hi all! I am 8 weeks post op and am worried I am eating too much! I found I can eat chips, bacon and sausage..okay...I know I have to make better choices! I was just curious to see if I could keep it down. Well, sure enough..not a problem. I've lost about 24 pounds post op and now am maintaining. I'm worried and will take any advice I can get. Thanks everyone!

OK, I don't generally post a lot of responses, but I'll give this a stab. ( First, I'm not sure why you specifically posted this to the "grads" board. To be really honest, most people on this board--myself included--will be a bit impatient with the predicament you've gotten yourself into!) I'm not meaning to make you feel worse, but you did ask . . . so, with that said . . . I don't know what kind of eating plan you were given, and believe me, I've seen every variation. MOST people, although not all, were NOT given the OK to eat bacon and sausage at your stage. From your guilty "tone," I'm assuming you probably weren't either. It's not that eating a little bacon or sausage would be just horrendous, but they are not good choices for protein, given the amount of fat they both contain. And I'm CERTAIN I've never come across anyone given permission to eat chips at 8 wks. You yourself state that you know you're making poor choices. So I'm not sure what advice you're seeking. You say you're worried you're eating "too much," but you don't actually say what kind of portions you're eating. You also say you're "maintaining" at this point. Although everyone loses differently and has various periods of standing still, I'm thinking that the way you put this, you're maybe just eating too many poor choices like the ones you listed, plus maybe larger portions that you were told--? (Not sure of this, as you have no info. on your profile and very little on your post.) This is the period of time you should expect to actively lose at a pretty swift rate. I think you don't really need any information; I think you know you're flirting with danger. I don't know if you didn't have to work that hard to have the surgery or just don't realize the importance of really following nutritional guidelines. You've just got to get yourself back in line, eat what you're supposed to--mostly protein at this point, with GOOD carbs as side dishes, drink you're liquids, and exercise. It's WAY too early to start sabotaging your success! You can do this--you've asked for advice, so I know you want better for yourself than what you're setting yourself up for! I'm sorry if this comes across as harsh; I'm really trying to be diplomatic and definitely NOT know-it-all! Jo 295/155 (at goal)

I have to agree with pretty much everything Jo said. Testing your boundaries this soon can only lead to even more difficulties later on...as MANY Grads can attest to, me included. Bacon and sausage in small amounts, and infrequently, is fine. Often, and in 'large' quantities, is not. Chips is never really a good idea...right? You need to concentrate on lean, dense proteins and complex carbs (in small amounts), with protein being your main priority. If you are not already consulting with a nutritionist, get to one immediately, Hon. ~~Sherry

I agree with the other 2 responses. I did not go into wls lightly~it was something that I took VERY seriously and I knew that I would have to make some changes to make the most out of this opportunity. I also took the "window of opportunity" very seriously. I wanted to maximize my success right from the start so I didn't have to work so hard for any longer than was absolutely necessary. Now, I'm not saying that I'm perfect by any means, but I was so afraid of failure and afraid to screw this last chance up that I didn't take many chances with my foods~I still don't very often b/c I don't want to regain! So, it sounds like you already know what you need to do~Good Luck to You! Tracy B 328/150 5'9"

Thank you everyone so..very much. I actually feel like crying. I really needed to hear what was said. My god...I did work hard at having this surgery and refuse to be a failure. There are stressful times where I fall back into my old habits and need support and I thank you so much for being honest with me! I just cant thank you enough. Denise

Hi Denise, I am 12 weeks out but I read the Grad Board regularly for inspiration and tried and true ideas. One idea many grads suggest is to use Fitday.com; it is free and I have found it invaluable. I log in my food, exercise and supplements daily and the site helps me keep track of my calories, carbs, fats, protein, weight loss and nutritional goals. It is the way I stay accountable to myself. I know I could easily overeat. I don't dump and I have no food intolerances. Even with this great tool any of us could eat around the procedure; it does take a daily commitment on my part. I have been tempted and I know that unconscious, mindless eating was what got me to 320 pounds so, for me the only way I have been successful is by being very conscious of everything I eat. Good Luck to you Christine

Hijack... Tracy B. - I like the new picture on your post, you look great!! Tracy A.

The others have covered the obvious things but I thought I'd add one thing my surgeon told me before my surgery. He said the patients who change their eating habits during the early weeks after surgery are always the most successful. It's easier to change eating habits when you aren't hungry. Put this slip up behind you and move forward with a positive attitude. You are going to have periods where you simply don't lose weight no matter how perfect you follow your program. If you stick to the food/exercise program the weight will start dropping again soon. Once you make the choice between living to eat and eating to live it all gets so much easier. I mostly followed a high protein/low carb diet so if I wanted a slice of bacon for breakfast I ate it and still do. I know I may end up with clogged arteries but my cholestrol is 140 now that I've lost the weight so I'm not obsessing about a few slices of bacon a week. Ideally you should be following your surgeons food plan. My surgeon said eat all your protein, if you're hungry eat low carb veggies and if you're still hungry eat a piece of fruit. I'm 29 months out and seldom get past the protein at meal time because I'm full on my 4 oz of protein. I eat fruit as a snack if I'm hungry or almonds. You would probably find more people on the regular board who can relate to things you are going through right now. People on this board are usually at least a year out and we may have forgotten some of the day to day things that happen immediately after surgery. Best wishes for a successful wls journey.