Karen, I think at 18 months, most of us are beyond the honeymoon stage. I have been bouncing around the same few pounds since January. Very frustrating, but I've lost 8" and a dress size in that same time. So be sure to measure...you may be losing inches instead. The scales aren't always the best measurement of success for us. I know in my case, I've been exercising more so I've been replacing the fat with denser muscles. I was an avid Fitday fan also but have recently discovered SparkPeople.com. It helps to hold me accountable for food, exercise, and water intake. Also, break those measuring cups back out. I do good at judging meats (3 oz is about the size of a deck of cards), but most other stuff, I measure. Eat your protein first...fats and carbs last. When you are full, STOP EATING. Even if it tastes so good, stop eating. No one can take the fork away from you. You have to do that for yourself. Munchies...only keep good munchies in the house. Veggies are the best munchie. Fruits are good too. Fiber One is an excellent source of fiber, but is also a good munchie...and also good in place of croutons on a salad. I also keep BariatricEating.com's pork rinds in the house. If you eat 1 oz of another protein (to fini****'s molecular make-up..to make the protein active), then 1 serving has 23 g of protein...plus the protein from your 1 oz (for me, it's cheese cubes). I also get in 80-100 g of protein a day. Don't forget your water. It's recommended at least 64 oz. My norm is close to double that. Good luck...and may we all reach our goals! Sherri 344/180/140

I was doing the same thing and I've been at about the same weight for over 8 months. I then went back to BariatricEating.com's site and started following Susan's suggesting of increasing my protein to at least 80 grams a day and I have been losing about 2 lbs a week since. I have also found that I am less hungry and I don't tend to think of food 24/7 like I was before adding the protein. She has several good tasting protein drinks on her site. I love the Achieve One which takes like an iced coffee. She also carries a hot chocolate called Matrix which tastes just like hot chocolate and tastes great on a cool evening. Both of these products are about 100 - 120 cal per serving but have 20-25 grams of protein per serving so it really helps you get in your protein. Give it a try you mind find it is what you need. Good luck.

Amy and others, Are you feeling better now? I am having the same issues with food and need to know that others are struggling with it, getting better, dealing with success and learning curves, and still dealing with it. Hope you are better and please write and let us know how you're doing by now. I need support in this effort too. I have lost 155 pounds from 310 down to 155 (160 on a high day) but I am starting to regain some and I don't want to. Karen

Hi. I too am just over 18 months since surgery and have lost over 155 pounds going from 310 to 155 (OK, sometimes back up to 160). That's the problem. I seem to be self sabotaging through grazing and excess snacks and portions which are too large. Sometimes I eat too much and feel really sick but that is not stopping me as much as it did before. My psychologist at WISH center says this is self-sabotage and to reach out to a support system to help ease myself into accepting my weight loss and getting ideas from others. So, here I am. Vulnerable and hoping others can understand too. I am really proud of the weight I have lost; I am thrilled I did this life changing program and have these wonderful tools to use; I just need a reminder and some common sense reality to keep me in line sometimes. Anyone else? Karen

Doreen - Have you tried writing down everything you put in your mouth! This usually helps keep me honest! I made up a little chart to track protein, carbs, calories and fat. I use it 3-4 days a week as a tool. The online things didn't work for me. Are you taking in enough protein? This will help keep you satisfied . . . shakes (I LOVE my IDS shakes!) . . . turkey, lowfat cheese . . . tuna . . . Exercise? Keep moving! If you are already, change things up. I was doing the elliptical almost every day and getting bored fast. I just joined "Fitness First" and have been taking classes 3-4 times a week and actually having FUN! Or get outside and hit some tennis balls . . . or walk in the pool . . . find something you really enjoy and you're likelier to do it more often! Are you taking your vitamins . . . ? And finally, I'm back to NO EATING AFTER 8 pm. Don't know about you but the evening is my problem time and no eating after 8 cuts out several hundred calories. Hope this helps, let me know how you're doing! And big congrats on your fantastic loss so far girl!!! Sandy 268/128 (currently at 138 and working my way back down!)