Question:
When does everything become routine and less planning, measuring, etc

At what point does it all just become part of our day w/o thinking so much about it. You know like we are automatically getting in 64 oz water and 60 grams protein, never forget our vitamins and can judge w/ our eyes what we are able to eat. Just wondering.... right now some days I feel like a science or biology project. Thanks    — Leigh S. (posted on December 28, 2002)

December 28, 2002
Hi there, I think the hardest months for me were up untill 4th month. It was such a chore to figure out what i can and can not eat. Or if i have had to many carbs and suger. Of course the main thing was protein. I promise it does get easier. Just for instance my first shopping trip for food took me 3 hours. I read every label, no I know what brand or product is good for me. Best of luck Sarah
   — sarah C.

December 28, 2002
Hi Brenda...maybe I'm a slow learner, but it took me the first SIX months before I was not forgetting my vitamins, calcium, etc., was drinking water automatically through the day, and knew by "eye-balling" how big a portion was. It's really breaking old habits, too, and making new ones. I'm a bit shy of 8 months out now and things come pretty naturally now...the little rituals and requirements we have to do have really become second nature to me. Frankly, I never thought all this would feel at all natural to me, but it finally does. Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

December 28, 2002
Sorry, Leigh...I called you Brenda by mistake.
   — [Deactivated Member]

December 28, 2002
I have never measured my foods. I do make up a pitcher of Crystal Light or Country Time lemonade everyday and when it's gone, I've done the 64 ounces - or if I'm drinking other things, I try to keep a pretty close tab on that - it's no fun to get dehydrated and I do very easily. Have been hospitalized twice from dehydration. It won't happen again unless I've ill. I do a mental tabulation on protein. At thirteen months post-op and 160 pounds lighter, I don't have to get as much as I did earlier but I do try to get at least 40 -50 g a day. I have a shake every morning and I have yogurt and grape nuts every day. Then I have peanuts, soy nuts, and jerky for snacks. Lunch is usually very high protein - sardines, salmon, tuna, Wendy's chili or corned beef hash - all are HIGH Protein. Then dinner is usually all protein and a piece of fruit or a vegetable.
   — Patty_Butler

December 28, 2002
HI. I have just started NOT counting, measuring, worrying.....It is sooo liberating. I am trying this. Very new to me. Now that I eat to ive instead of live to eat, it is cool to "wing"it. Don't get me wrong. It was 3 months of CONSTANT TRACKING. I'll let you know how this experiment goes.....(4months and 93 lbs out....)
   — Debby M.

December 28, 2002
I am over a year out, an althoug hI have never measured or weighed, I always keep mental track of what I eat and drink. I know how much more water I need for the day, and I always make sure hat I know how much protein I have gotten in for the day. As far as planning goes, i still make sure that I am going to be in a location to get a meal that is good for me. I keep something in my car/ purse in case my blood sugar starts to drop. I do better that way. Otherwise, i start to eat yucky, then i feel yucky. After a while, the "keeping track" just becomes second nature. And it is necessary for you to be able to stay on course.
   — Vicki L.