I need some motivation

Please help me. I don't post too often, but I read everyday. I am so stuck...I haven't lost in 3 1/2 weeks. I am so depressed. I keep telling myself that the scale will move again, but when???????I am in such a rut. I ahven't been going to the gym. I need to get back on track, and I just can't seem to do it. Anyone have a few words of motivation? I posted a new picture in my profile. I know I look completely different, but I still feel like the fat girl. I look in the mirror and still feel like Yuck!! I have gone from a size 24 to a size 14, and yet in my mind, I am still huge and feel horrible. Will this ever go away, this sense of being huge when really I guess now I am an average size? Sorry for the complaining. I am just in such a funk right now. Thanks for listening. Diane

Diane, I think it will go away, but our brains take so much longer to catch up with our bodies. I know how you feel about looking in the mirror - for me, it comes in spurts. Sometimes, I look in the mirror and feel great, other times, I think, I look the same as I did... As for motivation, no words of wisdom for you, other than look back at how far you've come. Look at a bunch of old pictures of you. Set a mini-goal, one you can attain quickly, and work towards it. Sometimes, when we set a huge goal that will take forever to accomplish, we feel defeated before we get there. How about this. Set a goal every morning to get 80+oz of water and 80+g of protein. In addition, set a goal that you'll park your car as far away in the parking lot as possible when you go to work, school, shopping, etc. You'll get through the stall, and accomplishing mini-goals everyday will help motivate you.

MAN...I have those days too sometimes... YOU have to keep your SELF motivated : ) You know why??? BECAUSE YOU CAN...come to us for support and we are here... BUT...there is a BEAUTIFUL Diane there in that reflection in the mirror...and she is HUMAN...which means she is entitled to ups and down days...and that is OK...JUST be SURE you understand you ARE beautiful, and have done an INCREDIBLE job... Look AGAIN at your before and after pics THUS far...you will see what I see...you were beautiful to begin with, and continue to blossom...so you are stalled...depressing...ummm...ya...I have to admit it is for me too...BUT instead at looking at the "MAN I want more..." Try and see it as WOW...look at me!!! I have changed SO much and can't wait to get back to the gym and back to takin in the right fluids and vitamins so that I get back to where I am feeling AWESOME about myself.... YOU GO GIRL... MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY!!!! YOU GO...because YOU CAN!!!! You are *AWESOME*!!!!!! All my love, TJ

Hi Diane, I too get in ruts where the scale doesn't move for 3 weeks, and then I'll finally lose a couple pounds. It just sucks that the discouragement of the weight loss slowing down happens the same time your hair starts falling out, etc. I find days where I am unhappy with my body -- disliking the way it looks deflated, and still wondering if I am EVER going to get rid of the gut in front of me. But, the good news is that you haven't quit trying. You are not a failure until you don't care anymore and you stop trying. I challenge you to get to the gym one day this week for a little motivation: go to the gym and pick up free weights that equal the amount of weight you've lost. Then try carrying them as you walk around the gym, and imagine that is what your body carried around everyday for you. It is an eye opener! When looking at old pictures and looking at yourself in the mirror don't motivate me, I go to the gym and carry the weight around like I used to. It's amazing that our bodies carried so much, and I somehow feel very thankful that I am now giving my body a well deserved break! I dare you to try it just once. Even if you don't work out while you are at the gym . . . but I'll bet you'll want to when you shed that "extra" weight and put it back in the weight racks! Hang in there -- the true test is to not give up and lose faith. You deserve to be healthy and happy!

Hey Diane !!! Your pics on your profile speak volumes!! You look so terrific and extremely happy and I think you are doing great. I know all about that wicked scale not moving, but poof, it will happen when you least expect it and you will be doing this dance with me!!

Hi Diane, You're looking GOOD! I know the plateau is frustrating. Have you tried increasing your protein? Please know you've done well and it will eventually move. Try to stay off of the scales for awhile and just focus on doing all the right things you're already doing if you can. You look just FABULOUS!!!!!!! Enjoy, Wanda

Diane, I'm convinced that WLS success requires adequate water, protein and exercise. Whether we like it or not. I'd be happy to be an email partner with you and we could check in each day whether or not we are taking care of those 3 things. I've been on a roll for about 3 months now. Exercising 5 to 6 days a week. My weight loss has been very steady. I'm sure I wouldn't be losing if I wasn't moving! Last night, I was out to dinner with a vendor from work. There are 2 people in Dallas that work for this vendor and I know they have had WLS. I asked if they had kept off the weight. Regrettably, neither of them had. They have regained almost all of their original weight! I asked the guy I was talking to if he knew any reason why and he said, "well, they never exercised". I think he is probably right. Regaining the weight really scares me. Fear is my motivation to go to the gym. I still have a lot to lose, but, really feel great right now. If you want to do the email coaching thing, please let me know. Hang in there, Diane! Lori 384/278/170