Question:
What value to post ops find in keeping a food journal or log? I have just started

use fitday. I am wondered if other post ops have found keeping a journal useful and if so in what way. I seem to be stuck and am hoping that becoming more aware of my food and water intake will be useful. I would love to know how other folks have used journals or logs and what has been the most helpful. Thanks in Advance. Ann in TX [email protected]    — Ann B. (posted on January 3, 2004)

January 3, 2004
I am 5 months post-op and I use my fitday.com everyday, I could not keep track of anything without it. Along with keeping track of the calories, fat, carbs and protein, I use it everyday to track my activities and the journal for my weekly weigh in's and my monthly measurements. I use the weigh in part, so I know how much to my goal. The report section is fantastic, I print out a report of my intake and one for my activities and take it with me to the surgeons office and to my pcp office, and that way I have everything with me when they ask me how much protein I am taking a day or on a one week average.
   — cindy

January 3, 2004
Ann - I use it to make sure that I eat enough on some days (when I am not too hungry) as well as making sure that I don't eat too much on those "bad" days. It's also great for keeping track of my protein intake. I've been using it since my 3rd week out...JR (open RNY 07/17/02 -204# since surgery, -217# total, 10# til goal!!!)
   — John Rushton

January 3, 2004
Hi Ann, I'm so glad to see someone find value in keeping a journal beside myself! I have from the day I had surgery and I'm almost 11 months post op. There is much to be said about keeeping one. I keep stats of food eaten/water/carbs/protein/exercise on a daily basis. Just something that has become a good habit in the process of my journey. I also, journal my weight loss & meaursements on the 11th of every month. I can always look back from month 1 to now and know what I did that day. Keeps me on track and motivates me. This by no way is meant to keep me from over indulging on the wrong foods....I Don't! Just something I have always done when I decided to change my life and be healthy once more. A positive step in the right direction for myself! Having a goal and sticking to it is of great importance. A positive attitude and understanding this surgergy and how to make the best of it is important as well. Granted this surgery will help us, but we can get better results, if we help ourself by utilizing our tool to the fullest! We are what we make of ourselves! A journal gives me the opportunity to look back at where I was and what I did to get to goal and the new me. Hope you fill your journal with great memories to reflect back on, as you become healthier/happier. Have a great week end. Lap RNY 2/11/03 250/142/135
   — Hazel S.

January 3, 2004
In those times when I start to stray, I find keeping track of everything I eat to be a real eye opener to me. So many times I am playing head games with myself regarding my eating and keeping track of what I eat puts it down in black and white and helps me get back on the straight and narrow. I use FITDAY.COM to do this and it works for me.
   — Cathy S.

January 3, 2004
Ann when I first started this journey I began a journal. This is something new for me. Most of it is about what I'm feeling. It has been a great place to vent. Plus I can see exactly how far I've come. On the back page I made a chart with weight and measurements. Joann
   — Joann W.

January 3, 2004
Hi Ann, I have kept a journal from day one. My doc. suggested that I do. I find its the only way I can really keep tract of all my vit., food, water,protein etc. Good luck on your journey. Pat
   — Pat B.

January 3, 2004
I use a journal to track weekly weigh ins, monthly measurements, emotional journalling, and for food, water, exercise and vitamin intake. I find it very useful. I personally find fitday to be very tedious so I use a paper and/or Excel journal instead. It helps to keep me honest also.
   — Yolanda J.