Struggling ... anyone relate?

Hello Buddies!

I know it has been a long time since I have posted anything here - or on my blog/profile.  Some of this is due to my life being KHAOTIK and KRAZY, but some is due to the fact that I have been struggling. 

I haven't been making the best food choices, it seems I am constantly hungry, and I've gained back a few pounds - all of which have left me feeling ... well, honestly, like a failure and so embarrassed. 

I wanted my tool so badly - and I needed it so badly - and it has worked so well for me - but it seems that now that the honeymoon period is over and I really have to get back into a DIET mindset to see results, I can't pull it all together.

Is it possible that I have already stretched my stomach back to its original size?  I wonder because I feel hungry all of the time.

I know that only I can pull myself out of this rut and that only I can get myself on track, but I'm having a hard time DOING both of those things.  Is this normal?  UGH!

I'm sorry for staying away so long and then  returning with a whine fest!  I know this is the right place for me to share, rather than continuing to go this alone.  You all have had the same types of struggles - whether you are pre or post surgery.

I am truly thankful and do not regret having WLS.  I'm just scared that it will be for naught if I don't get this under control!

Write down what you are eating.. Try to add more protein and fiber. that will fill you up.
and unless you have been gorgin yourself,  i don't think you would have stretched you pouch all the way out.

How big are your meals you are eating? If they are over a cup, cut em back to one cup. Much of this can be that doggone headhunger, but maybe not. If you have been getting too into carbs, they will not only trigger cravings, but hunger as well.

A 3 day decarb may be in order. Don't panic tho. You are about at the point where you'll bounce around by a few lbs, then eventually you will lose a bit again, but fromhere on out it is slower going for sure!

Don't get trapped in a dieters mindset. Instead focus on lifestyle and eating habits for life that your body will love you for. This is a lifestyle we will always have to be mindful of. It is not the magic fix it seems like early out.

What you are going through is very normal. I think everyone hits times like this.. I know I even have hard times, and i know better...but am only human too.

Pm me when you have a chance...ok?

Hi Patrece, hope you are feeling better and the time flys by until your surgery!!! How many carbs are allowed for the 3 day decarb. any advice will be appreciated...Take care and may God bless!!


Roxie

It's a bit tough.. but try very hard to keep the carbs at or below 40. By doing this, it puts your body into a state of ketosis (fat burning mode) then you can gradually reintroduce more HEALTHY complex carbs, but you must keep em in check. Also by doing this you cut the cravings and the hunger your body can induce because it wants you to take in more carbs so it can burn those, instead of its fat stores.
So to get into ketosis...40 or less.
To decarb to get rid of cravings / hunger you can do as above, or you can just reduce the carbs you eat significantly. Eliminate all carb sources that come from anything except fruits and veggies. Then try to keep your choices in those areas as low on the carb side as possible. During and after this 3 day decarb, eliminate all whites from you diet . No white sugar, rice, flour, breads, pasta, etc. The white carbs are the ones that really sabbotage us. So once done with the 3 day decarb, as you reintroduce these foods, use only the whole grain versions back into your diet, and in small amounts
If you find you crave chocolate.. turn to a chocolate flavored protein drink, or even a no sugar added carnation instant breakfast as a meal.

I will be holding a free tele-class soon that will be addressing decarbing- a 3 day decarb- and changing carb choices over all. Watch my newsletter. You get it right?

Best of luck.
Hugs
patrece

Thanks for all the info, I really appreciate it. I will be watching for the newsletter, although we are taking the grandkids camping next week and I won't be able to get service where we are going. Take care and may God bless!!!

roxie

Have a great time!  Camping with the grandkids sounds like a fun time! You are very welcome. The newsletter will be in your inbox waiting for you

Patrece - let me know about the tele-class you discussed.  I didn't know about the 1 cup thing.  I eat vegies and salads as my carbs, little to no fruit.  Last night was the first time I tried any bread and it was a brown bread roll from BJs - no butter.  It left me feeling too full. Will stick to no bread.  Occasionally I have a little mashed potatoes - is this ok?  Maybe 2x month.  Mostly take in protein in the form of my 30 gm drink (2) and yogurt and salad.  Bad thing is I've been using dressing with fat.  I rationalized this by saying I wasn't taking in very many calories.  Bad habits!

Hey MB! Mashed potaotes in small amounts on rare occassion is ok for you, as long as they do not trigger cravings or you eat large portions.
As far as the dressing with fat in it... lets look at a couple of things..
1) do you get much fat in from other sources?
2) is the fat from olive oil? Or what kind of fat?\

Our bodies do need a small amount of fat intake, even after our surgery. The key is making sure it is the healthier fats, such as olive oil, and any of the omegas.
to get info on the teleclases and sign up for my newsletter go to http://bariatricbuddy.com 
Breads do not typically set well with me either, and I rarely ever have any.

I don't take in many fats.  I use the guide line that I got in my classes at Kaiser.  No more than 3 grms of fat per 100 cal.  I don't fry anything so no olive oil there.  I use some spray butter (I can't believe it isn't butter) on my vegies sometimes.  So really the dressing is my only oil for the most part.  I use Pam when I fry or grill.  I didn't eat more than 1/4 of mashed potatos.