VSG Maintenance Group

Sunday September 3

Liz WantsHealthForAll
on 9/3/17 3:19 am - Cape Cod, MA
VSG on 03/28/16

Weight 115.5 (unchanged), calories 1503.

It was a beautiful breezy mid-60s day yesterday so DH and I took a long walk along the beaches and sea wall after buying a new refrigerator. The old one has been leaking internally where the filter is for a while and it is pretty old, so I thought it was better to be proactive about it. I need to look into replacing the furnace prior to winter as well, but haven't made that call yet.

I was thinking about sending BIL (with drinking problem) an email from DH and me (I need to write it but DH could make changes as needed). I don't know if that will be helpful or not. It wold point out that if he doesn't stop he will lose his wife, but maybe he is in such denial that he won't believe it (she says he is hiding liquor at home so maybe he doesn't think she can figure out what is going on)?

Today it is pouring rain out (but is supposed to be sunny and beachy tomorrow). Duchess (beagle) went out anyway and was happy to be soaked. Chiquita said no way and used the pee pad.

Have a Super Sunday!

Liz 5'3" HW: 219 SW: 185 GW: 125 LW: 113 Desired maintenance range: 120-125 CW: 119ish

brownblonde
on 9/3/17 5:27 am

Wow so much to process from yesterday.

First things first: thank you all for your congratulations. We are getting very excited now. It just seems so REAL!! I still have a fear of "what if" something happens, but I think it's better to enjoy than live with fear of the worst. So wow. Yeah. I have names to pick out and nursery to decorate.

DH's ex found out yesterday. Bc facebook automatically tagged my DSD. I'm of mixed emotion. I'm shocked they hadn't already told her. It would be weird to have like an 18 month old before she found out. Lol. But I'm sure she'll spew some nastiness. I just hope the stepkids don't buy into any of it. That's my only concern.

I think that'll have to wait until after the floors are done. Which, unfortunately, may be a while. :( Ugh so not fun living in this dust.

DEVON-wow, you really make me think! I too think that some post-op diets really miss the opportunity to teach lifelong eating habits and skills and opt for the fastest weightloss instead. And maybe that's not so bad--I surely know that it IS easier to lose weight--regardless of style of eating--in the first 12 months post-op. And I also know that it's motivating to see that scale drop. But I've always been curious as to why I see so many of the "militant" strict eaters battling regain, if it's such a miracle style of eating. Trouble is, anything can work so long as you keep doing it. Gosh, that was even true before WLS. Like I said yesterday, though, at 277 land wasn't even visible, and I could starve myself in any way down to 250--and not even change a size!! Anyway, I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm very doubtful about anyone being able to eat "no sugar, no flour, no white stuff" for ever and ever. And if you don't address it ever, how do you handle it when it comes up? Practice!! I spent a couple years hovering in the low 160s because I didn't mind it. I was eating as I liked and my weight was all right. What else gives, right? But the scale hit 167 and DING too much. I did feel good about getting almost back down to my low weight. And psychologically it was good. I had doubted whether that would ever be possible. But I didn't know whether it would be maintainable--hubby and I were trying to hit the gym at least every other day. And the phentermine was a HUGE help. Unfortunately I don't know the end of the tale yet because I'm now eating for two :D, but I will continue to play around and see what works for me. Definitely not a one-size-fits-all solution. Like as between my sister and me, what works for her is eating really frequently and super low calorie. She does tons of veggies and light ice creams or smoothies, egg whites, tuna, ff cottage cheese. It's really impressive how far she can make 1400 or whatever calories go. Me on the other hand? When I try to do that, I don't particularly like the food I'm eating, I feel like I'm trainng myself to want to eat constantly (which is not a good thing for me, because sometimes instead of eating Greek yogurt I'll get something unhealthy), plus it makes it very hard to have the calories to eat out at lunch. So I prefer a more normal eating/half meals, limited snacking approach, whereas she prefers more frequent low calorie meals.

        
Paula1965
on 9/3/17 6:52 am, edited 9/2/17 11:53 pm
VSG on 04/01/15

142.2, down a bit again

Pretty good eating day yesterday. Carbs were high mostly due to the Chai latte I had at the coffee shop with DS1. When I have chai at home, no milk or cream is added and I use artificial sweetener.

Stats for yesterday were cals: 1,190, carbs: 174, protein: 73, fats: 38. I was thinking of Ann as I increased my veggie intake yesterday!

Church today and then I hope to get some exercise in. Have been remiss in that department as of late.

Supah Sunday Stupendous Sojourners!



5' 4" tall, HW: 242, SW:215.4 Weight Loss - pre-op: - 26.6, M1: -15.4, M2: -16, M3: -11.4, M4: -11.2, M5: -12.2, M6: -7.4, M7: -7.8, M8: -2.0 Goal of 130 lbs. reached at 8 months, 2 days post-op!












VSGAnn2014
on 9/3/17 6:58 am, edited 9/3/17 12:03 am
VSG on 08/14/14

Weight: 132.4
Macros: Cals - 1,499, Carbs - 191, Fat - 35, Protein - 96, Fiber - 31
Veggies/Fruits (goal 8): 7
Sleep (goal 8 hrs.): 5.5
Exercise: None

I was oddly relieved to see the scale up a pound this morning -- although, admittedly, that was my weight at 1:30 am when I woke up.

Yesterday was the first lazy day I've had since our Canadian vacation, and I loved it. This week will be busy with house guests who arrive tomorrow, and, on Thursday, I will fly to a family wedding several states away. I wish hubby were going too, but he "doesn't do weddings." And at our ages, we both get to do what we want.

I'm still hydrating well and still eating those veggies and fruits. Damn, those things fill me up! I also enjoy their tastes and textures and how they make my body feel.

This morning I had a lovely 50 minute sunrise yoga session on the deck. I plan to clean house vigorously this morning and go on a nice walk this afternoon.

Devon's post yesterday and BB's post above resonate for me. Each of us must find a maintenance / rest of our lives eating plan that works for us -- not for some other random WLS patient. Although my eating plan isn't set in stone, I do know how many calories I can eat and maintain my weight, that I like fruits, veggies, whole wheat grains, wine and the odd "bad carb," and that I want to enjoy eating above my maintenance calories when I'm on vacation. I'm willing to lose a few pounds before vacations and cut back after vacations, too, to "pay" for those variances.

Pre-WLS, I could not believe or rely on my lying instincts to deliver good guidance about what or how much I should eat. And 3 years post-op, I still feel like a newbie at eating "mindfully." Therefore, what works for me now and what I like is having a plan and following it (mostly) and monitoring closely my adherence to the plan (with MFP). That would drive some folks insane. But so far it is working for me. I do have a suspicion that those who are successful at maintaining their weight long-term are those who, one way or another, are able to look afresh at their approach and are willing and able to change things up if it stops working for them. When I'm ten years post-op I'll actually know a thing or two. For now, I'm just trying to do the best I can.

Today's theme is a familiar one: Self Care Makes Everything Go Better

ANN 5'5", AGE 74, HW 235.6 (BMI 39.2), SW 216, GW 150, CW 132, BMI 22

POUNDS LOST: Pre-op -20, M1 -10, M2 -11, M3 -10, M4 -10, M5 -7, M6 -5, M7 -6, M8 -4, M9 -4,
NEXT 10 MOS. -12, TOTAL -100 LBS.

Shel25
on 9/3/17 8:53 am

Supah Sunday Contemplative Comrads!

Well geez! I hate it when I miss a day where you all are solving world peace. A few comments:

BB, heartful, no, SOULFUL congratulations! Now you get to see how that girl reveals herself overtime, perhaps into a girl like your family has never seen! I find those surprises to be the most amazing thing of all.

Liz, I am sorry about BIL. Simply sorry.

Paula, YOU GO GIRL! It makes me feel good to see you keep on keeping on.

Another BB thing: has anyone else noticed BB churning out particularly catchy phrases, lately? I couldn't find it again but I think she mentioned "addiction to health." I like that, but fear it. When I "fail" to live up to standards, I sometimes throw out all standards (which brings me to DianeO's turn of phrase about having one flat tire...)

Loved, LOVED all deep thoughts about eating patterns. I like that this group can see that different folks need different strokes. There wasn't even a moment of my weight loss phase that I thought that a ketogenic, very low calorie diet was healthy for me over the long term. But, for the 54 weeks that I did it (and I was MILITANT) it allowed me to lose all of my over-the-top excess weight.

I knew how to eat properly before the weight gain. I used MFP, tracking daily for long periods of time. Lots and lots of positive behaviors! That knowledge didn't save me.

I had all of the building blocks but lacked the grout to hold it together. Now I work on finding just the right grout. Thanks for being part of the grout mix, my forum friends.

Ok, on to obsessive hiking! 12.5 miles yesterday with my neighbor, Linda. Linda has been offering to do all manner of things with me but I hadn't taken her up on it. She is several years older but in kick butt shape. For example, every year she does a one day 150 mile bike ride on Mount Rainier! No, Linda, I don't want to snowshoe with you.

But, yesterday we went hiking and it went fine. Elevation gain was only 2200 ft but about 2000 of it was confined to a 1.5 mile stretch that was enormous step ups around giant roots and rocks. As Linda said, a real butt-burner.

The lakes up top were connected with rocky bridges. It was amazing. Disney couldn't have designed it better. (Why am I surprised that Mother Nature can beat Disney?) A swimming lake connected to a fishing lake connected to a contemplative lake and so on and so on. The water was absolutely clear. The whole area ringed by forest and mountains. The Butt-Burner hike up was the cost of admission.

So, a pic or two below. I'll include one of the fire that was about 35 miles away. You are looking at smoke, not clouds.

Make it a good day of self care, Shel


HW:361 SW:304 (VSG 12/04/2014)Mo 1:-32  Mo 2:-13.5  Mo 3: -13.5  Mo 4 -9.5  Mo 5: -15  Mo 6: -15  Mo 7: -13.5  Mo 8: -17  Mo 9: -13  Mo 10: -12.5  11/3/2015 Healthy BMI Reached Mo 11: -9  Mo 12: -8    12/27/2015 Goal Weight Reached!

VSGAnn2014
on 9/3/17 9:19 am
VSG on 08/14/14

Sigh!

Shel, your 2017 hikes are getting more and more beautiful. I've never seen so many photos of the Northwest mountain hikes before. Have GOT to come back and go hiking with you.

And no, I don't want to go snowshoeing with Linda either!

ANN 5'5", AGE 74, HW 235.6 (BMI 39.2), SW 216, GW 150, CW 132, BMI 22

POUNDS LOST: Pre-op -20, M1 -10, M2 -11, M3 -10, M4 -10, M5 -7, M6 -5, M7 -6, M8 -4, M9 -4,
NEXT 10 MOS. -12, TOTAL -100 LBS.

Shel25
on 9/3/17 9:35 am

I am humbled by the beauty. Just when I think I have seen the best the area has to offer, it surprises me with something I couldn't imagine. Moving thru that series of lakes and how they were connected was magical.

Yes, come on over for a hike! Lots and lots to pick from.

HW:361 SW:304 (VSG 12/04/2014)Mo 1:-32  Mo 2:-13.5  Mo 3: -13.5  Mo 4 -9.5  Mo 5: -15  Mo 6: -15  Mo 7: -13.5  Mo 8: -17  Mo 9: -13  Mo 10: -12.5  11/3/2015 Healthy BMI Reached Mo 11: -9  Mo 12: -8    12/27/2015 Goal Weight Reached!

Shel25
on 9/3/17 9:45 am, edited 9/3/17 2:46 am



My view for morning yoga today. Edited to add literal down dog

HW:361 SW:304 (VSG 12/04/2014)Mo 1:-32  Mo 2:-13.5  Mo 3: -13.5  Mo 4 -9.5  Mo 5: -15  Mo 6: -15  Mo 7: -13.5  Mo 8: -17  Mo 9: -13  Mo 10: -12.5  11/3/2015 Healthy BMI Reached Mo 11: -9  Mo 12: -8    12/27/2015 Goal Weight Reached!

diane S.
on 9/3/17 10:26 am

Greetings Deep Thinkers

So much food for thought here these days. I feel inadequate as I have nothing much to offer. I do thing the true wisdom is that we each have to find our own path in this part of the journey as its a lifelong process and thats why there is no standard maintenance recipe. The weight loss phase was pretty cut and dried and worked well but now the entire grocery store is once again available as well as all the junk advertised on the tv. I pretty much have to really limit the white carbs and sugar as I maintain on about 1300 to 1400 calories per day and can't stay in those limits if I eat sweets or bread. I also agree that nothing should be off limits forever as it just makes you crave it more. Funny how our minds work that way. If you say "I will never eat a chocolate chip cookie again" then that is all you will think about.

So my mantra still has to be "protein first, then fruits and veggies" and a bite or two of a really super desert is ok. Tomorrow we go to a cook out where we bring our own meat and a side dish to share. I am going to get a pre made burger at the health food store (they have stuff like mushroom gorgonzola) and bring humus and veggies. But I know there will be potato salad and some stupendous dessert. At least I am down a half today

Was reading on the main board about people who like canadian bacon. I got some. Had two slices and a scrambled egg for dinner plus cherry tomatoes. A good low cal meal while watching football. Our team won. Tonight I will make rattatouie. I am sure Devon will be right over!

Shel those lakes are spectacular. Glad you have another hiking buddy. Mother nature is indeed the best artist.

We are having smoke issues here now. There is a fire maybe 50 miles inland but the wind is currently from the east and bringing smoke and even a little ash. I am not bothered by it but people with asthma are. Hopefully the winds will change and come off the ocean but I feel bad for the people there. A main highway going inland is closed due to fire. It was really hot here yesterday - like 85 which is record. I announced I was going to the grocery store to stand in the frozen foods aisle.

Old Liza is still hanging in there. She sometimes just walks in circles so we just lay her on her bed. I don't think she is in a lot of pain and still likes her food so not ready for that final trip yet.

Enough of this stream of consciousness. I am going to reread the insight of others and plan the rattatouie. Peace all. Diane S


      
                   Join US On The VSG Maintenance Group Forum!! 
                  http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/VSGM/discussion/
  
Shel25
on 9/3/17 10:55 am

Out of all of us, you wear maintenance like a second skin. You don't even recognize your casual comments as contributions but I sure do! Thanks so much!

I checked Iowa's schedule. It looks like Nebraska is the final game.

Recently, my go-to favorite meal for anytime of day is over-easy egg plus squash/sweetpotato/spinach stir-fry A slice or two of Canadian Bacon sounds like a nice addition.....it can replace the rather boring cottage cheese.

HW:361 SW:304 (VSG 12/04/2014)Mo 1:-32  Mo 2:-13.5  Mo 3: -13.5  Mo 4 -9.5  Mo 5: -15  Mo 6: -15  Mo 7: -13.5  Mo 8: -17  Mo 9: -13  Mo 10: -12.5  11/3/2015 Healthy BMI Reached Mo 11: -9  Mo 12: -8    12/27/2015 Goal Weight Reached!

×