Embarrassing confession--I'm gaining! Help!

I don't know if it's "normal" Carla, but what you describe has certainly been my pattern for the last few months. I do weigh every day now because I really want to keep off what I've lost, not so concerned anymore about losing more, although I am 10 lbs. away from goal (150). My scale flucuates 4 lbs. up and down every single day. The good news is, several weeks ago, that 3 lb. window was between 162 and 166 -- now its between 160 and 163. If I keep practicing what I preach, I am hopeful that those numbers will continue to creep downward...157--160; 154--157...you get my drift. From the get go, so much of this journey has been non-sensical. I truly am just trying to do a few things now: work my butt off, literally; make good, healthy food choices and stay away from empty calories; get my water and protein in; and take my vitamins. If I put all my thoughts and energy into accomplishing those things every day, I have very little energy left over for chosing to do the wrong things. Have a great day, sweetie! Reenie

Your attitude and direction is terrific, Carla. Refocusing is the right approach. Your pouch is still there. It is a tool, and won't work by itself, but we have to remember that we have it. This is not like previous times when we dieted and lost and then gained it all back. We have the tool at our disposal to use. We are able to lose weight and get back in control like normal people for the first time! Concentrate on getting in the right things and avoiding sugar. If you go off of carbs completely for a week it will make the switch easier. Then just stop drinking with meals and do the protein first thing. And pay attention to your pouch. When you start feeling satisfied--stop eating. You can do this. The surgery is still working for you! Joy

Carla, Hang in there sweetie!!! I am going through the same motions. I finally decided to get back to where I was before I was yo-yo-ing. Its the sugar for me. If I have a taste of sugar I get all loopy and forget that I had wls. Even when I got nauseous I didnt "get it" I slipped a little yesterday but I am determined to stick to it! I didnt loose over the weekend so that just strengthens my reserve today. I worked out today for the first time in a very long time at the gym. Sure I did the gardening and the walking at home... but nothing beats the gym and the weights and the cardio machines. I feel great. Its soooo hard to get back into the habit of eating healthy and working out. Once I cut the sugar the carb cutting came much easier. I dont worry about good carbs...such as fruit. Just the snacks... pretzels, bread, pasta, chips. I use to say...well a little is ok...for me, not really. IF I do decide to have pasta I will limit myself to one ravioli and pretend I really treated myself!!! I just have to be more careful. Hang in there! We are all so glad you came here for support. We are here for ya!!! (((HUGS))) Elizabeth M

The warmth and encouragement that i read in all of these posts not only helped carla but me. while I'm doing ok its something that is constantly there. The things that we use to do didn't go away. It's a fight. A war. A struggle every day for the rest of our lives. Fortunately we have a tool to help us with this fight. Its not just the pouch. Its this web site. This site has been instrumental in helping me get to the point that I'm at. I know that all of you here have been through what I've been though and your strength is there for me to help me get back on track when I need it. At 1am when I'm contemplating trying something I can come right here and type my fears/thoughts/weaknesses and there will be someone who is going through the same thing or has who can help me through it.