need a word of encouragment from my October folks

I need some help folks, I am feeling a bit discouraged and frustrated. I am down 81 lbs, and I know it is great given only six months, but the weight is just not coming off like I would like. I am working out consistently, weights and walking three miles every other day, but it does not seem to be enough to get me moving. I am really missing food too. Mind hunger is more an issue today that it was right after the surgery. I thought I had put that behind me. I am worried sick about picking back up the old habits that put me at 231 lbs. Just venting, I know you all probably understand this better than my friends and family. They try, but how can they?? Thanks, Kim

Kim, I know exactly what you mean!! I have lost 100 pounds but continue to go up and down with the same 5 pounds. I eat right for the most part and I excercise every morning as well. Its just frustrating. The mind hunger thing for me is totally what is doing it because lord knows I am not hungry at all but I want to snack like everyone else. I can go an entire day without eating and still not be hungry but when that popcorn gets popped at work I cant resist that handful or two. Let me tell you that I cheated so bad yesterday at Easter that it really made me realize how bad I have gotten. I ate like 4 rice krispy treats (HELLO CAN WE SAY OVERKILL!!!!) I didnt need them, wasnt hungry, but damn just the taste of them was so good. I didnt get sick or have any problems and it didnt even make me feel so full that i felt yucky. So that worried me. I am back on the right path today and after work I am going to buy a food scale to start weighing my food because I think that is the key. I should be eating anywhere from 3-5 oz of protein per meal and 2-4 oz of "other" per meal. But good luck honey you will start seeing those results again! Thanks for letting me vent with you. Jenn

Thanks Jenn, I needed to know I was not alone. It is so scary thinking about falling back to bad habits. Food scale sounds like a good idea, I think I am going to do the same. Congrats on the 100 lbs!! That is awesome and I know you feel great. Snacking, that is a monster!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Take care, Kim

Kim, Remember that we are all human & that we all lose at a different pace. Lightweights usually take longer to lose their weight & 81 pounds is wonderful!! Are you keeping up with your inch loss? That's very important as well. I have lost 79 pounds, but 68 inches & 14 of those were in my lower belly!!! I am more proud of that than anything!! I too have head hunger! I'm just trying to make sure that instead of downing a package of Sweetarts (my weakness) that I eat cheese or almonds or even fruit. My hubby is 15 months out today & he still battles head hunger like you wouldn't believe. Sadly, it doesn't go away over night! You are doing a great job & just know that we are here for each other & when you need a little support or a kick in the butt, we can give it!! You would do the same for us! Hugz, Gina L 260/181/160

Kim, I am so glad that you posted this. I feel it but was too chicken to bring it up. My hubby makes to die for peanutbutter eggs - coated in dark chocolate. Yes I asked him to make me a small one. Our versions of small is very different. At first I was only going to have a bite a day... I can't help it - I had 1 in the am and 1 in the pm. Enough about that. I lost 96 pounds but I am terrifed it is going to stop coming off. I have had no head hunger until the last 2 weeks but it is making me feel like I have multiple personalities!! LOL. The good Ann and the bad Ann. I am just really glad to know that I am not alone. Thanks for the post. Ann

ME TOO! I am soooo scard the old haddits are comming back. I have been snacking way to much, and I can eat more than most of you. so if you put those two together with the fact that i gained 4 lb last week, it scares the wits out of me. Deb 392/270-274/180

Thanks my friends, I really needed this. I have also been dealing with both my folks diagnosed this last month with cancer, and I can really tell how eating out of emotional need has been a reality. I am hanging tight though. I do appreciate all the honesty and support you have given. God Bless, Kim

WE SHARE THE SAME SURGERY DATE. I HAVE ONLY LOST 70 POUNDS SINCE SURGERY SO YOU ARE DOING BETTER SO FAR. I KNOW OF LAP BANDERS WHO ARE DOING BETTER WITH THEIR WEIGHT LOSS BUT WE CAN'T LET THAT DISCOURAGE US. GAIL

Thanks Gail, you are doing great as well!!!

I've been starting to battle with the same kinds of issues. This board helps me to a certain degree, but I'm also checking into local WLS support groups. Although support groups usually aren't my thing, I think I may find it helpful to talk to those who've gone before me and been successful. I've also been reading a book about Buddhist mindfulness mediations. I'm trying to carry the concept of mindfulness over to my daily eating habits because mindless eating was a HUGE problem for me before my surgery. I'm hopeful that if I can become more in tune with my eating habits that I can win the daily battle with head hunger. Good luck to everyone in their struggles - we can do it! Kellie Lap RNY 10/25/2005 396/271/165?