I'M IN TROUBLE...

Good morning. I'm in serious trouble. I have not been able to curb these cravings and have given in to some very unhealthy, unwise food choices. Have gained 3 lbs. this week and can't seem to stop...I know that I'm the only one that can truly answer this cry for help, but just had to throw this out there. I don't mean to bring anyone down but if you have any thoughts or words of advice and encouragement, sure would be appreciated. Can't figure what this is all about...in the meantime, God bless all of you and keep you safe during this holiday season. Last year at this time I sent a Christmas card to my surgeon telling him I was hopeful for the first time in many, many years, for what the new year (2004) would bring. Take care, my dear, dear friends. Fondly, Maureen

Maureen - I know that I can't tell you anything you don't already know. But, my experience has been that eating carbs makes me want more carbs. (I definitely believe that carb addict thing). I don't really know what your unwise choices were - but carbs, sugar, or fat - right? Sugar and fat are more likely to make us dump, so I figured carbs. Sorry if I was wrong. Anyway, when I have bad days, it helps me to eat some fruit as a snack and go back to the basics (maybe a protein bar or shake). After doing that, I feel SO much better. You have accomplished so much already - I am sure you will be fine. Merry Christmas. Hang in there - one day at a time. Dee

Reenie: Here I go again. It is the season. You are proably at more social gatherings and food is all around. As it is one time a year. This voice says, Try to be careful, do the best you can and when the holiday is over...jump right back on your regular routine, drink more water and start where you left off. I am out of my environment right now. In Kansas, not in Florida. Choc is everywhere in this house. But I am goinhg to do the best I can, and if I give in a few times, I will keep going. Now the diference is, I am at goal and I have been told to slow down the weight loss. Again, it really does not do any good to beat ourselves up. Just makes us more miserable and eat more. Enjoy the holiday. I am sure 3 pericesof choc is better than the whole bag like we did last year.

Hi Maureen; Dee has "Nailed It" in her post!!! When you eat the carbs and sugar, you crave more. I went through this same thing around Thanksgiving. As soon as I got back to a normal routine, the cravings subsided and I lost a couple of pounds. It's tough to completely lay off of the "Junk" this time of year, but if you minimize it and don't totally give in, you'll find it easier to get back on track. I find that I'm having some "bad days" too this Holiday Season, but after my Thanksgiving experience, I don't feel as terrified as I did then.You might want to go to a few extra support group meetings in addition to the regular monthly "Post- Op" meeting. It really makes a major difference for me and I'll bet for you too! There may be some support groups closer to your home. We can't do this by ourselves. I'm glad that you posted your worries here though. This is a great group of caring people and the closest possible thing to a "face to face" support group. We're all in this together and glad to help!!! Mike

Reenie, I hear ya sistah! This is a tough time of year. My guess is that not only is it the carb thing, but it's also a stress/emotion thing. A deadly combination - readily accessed high calorie food and holiday stress. I don't know about you, but I've always been and probably always will be a stress/emotional eater. It's much easier to control it the rest of the year when there isn't as much "crap on a plate" everywhere you turn. As much as I love the holidays, they always bring a ton of stress. So many things to do, everyone's nerves on edge, too many people on the roads and in the stores, financial outlay, gifts to wrap, meals to cook, plays and parties to attend, getting the house cleaned and decorated. Reenie, the average person gains at least 8 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year's, I seriously think I gained at least 15 last year. Three pounds is really not bad at all. I think you'll find that once the holidays are over and things return to normal, it will be easier to stay on track. Now quit beating yourself up, enjoy the spirit of the season and your family and the wonderful progress you've made so far. Love ya huge, Connie

I LEARN SO MUCH FROM YOU GUYS!! (yes, I'm shouting from the rooftops!). The more I read the more I feel reinforced in my decision to stay low carb/no sugar. I really do feel this is the answer to the cravings and feeling hungry. My doctor, Dr O, says to stick with the rules and you'll be fine. He hasn't failed me yet! Protein first is his motto, and I find that if I eat protein it totally satisfies me. I'm a big fan of cottage cheese and low carb yogurt, which I eat for lunch every day. It's been a Godsend for me. One thing...I have been trying to keep myself hydrated by drinking weak decaf tea with equal or somesuch sugar substitute. In the winter, I can't seem to drink anything cold---it gives me a chill. I am cold all the time. Anyone else have this problem? Joan

Maureen, You know what the rules are just like the rest of us. If you can't make it through the holidays without doing a little cheating then go for it. It is really not the end of the world, but make sure you start fresh Sunday. It is not as if you are not going to be able to loose any more weight just because you have a lowsy few days. In my opinion everyone has them and if they say they don't they are lying. I have actually done pretty well so far (suprisingly). Just remember you still have the tool and the ability to loose weight. Good Luck. Nick -190

Perhaps it is being surrounded by "bad" food, but for me it is the seasonal stress. Too much to do, unrealistic expectations of myself and others, extreme emotions... all of this adds up to falling back on the comfort food that has carried me through in the past. Confession: I have done more dumping since Thanksgiving than the whole time put together since my surgery. I'm truly thankful for that--at least that provides a guard rail of sorts! My family did our Christmas yesterday, and I am relieved to be getting back on track. Here's my plan: As of today, my comfort food is restricted to sugar free hot chocolate and low carb cheesecake. I will start back on my daily protein shakes which I have neglected. I will start back to counting my protein grams and making sure I get in at least 60 EVERY day. When I make bad choices, I will do an hour of extra exercise to discipline myself to be wiser! Maybe some of these will help some of you. It is important to make a plan that is doable, and addresses the cause of the problem. This should do it for me. If not, I will modify it until it does!!! This is the first of many holiday seasons that we must navigate with our new tool. We can do this! Joy

I love that Swiss Miss Diet Hot Chocolate. 25 calories and the same calcium as a glass of milk. Does that low carb cheese cake have lots of grams of sugar alcohol? I can't tolerate the sugar alcohol thing. Thanks!

No sugar alcohol. It is sweetened with splenda. I use Cheryl's cheese cake recipe from the dessert thread from this site: http://p082.ezboard.com/fwhooshfriendsfrm2 I substitute davinci flavored sugar free syrup for half of the splenda sometimes. It is also splenda sweetened. This time I used Caramel. I made crust from finely chopped pecans and flax seed meal and splenda, but actually, I like it just as well without a crust at all. This cheesecake is very high in protein and low in carbs. If you use half and half instead of heavy cream, you can reduce the fat and calories. You may want to make a half a recipe and then adjust the recipe to your taste. Sorry--as you can see, I don't follow recipes very closely!!! Joy