Howdy From Houston!

Hey there from Houston!

Isn't it funny how we all find our way back here? 

I have to come clean about something... While you guys were rockin' and rollin' last year, I had to take a step back.  I just couldn't keep up with you all and started feeling badly about the progress I had made. I couldn't keep from comparing myself to all of you who seemed to continue to lose.   I wanted to be happy for everyone, and I genuinely was, but I'd leave the board feeling horrible about myself; it became counterproductive to me. 

At 22 months out I still sit at -93 lbs. from my surgery date.  I haven't gained, but I stay around the same weight fluctuating just a couple pounds up one day and down the next.  It's just crazy.  Ironically this is the same problem I had pre-op.  I've tried several different approaches... more calories, less calories, low carb, tapered carbs, on and on.

I'm eating right. I follow the rules.  I'm not feeding anyone any BS either... I work it.  I journal every single thing I eat still and even invested in a Body Bugg just to see what I was burning each day.  I'm definitely creating a deficit every single day.  If it really is a matter of eating less and moving more, I'm here to prove that theory wrong.

One of the reasons I stopped coming here at all was that I felt people would think I must not have been following the "plan."  Well, I have and I do, and still here I sit.  I mean way post-op doesn't lose 100 lbs.?  I don't mean to be a downer, I'm just keeping it real.

Logically, I am happy to say that I'm extremely healthy -- no longer Diabetic.  I did my first Triathlon and completed the MS150 in June and April, respectively.  I'm still lifting weights and I actually hold the 2nd highest female leg-press at the gym, at 920 lbs.!  I even make the guys look!

I'm wearing a 16, I've been able to buy some 14s,but I'm no where near the sizes you all are at.

In any case, I'm here and I'm checking everyday now; for me and for all of us.  We an help one another over this hump. :)

Take care all,
Donna

Donna,

welcome back!!!   You won't get any disbelief from me (or probably anyone for that matter).  Although I did loose more than you I got stuck 15 pounds above my goal weight.  Literally NOTHING I did made me loose anything, or if I did it came right back the next day.  Like you I tried low calorie, low carb, more carbs, more protien and I was working out six days a week it was ridiculous!  I journaled everything (which was good because when I didn't I gained weight), planned my meals but all that did was allow me to maintain.  Now maintaining isn't a bad thing but I REALLY wanted to loose those last few pounds and it was beyond frustrating that I couldn't.  In the end my bariatric surgeon said if I was really that concerned and since I was already planning on doing plastic surgery it's what would shed the last bit.  So I did finally get where I wanted to be but only after major surgery...ug!

I think one of the long term complications that they haven't done much research on is the possibility that our metabolisms slow WAY down after surgery.  almost every diet plan out there has you eating 1500 calories a day to LOSE weight.  If I ate 1500 calories every day I'd gain weight.  If I ate the 2000 calories that is recommended to maintain normal weight I'd be back at 300 pounds before you knew it.  Of course this is purely based on my experience and thoughts and has no basis in science but I think it would be an interesting study to make.

Anyway, all that to say I do understand why you would feel frustrated and bad.  I probably would too in your shoes.  The fact that you did lose 93 pounds and have maintained that is something to feel good about though.  You're wearing clothing you can purchase in a normal store and you are able to do major athletics.  You are definitely a success even though you didn't loose 100 pounds or more.  So keep doing what you're doing and try to take pleasure at the thought that you've taken control of your life and are doing everything you can to live in a healthy way.

Corinna Q

Thanks Corinna and Wanda!

I hope no one took it personally.  Backing away is what I had to do for my head.  I knew better. I know I feel better and am happier. :)

As far as the metabolism slowing down?  Well, I'd like to believe that, except that I purchased a boddybugg, which has 7 sensors on it.  You wear it all day long and it calculates, with 97% accuracy how many calories you burn in a day.  I was careating a deficit between 1500 and 2000 (or more on days I worked out) and still was not dropping.

I like what you said Corinna about taking pleasure at thethought of having taken control.  That part is definitely a pleasure!!!

Wanda, I have to tell you -- you look great!

Donna

We're definitely not a taking it personally kind of group! :-)  And it's important to do what is right for you.  I can totally understand why you had to back away and just be okay in your own head with yourself.  It's SO easy to compare yourself with everyone else and usually find yourself lacking even as others are looking at you and envying your progress.  Vicious cycle!!

I seriously do think they should do some kind of study on this.  I'm pretty sure I was creating a deficit every day too of around 1000 calories.  I don't understand why that big of a intake/output difference wouldn't lead to weight loss.  I can't imagine we're the only ones who have experienced this!  I'm definitely going to bring it up to my bariatric surgeon next time I see him.

Those bodybuggs sound cool...where do you get them at?

Corinna Q

I purchased my BodyBugg at 24 Hour Fitness. :)

Donna, it's human nature to compare ourselves, but don't!  We each have our own battles.  I think you have done awesome!  You look healthy and happy.  It's great that you are maintaining,  Most of us struggle with regain, so the fact that you are holding steady is great.   Just think of where we started almost two years ago.  It's been quite a journey! 

Wanda

I just wanted to jump in and say hi too! Gosh-TWO whole years coming up for us all! I can't believe it.

I love that we can still wander back over and find each other. It gives me a safe feeling! I probably sound silly-but it really means lots to know we can come here and still catch up with each other and gather and give support!

Hugs and Peace,
Therese

All I can say is WTG Donna!!!!!  You rock....

I started at 309... my goal weight was 155... Never made it, got to 175 (thanks to an intestinal bug I had for 3 weeks), but down to a size 8/10.... I have re-gained back to 223 (oh that hurt to type),  and wearing a size 14 but I really need a 16... I get lots of dirty looks now from those that know I had the surgery since I have gained back almost 50 pounds...I know my family can tell, but they just avoid it and don't say anything, even when I bring it up, they change the topic.... grrrrrrrrrrrr

Anyway.....

I know about comparing yourself to others... that is a big reason I have not been on here much lately... Everyone seems to be doing so well with food, exercise and just daily life.... I am struggling with every aspect.....  You should be so proud of what you have accomplished and that you are maintaining your weight loss... It think that is the most important thing....  If you are keeping active and eating right then that is what matters and you will have a much healthier life... Just remember where you came from and look at where you are.....  You are gorgeous... always have been and always will be... but the important thing is that you are a healthier Donna than you were 2 years ago....

 it was great to hear from you..... I guess I need to check the board more often and post once in a while....

Hope to hear from you again soon....  

Hugs,

 

Thanks for the thoughts Shawn; you've always been so supportive of everyone here!  :)

I have faced the reality that it will be a struggle absolutely forever!  And that's okay.  I know what I have to do to keep my head in MY game, so to speak.  I love to be the cheerleader for everyone else too though; it's just that if I can't keep my head straight, it does me no good.  I hate to sound self centered, but sometimes you gotta.

With 6 kids, I really hope you are making yourself a priority.  It is so easy for us to let everything else take a front seat.  I can't even begin to manage how hectic your day-to-day life is!

*hugs* back at ya....