Diet help please...

Hello all. I have been reading all of your posts over the last few days and I hope that I can join you all. As of yesterday, I have thrown all the junk out of my house. All day yesterday, I cut down. I drank tons of water, which I never do. I had tons of protein throughout the day and didn't have 1 thing that I shouldn't. Now I got up this morning and weighed myself and usually when I start dieting, I lose the first day. I stayed the exact same weight. How depressing is that? How do you keep going when things like that happen? How many calories is everyone having each day? carbs? protein? I am 4 years post op and had a baby 9 months ago, so I am trying to drop the 25lbs that I have left. I got a gym membership, but I haven't been able to get there yet with the baby and both of us having terrible colds. Maybe that will help the weight drop. I am so glad to have a group like this to turn too. Philippa

Don't stress out on the first day!!! You're doing great and it sounds like you're back on track!!! Congrats!!!! Everyone is different, so what works for me might not work for you. Its really all trial and error so just keeping working it until you see results! My average day is between 1600-1800cal. If I'm actively trying to lose I drop down to 1500-1600Cal and seem to do well there. I generally work out 5x's per week~I do 3 or 5mile WATP dvd, chicometrics 2x's per week, some light weight training, etc. I try to keep it interesting so I mix it up a bit. I aim for 100oz of water daily. I don't count my carbs although I try to stick to the "good" carbs and avoid the "bad" carbs as much as possible. I shoot for 80gm of protein daily and I don't do shakes or bars so I take that in from my food. Anyway, hang in there and it will start dropping back off! Good Luck!! Tracy B 328/150 5'9"

IfI has surgery 2003 .I need to loose 20 more lbs. I don't eat meat much. What is your sugestion for protien. I am using sf instant breakfast in my coffee for breakfast but I am grazing all day and have bad joint problems so I am limited especially this weather in walking. I read a post in another area that they are finding long term joint pain in gastric by pass patients due to rapid weight loss affecting the coushioning between joints. Have you heard this? Thanks for giving your time to us

I have not heard anything specifically about joint problems, but I'll be happy to ask about it at the next support group meeting. You say you don't eat much~is that b/c you're never hungry or do you restrict yourself. You just don't want to drop your caloric intake down too low or your body will fight to hold on to every calorie and you won't lose weight. You might want to track what your calories are for a few days and see. I get my protein from foods like cottage cheese, cheese sticks, chicken breast, yogurt, etc, but you can use protein powders in different foods or do shakes if you can't seem to get all of your protein in thru food. Tracy B