Good Morning. Talk the talk and walk the walk

I'm talking about counting carbs. I count protein, normally, and just list my food. Well, it's time to walk the walk, babeeees! Time to count the carbs in a journal, on MyFitnessPal or a diet diary. Back to being disciplined and in control about this. Another thing to do is measure what you're eating and drinking. Back to basics. You can start today, or next week, but start.

We do have a role model--Vitalady is 18 years post-op and below goal. She was at goal before she started dealing with her current issues, so we can do this. Her idea is to use the protein shakes to your advantage. Use them as a beverage but don't drink them with a meal--drink them between very small meals. No sugar or trigger foods (what ever those trigger foods are). Michelle says we are still fighting obesity even if our bodies don't look obese--we still have obese brains and our bodies still want to be fat. She doesn't use milk or 1/2 & 1/2 in her shakes-maybe a little cream or 1/2 & 1/2 in her protein coffee, but she mixes shakes with water. 

Well, I'm going to give Michelle's way a try and see how I do.

Vitalady also stays very very busy but only drinks her water when not drinking a shake or eating a small snack/meal. I think she makes an exception and takes her vitamins with a little food on her stomach.

I know how this is supposed to be done and I'm going to do my best to follow my leader. Starting right now! 

--gina
     

Gina
I found it very illuminating when I started using MyFitnessPal and counted carbs and fat in addition to protein. 

In my recent discussions with my doc and nutrionist, they have emphasized that surgery is not a "fix all"  but simply a tool.  If we go back to our bad habits, we will go back to the way we were.  Just yesterday, my physician's assistant told me "you are your own worst enemy",  and she is 100% right.   Even as I am working to stop my weight loss, no one has said to increase "bad carbs".  It's all about fruit, veggies, and knowing that I will need to cut out some foods as I get further out from surgery.

Gina, I was doing the same thing ( milk in protein and only counting protein) , and inching up in pounds.  So as of this week, protein is mixed with water and all of everything is listed.  Haven't ever listed fat but I am adding it in to track the calories now, just carbs, protein and calories.  I've also started a morning snack and afternoon snack of a 48 oz protein drink.  Before was just doing morning so Vitalady must have been calling to me over cyberspace. 

Not much going on today.  Drive Poppy, hopefully get a walk in between paperwork.

Yep...I'm in for life!!!! I've decided the scale is my daily friend and so is My Fitness Pal. I journal every day now - even weekends. This is a daily battle I want to win. Trying 3 protein drinks today to see how it goes. I hv a hair appt after work . Then will weed my back landscape when I get home.

I have a pair of walking shoes under my desk and committed to that each noon. This is good!!!!!!!

Meg

You brought me to tears this morning Gina!

I think all of us on maintenance need to be better role models.  I have such a fear of offending posters that I sometimes sugar coat that I battle the munchies and that I'm not worried about the couple of extra pounds that I have put on.

Vitalady was a huge help to me early out.  I know how busy she is but I wish she could find the time to share some of her menus and give us some pointers.  I'm really terrified of food.  I think that's why I eat the same menus over and over again.  Do you know how many Calories,  Protein, Carbs, Fats, etc. she eats during the day?  Does she go by percentages or a total?

I did get in the habit of drinking a little when I'm eating but I've been working on that.

I need someone to fight this battle with me! 

You guys are all amazing! And such a great help with all your posts. The truth and the reality about the bad foods  you say you struggle with, are a BIG warning for me to just stay away from right from the beginning and not slip. Don't be afraid of telling the whole truth , because your struggles help people like me see what to do and what not to do ....atleast try not to do. Also they make a person not feel so alone. Everything I have read from you guys, I take mental notes. ex: don't have treats here and there, drink protein drinks in between meals, NO grazing, count everything, nothing to drink 30 mins prior or 30mins after a meal and a long list of other mental notes. I get these from your struggles , success and truths about your WLS. Tell all because it helps. I believe a person who has had it rough and has experienced a little of everything is a better teacher, at helping others to succeed, than someone who learns our behaviors through a book and no experience.

That's right, Nikki, I couldn't have said it better myself! 

I started to really watch the bad carbs this week and can already tell a very big difference.  I know I ate so much fruit this past weekend and my weight was up-not just a serving!! 

I think we forget how much every little bite counts that we put in our mouths.  I actually weighed and measured my food yesterday which I have been eyeballing for the past year.  It really makes a difference in the amounts.

Night time snacking is my problem and I've just gone on to bed and read two nights this week to keep from snacking in front of the TV.

I am having to travel today so jumping on when I can.  Hope everyone has a great day.

Linda

 When I came back yesterday, I had no idea that there would be so much love, support and UNDERSTANDING.   I know a lot of the names have changed since 2008 and 2009 but Lightweights hearts are still the same.  Love you guys!!!

We do have a lot of new faces on the board since you have been here but our friendly, caring, encouraging group stills has the same values.  All of the newbies are great!

How's it going?