Is this "THE" month? Please chime in!

Hi all! I wanted to take some time to write about this 7-8 month time line of my surgery. I feel like I am coming to a crossroads with my WLS. It feels like this is the time where the real work really begins! Eating has become somewhat easier and I can get more food in. I still am only eating between half to a cup of food and I stay somewhere between 8-900 calories. It's just that I see the weight loss slowing down-which I know is the natural process of where I am at. I feel like this is the month where we stand at a crossroads to say "Yes-I will take the wheel from here and use this tool". It seems like the previous months the pouch really mandated more of what I was doing-and now it's my turn. Does anyone else feel this way at this month in your recovery? I just wanted to write it out and "say it" out loud that I am willing to take responsibility for this tool and to use it the best I can. This means upping my exercise and staying in touch with those folks who support me-or we support each other. I feel like my actions this next month will be very telling as to exactly how far I can go! Please feel free to weigh in with your thoughts! (No pun! LOL). I would love to hear what you are going through! Thanks and Peace!! Therese

Therese, I was 8 months out on the 6th and I've noticed a big difference within the last month. At this point, I know I could probably gain weight if I just graze and snack and don't take extra special care to avoid the carbs. And, boy, those calories can add up too. I have to track everything these days in order to lose. Up until this point, I felt I would achieve any weight loss goal and now I'm beginning to feel a nagging fear that I might have some trouble with that even if I work really, really hard. Most of the time I still have no real problem with head hunger but I do have physical, stomach growling hunger very often during the day. I've learned that if I can drink water or eat shaved ice, I can put off eating for a short time and make good choices but it's getting harder to stay low calorie and my calories have been higher than the 800 you mention. I'm trying hard to stay around 1100. I lost a lot of weight before and my key words at that point were "responsibility," "choices" and "consistency." Even with this tool we have now, I have to exercise those 3 other key tools as well. I have to make mindful choices, I have to be consistent in those choices and I have to realize I alone am responsible for my choices. You are right in stating we are at a crossroads and it is time for us to use our tool(s) wisely! CeCe

Hi CeCe!! Thanks so much for your reply! I like what you said about "responsibility," "choices" and "consistency"-I even wrote it down to keep with me!! It's really wonderful having folks who can relate!! You have some great ideas. Take care, Therese

I agree that we are at a crossroad. I find it so easy to "graze" and so easy to fall back into the head hunger and stress eating that got us here in the first place. It is very scary! I still can not eat hardly any meat, they all make me so I find I don't always get enough protien. I, unfortunately, do not dump on sugar... Wish I did. I can eat all the bad stuff no problem, and struggle with the good stuff. This board is such a lifesaver, as no one that hasn't been here understands. They think that we have it "easy" because of the surgery. Hah! I find lots of inspiration in what others are saying and posting, thanks for brining this topic up. I need to make a mantra out of choices, responsibility, ect... and really work this wonderful tool! Have a Blessed day! Sandy

I agree this is THE month. It's so much easier to eat larger quantities. But, I still find it crazy that we have to keep our calories so low even with the malabsorption. I've been eating 1100 calories but my weight is not moving much. I only lost three pounds in June! I have renewed energy for exercise and maybe that will make a difference this month. Unfortunately I will be traveling two weeks during July so I'm at increased risk for weight gain. It's great to see you posting more. I really believe that our chances are better when we band together! Keep in touch and let us know how the month is going for you.

I'm beginning to wonder if I actually have any malabsorption!!!!! I feel like my body is absorbing even the calories I THINK about! I'm so careful keeping track of everything and trying very hard to preplan and we aren't eating out as much but things are at such a slow down. It scares me to think how hard it's going to be to lose/maintain at a year or 2 or more out from surgery. I heard that the "honeymoon" period was supposed to last a year or even 18 months! I'm feeling cheated! Let's hope the body is just adjusting and will "allow" some good losses again! You guys that are still losing 3 or more pounds a week are doing fantastic! We who are frustrated right now hope to join you soon!

I totally agree. As things have gotten easier eating wise. I have to take the rein and make the best choices possible. And I definitely have to step up my exercise. I like the words that CeCe used, responsibility, choices and consistency. I had to write these down as well! I also agree with you that it is good to say it out loud and make it more real. Thanks for the great topic!