Question:
I need help starting over with my diet.

I am alittle more than 13 months post-op and have totally lost control over my eating habits. I have lost to date 95 lbs. But as I stated, I have completely lost control. Please give me some specific advise on how to start over. I feel like I need to go back to the very beginning when I could hardly eat anything but I find it impossible to restrict myself that severely anymore. I really need to jump-start my weight loss in order to boost my spirit and determination. I have tried to just drink my protein drinks (3 protein drinks plus 2 protein bars daily for 2 days), but then I found that I actually gained 2 lbs overnight! I am literally driving myself to tears over the emotional turmoil this is causing me. Can anyone give me specific instructions on what to eat and how often, so I can get back on track? I am an emotional wreck and just can't make up my mind on what to do and how to do it. Thanks in advance for any advise.    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on January 18, 2002)

January 18, 2002
Hey mary, I am only 4 months out, so just some words of encouragement. Have you had a appointment lately with your surgeon? Maybe there is a reason for this, not just you "being out of control."Don't beat yourself up.I think we all need to be checked to make sure things are doing like they should. Make a appointment first thing next week for starters, and try to think positive. You don't state if you gained any, but get a hold of it now. Good luck...
   — Marie A.

January 18, 2002
I posted a similar question not long ago. I needed a kick in the pants. A few good tips I received were:1)Go back to small meals(no more than 2-3 ounces) more frequently(every 3-4 hours) Get protein in first. 2)Water load. Drink often between meals and guzzle as much as possible 15 minutes before eating. It really does help you to feel full. 3)Concentrate on one thing so you don't get overwhelmed (either exercise, or water or protein). Not all of them at once or you'll just feel it's impossible. I am now concentrating on getting my 64 ounces of water in daily. My scales have started to move again. Remember all you went through to get the surgery and all you went through after the surgery. It's not worth it to eat yourself back to your old self. You can do it!
   — Brenda H.

January 18, 2002
WATER WATER WATER.....AND MORE WATER.....it realy WILL do the trick..ALSO...........the colder the WATER the better ICY COLD if you can handle it...the more calories you burn by drinking it....it has to be "warmed up" by your body temp, thus causing some action by burning off of calories!!
   — [Anonymous]

January 18, 2002
...PLUS.... did you know that hair is made up of protein...that is why hairloss is such a concern after surgery.....Your body will actually try and KEEP protein, so if you are eating more protein than normal and not getting enough WATER......well there you go.....PLATEAU...GOOD LUCK...:o)
   — [Anonymous]

January 18, 2002
I don't know about everyone else but what works for me is water, water and more water. I am 17 months post op and I have lost 327 pounds. I am losing very, very slowly these days but I have never gained nor had a plateau. The more I drink, the more I lose. I hope this helps you.
   — DeeDubbs

January 20, 2002
Hi. Try going to the support group site on Spotlight health.com (the Carnie Wilson site), some of the people there have come up with something called Pouch Rules for Dummies. It is very helpful for new and old post ops. Hope this helps.
   — Amy T.