Feel Lost.................

Hi, My name is Debbie and I had surgery 11/15/06. I started at 324 lbs before surgery and I am at 200 lbs today. I have not been in contact with any other WLS people and feel so lost and out of control. I have been going to Weigh****chers since Feb 2008 and lost a little over 12 lbs. Started because I felt it would give me some accountablity and I guess it has because I have lost and not gained overall. Before WW I was strung out on cookies and Starbucks. Of course WW has cookies too and I can eat lots of them. I lose 4 oz and gain 2 oz, up and down. My exercise is none right now, I live in the south and it is so hot (just an excuse I know). I eat all day long and I stay hungry. My sugar seems to be dropping and I have stopped taking my vitamins. Most days all I drink is coffee. I just found out I am in menopause at 43, the hot flashes and sweats are aweful. I had my Dr move my goal weight to 175 lbs ( I am 5' 7'' so I will still be overweight. So is there anyone out there that can share with me what they eat and how I can get back on track. I would really appreciate any experience sharred with me. I am scared to death to go backwards. I know someone who had surgery about three years before me and she has gained her weight back, please help. Thanks, Debbie L

Debbie, Welcome to the Nov 06 board. If you go back through some of our posts for the last two months or so you will see that we are all stuggling with the exact same issue. We've passed that point of being able to do whatever we want and let the malabsorption do it's thing. Our bodies have acclaimated to that and it's not nearly as effective as it was. This is what I am doing. 1. I plan out my day. Literally I write down what time I'm going to eat and what I'm going to eat then I try to stick to it religiously. It is a huge help to me. I found that I was grazing constantly too and this cuts that out completely. This way I also know exactly how long I have to wait for my next meal and I can almost always wait for the hour or 30 minutes that I have written down. For some reason that just works for my brain. I also schedule 5 to 6 small meals with only two or three hours in between them. 2. I log everything I eat on www.fitday.com (it's free). This shows me exactly how many calories, fats, carbs, and protien I'm getting each day. I do this religiously. It also helps me take my vitamins because I log those as well. 3. During the week I limit my carb intake to no more than 30 grams per day (total carbs less dietary fiber carbs which fitday also tracks for you). At this point I'm not trying to loose weight, just maintain, which is why I can do the "free" weekends. But even then I don't go nuts. 4. I exercise five days per week. I do not do even an hour everyday. Usually it ends up around 30 minutes but it's something. Every other day I switch between cardio and weights. 5. I get on this board (I'm also on the PS board because I'm getting ready to do that) every day. I know that the others on this board are here for me if I'm having a hard day or hard week or a great week. We don't necessarily post everyday but I know we could and there would be encouraging words sent. In the end I've had to get very strict with myself. I have to realize that this is all up to me and I'm the one that has to put in the time and effort to make sure I stay where I'm at. It's not easy and I doubt it ever will be, but it feels good to know that I've taken steps to gain control of this part of my life. An area that I've never been in control of before. I hope that helps a little bit and good luck! Please feel free to ask any questions or comments or whatever. It REALLY helps to have this particular support group because we are a unique case when it comes to weight loss. Corinna Q

Hi Debbie ... Welcome :0) I hear the fear in your voice. My sacle has been up and down and I KNOW ITS MUCH EASIER TO STAY ON TRACK than to veer off track and *struggle* to get back on. It took me months to finally REALLY get back on track. It comes down to getting back to basics you have to follow all of the rules all of the time drink at least 64 ounces of H2O take your vitamins protein protein protein plan out your meals and log everything on fitday.com talking yourself through the moments when you want to stray from your plan move it - exercise have you ever tried the 5 day pouch test? Maybe this would help you to regain control. http://www.5daypouchtest.com/plan/days1_2.html there us the link - check it out. KNOW that you DO have the power to GET BACK ON TRACK .... it takes pure DETERMINATION!!!! and it doesn't happen overnight. just keep fighting I think you are doing the right thig by coming here and reaching out. We are here for you. Hugs, Britt

Debbie - when I feel like that - and yes it happens to us all! My doctor has me do what he calls a time out. Depending on how long he has us on it. It will be three protein drinks a day (all over 20 grams of protein) and all the crystal ligh****er we want - it he puts us on it for more than two weeks it is two protein drinks and a salad. It is hard to do but it works. You will loose - which helps keep me motivated. It is amazing how small you stomach feels after a little of that. Also -- I hate it - I mean HATE it. He has me monitoring my weight daily and if I go over a certain weight I go on the time out --- well let me tell you I avoid getting to that point. Remember caffiene is an appitite stimulant and blocks the absorbtion of calcium. To me the planning/tracking food is the key. If I am having a problem at all that it what I go back to. Writing it down has such an effect on me. Good luck - you are not alone! Trudy