Really, Really Struggling!!!!!

Hello Fellow Marchers, Well I am back again to post. Just pasted 6 months and finally broke 100 lbs. I am down 102 lbs. I stayed stuck at 98 for 3 weeks. I am struggling so bad with food. As I am putting the bad food in my mouth I know its wrong. God and after I eat it I hate myself. I dont know what is wrong with me. I went through so much to have this surgery and I am failing myself. I dont want to give up!!!!! I know, I know I can do it, I only have 60 lbs. to go, but so scared of what I will do if I ever even reach my goal. Well I know it any of you are feeling the same way. WOW you are in my prayers. I have to beat this!!!! Thanks for supporting me. Best of luck to all Rhen

Rhen, I certainly wouldn't say 102 pound lost is "failing yourself." I know it's tough when you hit those plateaus and we get frustrated but remember this is a life long journey. It's okay to give yourself an occasional treat because you don't want to start feeling deprived, but for heaven's sake, please give yourself a big pat on the back for such a wonderful accomplishment thus far. Keep something handy for those times when you get the urge to nibble on the bad stuff when you're not even hungry. Keep a book or magazine nearby, or needlepoint, or just make a list of projects that you can run to when the urge hits. I decided to get 30 years of pictures in order whenever I feel like binging on the bad stuff. I keep a box of photos around and seconds after I start sorting through them, I start laughing about the "old days" when the kids were younger and remembering all the fun times. Within minutes, I am not even thinking about food any longer. Please don't beat yourself up. You've done wonderfully. Joann

Yes, our honeymoon period is over !!! About two months ago I started getting hurgury again. I want all kinds of stuff. I've lost 77 pounds and have 28 pounds to go , but I find myself tasting stuff . Like a teaspoon of peanut butter or a bite of peanuts or walnuts . I know if I taste enough I will start gaining back what I've lost. Pray for me, too. Judy

Hijack Judy, My surgeon says those things you listed are good snack items and would rather we eat them than other things with no protein. SO I wouldnt deprive myself of these things, they are good for you! Also if you always deprive yourself then you are on a diet and this is not what this surgery is all about....it is a tool to help and yes you control it but one who deprives often ends up hurting themselves in the end. Just my 2 cents worth. Jody W.

Hi Rhen! I've been struggling, too, but a friend of mine (who is also a loser) sent me something he wrote. It really helped me put it all in perspective. Close your eyes... Form a picture in your mind. In a year, how do you want to feel? What do you want to look like? How will you get there? And even more important, how will you STAY there! YOU ARE NOT ON A DIET! You are changing the way you THINK!!! It's a LIFE STYLE CHANGE... Don't use food as a reward... Go out and take a walk or something else to ease you mind! Food is fuel.... It only gets you going and keeps you going. Food is NOT your FRIEND... If you repeat this enough to yourself and others -- you WILL start to believe it... And Remember.... "NOTHING tastes as good as I feel!!!" HTH, and have a good day! Hugs, -Marcie lap rny, 3/29/04 Dr. Christine Gupta St. Vincent Carmel Hospital Carmel, Indiana 281/205/150 BMI: 49.8/36.3

Rhen, You are not alone in this matter. I am also at 6 months ^ have lost 100 lbs. I also was at a plateau for about 3 wks, that was the only plateau I had during the first 6 months. I was told by peolple ahead of me that it would get harder at 6 months, because our appetite comes back It is only temporary & you will start feeling full again soon. You have to fight the urges to eat the bad stuff & stay on your protien first, and what got you to lose that 102 lbs. ASK YOURSELF IF YOU EVER COULD HAVE LOST 100 LBS IN 6 months or 6 years before the surgury. I no I couldn't have. I feel better than I have in years, and I am sure you do too! Think about those things & gather your strength & Keep doing what your doing, It will happen..You have done fantastic, so HANG IN THERE It will get back to being easier!!! Marilyn, the bearlady

Judy, does that mean you never eat peanut butter? Or peanuts? I have been eating it for a couple months now. Just curious. I thought it was OK. Nic

Rhen, I too am trying all kinds of no-no foods, but my thoughts are if you want to be a slim person eat like a slim person. "normal" people do eat some junk, but in much smaller amounts than we used to. I almost always have dessert, but now I share or only eat a third. I have some cravings but not like before. I am eating much more "normal". So don't beat yourself up like the old days...this is the new you! Donna

Rhen, You hang in there its bound to happen sooner or later that we slip and eat the wrong foods. I have, I think most of us have. But you have the right mentality to know that you cant continue. I am struggling myself to quit the carbs. I keep sneeking little bites here and there and sometimes not so little bites!!! (pringles) anyways... I have found a little trick that I do on myself. If I am "binging" on potato chips or something bad I will eat something that I KNOW will cause nausea...then it interrupts the whole binge and I dont want anything. Just one of my little wacko tricks that help... But HEY whatever works that isnt going to hurt me I know its something that I have to work on getting under control and work on getting back to the basics. Slowly but surely I am making the transition back to when I first began. (aside from the nasty puree food! ) I wish you the best! Elizabeth M