Feeling like a FAILURE

I have posted on here quite infrequently but, it has become apparent I need support more than ever before. I have slowly gained about 7 pounds over the past 6 weeks. If you count the total from my lowest weight ever it would be it would be 20 pounds since the first of the year.
I have been of the mind set "well I have a smaller stomach I just won't eat as much of what I like".  I have got to make a change but, I am going to need HELP! 
What can I do to get away from  CARBS? SWEETS? I love crackers it is my new bread...and to have a sweet well that is just divine. I have purchased some lower carb higher protein crackers that are not bad but, I manage to go back to my fav's. I try to use smart ones for sweets but, I end up eating a small candy such as a Reese's or m'm peanuts....
I refuse to gain all my weight back. I have worked too hard and what is wrong with me in indulging myself this way? 

Advice appreciated ,
Karen

Hi Karen...
I know that what I am going to say will sound simplistic, but the solution that you are looking for is, to a certain degree, simple. The excess simple carbs have got to go! The crackers and sweets can be a slippery slope for many, and of course don't contribute to any weight loss. This is not to say that all carbs must go...quite the opposite. Complex carbs are necessary and good for the body. However, simple carbs must be viewed as simple sugars.
I know that the crackers and such seem like such a great option in place of bread, but the reality is that they crunch down to nothing in your pouch and don't provide the satiety that we need to feel full. Also, they break down into simple sugars even before they have left the mouth. A small slice of whole grain bread is a much better choice because it is denser, more nutritious overall, provides a much lower glycemic index...causing your blood sugars to remain at more neutral levels, and you are not likely to over-eat bread as you can crackers.
As for the sweets, there are two choices. If they are a trigger food for you and cause you to crave sweets more than you can control...they must be completely cut out of your diet until you reach goal, then you can re-evaluate your situation. If sweets aren't a trigger food but you are eating too many, then you need to replace what you have been eating with a more WLS friendly choice. Go back to those things that got you through the early days...sf/ff puddings, sf popsicles, applesauce w/cinnamon, even chocolate flavored protein bars and shakes.
The key to keeping the hunger and cravings at bay is keeping the protien in your diet high and having appropriate "sweets" choices available at all times. Also, these are the factors that lead to losing more weight, so that can be a big motivation to changing your diet back to what you were eating in the earlier months. After you reach your personal goal weight, you can look at what will work best for you to maintain your weight.
I hope that some of this will be of help to you. And please come around more!! Those that are regulars on this board LOVE to help one another and keep each other motivated! Hope to talk to you again soon.

~Suz

When the carbs and sweets get out of control for me- I have to completely recheck- or I just continue to slide.  I was up over 10 pounds from my lowest recently and it was scary.  I make sure I start the day with protein and get in more protein throughout the day.  I cannot have "real" candy and chips in the house- it's too hard for me.  I keep the 100 cal versions and still occasionally cheat on those- or eat a ton of them.
Now occasionally I am able to eat a special treat and not begin the slide- but I have to make it fewer and farther in between than I would like- but that's the price to pay.
I guess I'm a cold turkey gal- I would prefer moderation- but it's just not in my make-up right now.  When I do crave now I overeat on almonds and pumpkin seeds and things that will atleast benefit my body.
Please keep us posted...
Holly

Hi Karen!
Sorry to hear you are struggling.  I have to agree with the other's advice though, that it is probably time to go back to the early basics that they taught us at the "get go" of this journey.  My sweet tooth is definitely back and there are a few ways I seem to keep it in check. 
1) I buy 100 calorie treats like M&M's, Snickers, etc. that I love, but are controled portions. 
2) I eat the 100 calorie bags of kettle corn popcorn that is sweet and salty.
3) I have found some energy bars that I really like that are really chocolatey and yummy.  (My fav right now is chocolate cashew Balance PURE bars...  get mine at Walmart.)
4) I eat fruit instead of refined carbs...  I love watermelon and oranges lately.
5) Sweetened whole grain dry cereals are a good killer for my sweet tooth.
6) I buy some sugar free treats, but only if they are yummy, otherwise I don't feel like they are a treat.  One I really like right now is the sugar free Kozy Shack Rice Pudding cups (I add Equal, cinnamon and raisins)
7) JERKY!  I love hot and sweet jerkey that makes me feel satisfied, is still sweet, and has lots of protein.
8) Carb-master vanilla yogurt (Kroger brand) and put a tspn of dry cocoa powder in it.

I don't know if any of those things will work for you, but my mantra these days is "MAKE GOOD CHOICES!"  So, the key to that is to have GOOD CHOICES readily available so it is easy to make the right choice. 

Keep us posted on what works for you so we can celebrate with you, and then steal your ideas! :)
Belle

Karen - first and foremost, you are not a failure. You have come so far from 19 months ago, right? Also, you are catching this potential problem in the beginning and not letting it get out of control. So, put your chin up and get back to the basics.
 
I also have a sweet tooth and I'll have a bit of chocolate (the little bite size ones) sometimes. Most of the time I still am craving sugar even after I eat a little bit of chocolate. Then I turn to fruit. Thank God for fruit, it has really helped curb my cravings for sugar.

I can't help you with the crackers vs bread. I have not eaten a sandwhich (besides a bite here and there from my kids) since surgery. I have eaten crackers though. Well, after Suz's post, I'm going to run out and buy me some whole wheat bread, some deli turkey, lettuce and tomatoe and make myself a sandwhich!! Right after I throw away my crackers!

Good luck to you. Come back for support too. There are so many great people here.

Thank you ALL for the help and encouragement. I wanted to update you with good news. I have lost 4 pounds since my last post. I am using the www.livestrong.com diet plate to record my food and I am withdrawing from the crackers. I am focusing on the protein and watching what i put in my mouth daily. I have posted my before pictures on the fridge and by my bed to remind me of how far I have come. I have been going through carb withdrawels ...I guess that is what you would call it. I know my life stressors is been a factor in me getting off track along with my health challenges. But, I am refusing to go backwards. I am going to sign up for aquatics as that is the only kind of real exercise I can do.
Again, thank you and I will keep in touch as you all have been a huge boost for my spirit.
Blessings to all,
Karen

Karen, I'm so glad to hear you are doing so much better and wow a 4 lb loss.  That is awesome.  Everyone has given you great advice.  I too am one of those people who have to fight sliding down that slippery slope.  I have to weigh myself everyday and if I start to gain I go back to basics.  I don't eat much bread or crackers.  Bread because it fills me up and crackers because it doesn't and I can eat so many...ugh.  Sounds like you are on the right track. Keep up the good work!!!

Anna