Hi all - I haven'...

Hi all - I haven't been on the board in a long time; I've been having a rough time (some weight regain, mainly due to medication issues), and didn't want to read about how well everyone is doing. I initially lost ~110 pounds very quickly, getting down to 140lbs (size 8). Now I am 168lbs (size 16!), which has been stable for 6 months. Putting my thin clothes away like I used to do before the surgery was very traumatic for me. Over the past year, I have been dealing with medication issues. I was on painkillers for some chronic pain, and I became addicted to it. I was basically replacing my food addiction with another addiction. The problem is that the medicines made me VERY disinhibited, and I would eat anything in front of me. The medicines also made me very fatigued, so I stopped exercising. I've been off of the medications since Labor Day, but my weight hasn't changed. I still struggle to exercise due to fatigue from another medication, so I am all flab. This is all very distressing to me. I'm afraid that I've squandered the 2 year window where the surgery helps the most. Its hard for me to share this with all of you, but I feel like you all are the only people who truly understand what this process is like. Anyway, its great to see how all of you are doing. Take care, Heather

Heather firstly - I am so glad you only put your smaller clothes away and didn't get rid of them. You will get back into them my friend - I know you will. It may take a little time, but it doesn't matter how long it takes or how many 'tries' before you get to where you want to be and maintain. Stick around more and let us know what's going on - the good, bad and even the downright ugly. That way we can support you when you need it (and you us when we are having a tough time!!). There is no one on here that is going to rub your nose in it - we all want the best for each other, and yes, we truly do understand. Hugs, Ruth

Thanks Ruth - Sorry for the delay in responding - I've been out of town. I appreciate your understanding and support. Sometimes I am in denial that I had the surgery or even paying attention to my weight. But, by regularly visiting the board, it will help me stay positive and get back on track. Take care, Heather

Heather we miss you and need you here....stay in touch and let us know how things are going

Hi Heather! Thanks for sharing this with us. Just so you know, not everyone has reached their goal (me) and we could use you cheering us on just as much as you can use our support. It's not about reaching our goals it's about the journey we're all on together. Seperately we can only do so much but together our strength is greater, think about it a moment. We're here for you and we start the 5 day pouch test, the high protein low carb diet and all the other stuff we do to try to attain the weight loss we want about every other day. Tomorrow i'm starting back on medifast and it'll be another diet ground hogs day for me...so be it! We are here for you through the good times AND the bad times. We'll be here if you need us and we'll be here if you feel you don't ... that's what's great about the support we give, we're still here no matter what. ANDI

Thanks Andi - your understanding means a lot to me. I will definitely keep in better touch from now on. We all need support - no one else truly understands what this is like. Take care, Heather

Hi Heather! I really know how you feel! I feel like a BIG failure at this and I don't have anything to blame it on....except stress...thats what got me where I was and its taking me over again!! I hate it! I haven't reached my goal either~~ in fact I have gained around 8-9 pounds since Christmas! Its very frustating and embarrassing!! My husband had his surgery done over 5 years ago and has been having trouble losing too much weight!! Don't lknow which is worse----think I found the weight he lost!!! I started out at my highest of 277 and only got down to 187 and have shot back up to 196!!!! Its awful! I got my summer clothes out and had to put some away that fit me last year and it was VERY depressing!! Where do you buy your clothes? I see you said you are in 16's and at 168..I can wear 14's (so far)!! I have gained allot from the belly up....the waist is getting alittle snug,but I GOT rid of all my big clothes and I'll be DAMNED if I go and buy bigger ones!! So I keep muddling through trying to beat the carb monster and snacker thats taken over my life again. Seems the harder I try the more I gain! Whats up with that????? But anyway,thought I would let you know,you aren't the only one there! Hang in there..... ((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))

I am right there with you on that regain thing. I got on the scales today and I am up to 154... not good considering I was dancing the chachacha a year ago at 143.. so I have to start feeling guilty about the donuts... the chips... the ice cream... the cookies.. the cake... and start avoiding the grocery store all together. starting next week. heehee as for the drugs.. sometimes it is a mind over matter... and you have to start minding before it starts to matter. I was having a lot of chronic pain the last few months... doctor said hysterectomy and I freaked. I am opting to gut it out and not have the surgery right now and I see if I can just get past it on my own. but I hear you, it is hard. it is difficult. part of why I got so large was the different drugs... doctor prescribed but all the same... with arthritis came the drugs and with the drugs came the obesity. now I am avoiding the drugs and the gain is all me.. I have the ability to take control. just a matter of minding the matter that goes in my mouth. ;)