thanks to Seaview and the "5 day pouch test"

 I have my one year check in with my surgeon on 11/17/11. I wanted to reach my goal in one year. I am in normal BMI, but very high in the range. Last month I lost .5 pound. Loss, but so slow.

I realize I am slipping up with not journaling my food every day. myfitnesspal.com reminds me, but the rebel in me kicks in. I am consistently below 1000 calories, but my carbs have crept up. Thanks to Seaview, I decided to do the 5 day pouch test. I am in day 2. Today will be tougher than yesterday, because I am going to my boss's birthday party. My plan is to only stay a short while, before the buffet is served. I have a good reason set up to leave early.

Yesterday went very well, but today I am fantasizing about brussels sprouts and nuts. I get tired of the sweet taste in so many of the protein drinks. The benefit of the test though, is the back to basics, reminding me of where I started. How wonderful it is to feel light and on track.

I doubt I'll make goal before my appointment, but I feel I am giving it my best shot. If anyone is considering the test, I can tell you that there will never be a "perfect" time, with no events or stresses in a five day period. I think it is best, at least for me, to dive in and commit.

I'll post the remaining days. Thanks for this board and its support through this last year.

Congratulations on hitting your one year surgiversay!!!! Time does fly!!

Personally, I couldn't do the 5 day pouch test, if I wanted to. It is too much like starvation tactics, at least for me. When I wanted to drop a couple of pounds, before my one year weigh-in, I increased my cardio exercise and dropped a few calories. It worked for me. The weight training has helped me to retain more lean muscle mass and to increase it, which helps to keep my metabolism up.

My biggest tools on this journey have been food journaling, weighing and measuring most of my food, and regular exercise. I have been consistent with all of this, although, my hours/exercise/week can vary somewhat. The food journaling really keeps me mindful and accountable. It is my friend and helps me to maintain my weight loss.

I have never been a carb nazi, but did keep the carbs between 40-60 during the weight loss phase. Now, I am up to 100-130, sometimes more, which I burn off during exercise.

Good luck!!! It's just difficult to get the last few pounds off and the going is slow, especially, if you don't want to lose muscle.

I am a rebel, too. But, what I have learned during this journey, is that food journaling and exercise are my friends and I have made peace with these tools. Rebeling in the past, helped to get me to the morbidly obese stage. If I need to journal and exercise for the rest of my life, so be it. I NEVER want to go back to where I started from, and if these tools will help me, I will perform them the remainder of my life. I have seen the light. LOL!!

Gail

 Gail, thanks for the reminders. I am faithful to Pilates classes (3x week) and my walking, but I have let my weight work slide. I am having pain in my right shoulder and am finally going to call my PCP for a referral. It doesn't get better, in fact has been getting worse.

I know you are correct about the journaling. Sometimes I am lazy as well as rebellious. So I have more room for improvement.

I am so happy for you and your success. It is wonderful and inspiring for me.

I don't feel starved on this test, just focused again. 

I'm sorry to hear about your shoulder. That is a drag. When you can, getting back to weight training, will help to mix things up and help you to develop and preserve your lean muscle mass Pilates is good for overall toning and flexibility, but it doesn't help to build the lean muscle mass that one needs to maintain a good metabolism.

Hopefully, the 5-day pouch test will help you to get focused again. I know what you mean, about wanting to be your lowest for your one year visit. I felt the same way and did some crazy exercising before the appointment, which helped me to drop a couple of pounds.

If you can do a Spin class, they are great for burning calories and firming up your legs.

Good Luck!!!

Gail

Hello my friend Wendy!  I can't believe your one year is already upon us.  You've done beautifully!  I love that you feel good about yourself!  Congratulations on doing such a great job!!

 Lee, how exciting for you to be ready for your plastic surgery! I have been reading some of your posts and am thrilled for you. The surgery will be further life altering in a wonderful way.

I admire your tenacity and courage. I am saving for the plastics adventure for myself someday. You will be a whole new woman! Though you are already perfect, you will be smoking hot! I know your outside will match how you feel inside.

Keep us posted.

normal BMI is terrific and you can be very proud.  You should drop a couple with the pouch test also.  I agree, there is never a good time.  I've been thinking about doing it after my knee surgery but I am afraid the hospital won't agree and it would freak them out.  Plus, I am happy where I am, eating and weight.

Is't it funny what we fantasize about now, who but Ava would believe brussel sprouts and nuts.  I do. 

You might want ot try V8 with unflavored protein if the sweet is getting to you.

congrats, you have done great.

 Thanks, Price. I am proud of being in the normal BMI range. I fear bounce back might throw me back to overweight. I think the test is good for me to focus again on the basics and get to a comfortable weight for maintenance.

You have done so well and keep inspiring me. I am glad you will be able to deal with your knee surgery at a healthy weight. I am sorry you are dealing with insurance woes. I think it is awful that people have to struggle so to get reasonable insurance.

Good for you Wendy. I too am planning to do it starting on Monday.  I have my shopping list ready to go to prepare.  I feel like I need a reset ads I have gotten to laxed in my eating.  I know it will be hard but I am hoping to get through.  Good luck finishing.

Sheri

 Sheri, thanks. I am on day three and doing well. You will feel good by day three, I hope, more energy and feeling lighter. I think a reset or reboot is a good way to look at the test.

Thanks for your encouragement and I send it right back to you.