I need some opinions

Hi. I haven't been here in months. I need some support, so I'm back and hopefully some one can help. I'm 8 months out and I've only lost 99 pounds. The thing is....I haven't lost any weight in almost 2 months. I'm stuck at 99 pounds and I really haven't been exercising. I feel like I might be going back to my "bad" habits from before surgery. I drink soda almost everyday and have cravings for chocolate almost everyday. I'm afraid I'm going to gain weight. Does anyone else drink soda and eat chocolate or am I doing this by myself??? I can eat quite a bit at a meal. I think i stretched out my pouch. I just joined a gym, so I hope to get into a regular exercise routine now. But, I'm afraid I'm too far gone...that I messed this whole surgery thing up. Does anoyone have any suggestions or recomendations? I'll take any comments right now. I dont want to go back.......I still have to lose about 90 more pounds. I weigh 261 right now...I still have alot to lose yet. I'm afraid I screwed up, REALLY BAD!!!!!!!!! Help. Depsy

Depsy, I don't have the daily struggles that you are having, but it does happen - look down at my post a few threads down... I can totally understand your fear though. Even though I don't have the daily cravings, I'm constantly in fear that I will revert back, especially now that I'm trying to quit smoking again and failing - I think "What's the difference, eventually you're gonna fall of THAT wagon, too." All I can suggest is come to the board more often, take part in the "What did you eat" and "Gym's Open" posts to help you stay on track day by day, and come to us for support. Maybe going back to liquids for a few days would help sort of "reset" your mind. Things like carbs, chocolate, etc. are craved more the more you eat them. If you can get them out of your system for a few days, you'll feel much better. Becky - who is trying to take her own advice

Maybe going back to liquids for a few days would help sort of "reset" your mind. Things like carbs, chocolate, etc. are craved more the more you eat them. If you can get them out of your system for a few days, you'll feel much better. Depsy, I have to agree with Becky. Sometimes I find if I have overeating just a few days of cutting back will shrink my pouch back and I find I am satisfied with much less food. The key for me is just drinking and drinking and drinking. The minute I start adding crunchy munchy carbs I find myself getting more cravings and get into trouble quickly. You have come so far and can DO THIS!!!! We are here for you to support you through this tough time.. If you need someone to talk to me , Please look me up Laura from Ohio

thank you sooo much. I will cut back for a few days and try to shrink my pouch a little. Depsy

Thank you very much. I will be checking in here alot more now. Depsy

Hi Depsy, I think all of us can relate. We all find we get off track sometimes. We get discouraged and feel like giving up. But instead of giving up , you reached out for support. That is great. You have done wonderful to have lost 99 lbs. I sure haven't lost that much. Just remember your pouch is still your friend and will continue to work for you. Joining the gym is a great start and will not only jump start your metabolism but when you exercise, a wonderful feeling of ' well being' seems to come over us from the endorphins our body releases while we work out. This is a wonderful boost to lift the depresion that hovers like a dark cloud. Do you have a wls support group nearby? A support group is so beneficial. I learn alot from other post-ops and when you get to know some folks you can watch each others backs and even be accountability partners. Our support group leader said after 2 yrs. post-op she began to gain so she rejoined Weigh****chers and goes to keep her accountable. I rejoined myself about 11 wks ago and I get so much insight from others there and the leader is a walking talking low point encyclopedia. I know my own compulsive tendencies and find this keeps me honest and has broken my obsession with the scale ( that was driving me nuts). I am beginning to learn about good nutrition and honest portion control. I also tried a few OA meetings which were a great help. I read the OA for today meditation book daily in the am and pray daily for help with my compulsive over eating issues. I know you have heard it before but "the surgeon operated on our stomach not on our head " That's why alot of us still struggle with the grazing and snacking. We have the tool but need help with the emotional eating. ( OH is beginning a message board on emotional eating : check out the main board for info ) Many, many other post-ops are struggling in the same way, so you are not alone. I for one am very grateful that they noticed that this is a huge issue and are addressing it. It may be a help for you to keep a food journal to track your food. It helps me to write down everything that passes my lips. My WW instructor says to always record every BLT, I said " what does that mean??? Bacon Lettuce and Tomato????" She said " nope, every bite, lick and taste " ! I realized that these can add up too. Some folks keep a food journal on fitday.com. Which is free and will show you a pie shaped graph with the protein, fat percents etc. Sometimes it helps to see it visually to make the connection. It takes whatever it takes. Be kind to yourself. You have come a very long way. You can complete the journey. We cannot do this alone. Whatever supports you need give yourself permission to get. You are worth the success. Alot of us have alot of weight left to lose also. I have 60 lbs to go and if ya hang around the board you will discover several other of us have a chunk left to go. You are not the sum total of your weight or your failures. These are just your hurdles you have to jump to let the beautiful person inside break free and get out. You really are WORTH IT ! Mary

You're not too far gone, Sweetie and you have not messed up your surgery. We all go through periods where we don't follow the "rules" as closely as we should. Just go back to basics and you will start losing again. Having lost 99 pounds is a tremendous success and you will continue to lose even more when you go back to basics and up your exercise a bit. I KNOW you can do it! Hugs, Tracy

Depsy, I have to agree with Tracyk You have not messed up so badly that it cant be undone. And you have done the right thing, you recognized that you were heading towards trouble and you are working hard to do something about it. So for that you can be proud. Just dont think you are alone. It is a daily, hourly every minute struggle for many of us. Feel free to lean on us and use us as your support system.. If you wish to e mail me off the board maybe we can share our feelings and help us stay on track. Good luck to us both.. Big Hugs, Laura [email protected] [email protected]