Anyone go back to protein shakes to get back on the wagon?

Hi all.  I've gained about 5lbs. back but I feel like I've utterly lost control. And what I really wanted to do was lose another 15, not gain 5!!  I've been trying to use Myfitnesspal and lose weight the old way--but it feels like the old way.  The more I count calories, the more I think about food, the more I want it.  8 weeks of this nonsense and the scale is down .2lbs. one day and up .2 the other.  I have lost nothing!  And I've been miserable.  I go out with friends and know I cannot have the drink or whatever.  And then usually succumb to the overwhelming pressure.

Anyway, so before WLS I was put on a protein-sparing modified fast where I only drank 5 procal shakes per day.  Obviously lost the weight quite quickly (and regained just as quickly, but this was before WLS).  Also I know many a person who has to lose weight before WLS who is put on some kind of very low calorie diet consisting of mostly protein shakes and maybe one meal.  I feel like I need to reboot and get down to where I want to be.  I don't want to wreak havoc on my body and metabolism, but this appeals to me because I don't have that much to lose and my biggest struggle is the gray areas of food.  

So what do you think?  I am considering 4-6 weeks of strict dieting, followed by phasing back in the healthier eating.  My long-term goal is still what it has always been:  food in moderation.  But I've had more carb creepers recently and while carb addiction might be survivable in maintenance, it's killing all of my attempts to lose.  

HI!

I totally understand the panicky feeling.  I have gained 28 pounds after reaching goal, after 5 months of not paying attention.  Lost 2 of those last week, got on the scale today and am up 1.   Huh???

I think that going back to the basics is what we ( I ) have to do.  And drink water.  And exercise.  Watching portions and watching salt ( in my case   is a big problem. )

We can do this. 

Didn't really answer your question.  I never drank protein shakes so don't know about that.  Don't like smoothies. 

All the best. 

I did a couple of weeks of protein shakes for lunch about a year ago, to get ready for a dance recital.  I found that I was very hungry and wanted to eat more, so now I'm trying to stay within certain calore, carb and protein limits to take off the weight - basically how I ate early on.  I can't answer for someone else, as we're all different.  My only comment would be that doing a liquid or other drastic diet, may work in dropping the weight, but then we're faced with having to go back to trying to eat healthy, and will that be all the much more difficult?  Best of luck with whatever you decide to do!  Mary

I'm so sorry that you're feeling a bit of despair.   my Kaiser program never allowed shakes from day 1.  It was always food.  I find when I have a shake I feel hungrier and think about food all the time.

What has worked for me is to go to Weigh****chers weekly.  I started that the year of my surgery.  I don't follow their program but getting on the scale weekly keeps me from gaining.  many many people do great losing on their program but I find I like to eat less carbs, limit fruit and eat mostly protein, veggies a bit of nuts etc with a splurge once in a while of something with more carbs.  There's really something to being accountable.

Why not just go back to measured protein and big salads or steamed veggies?  I would think you'd be more full and less likely to want to binge.  shakes make me want to binge about a minute their are down me.

You can do this!  Good luck!

Lee

I'm doing that right now. I went back to basics almost 3 weeks ago. 1-2 shakes a day, 1-2 meals: dense protein 50% of the meal and eat that first, then veggies. Low carb in that I won't eat any bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, or beans. At least 64 ounces of water, and ALL my vitamins, iron, and calcium. I also make sure to take my Prilosec first thing in the morning. It took about a week and a half to get past the "head hunger" that stems from habit, more or less. It's amazing what triggered the desire to eat. I like the Nectar shakes best, especially the Vanilla Bean Torte and Chocolate Truffle, made with almond milk. I also use My Fitness Pal because I like 2 snacks a day, which helps me stay on the plan. It's always easiest to stay on plan the first few weeks, so I'm hoping coming here and reading what others share does help keep me motivated to finally reach goal. I've got a ways to go.

I do get it.

What I did was recommitted myself to where I want to be and not where I was at.

I went back to my shakes, I drink the premier protein that have the 30 g protein, then sticking to the fruit/veggies and small amount of protein-my go to is chicken.  Shakes -either for one or two meals but not my last one.

I am one of those folks that get a whiff of the Cinnabon at the mall and can feel the weight coming on.

You have done an awesome job and you will be ok.  Have faith in yourself, and know that we are here for you.

The other post of weigh****chers, I did that too, going to get weighed mostly but not really the food.  that worked for me for a little bit, but then not so much.

Exercise helped me curb appetite more and then I did not want to ruin my work out.

Maybe finding a group in your area with other folks that have had what you have for support.

I live in the Silicon Valley area and sometimes attend a group at El Camino Hospital-they have a regular group and good for support and they just understand.

Tell us how is it going from the last time you posted?

Hope you have a good Monday.

Deborah