Long, Hard couple of months

Hey Guys, It has been absolutley forever since I have posted here...Things have been absolutly crazy for me. I can handle the busy lifestyle (that has always kept me from food in the past) but its not working this time. I had to have my gallbladder out the day before Thanksgiving and I had some serious pain issues a few weeks before and after it came out. This pain really threw me off track as far as the nutrition goals go. What started me on my path what the doctor telling me that due to my pain and neasua I could have crackers and flat ginger ale. Well, this seemed to flip a switch in my brain that I have been unable to flip back to this day. I dont know how to stop this....I know that it sounds so stupid but I feel unable to control it like I could before November. I should probibly clarify here...Im not out here eating cake and ice cream but I am snacking too much and I have found myself more than once buying sugar free cookies, knowing full well that sugar free does not mean they are like carrots. LOL I get lots of exercise....2 yoga classes, a pilates class, and 2 hours a week with a personal trainer...I have not lost any significant weight since November, I have been kind of hovering at 260i**** has gotten to the point where it is devistating. I have lost 75 pounds but still need to lose 100 before I reach my doctors goal for me. I really want to get there. I guess what I am asking for is a kick in the a$$...no one else in my life will understand, they will either judge me (which will not help) or tell me it is no big deal I have already lost so much and Im good here....which is also no good for me. So please, any words of encouragement or prompting or whatever you feel is appropriate would be greatly appreciated. Ellen

Hi Ellen! I wish I could give you the magic answer but I really can't. I can only speak for myself when I say that I, too, still have snacking issues and the only thing that I can do to alleviate those issues is keep as busy as I can. I try to stay away from the house during the day by taking my little boy to the library or we go shopping, etc. I intentionally go to places like Mcdonalds for lunch because the only thing I can tolerate there are the salads. Whenever I do feel that I have snacked to much I will intentionally make myself do better the next day or that night I just burn more calories then I think I took in. You really cannot beat yourself about it because it only makes it worse, just like it probably did in your past before surgery. You know that you have the tool you need to succeed, there are just going to be times when we forget about that tool but it will always be there. Just keep some photos of yourself hanging around and keep your weightloss on a calendar where you and everyone can see it, maybe that will help. Just keep reminding yourself that you went through major surgery because you wanted to be healthier for life, remind yourself that everyday if necessary. Good luck, here anytime you need to talk!

Thank you so much for your support! I do actually keep really busy, I dont even want to imagine what I would be if I was not busy. I think that may be part of my problem, it is often times difficult to find good food choices when you are traveling or running out of the house. My best days are when I am able to night before to plan out evey snack and meal. I just recently actully put up a picture of myself at my heavest weight. It is difficult to look at but I try to atleast once a day. I helps to keep me feeling motivated and loke a little less of a failure. Ultimately that is my strongest feeling right now. It is amazing isnt it? Before surgery a 75 lb weight loss would be the biggest accomplishment I could imagine, now I just feel like I am letting people down. Gotta get over that feeling like right NOW! Lol Well, thank you to EVERYONE who has posted words of encouragement for me. I am going to make an effort to post on here more often, it truly helps to keep a person on track. Thanks Again! Ellen

Hi Ellen, I can sympathize with you. As long as I stay busy, the snacking isn't too bad, but if I have an evening where I sit and relax, the cravings start. I've learned not to bring anything into my apartment that's really bad like chips or ice cream. Those were my downfalls before. I do keep fat-free or low sodium saltine style crackers, ff pretzels, cheese, mini carrots around because I need the crunchiness. It's not that I'm hungry either. If it will help, I'll be glad to give you my home phone or cell number and you can call if you need words of encouragement. Take care and have a wonderful day and weekend. Cindee 310/214/???

Ellen, I know what you mean about that switch. Mine has been flipped since Christmas. Unfortunately it has been with sugar and crap. Check with a nutritionist or an exercise physiologist to address the questions about exercise and diet. Take care, J

Ellen, This is my struggle as well. If only they could have done some kind of minor brain surgery that would turn off all desire for snacking! Keep up the great exercise workout you have going, that helps a whole lot. Try to take it one day at a time. I don't know what else a foodaholic can say to another foodaholic. We are here with you! Lori 384/250.5/168