I have seen a few comments from my followers about how fast I have progressed to 50lbs lost at about 3 months post op. I don't think I have done anything too interesting or unique to achieve that goal. However, I thought that I would share what I have done to make it happen, especially for those newbie bandsters out there who may need a few tips in regards to eating. Warning: I'm an overly structured person who plans everything (in life and otherwise)...don't say I didn't warn you!
1> MEASURE and WEIGH!
I weigh pretty much everything I eat...down to the gram. On the nutrition facts label on all foods it will usually tell you how many grams makes up a serving. So you know exactly the number of calories, protein, etc you have eaten. Here's my trusty food scale...which I think cost $10 at target...a GREAT investment!
2> Small dishes/containers!
Here is the bottom shelf of one of my kitchen cabinets. See how all the dishes are tiny? They are anywhere from 1/3 Cup to 1 Cup sizes. I also use 1/2 Cup disposable containers with lids to take lunches to work.
When I serve myself food in these small containers and take the food to the kitchen table (not TV/couch!), I eat what's in the dish and no second helpings. This usually fills me up and I feel satisfied, but I never get to the point of being overly full...this was key to succeeding through the hunger of "bandster hell" (when the fills are not giving you good restriction yet). I found most of these small dishes at Target or Ross.
3> Small utensils!
See that middle row with the tiny forks and spoons? Those are "cocktail forks" or "appetizer forks". The spoons are "Espresso spoons". Perfect tools to remind me to eat small bites and eat slow. Most of these I found at Ross...cheap!
4> WRITE IT DOWN!
I write down what I eat so that I know how many calories and protein grams I have eaten. I only count Calories and Protein. Here's an example day from early January. I got this little notebook from the dollar store.
I would love to hear what tips and tools have made you a successful bandster.
Great tips! I have started using daily plate to track my food...
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for these tips. I am like a MEGA Planner, so I've started really thinking about what I will need to do prior to my surgery in March. I appreciate the pointers!!
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips, thanks so much for posting them. Congrats on the 50 pounds, it's good to see your hard work paying off.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I use the 1/2 cup plastic containers for lunch as well. :)
ReplyDeleteGoodness, you are organised lol. I love it. Very smart and you have the progress to show for it. I also have a little stash of my plates and bowls.. but I really must weigh. I must admit, I don't do that.. but I do journal. So it seems to be the way to go. x
ReplyDeleteWow.. I am super impressed by your progress.. congrats to you..... Love the tips.. how would you describe your restriction at this point (near your sweet spot)??
ReplyDeleteI have 6cc in my 10cc band...I think I am a smidge of a fill away from my sweet spot.
ReplyDeleteExcellent tips and I will strive to be 1/2 as organized as you are. I think that is what is is going to take to be successful like you are. Great job and a real inspiration.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks and congrats to you!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm really enjoying reading your blog! I know you've since made so much more progress, but congrats anyway on the 50lbs you lost here.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips...I'm definitely gonna hit up Ross & Target...:)
ReplyDeleteBtw, what is Ross? A grocery store?
ReplyDeleteRoss is like TJ Maxx or Marshalls. I have some one cup bowls I got at Kmart when they had martha. They really helped me until I got to the SS. Now I cant eat more than a half a cup and so I dont need to measure...I LOVE your blog!
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