groundhog day

I've been hiding on the failed wls forum but now I just want to see what the weather is for me here. I had my RNY done 10/05/05 and I've only lost 81 lbs. It's been almost 10 months. I can feel myself slowly going back into my old eating habits and now most of it is emotional because I feel like a failure. I've been trying so hard to go back to post op diet just to get a jump start on losing again but it seems as if it's harder to do it now than it was during the pre op diet. I haven't really gained any weight but I haven't lost any either for the past 3 months. (seriously, I have been counting). I don't always feel resistance in my pouch which is just fuel to the fire. I don't know where to go from here but I do know that the failed weight lost forum is getting depressing.

Hi Shana Thank you for asking your helping here on Ct Message board. I will help you to go back on your track but you have to work harder. Use our tools are helping us to stay our shape up and more healthier. The tools are going to group support meetings( your group meetings are execellent since I know some of people who go there, strict to eat more protein foods , No CARBS, eat some fruit and vetgetables, load ALOT of water, start to make plan to go exercise 3 or 4 times a week. I know Towanda have a wonderful dietican near your area and let me know if you need Towanda s email then i will give you her email . Come to track your honest on our food/exercise log here. You can do it and have faith in God . It is not too late to go back on right path. I am proud of you to ask us for help. That is hard part to do it~ Hugs Kathy K

Shana~ Where you go is right here to begin with. We (CT forum) are a family of wonderful and supportive people. Keep coming back. Being proactive is the way to go. While I understand how you might be feeling right now... shame has no place in recovery. Hang tight girl. All is not lost. If I may I do have some suggestions. I think I will email you though. Towanda

Shana, You took the right step coming here......I think what Kathy said is key, going to support group meetings is really helpful. As a matter of fact, I think it is THE key to my success.. The support, exchange of ideas, and just being with people who have similar experiences is really important....Also, talk to your doctor, especially if you don't feel resistance in the pouch...Have him check it out..... Going back to the post op diet is probably too strict at this point, I have been using this trick i learned from Julio recently. I bought the little "to go" packets of decaf sugar free iced tea, and whenever a craving strikes, I just put it in a bottle of cold water, and drink up...It helps stave of the cravings and keeps me hydrated , which is super important, especially in the summer.....Other than that, keep in mind that losing pounds is not a failure, you've just hit a roadblock on your journey.... You have the power to turn things around, And I have faith in you... YOU CAN DO IT!!!! love, Dorota

You go girl! Well said... T.

Congratulations on losing 81 pounds and keeping it off - that is excellent and you shouldn't belittle that achievement and call yourself a failure - who told you this was a straight path journey? If you truly aren't feeling any restriction you should definitely talk to your surgeon - Dr. Barba had mentioned a while back at one of the support group meetings that the surgeons can now go and narrow the opening to the pouch and it will give you back restriction (or something like that) - I don't remember the medical term for it - but it didn't seem like a major procedure. That being said though - you do need to do some evaluation of why you are going back to your old ways - sometimes the issues are something that need to be found out with a good counselor - sometimes just going to a support group and asking for help can get you on your path - only you will be able to determine that......... You need to do one thing that is really, really important and that is stop telling yourself you are a failure - that kind of self talk is so damaging - I can tell you right now without even knowing you that you are not a failure. Not too many people in the world do anything about their problems - especially obesity. You are a brave person to take control of your life and go under the knife to help make your life better - that is very brave and you should be proud of yourself. Be gentle with yourself - you are not bad, you are not a failure - you have a problem that you are trying to overcome just like all of us here - it is a journey of stops along the way - it's not a highway running straight through - you'll get there - just take a deep breath, make good choices one day at a time and think of how far you've come! Stay away from the failed forum if it's not helping you and dragging your down! I'm looking forward to watching your transition from calling yourself a failure to calling yourself a success! Warm Regards, Tammy

You have lost 81 pounds, how is that failure? You need to get back on track, support groups, your surgeon, the dietician- these are your tools, use them. Get exercising, get moving, and stop hanging around the WLS failure board- you do NOT belong there. Sheesh woman- when have you managed to drop 81 pounds in less than 10 months before????? The glass is half FULL not half EMPTY- take another look, okay?

Hi Shana, I just want to welcome you to the CT OH board. You have come to the right place for support and help. We have a great support system here. I want to tell you how proud I am of you that you took the first step by coming to the CT board. I ditto what everone said and I know Towanda will give you great ideas and hopefully she will mention the psychologist that has been wonderful to speak with for me pre-op. Just a suggestion but maybe if you talk to someone about other issues you may be having, you will discover why you are calling yourself a failure when in fact you have just hit a bump in the road. 81 pounds is nothing to sneeze at. You have done a great job - just need to get back on track. Please take care of yourself and let us know how you are doing. Hugs, Nancy K

Hi Shana, First off Please remember this is not a race! If you stopped to catch a breath it's ok, we are like the" Marines" We don't leave our people behind! I agree with Dorota,The post op diet is way too strict! Better to write down what you like to eat and work on portion sizes as well as planning. I make alot of my meals ahead of time and put them in little "tupperwear" containers . Really helps when your not rummaging around in a frig for something to eat. Read and contribute to the "Food log" You can get a sense of what others are eating and see what works for you. Support Group is also important! They , like us are here to help, not judge! So, Be it questions, idea's, or just somebody to talk to we are here to help! You have taken the first step by writing the post you put here, now take the next one! You can do it! We will help! Welcome to the Board and hope to see you here often! Be Well

Hey Shana, you made your first step by coming to this wonderful board here in CT. As you will see everyone here is very supportive and caring and loving. Its a great big family here and always willing to help. Whatever you need just ask, we are all here for you. As Kathy and Towanda you will see are the greatest, they are always so helpful and caring. Dont hesitate to contact any of us here. Take care and god bless you. You will get through this. Love ya Hugs KimC