Introduction and Protein Question

Hello,

My name is Lisa. I had surgery in 2008 and in about 15 months I lost 120 pounds. I kept that off for about 2 years. In the past 2 1/2-3 years I've put back on 40 pounds. I'm miserable. This is actually the first time I've admitted that I actually gained that much. I'm very disappointed in myself, but can't keep going on this way. I've gotten lax in most areas: exercise, grazing throughout the day, too many carbs, eating sweets, not enough water ect. Anyway, I'm trying to rein it in a still stay sane. I lead a very busy life, full time job, husband, 4 kids (two step kids which adds more stress), long commute to work, property to maintain ect. Don't get me wrong, I love my family and what I do, but its overwhelming & exhausting. Its just not feasible financially or time wise for me to always make separate meals for me and the family. I've gotten lax over the years and eaten too much of "their" food, I know, so I'm trying to readjust. I realize most of you are likely busy too.

I've been reading through some of the posts on this board. I see many folks post what they eat or plan to eat for the day. I find that interesting and helpful too. I see that some of you regularly eat protein bars and shakes for almost every meal & snack. Is that a permanent ongoing thing or just a once in awhile choice? I'm just wondering because being many years out from surgery I find that odd. I thought we were supposed to be eating "real" foods as much as possible, protein first, of course. I also wonder how you can feel satisfied and full with the same food over and over?

Also, what is everyone's protein total goal for the day? I realize we may all have different guidelines based on our surgeon's nutritionist, but according to mine I'm supposed to have a minimum of 60 grams of protein daily, more if I'm more active. I see on some folks listed foods for the day that their protein amounts seem to be quite low. I just wondered if I was missing something.

Lastly, are you guys hungry throughout the day? I mean REALLY hungry? I'm struggling with being very hungry and finding it difficult to get back the willpower not to overeat or eat the wrong foods. I work in an office with an overflowing candy (chocolate!) jar and a constant parade of different foods being brought in to "share". I do share healthy things now & then, but just one more area I'm struggling in and failing at times.

I appreciate you taking the time to read this and look forward to sharing the journey with you.

 

Lisa

 

 

 

P.S.

I also tried to include starting weight, lowest ect. on the footer, but apparently I only added that to my profile page.

Anyway here are my details:

Highest weight: 305    Lowest: 185   Regain weight:  227   Current: 227

Hi Lisa.  Welcome to our group.

You and I had surgery about the same time, mine was in August of 2008.  I got down to my lowest for about as long as it takes for a hummingbird to flap it's wee little wings....ONE TIME.  I did manage to keep my weight where I was comfortable for a couple of years but then it began creeping up slow but sure.  Right now I am about 35 pounds heavier, thanks to regain.  I use protein bars and protein shakes to make sure that I am getting enough protein and it's also easier with my busy schedule.  I don't get really hungry even when it's time to eat, it's more of a head hunger or habit for me.  A bad habit that would include grazing on carb laden foods if I let it.  I work in an office that is very much full of goodies, especially this time of year!  I find myself taking the "back way" to the copier to avoid the breakroom where everything is there for the munching.  Good luck in your venture to make yourself a priority!  That's what we all are trying to do in here and there's wonderful suggestions and support available.

Gaby

Thank you, Gaby, for sharing your experience!

On one hand I thought, "what a terrible time of the year to try to get back on track" but really what is the alternative? If I don't try I'm going to gain EVEN more and I can't let that happen! For one I hate that I'm this big again, but also I don't want to buy a bigger size again. NO, no, no!

Yes, I definately have to make myself a priority as I haven't for a long time. *sigh*

Have a great day!

Lisa

"What a terrible time of the year..." I whole heartedly agree BUT it's the worst time of year to not be mindful of what I eat. The whole world seems to have turned into a gigantic buffet overnight sometime in October and won't end until the rest of the world goes on the mandatory January 1st diet.

It's time for some "You" time. Good luck and God bless.

- Iris

Hi Lisa,
I too have joined back on track and I have to say, your story sounds a lot like mine...except you've been at it a couple years longer... I'm frustrated too, because I am hungry ALL THE TIME...and can eat like I used to eat, before surgery. I know it's not good, but I couldn't control myself before surgery either...that's why I had surgery. I've gotten lax with exercise, letting the sweets back into my life and eating the "family meals", instead of "my food". but.. like my surgeon's assistant told me, at my last visit, my "hard core" choices of all or nothing isn't sustainable for the rest of my life. I have to find a way to look at food as there is no "bad" food... well, a cookie and chips looks pretty friendly... I've also had an upper GI just to check my pouch, etc... because I don't feel like I've had surgery and that is even harder to deal with. Hang in there and if you come up with a plan, let me know. Kathy

Thank you, Kathy, for sharing. Yeah, it sucks being hungry so often. At times I feel like I'm even MORE out of control than before my surgery.....probably not, but still I'm TOO obsessed with food, eating it, planning for it, hoping for it ect.

I'm exercising again. Got home last night and walked a mile. I know it isn't much, but didn't have time for more. I was home briefly and had to cook dinner, eat and then leave again for Bible study. I figure one mile is better than zero! :-)

Maybe we can help each other stay motivated and be accountable?

Have a great day!

Lisa

 

Hi Lisa, 

I also had surgery in 2008. I lost 110 lbs and gained back app 20-25 lbs.  But that looks OK on me.. (still size 6-10) 

 

The problem with proteins carbs and fats - is that when you start calculation what and how much you need to eat - the calories has to come from somewhere. 

Carbs - make me hungry and make me crave more carbs. Too much exercise - makes my BS drop makes me hungry and makes me eat more - you guess - carbs... So for me things are in moderation. 

I typically start with the calorie goal for the day: 

maintain: 1400-1800 per day. 

lose weight: 1000-1200 cal per day + light exercise. (walking 4-6 miles every day, yoga, etc)

assuming that: carb=4 cal, proteins=4 cal; fat = 9 cal

you can't do low fat - 60- gr of proteins because I would be eating too many carbs.

For me - Atkins type diet- with proteins 100-120 per day, no more than 60 gr of carbs ( = 10 gr per meal more than that makes me hungry - I have severe RH) and the rest of calories need to come from fat. 

i.e.

100gr protein= 400 cal

60 gr of carbs= 240 cal

rest" 1000-640=360 cal = fat = 40 gr of fat per day - more on maintanance, or when using the 1200 cal per day... 

Most of my carbs comes from low glycemic veggies and fruits(berries)

I have some "free foods"., that I never count as having any calories or carbs (green lettuce, celery, cucumbers, etc) - I can't eat enough of that (digestion issue) and  after my proteins and counting 10 cal and 2 carbs is just not worth my time. 

So adding all of that: 

I eat 6-7 times a day, probably 200 cal per "meal"; make sure each meal has at least 10-15 gr of proteins, 5 gr of fat and no more than 10 gr of carbs.. Some carbs- real fiber - like in real veggies - or fruits, or nuts, I only count that as 1/2 carbs worth. 

i.e items has 15gr of carbs, 8 gr of fiber, 5 gr of sugar: I count that as : (15-4) =11gr of real carbs. 

Some people are sensitive to carbs in some fiber - I know I am - and my BS can go up when I don't count that. 

At the same time, cheese, and whip cream or nuts are great addition to my LNS - with fruits... 

Add SF jello... and I am a happy person... 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much, Hala, for taking the time to reply. I have read your reply a couple times now and I'm still trying to absorb it all! Lots of great information here and I so appreciate you taking the time to share so many details. I need that and I will definately put some of your ideas into practice. I think I'm going to need to print this, though, to really process it. LOL

One question, what is "LNS" you mentioned in next to the last line?

Thanks again and have a great day!

Lisa

LNS = late night snack. Due to my RH and other issues - I need to eat something just before bed - most of the time it needs to be proteins +fat+limited carbs. That way my body can use that during the 7-9 hr time at night and my BS does not drop in a middle if the night.