Venting...Need Support!

Okay...I'm hitting the panic button right now, so forgive me for venting/ranting here. You'd think that my ongoing food problems would cause me to either A) lose more weight or B) plateau for a few weeks or so. But NO...not ME...I've actually been steadily gaining for the past week! Yeah; yeah; I know the whole "weight fluctuates" and "our bodies have to adjust to the massive loss" arguments...blah; blah; blah. My issue is that because I can only eat small amounts at a time (even smaller than normal for bypass), I've been forced to eat every hour or so. I KNEW this would eventually be a problem for me, as I am prone to grazing, but I didn't think that it would be a problem so soon. For the past 3 weeks I've been doing nothing but grazing...a spoonful of this then a spoonful of that...all day every day. And of course, I've been making very unhealthy choices since protein is one of the difficult things to tolerate. I've been having crackers, pretzels and a whole bunch of other crunchy carbs (of course I don't get sick from THEM!) and I find myself literally obsessing over food constantly! I've gained 4 solid pounds...no fluctuating...in the past week. What amazes me (and ****** me off) is how EASY it is to gain this weight back. I mean I know I'm not eating nearly as much as I did before surgery, despite the grazing...so why are the pounds just sucking back on?? I am learning how very easy it is to lose control and fall right back into old ways; only this time the weight seems to come back on alot faster and easier! I feel like despite the bypass, I'm not going to have long-term success...this is sooo hard! And I haven't even begun to enjoy the weight loss yet. I've had so many complications that I feel that I've emotionally given up...HELP!!

Hi Toni. Your post couldn't have come a better time. I also feel like I have given up emotionally. I make the same bad food choices and I graze all the time. The lady that posted the survey on here last week made me really think. I did the survey and realized how poorly I am doing. I am well on my way to becoming another statistic! I have a big problem with grazing. The only time I haven't grazed in the last couple of months was when I was having female issues a few weeks ago and I was kind of glad to have them. I ate alot less. I haven't lost any weight in a little over a month. And I fluctuate 3-6 pounds almost daily and it sucks! However, I am glad I'm not alone. Good luck on your journey. Things will get better!

So, the big question is...how do we NOT graze? It's a real dilemma for me because I am having problems keeping most food down and my surgeon and nutritionist have both recommended the smaller portions throughout the day. I don't have the kind of control I thought I did, and like you, fear that I may be one of those who gain the weight bac****ep bouncing from 97 to 104 lb loss, but most of that happened prior to February. I've only lost 4 since mid-February and now I'm starting to gain that back. I truly don't know what to do...well, I guess I KNOW that I need to make better food choices and up my water and protein...but I am starting to doubt the level of commitment that I have for this. It is like any other diet for me in the past...6 months of success followed by failure. Yikes!!

I'm in a similar boat with you two! I got sick, and packed on 5 lbs while drugged up for a week on Percocet. Got a couple of those lbs back off and now the scale goes up and down daily 2 to 3 lbs. I graze also, more some days and less others. My biggest problem is I've hit a 'comfort' zone. I wear the size jeans I originally was hoping to end up in (altho I later decided I wanted a size smaller), I'm the exact weight I was when I was 18 and dating and enjoying my life, and I'm letting myself start more of a 'maintenance' phase. I eat now like I have said for months I would eat once I hit goal - a few carbs here and there, splurge on fatty foods more often, etc. So, I'm doing this to myself. I really need to find a way to get myself back on track to knock off this last 20 lbs. So, I'm not a lot of help, but I sure feel your pain!

Toni, I'll tell you one thing for sure..... you are not alone...I've done almost same things for some time mow...I know WHY I'm not loosing any more weight for over two months now: I eat too many kCals over the course of the day. And just like you I can't eat too much at a time (although my portions are more than just one spoon, it's more like half-cup-whole cup), but I feel hungry in 2-4 hrs easily, and end up having 4-6 meals/ snacks day. I don't particularly abuse bad things, but I have more than I should crackers, grilled cheese tortillas and such. I've had a few episodes of low blood sugar, and always afraid of it happening again, so I eat instead .... and stall like never before. Maybe it's time for us to see a shrink about it or go to support group meeting and have "scared straight" treatment done... Best wishes to you, hugs Rita 255/182/160

Hey girls, I am not quite at the point of grazing all the time, but I do have days (sometimes continuous? where I do catch myself grazing. Like today when my work sked is jam packed with meetings and I have no time for a regular lunch. I sit at my desk and grab whatever I have handy! I started keepting low-fat pretzel sticks and a jar of Simply Jif peanut butter at my desk, along withthose 100 calorie Nabisco cookie thingys. I KNOW they are not great for me, but the pretzel/peanut butter helps by still getting in at least al ittle protein and it's a great pick-me-up energy burst. The cookie thingys are low in calories and have just enough in the bag to fill me up, but are low in calories and sweet enough to kill the craving. Of course, I also keep those "healthy" snacks like carrot sticks and grapes but when I feel like "cheating" I reach for the others. This may not work for you, but I know it helps me sometimes! I hope it helps a little! Hang in there and we will ALL see that scale moving in a good way again soon! Debbi 289/203.5/180 (doc goal)/160 my goal

Toni, you have taken the first step....coming here for support! I do believe that there are things you can change. If you have to eat several small meals a day, make sure they are good choices. Can you eat cheese? String cheese is a staple around my house. It is so convenient to just grab a couple. Also, what about soy nuts? Ever tried them? I LOVE them and they are loaded with protein. Lunch meat? Deli sliced turkey goes down pretty easily. I don't have all the answers but I am here if you need me. I will try and help you any way possible. We are a close knit group here and I am sure I am not alone in wanting to help. I hope we can get you going on the right track again. This goes for everyone else who feels the same way. Please don't give up. You are still early enough out that you can turn this train around! Keep us posted and join our exercise post! It really DOES help us to stay motivated. I wish you all the best! Lori

Thanks guys...for all your amazing responses and support. It eases my mind a bit to know that I am not in this alone and I know this will help me stay on track, unlike diets in the past where I was totally alone in my struggles. Grazing on healthier snacks is going to be my new goal...and at least try to get back into the exercise routine. I'm just so drained with all of my complications and having to still puree most of my food (and only consume an ounce at a time). I guess I just have to accept that some folks take longer to adjust to the new pouch...my doc and nut are both confident that things will start to improve shortly, but I still get depressed. And yes, I do see a psych; both individually and in a group setting. My next step is to look into Overeater's Anonymous just to deal with the compulsive eating issue. Again, thanks to everyone and I'll definitely keep the board posted... Toni

Toni, So glad to see you posting on here. That's why we're on here. We NEED each other to walk this journey with. I'm glad that you are seeking help & are working on making good choices. Whenever I feel myself wanting to slip, I go back & read my profile, it always seems to help. This way, I never will forget how I felt 90 lbs ago. Do you journal? Possibly that would be a good idea. Stay strong & join us on the daily exercise post if you'd like. It keeps us all accountable. Keep us posted Tammy