I totally understand where you are coming from. I recently have been dabbling with the sweets. And ya they make me feel gross, or I usually need a nap when I am coming down off the sugar high. I have tried to keep only the low sugar items around and gone back to popsicles. It helps sometimes. Chocolate is just a problem - period. It sounds like you know this is a problem and admitting it is step #1. Now we all have to take charge and change these things for good choices. You are not alone. Just keep your head up and you will be fine. You have done wonderful so far and I am sure you will keep doing great. We all have set-backs sometimes. Best of wishes. Dawn -119

I am 14 months out and I usually eat 3 meals of 4-5 oz. with 2 2-3 oz. snacks per day. Mostly protein of course. However recently I have been sneaking in some carbs with no problems. Just stick to the rules. Stop eating when you are full, drink your liquids, take your vitamins, and don't graze. I get stuck on plateaus - but I have not gained anything at this point. Still hoping to lose 20-25 more pounds. Best of luck. Dawn -119

Hi Jan, You are doing great! You know, yes it is all a choice and we are responsible for the things we do. Okay, so you like carbs. That's okay. Just cut them down a little and add some extra water and walk a little longer if you know what I mean. What I have learned from all of this, is you can't cut out your favorites. Sugar yes, but carbs no!!!!!!! Also are you losing inches? Do you have a lot of extra skin? Skin weighs too! I have a ton of skin and it's so gross, but much better than the other! A good friend of mine is feeling the very same way as you. She is eating when she is full and doesn't understand why. Well, head hunger sucks! It has so much control over us. What she ended up doing was finding a doctor to talk things out with who focuses on WLS. Since she started seeing her, she is doing so much better. She is working through the head hunger and working on why she is eating when she is not hunger. Her doctor put her on Welbutrin (spelling) to help her work through her issues better. It has totally helped her. She started slowly losing again and is able to fight the head hunger much better. My friend is not a depressed person, but like the surgery the doctor gave her the meds as a tool to help her until she can do it on her own. I guess what I'm trying to say Jan is your so not alone! What ever you do, figure out why you want to eat! If that means getting help for a little while do it. You didn't do all of this to go back the other way! Your worth so much more than that! Most important, don't beat yourself up! Just look down and see how awesome you look and how far you have come!!!!! Jan your doing great. It's a matter of refocusing and unfortunately we will have to always refocus if you know what I mean! As for the 20 lbs by May, take the goal away. Make that you final goal, but don't put a date on it. Now set little goals, like five pounds by April 5th! You know what I mean? You'll lose those final pounds it just might take a little longer, but don't lose that fight! Good luck to you! Regards, Kasey

Ok guys at 13 months out how much can you eat at a time? and more questions please tell me that there is no way we can go back to the way we were before surgery, I mean, I know it is "normal" to gain back some weight but not like we were before, right? I'm not paranoic, I'm just terrified that after all this we can gain the weight back... I'm exercising five times a week and I'm trying to eat as healthy as I can, I take my vitamins and well hope for the best... Celines

I'd dare anyone to beat up on you. I honestly believe we are all experiencing this. I am like you, I am amiss on my water and getting in all my protein. These last couple of weeks I have found myself grazing or just eating things I shouldn't be. I haven't gained anything either, but I am 5 lbs. from goal and it is not budging. I keep telling myself I have got to get back to the basics. It's as simple as that, Protein and Water! I'm certain if we get a grip of ourselves we can do this. Let's put our minds to it and be successful! Good luck to you, and don't beat yourself up. Just tell yourself your going to do this and your going to start TODAY! Kim R/az