Recent Posts

Everything Barbara mentioned is a part of my "Bible" for WLS success.  But my most important tips, in order, are....

LOG YOUR FOOD

Buy healthy.  Stay away from old "comfort foods" or pre-WLS favorite snacks.  Don't even allow them in the house.  I now love fruit, especially melon (it's lower calories and carbs) and strawberries.

Learn to make tasty recipies for WLS patients, your family will love them, too. 

Get support, either in person or here on OH, or other Weight Loss boards.  Besides OH, SparkPeople is my favorite.

I know this is not recommended for all people, but I weigh in EVERY day.  Keeps me accountable.

Success for me has meant being as compliant as possible to my surgeon's plan.

Food:  I do not eat white carbs...rice, bread, pasta, potatoes or other starchy carbs of any kind, with the exception of beans. I concentrate my food intake on lean meat, fresh vegetables and fruits.  I drink 2 to 3 protein sakes per day.  I eat nuts and peanut butter in very limited quantities.  I never eat junk food or sweets of any kind.  I am not at goal or maintenance and am still learning how to deal with my food issues.

Exercise:  Walking has been my primary source for cardio and weight loss.  I try to walk as much as possible.  Sometimes I may walk up to 11 miles in a two day period.  Sometimes I may only walk 3 miles in a one day period.  I try to walk at least 3 miles per day, but on some days I do not walk at all.  I also go to the gym and lift weights and use the machines.  I am not as regular with the gym as I rely on my husband for transportation and often his schedule does not coincide with gym operating hours.

Accountability:  I come to OhesityHelp everyday for accountability and for knowledge.  No matter the day, I always learn something new from someone whether it is from a pre ops, post ops or veterans.  I always read something of great value.

Attitude:  I believe attitude is the most important component  in this journey.  This is a gift that allows us to reinvent ourselves.  I could have never changed my eating habits the way I have without having this surgery.  Prior to surgery I lived on sugar and junk food.  My meat was usually fried and vegetables were not my favorite.  My eating has now changed 180 degrees, and surgery did that for me.  I am also a very prayerful person and recognize I could not do this in my own strength and needed the hand of God to help me be successful.

Hi Lisa,

I have also used the document you referenced and find it an invaluable reference. I agree that being committed to taking your supplements is critically important and that we need to develop whatever mechanisms necessary to ensure our success in that area. Sometimes we get so focused on the foods we consume, but we don't give enough focus and energy to ensuring that we consume our supplements.

I look forward to seeing you again soon.

Hi Robin,

Congratulations on your phenomenal success. You've really worked your tool for all it's worth. I'm glad that you have found something that works for you as you learn to maintain your weight. It is normal to have some fluxuation in your weight, but as long as you maintain your weight within 3 to 4 lbs either way, you should be just fine.

Wishing you continued success,

 In addition to the tips you have already posted... I would say pay attention to your supplements!

My doctor is a great surgeon, but he did not go to school to teach me about supplements... Since I am in charge of my health (doctors and others are there to help me, but I am the one who has to live with me the rest of my life!)

I use this document: http://www.asbs.org/Newsite07/resources/bgs_final.pdf

So far so good... 

Also, get your vits together the night before, put them in your purse, or briefcase the night before so there is no excuse not to have them with you!