What's your sruggle?

I struggle some days with the snacking in the evenings...some days it's not so bad. Tori's right about this not being the easy way out...I used to think so before I did it, but it's hard, and you can never go back to the old you. I don't want to, but every once in a while it would be nice to eat a piece of chicken fried steak or something fried w/o fear of it making you really sick or clogged up! Karla

My struggles are getting all the liquid in and most of the time I have a terrible time 'eating' period- two or three bites and either I'm full or I'm gagging. I struggle with constipation. Like the rest of you, I can't figure out how to get a good relationship with 'food'. I talked with my surgeon about it a bit when I saw him - he didn't seemed concerned about any of it as he thinks as long as I stay between 120 and 150 pounds, I will be fine. That was not what I needed. The nutritionist was even worse. She has never struggled with a weight problem - so she just looked at me like I was speaking a foreign language. There is an article in this month's Fitness magazine about 'food addiction'. I really need to do some more research on it as I really think there is something to this....While none of this 'solves' anything for any of us, it is nice to know that we are not 'alone' in this struggle. Rose from PA

I have been struggling to get enough food....I have been finding myeslf get really full very quickly this past week. I have even lost another 2 pounds in the last 3 days. I know, you are probably ready to me, but I am beginning to wonder whats wrong with me, I could eat like a pig 2 weeks ago! I feel very weak and tired all the time, and that's not working for my hectic llifestyle! I need some energy! Karyn

Well, I struggle with so many things, where do I start/ I think that mostly I struggle with the eating demons. I want to eat all the time, even when my tummy is full. It doesnt matter, I think about food all the time. I also struggle with getting my water in. On a really good day, I can manage to get in about 20 ounces of water. But that is on a good day. Most days I do not drink more than 8 ounces of water. I do drink hot tea & coffee, but I do not think that they count because they are not decaffinated. ??? I dont know why I choose to not follow the rules of the pouch. I dont know why I cant stop thinking of food. I feel like I am possessed!!! I guess what I am saying is you are not alone... we are all in this boat together..... Cathy

I struggle too.. I just try not to think about it. I struggle mainly at night... I go without eating anything until usually about 11 or 12 in the afternoon. Then I'm o****il after dinner..it's from about 7 till 10 that I eat everything I can get my hands on. The scale has been going from 143-146 lbs. I keep saying tomorrow I'm not eating anything after 6pm..but then it just doesn't work out that way. Hugs, Anna

Hey, Chris...I struggle at night as well. My thing is when I'm tired, and I can't fall asleep. I always think that eating something will help me out just perfectly...it doesn't. I should take a sleeping pill, but instead I eat...what the hell??? That's why I have the friggin pills!!! Lately, I've been making better choices or I eat a little later, so that I'll still be full. The other thing is when I'm at work...sometimes I snack like I'll never eat something. But I'm trying to change that. You're not alone!!! April

My struggle is the same as Tori's I struggle to get my water in I struggle to get my protien in I struggle to remember to take my vitamins I struggle to make myself exercise - *****That is my biggest struggle***** I did take a big leap today, though. I joined the local Y(MCA). I was a Curves member but when my membership expired - I let it, because I didn't want to sign a contract for another year, and then not go... I haven't gone in almost 3 months anyway. At the Y(MCA)... I reasoned with myself........... 1. I can at least bring my son along... he wasn't allowed at Curves. 2. There is a pool that Ethan and I can both use... He's a fish anyway. 3. I used to take Cardio Kickboxing classes (yes, at 280) and loved it, I can only imagine I will love it even more now that I am lighter and more fit. 4. I will have a couple of sessions with a personal trainer, that might help me gain focus, by committing to a goal. 5. It is cheaper for Ethan to play league sports (soccer) if we are members. 6. I need to do SOMETHING... because I have been stuck for way to long... and I know it is because of exercise... or lack of exercise... that is holding me back... Everyday is a struggle on some level. I do try, but sometimes it just isn't enough. When I remind myself I am only about 50 pounds from goal, I almost can't believe the words that are coming out of my mouth... 50 pounds doesn't sound that bad, I should be able to whip that off... but I just haven't. Why? Am I letting myself "stay" because I have come so far... Last week an old friend, (who doesn't know I had surgery) told me that if I never lost another pound, that I didn't need to, because I look fabulous. I went right back into the old "self-concious-mode", thinking to myself... What? I have so far to go! I don't look so great that I should stop where I am.... I think that was my motivation to get busy. A compliment - heard through my fat ears into my fat head - didn't make me feel good, it made me feel like I had given up already... And I am not ready to settle for where I am. I didn't go through everything I went through to be complacient and give in to my old fat life style... So... If you want to find me? Try looking at the gym... I'm struggling, but I'm not giving up without a fight. (Ha-ha..... we'll see if I still have all this motivation in a week or two) Good luck to everyone... don't let your struggles define your success. Be in charge of your lives. Struggles are only big because we let them be.... that is the struggle. Much love, Angela 292/269/207/160

My struggle I guess is a bit different.... but I bet it's the same too for almost everyone. I remember at the beginning of surgery, I thought a size 14/16 would be small. I looked at my pix of last summer when I was a 12/14 and say wow I was a big girl still there!!! and Um... I remember thinking I was just great!!! Well I thought a 1o would be a great size and and 8 after plastics. Well then size 8 has come, size 6 and I should be having the stomach skin taken off this spring/summer. Now I'm thinking a size 4 is about right. When does it end? when is it good enough you know??? I'd never have thought a size 6 let alone a size 4 was even possible! Renee

Renee I hear you and also wonder when we think it will be enough. I wear any size from a 4-8 and still think I am fat. I also need to have my tummy removed, my butt lifted, my boobs lifted, and my thighs and arms done. Not sure the amount of skin but there is definately alot at my stomach and I have a top roll and a bottom roll. I look like a muffin when I wear tight jeans... I also never would of thought I would wear tight jeans before...atleast not on purpose. ~~hugs and well wishes~~ Chris

Nite time eating That's me. I can go all day long on just a protein shake but come 6 p.m. it's time to EATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT. My other struggle is excersise. I really slacked off the last week or so cause I felt so rotten due to the cold/flu that I caught. Now it's like pulling teeth to get started again. But yesterday I plugged into my iPod and got on the glider. I did feel better when I did my 30 minutes But everyday it's the same. Move your but Ron and get moving