Fallen off the wagon!

For those of you that have also "fallen off", what did you do to "get back on?" I have come to find that I am not bothered by pretty much anything, I have not dumped(maybe a mild case). I have come to find that I am returning to my old ways and eating anything that I want and I'm afraid that I will end up gaining back what I've lost and then some. I haven't been exercising either, I can't seem to stop this behavior and part of me wants to just kick myself. I am 3 lbs.from the century mark and 17 lbs. from goal. I am very ashamed of myself and I don't know how to get back on track. Has anyone else gone through this? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanx, Natalie

Hi there, I could have written this post! What I have found is that I do not tolerate any kind of dense protein like chicken, meat, ground beef really well! So, it is easier for me to have a piece of toast. I have not gained any back and still am losing but much slower than I could be. I have recently put more exercise into my day. Maybe go back to the liqquid diet for a week?

Hi Natalie, I think we've all been where you are right now... I think I go through this on a monthly basis! What I do is stop myself and think about WHY I wanted to have the surgery in the 1st place. I think about all of the things I missed out on pre-surgery, the way I felt about myself, the way others looked at me, etc. I re-read my pre-op journal and the list I made of reasons why I wanted surgery. This mentally brings me back to the HUGE decision I had to make to have the surgery or not. We went through a lot... it has not been an easy journey, and satisfying some craving just because we CAN doesn't do justice to what we've been through. I think back to the day of the surgery, all of my hopes and dreams and more importantly... MY FEARS. I remember being wheeled into surgery and scared that I wouldn't make it through and see my baby ever again, and that I still felt strongly enough about my weight to go through with it and take the chance of not making it. It hardly seems worth cheating after all of that, you know? Take a few minutes to yourself while taking a bath or just sitting in solitude and quiet and try to remember WHY you had surgery in the 1st place. For most of us, this is our last shot at being healthy, and it's definitely not a cure all. This is something we're going to battle with the rest of our lives. We're only human and will always make mistakes, but then we need to get back on track ASAP! I've recently made exercise a priority (over the last 5 weeks)... I work out 5-6 days a week and do it as soon as I wake up before I have a chance to talk myself out of it! Kick up your protein and water, and try to quit snacking if that's a problem for you (I know it is for me--- I snack when bored instead of when hungry--- BAD HABIT!). Anyways, take care and keep posting, it keeps all of this so real when we talk about it! Lots of love, Dawn

Natalie, Yes, In the last two days I just got back on the wagon. I was eating way too many carbs. I was not gaining. But I was not losing at all!!!! Regroup. Start back to your 1 or 2 month diet of low fat, high protien. I did and I actually feel better. I was getting sluggish from all the carbs. Now I have my energy back. And I finally dropped .5 lb. Small yes, but a drop. We all have weak moments. Just start agian. And again if you have too. Good luck, Karin

Thank you soo very much for your support! I just really need to get my head out of my......tush, to put it politely. I'm having trouble w/ the exercise right now due to surgery on my foot, but I just need to get back on track. Thank you again, Natt

My Surgeon and Primary Physician are EXCELLENT guilt trippers - I don't get much of an option to fall off the wagon, can't hack it when they lay on the guilt! YES LADIES - I am a full blown CHICKEN!!!! However, here are some things that help when I hit those seemingly never ending plateaus. I used part of my tax return to purchase the Ab Lounge - IT IS AWESOME!! granted, I have not used it as much as I should but I do use it. I go for a walk 1-2x a week with co-workers and when not walking use first my Gazelle for 20+ minutes then the ab lounge to get my exercise in. Basically 3-5 times a week between the different choices. Still afraid to ride the bike since my tailbone never ceases to hurt me. I am lucky enough that not much irritates me (at this point) yet have had the guts only once to try something that may cause dumping. (pancakes with maple syrup) - I ate very slowly and in very small bites and got a somewhat upset tummy) so basically I still avoid sugar like the plague, I do use splenda as needed. I have found that sometimes I do eat more carbs than probably should. When I catch myself doing this I remind myself of the need to get more protein and will even periodically resort to a protein drink now and again to kick it in. Something else I have found is that when I don't get my excercise in, I am more grumpy. So I try to make sure i get it in, however in the beginning grumpy was my middle name when I exercised - so keep the faith it gets better. I think someone else mentioned it, just remember why you wanted and did have the surgery - LOOK I mean REALLY look at those old pictures and REALLY look at yourself now. Personally I like to periodically look at the old picture (on my drivers license when I "under" estimated my weight) then I like to step on the scale. The picture on my license says 280lbs (I was 297 in the picture) I am now 180.5lbs - big difference. ***(@ time of surgery was 286.5)***Then again my daughter keeps telling me how proud she is - that is a BIG boost when I need it. Also, the funnest part? I have mixed up my pants with my moms 1 or 2x...not a good thing - she is 5'2" and I am 5'6" - talk about high waters!!! it is funny when I do that. Keep trying, we all fall one way or another - just know we are all here to support and help you when you need it - Good Luck and Keep on truckin' there-you'll make it!

Natalie, I have had pizza etc...REALLY bad things since surgery. You can't kick yourself for being "bad" once in awhile (you only live once). Just make sure you don't make it a habit. I have one thing that I "allow" myself to have IF I exercise that day only, so it works for me. I allow myself some 94% fat free micro popcorn only once at night while watching a movie with my hubby. I don't consider this out of control snacking if I stick to my own rules. I truly enjoy the popcorn and I know it is not the worst thing I could be eating... Just try to get control, you have lost so much weight, feel 10 times better I'm sure. Sometimes, now I'm not recommending this for everyone, but sometimes in all honesty when I just am pushing off the exercise and stalling to get on my treadmill...now don't flame me everyone,... I have a cup of coffee to "rev" me up a little... Sometimes a little caffeine just helps me get ON the treadmill. Just make sure you replenish your fluids with a nice glass of water when done or during your exercise... Ocean Magik