I need help PLEASE!!!

A few practical suggestions in answer to your questions. First, if you are snacking on chips and other carbs, then you need to break the cycle. As a result, consider cutting down to about 20 grams of carb per day (which will not easy for the first couple of days) and getting in at least 80 grams of protein per day. The South Beach Bars do tend to have a lower glycemic effect that many other bars, but are still adding carbs to your diet, which isn't necessarily the best choice for someone who is having an issue controlling the carbs. Think eggs, meats, cottage cheese and other high protein/ (relatively) low carbohydate foods. Secondly, there are some studies that suggest that, when we consume heavily sweetened beverages (even when they are artificially sweetened), we trigger some carb cravings (I've found this to be true for me). Also, Equal is not absolutely zero carbs (although there may be less than one carb per packet)-- so, it is possible that if you are taking-in 30 packets per day, you are getting about 10-15 grams of carbohydrates. Third, by most accounts you have a compassionate (and skilled bariatric surgeon)-- I know that my surgeon spoke highly of him. Perhaps making your follow-up appointment would give you a goal date-- you know a period time during which you will be particularly vigilent. Fourth, if you feel some embarassment (and I appreciate that you do), please don't let it hinder your participating in some support group somewhere--- some of us have peer support groups that are not affiliated with any particular surgeon's program, and there are many throughout the state. Although there are many that are closer to you in the Hartford area, consider yourself invited to lower Fairfield County and the Norwalk Hospital meetings (6 p.m. on the first Wed. of every month and the third Mon. of every month). And remember, you are not in a race to a goal, you are on a life-time journey, so try not to feel pressured that you should have reached certain arbitrary goals by self-imposed milestone dates.

YOu are wondering what the hell your problem is...If I may make some assumptions here, I would venture to guess that your problem is the same one most of us here have...Many years of bad eating habits, combined with using food to satisfy a need for ....something....I don't know about anyone else here, but I struggle the same as you...I had a 4 months long stall from may to september myself....And, it seems to me that whenever I reach a milestone, or get really close to a goal, I stall...It's almost like a form of self-sabotage...I lost 99 pounds..stall....I reached onederland, stall....I was sooo close to a normal BMI, LOOONG STALL...But in the end, what has worked for me, is seeking out support...I don't go to the support groups weekly, but I try to go once a month, and I go the the Thursday night therapy group meetings with Kim Daniels...Those are a life saver.... Like you, I don't really utilize my gym membership...I go once in a while, and then I will go on a month long kick and go all the time....and then I stop going...I really don't enjoy going to the gym as much as I hoped I would...But I have found that I do enjoy hiking, riding my bike, rollerblading...find an activity YOU enjoy Lisa, and DO it....Enjoy being able to DO it..... I think you have done extremely well my dear, do not beat yourself up because you are having a hard time...no one is perfect, and we are all fighting the same demon. Just try again tomorrow...and if you don't do well tomorrow, try again the next day...don't give up. Try to stay away from those carbs...and the chips are a sure diet-buster...But do find snacks you enjoy that are healthier for you....I like to snack on fruits like apples, and on green peppers...For a nice protein snack, I eat fat-free low sugar yogurt....Try to stay away from refined sugars and refined carbs...Whole grains are so much better for you.. And call me, so we can talk and support eachother......And we really should get together soon.... Hang in there sweetie, Love, Dorota

Hi Lisa, I don't have any great words of advice as I was just banded on Aug.1st and am still learning the ropes myself. I do want you to know that I am here to support you and know that everyone will have bumps in their journey. You got some great advice and I am sure you will use it and be on the plan and dropping pounds before you know it. Take Care and big hugs! Nancy K

Lisa- What Paula said. STOP THE STINKING THINKING- the only one who thinks you are a failure is YOU. So cut it out!!!!! LOOK at you!!!!! YOU are beautiful and you have lost ABOUT a hundred pounds- **** girl how is that NOT a success??? 174? How is that bad? That's less than you weiged a year ago!!! A LOT less. GO SEE DR WIRTH OR DR DANIELS come to post op support- check in here daily. Stop listening to the negative people that live inside your head. I know how tough it is to find time to get to the gym- I am having a rough time with that as well. As far as eating goes- we all have days when we - as Tammy once put it so eloquently- "go to bed with Ranch Doritos on our breath" and those who say they don't either are psychos who are abnormal, or liars LOL....the rest of us have weak moments where old habits creep in and tempt us to fall back into the patterns that got us to Dr Aranow's office to begin with. We love you sweetie, go easy on yourself, resolve to eat better and go to the gym, and take your motorcycle out for a nice long ride before the snow flies- it will do your head some good.

Wow. Did I post this thread? Sure feels Like I did. I am right there with you Lisa. Thank you for posting this. I needed to read it along with you. We can do this. Hugs, Chrissy

Lisa - I couldn't add anymore to this wonderful advice that you've received regarding how to tackle the snacking issue and how to get yourself ontrack - I just wanted to give you my support. I am struggling myself so I can totally relate to that part of your post. One of the things you talked about is your father's prediction of failure for you and I can't even imagine how hurtful it must be for you to not have the loving support of your family. That alone would drive me to snack - I am fortunate that I don't have that as one of my issues - but I believe - that kind of emotional pain takes it's toll unless you tackle it head on - of course tackling it head on can be from within yourself - it seems to me that you have to forgive them or find something inside you that can let it go.......I don't have the ultimate answer - perhaps the book A Return to Love might be inspiring. I know that you aren't too happy with your results but I can tell you that I would love to be 174 right now - you have come a long way - I know that it's not the way you've come that is the problem - it's the fear of slipping back and not moving forward that's the issue - but sometimes looking back can help move you forward.........I've actually resorted to the plateau buster diet starting today - for lunch I had a boiled egg and some cottage cheese - I can say that this diet is easy in the fact that there aren't a whole lot of choices - of course yesterday, knowing I was starting the "buster" today I ate really, really bad - let's just say twix were involved and leave it at that I'm so sorry you have to get over yet another hurdle - but I bet if you get over it this time and include resolving those family issues you will be better equipped for the future. I hope this helps in some small way - we all want to see you succeed and feel good about Lisa! Warm Regards, Tammy

Hi Lisa, While I am still pre-op, I remember you from last year in the classes that we had to attend pre-surgery. I was out of the loop for a while because I chickened out, but I'm starting the process again and am hoping to have surgery early next year. Anyway, the point to me telling you this is that I remember you from those classes last year and I have to say that you look amazing. You don't realize how well you have really done. Put your before and after picture side by side and LOOK AT WHAT YOU'VE DONE! You look fantastic. Your family can see how great you look. Why they're not praising you, I don't know, but that is their problem - not yours. As far as the post-op questions go, the others are better equipped to answer those questions, but from what I've read/seen/heard, you should take those vitamins, schedule your 1 yr. follow up with Dr. A and maybe make an appointment with the nutritionist (I don't know who she is) and Kim Daniels. Just start from scratch! And just think - this time, you have 100 lbs less to lose than before! I think you look fantastic and I think everyone on this board thinks you do also. If you need your ego massaged, please come here and we'll tell you how hot you look! Take care, Michelle

All of you are SO Awesome for the support. I am so surprised that I got so much advice and GREAT advice it has been. I do have to say that I LMAO when I saw the line that Tammy put in there about the Twix was a part of her bad day. So Chrissy we have A Lot in Comon huh? Dorota I would love to get together you have my # and email call me. Steve, you have been out of Surgery since 2002? Do you STILL have the struggles of staying away from snacks? Does the urge for junk EVER go away? Also I wanted to ask are you all able to eat Bread?? I MISS IT SO MUCH BUT I am afraid to try it because I feel if I do and it is ok then there I am back with the greasy cheeseburgers or the garlic bread or something. BREAD was my massive weakness. AGAIN THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR THE SUPPORT. Oh and By the way. Dorota, What support group are you talking about? to all of you!!!