Discouraged question

For those of you who haven't lost as much as you thought you would by now........how do you stay focused and positive about not loosing as quickly. I know I've been on a plateau for a while and it's hard to not get discouraged but I'm trying to keep my eyes on the prize. To those of you that are at your goal..........I congratulate you. I also realize that I'm an emotional eater and I'm having to make sure that I grab the right snacks and not stray too far during stressful times. Oh well...........I guess I felt like rambling for a minute. Have a great week you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keke

Hey, Keke, sorry to hear you're feeling discouraged. I didn't really have an idea how quickly I would lose weight, so I can't really answer your direct question. My surgeon said I "could" lose for between 18 and 24 months, but that my actual total loss and how long it took would really be based on my physiology and whether I was able to truly change my diet and exercise habits. That being said, I try to keep a positive attitude by focusing on the long-term, rather than the short-term. If I thought of my weight loss on a day-to-day basis, especially this far out, it could get downright depressing. Because I now tend to stay the same weight for 2-3 weeks, then lose for 1-2 weeks. And I don't start losing because I change what I'm doing; I just start losing, lose a few pounds, then stall again. I've come to accept that this is how my body works. I try to stay positive by focusing on what I have accomplished so far. I keep a pair of "fat" pants in my closest, and I have pictures of myself at my heaviest around at work and home. Because although I may not have "arrived" yet, I have made excellent progress on my journey. I focus on my improved health, and my ability to basically do whatever I want without worrying about physical limitations. Like you, I'm an emotional eater, but I'm working to replace those old, unhealthy thought patterns with new ones. You have to learn to identify your automated unhealthy response to stress ("mashed potatoes will make me feel better"), and replace it with a new, healthy response ("i'm sad/angry/upset because of [insert whatever is appropriate here] and that makes me feel [insert here]"). I've recently realized that when I was stressed, I used food to stuff whatever I was really feeling. So rather than experiencing the emotions and working through them, I'd have a cheeseburger, fries and a milkshake. While would make me feel better temporarily, but I'd still have the original stressor, plus the guilt from eating stuff I knew I shouldn't. Now I skip the cheeseburger and fries, and force myself to deal with whatever the real issue is. Easier said than done sometimes, but it does get easier the more I do it... Anyway, keep working on the emotional eating - it's tricky to manage, but I have faith that you will find a way. I know it's something I will always have to be cognizant of or I will slip back into old habits... Alright, I'm done rambling now - hope some of this was helpful. Good luck sticking to your plan, girl - I know you can do it! Kellie Lap RNY 10/25/2005 396/228/165?

Thank you for your response. I appreciate it. I think I have to remember that we're all different and I'm not going to loose as fast as others. I have lost over a 100 pounds but I'm thinking I should have lost more by now. I'm an overachiever at times and I guess that can be a bad thing. Thanks again. Talk with you soon. I hope to see you in Vegas! Keke 368/258/175??

Hey, Keke!!! It's gonna be okay, friend! I don't always stay focused, that's why I don't lose as fast anymore. It is getting harder the closer to my goal I get. And one problem I have is that a big part of me is happy where I'm at. I can wear some size 8's in pants now, a single digit size I've never been in. Another problem is that I haven't been able to do any exercising for the past three weeks since hernia surgery and I'm not allowed to for another three weeks. I can walk now though and I started that yesterday. It's hard getting back into a walking routine! I do plan on going to water aerobics as soon as I get my doctor's release in hand. So see, you're definitely not alone! Peggy B.

Thank you Peggy. I appreciate the words! Keke

Hi Keke! I don't know if you remember me or not, but I only posted for a month or two after I had surgery in October of last year, and then I was away for a while. Anyway...to your question. I get very discouraged too. I'm not at my surgeons "goal" yet either. But..I feel SO much better than I did last year, don't you? I'm sure you do...you've done an AMAZING job on your weight loss! We'll ALWAYS have the "tool", and we can continue to lose it for as long as we like, even though the weight will come off slower. But isn't it better slower? It gives our skin more time to adapt to the changes. I have realized one important thing since this surgery. I'm an emtional eater too, and anytime I feel anxious or out of control I turn to food for comfort. I always "thought" I was hungry before my surgery, but it was just anxiety, that's all. I talked to my MD about it, and there are medications that can help. I'm also thinking seriously about seeing someone to help me clarify my eating issues. I want to do it now, before I start to gain weight back, which is always a possibility. Hang in there, as long as you're still losing...even if it's slowly, you're making progress! Best of luck... Nonna-Deb 316/172/135

I never thought about the anixiety issue. I may have to talk to my doctor about that. Thanks! Keke