Doc Visit Yesterday - Scoop

Okay. Here's the scoop. I weighed 197.5 on the doc's scale yesterday. That's 13 pounds up from last year and therefore 23 up from the year before. We discussed this as well as my tendency to drink too much alcohol. Here's what he said:   Never drink alone, and then only have a drink or two on weekends if socializing. Never snack at my desk. This seems to be the wall I'm running into. Mindlessly snacking at work. He said I could snack as long as I get up from my desk and go somewhere else to do it. That way I deliberately have to make a concious effort to eat, otherwise, no food at the desk, not even lunch. He said to go somewhere else for lunch. Vitamins: He didn't like that I was only taking Juice Plus. He said it doesn't hurt but because Juice Plus doesn't reveal how much of the supplements is actually in the capsules he doesn't trust it and suggested other vitamins. He had some there at the office produced by this company:   http://www.metagenics.com/products/patient_purchase_products .asp?sect=1   Unfortunately, you have to go through a medical office to buy them. I found some on the web, but the price is about the same as at my doc's office. He said their products are specifically designed for bariatric patients. I bought the daily multi vitamins and a couple of protein bars. When I have more money to spend, I'll get the protein powder. As far as calcium, he said to get a type called Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite Concentrate (MCHC) (????!!!). Also, he said to start taking Omega-3 fatty acid. So I bought some fish oil at the pharmacy.   Protein. I ain't getting enough. He said that proteins get the metabolism going and it is a must to start the day off with protein, so I am back on the protein skaes in the morning. I am going to concentrate on eating more protein in my meals and only snack on protein bars. The Metagenics people make pretty good tasting protein bars as well.   So, I am going to do as he says, since that is the only way he can help me. I had my protein shake this morning, and at 10 am I sat outside and had a Luna bar. For lunch I am going to have a chicken caesar salad.   Also, I need to regularly excercise (duh). He said to make sure I do weight resistance as well as aerobics.   So, that's it. Maybe if I take in more protein I won't feel that need to nibble the day away. Here we go.... -=db=-

Well that's a great post just to see that you are so far out and still doing well.  You had a teeny weight gain, but you recognize what caused it.  I am 5 years out and have had a snacking problem from the beginning.  In the early days I grazed all day to get in enough protein and the habit just stuck.  Now I feel like I am going to die if I don't eat every few hours.  I hate breakfast though and usually don't start eating until noon.  So, I am also doing a protein shake in the early morning to get my day started.  I am trying to stay around 1000 calories and just using protein drinks and a small portion of protein and salad during the day.  I have put on alot of weight and I really want to get it off rather than just accept it.  It's very reassuring to read posts from others who are as far out or farther out than me.  It keeps me going because I know it's something that you can maintain if you set your mind to it.  Good luck on getting in more protein and that exercise of course.   Angela

There are tons of good proteins on the market. ??

Do you have recent labs? Like where is your iron & ferritin? Calcium, vit D, PTH? That would tell you more specifically what you need to take, vs just taking a starter vite.

And I SO agree about work is here, food is THERE. My dh was leaving a Costco bag of pretzels by his desk. 6#. They lasted him about 3 nights. I watched one night and aboutevery 15 minutes, he'd reach down and grab a handful.

I asked if he even KNEW he was grazing and he didn't. I moved the bag into the hall closet and handed him a bowl. I don't care if he eats pretzels, but if he has to go GET them, he will only eat his cereal bowl sized batch. A bag lasts him about 3 weeks now! And his pants fit again! LOL

Alchol is out, tho. 34% of us will become alcholics, statisically. And like sugar, it absorbed IN THE MOUTH, so the surgery does not protect us from the fattening effects of it.

It sounds like the visit went well and that you got some sound advice! I hope things turn around quickly for you. They say making small changes can really make a difference and I believe that's completely true! Good Luck and keep us updated on how things are going for you!