Has anyone else had this experience? I'm working on a big stressful project at work with lots of deadlines that I'm extremely unhappy about and in the past I would've made frequent trips to the snack bar and/or vending machine for chips/M&M's to munch while I worked. And I would've totally rationalized it too! Now when I get stressed like this I totally lose any appetite and even have a little nausea and need to force down protein drinks, can't even think about eating any food, just the thought makes me sick. How weird is this? It's like my brain has been re-wired.

Elizabeth...these pictures are wonderful....you look so good and I know you are proud. Are you planning that wedding already? I just got married in May so I know how exciting it is. You and hubby to be make a beautiful couple. Have fun and keep up the good work!

Laura I have noticed the same thing when it comes to eating. If I stick to my protein shakes and water I am fine but the minute I eat solids during the day it's like my pouch feels like a kid in a candy store. You would think I was stranded on a desserted island and just got back to civilization. I too am retraining myself. I have been doing well with getting back to bariatric basics--protein drink, water, protein/vegetables w/no carbs. I have now started to lose again. I have been lucky and have not gained ANY weight--Thank God, but I have not lost anything either since June 1. I have met my Dr.s goal weight but want to lose another 10-15 lbs to get to mine. I am hoping I can make it by my anniv date of Sept 21. It is getting easier with not snacking and I want to keep it this way. I am trying to keep my anniversary resolution of sticking to program and not eating ANYTHING that is not good for me. Taking each day at a time! Hugs & Good Luck Marianne

I have been in the same place basically since early May. I know I have slipped into bad habits since April/May and they progressively got worse since then. I have only lost (and regained and lost and regained and now losing) 11 pounds since May. Depressing. I am recommitting to the way I was eating in the beginning. I've gone back to 2 shakes a day, only one glass of milk, and water. I am eating meats/cheeses for dinner. I find that once I start eating solid foods I feel like snacking the rest of the day so I figure I am better off drinking the protein shake, then water, then protein shake and hold off as long as possible until I put solids in my mouth. I am kicking myself because I have wasted the last three months and could have been at goal if I hadn't slipped. This is disturbing how one month I am fighting to get 2 ounces in and now I feel like I am eating like a pig. I know I am not eating what a "normal" person would eat but in comparison to how I was eating or how I should be eating I am wasting my opportunity. I don't know about the rest of you but I have noticed that since I allowed myself to drink alcohol I have slipped dramatically. I don't know if it is the calories or if it just slows down the metabolism but if I drink - I gain! I go a week without drinking - I lose it. I drink - I gain. See the pattern? I wish I would have noticed it before but silly me - I stopped using FitDay and haven't been posting to my profile as much because I have been so busy or maybe because I would freak when I see how many calories/carbs I am putting into my mouth. Sigh. Yesterday was my re-birthday and I recommitted then and started using FitDay again and posted here. I need to find a way to schedule posting here because it is important. I have already scheduled my 1 year doctor appointment the same day we have a support meeting so that I go to it. I haven't been to a meeting since June. Very very bad. It is sad because I know what I need to do, but yet haven't been doing it. Self sabotage??? Anyone else feeling like you are unconsciously sabotaging yourself? Laura RNY 9/7/04 330/176/140

My OH friends, today is my one yr post-op anniversary. I have undergone many changes this year. I've lost 140 pounds, going from a high of 301 lbs to 161 pounds as of this morning. The physical changes are only a bonus. I have also regained my life and my health. I no longer sit by the sidelines and watch everyone else live their lives but I participate. Surgery was a lifesaver in more ways then I could have ever imagined. A year ago I was being rolled into surgery unsure if I was going to come out on the other side. I knew it was a risk, but one I was willing to take. I'm so glad I took that leap of faith and left things in god's hands. I did my research, jumped through 4 yrs of insurance hell and finally got to where I wanted to be. I thank god everyday for allowing me a second chance at life. Before surgery my life was pretty dismal and going downhill. At 32 years old, I felt more like 70. I had High Blood Pressure, GERD, Joint and knee problems, Borderline diabetic, PCOS and Sleep apnea. I was on the downward spiral to an early death. Within a few months of surgery I was no longer on any medication. What a blessing it was. I have regained my zest for life and no longer had to worry if I was going to be around to see my young son grow up. As happy as I have been with surgery, it has also come with mental changes that have been difficult to deal with. I'm no longer happy to settle for less than I deserve and that has brought marriage problems that I'm not sure I can fix. Sometimes obese people tend to "settle" for things that that thin people would not tolerate. Our fat makes us believe that maybe we are not worthy of better. Low self-esteem has always been a problem for me and in many respects it still is a problem. I'm working hard on trying to change my mental outlook on life. It's not easy, but I'm trying. The loosing weight was the easy part, changing your mind is the hardest. My advice to pre-ops is to really think long and hard about seeing a therapist before and after your surgery. I was not fully prepared for the emotional and mental changes that come with a new body. I researched everything else about surgery. I had no clue that the emotional hurt that I hid with my fat wouldn't have anywhere else to hide. I now have to confront past issues that I used todeal with by medicating with food. That's no longer an option. See a shrink or a therapist that deals with eating disorders, it can really help you in the long run. I want to really thank all the people on this site that have supported me and have become good friends that I can always count on. You have been my lifeline. Cheers, Jane Massey RNY-Fobi Pouch 9/8/04 301/161/150 -140 pounds lost