I Feel Like a Failure

Jamie, You are not a failure. You have come a very long way. I have lost a 125 pounds and I bounce between 150 and 155. Sometimes you just have to get back to the plan and follow it. I know that yu can do it. Have a good and blessed day. Barb

YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE!! First you had the courage to have the surgery, then you had the strength to bounce out of ICU, not you will have the strength and courage to bounce out of this. I know how you feel. I gained 10 pounds back and no matter what I did it did not make a difference. I am now in competition with a friend to see who can loose the most by July 1st. I didn't think it would work but now I am down 4 lbs since June 1st. I know that is not a lot but it is at least a good sign. Do you have someone you could compete with? It is amazing how much it gets me out of bed and into the gym just by thinking of the 120$ facial I am going to have to pay for if I lose the bet. (but then again if I lose the bet I am a winner because I have lost the weight) Maybe post and see if anyone would be willing to do it with you. maybe a gift card to your favorite salon or clothing store to make you feel better about yourself would be a good reward! Please keep posting and let me know how you are doing! I care and am really proud of how far you have made it so far! You can do it! your sister in WLS Chandi 305/194/?

Jamie, I had my surgery at the same time you did and I too have gained. I quit losing about 8 months ago and have gained 14 lbs. I never even made it below 200, currently at 220 (up from my low of 206). I think some people just have a longer 'honeymoon' period than others. As with most things in life, not all people respond the same to the surgery. My cousin said her 'honeymoon' period lasted 5 years, but she has now gained about 40 lbs back. From what I read, most people gain back 20% of the weight they lose. Sound like you have had a hard time, with the life-threatening hernia surgery and you marriage. I think you should cut yourself some slack and realize that you have faced some trauma that most of the posters on this board have not. I, like you, quit posting because I too felt like a failure. I even quit reading the posts for a while because it was just a painful reminder that I was not where I wanted to be. I try to console myself with the thought that if I had not had the surgery and been 'off' my diet for 8 months I know I would have already gained 60 lbs instead of 14. And I do believe that is true. That is the main advantage of having the surgery and was my reason for having it. I have lost 100 lbs several times in my life and gained it all back plus some. I really feel like the surgery will keep me from gaining it all back. Of course, I still want to lose 40 or 50 more lbs and I really believe we can do it! Keep the faith Gail

I am sorry to say that I am happy that I am not the only person with this problem. It is somehow comforting to know there are other peeps with the same problem. And I do apologize for that. I too had my surgery in Dec. 2004. I did really good until sept. 2005 and than I hit a plateau(?) I have not lost any since. I have actually gained 18 lbs. I went back on a protein shake and bar 3 times a day per my Dr. I am still not losing. I too have went back to food as a comfort instead of necessity. I went through a year long divorce(which was a good thing) and have been going through anxiety and depression. I just want to get back on track and start losing again. I was also worried that I had stretched my pouch. I remember when i first had my surgery i was told of a way to check your pouch size with cottage cheese. Any one familiar with this, or have any idea how to check without xrays? I can not go to support groups because I am 3 hours away from the only one I know of, so I am glad you guys are here. I plan to visit more often. Thanks, Vanessa