Question:
a year and half out what are you eating?

How much can everyone eat at a year and half out? I started out at 5' 7" 278, now I am 162-164. My goal was 150. Am I doomed? I eat some chocolate or candy during the day, but not much. I eat fruit, soy milk, and half of sandwiches (plain). Can anyone offer any feedback>? I am getting about 60-70 ounces of non carbonated, low calorie beverages daily.. about 60 g protein.. I keep gaining and losing the same 5-7lbs. Am I done or doomed?    — Carla M. (posted on July 14, 2004)

July 14, 2004
Why would you even use the term "doomed?" Since when is more than a 100 pound loss, "doomed"..I bet you look great. At 5'7, 162 pounds probably looks nice. If you are gaining and losing the same amount, then your body has adjusted to what amount of calories you are taking in. Now if you want to get to 150, then you have to do old fashioned dieting. Less calories taken in and more calories expended (burned up). You don't mention exercise. Are you doing heart pumping cardio to burn calories?? I would suggest you bump up your exercise, drink a ton of water (eliminate all other beverages), up the protein some (try adding a protein shake a day), and cut back a bit on carbs. I'm a believer in having my sweet treats (chocolate, cookies etc) daily, but I compensate by eating good healthy mostly protein meals.
   — Cindy R.

July 14, 2004
I agree doomed is harsh.. we are destined to learn to eat like a thin person. This is my biggest challenge now as the appetite and amount of food I can consume has increased at 20months out. What I am eating still varies day to day. Some days I am amazed by how much I can eat and I do get scared! The next day it is under control again or maybe not?? All I know is it is getting hard and the previous poster is right on. I have to do some old fashion "dieting" and exert control over what I put in my mouth. Those damn carbs are the easiest thing to eat as I can eat 2 slim a bears right after having supper. Now I really understand and long for the honeymoon phase when I didn't have to exert any thought or control over my eating. My calorie intake varies from 1000 to 1800 per day. Grazing is my biggest battle esp at night. I hope you get some secrets on how to deal with this phase of wls. Unfortunatly, I fear there is no secret, just us managing our heads and what we put in our mouths :) RNY 11/02 300/140/150
   — cathy G.

July 14, 2004
I won't even put a piece of chocolate candy in my mouth because I know exactly what will happen. To satisfy my chocolate cravings, I eat the chocolate smores Carb Wise protein bar with a cup of decaf coffee. Or, I'll drink a Carb Solution chocolate protein drink. I eat a piece of toast with all fruit and peanut butter or peanut butter and banana on it, drink a protein drink for lunch, snack on the protein bars and fruit during the day, eat a very small portion of "regular food" for supper and again, snack on fruit or protein bar after dinner. I will have my one year anniversary on Aug. 29, 2004. I'm at 127 pounds (down from 216), I'm 5 ft tall and wear size 4 petite. Good luck.
   — margaret M.

July 14, 2004
I started at 5'7" and 255 and now am 133-135. I don't dump and pretty much eat anything I ate before, but smaller amounts. I do, however, now eat more than I thought I would be able to at 17 months post op. I try to stay away from large portions of greasy or fried foods, and limit chocolate and sweets, but do indulge from time to time. My weight, with exercise 3x a week has a 3-4 pound range. When I get to the top end of the range, I am careful for a few days and drop right back down. I have been this weight since around my 1 year anniversary. I drink between 60 and 80 oz. of water/liquid a day and get in probably 40-50g of protein. I don't think you are doomed, but as another mentioned, you might have to step up the pace of your exercise to get the last few pounds off.
   — Fixnmyself

July 14, 2004
If you want to lose those last few pounds, use the South Beach Diet Phase I. They'll come off! I use Phase II for maintenance. I'm the same height as you, started at 305 pounds, and am at goal, although my goal is 5 pounds higher that yours (155). The end of last year I put on 13 pounds due to a death in the family, then the holidays, etc. South Beach got it back off. By the way, not all of us can "eat what we want, just in small amounts". For me, small amounts of refined carbs mean I want more small amounts, and more, and more! I can't live in the same house with a loaf of white bread. That's just my carb addicted self though, YMMV :)
   — mom2jtx3

July 14, 2004
Hey! You have similiar stats as me. I am 5'8 start weight 262. I am now between 145-160 (depends on day & scale!) by my Dr's scale i am 148lbs. I lost most of my weight fairly quickly. At 6months out i was around 170-180 lbs. i was stuck there for a few months. At about 1yr and 3-6months out i all of a sudden dropped down into the 150's. I did nothing different than usual. It just came off by itslf! I eat pretty much whatever i want. Just smaller amounts & i don't over eat. I eat candy more often now than i did before surgery! But i don't deprive myself. Some stuff i just can't eat alot or i'll "dump" which i only get a tired feeling. Good luck to you! It took me a little while, but it came off! I am just now 2yrs post op. I did not diet or realy exercise either. Your doing great! Hope you reach your goal!
   — Sunny4x4chick