Please HELP!!

Thanks again to everyone for all of the support! It really helps to have support from all of you who have walked (or are walking) the same path.  I have made up my mind to get things back in line and to start proactively making the changes needed to get myself in shape and lose the remaining weight to reach my goal!

Angela, I can sooo relate to your situation...In fact, it sounds like you're describing "me", with the exception of time since your surgery. Like yourself, I can eat anything I want and don't experience "dumping". I can also eat larger volumes of food...not as much as you, but more than I should. I also drink fluids with my meals...always have. I never really trained myself to eat properly after my surgery and so I've got to do that now! I've heard about the three day diet to shrink your pouch. Is that what you're doing? I want to get some of the protein shake mix but I don't know what to get. I'd like to add in protein shakes to my diet. I would imagine that you have to be careful with the one you choose to prevent adding carbs/calories.

Looking forward to walking this path with all of you!
Donna

I am actually doing a plan called a Time Out.  It's from my surgeon and it's for patients who are not complying with the rules and have gained a significant amount of weight back.  It's not a short term thing.  It's back to post-op diet (with blood work, monitoring, and check-ups****il the regain is off.  If the weight is coming off quickly, then you can add a salad as an evening meal with veggies only and low cal dressing.  It's very strict.  I am doing 3 protein shakes per day and a cup or half cup of cottage cheese, plus sugar free popsicles/Crystal Lite/coffee etc.  I am staying under 1000 calories and getting over 80 grams of protein per day.  My protein shakes are made from Muscle Milk Light in chocolate flavor.  You can get it at GNC and it's pretty good, not chalky.  The serving suggestion is 2 scoops in 8 oz water, but I like 1 scoop in 8-12 oz of skim milk.  I'm not advocating my plan without the advice and supervision of your doctor, but it's working well for me.  I am on my 3rd day and have not really been hungry.  Head hungry, but no real hunger.  I am planning to do this for 3 months and then see where I'm at.  When I stop the liquid phase I'll transition with a month on soft proteins like fish and beans, then on to solid protein like I know we are suppose to eat.  I am doing it to reset things because I never followed the rules straight out of surgery.  Best of luck to you in whatever path you choose to reach your goals.  This is a nice group to get support and just read what others are going through.

Thanks for sharing about your "Time Out". Sounds like you're doing well. I'm sure that you'll be back to solid protein before you know it. I'm gonna get in touch with my doctor on Monday and see what they suggest. I tried to phone them on Thursday but they were already closed.

Talk to you soon.

Have a great Fourth!
Donna