I've been gone too long!

Hi all, It's been a long time since I posted or even since I've been on this site. Things in my life have been very busy. In December, I changed jobs and am now commuting 45 mins. one way, but I'm loving my job. The holidays seem like they were yrs. ago, and it's almost Easter! On the WL front, I'm pretty much the same...down approx. 80-85 lbs depending on the day. Lately, I've been struggling to keep it down and I'm looking for some support. I'm 20 months out and can eat a lot more than I'd like to! So each day is a challenge. On the other hand, I'd do this again in a NY minute. So what are the secrets of keeping the weight off??? S.O.S. is needed from folks who are out more than 2 yrs! Thanks and have a great day all!

JA! Good to hear from you again. Sounds like life is going well for you. Congrats on the new job. As for what you are saying about your post honeymoon struggle, I recently attended a support group meeting in New London where a 23 year post op was the guest speaker. She gave a lot of great advice along with some of the secrets that keep her successful. She says that she keeps a 15lb window and when the scale starts tipping toward the high end of that window, she gets right back to work with exercise and watching what she eats. She has one meal a day that is her "carb" meal and suggests that it be your favorite meal when you will enjoy it most. when she snacks, if it has more than 9g of carbs she doesn't eat it. No eating after 8 and she usually has a hand full of nuts for her evening snack. The most important thing: NO GRAZING!! Give yourself a time limiit on your 3 meals and if you can't finish the meals do not save them to finish later --- that is also considered grazing. Drink lots of water and get lots of exercise. It was really great to hear someone who has been enjoying the success and benefits of WLS for such a long time. It was inspiring to realize that it is VERY possible to keep this weight off. You can do it, JA --- 20 months after sugery and maintaining the weight loss is a great acheivement! Keep up the great work. terri

Terri, Isn't it amazing that we all know what we do that's wrong! I've learned to graze, and boy I need to stop it now! Today is the beginning of a "new" start! Thanks so very much for the encouragement..I knew I would get it here. xoxoxo JA PS YOU LOOK AWESOME!!!!!!

Hi J.A. and welcome back!!! First, congrats on the new job - happiness outweighs commute any day! Glad you are doing well on the WL front. I know what you mean about foods going down easier and more of them! This is now the TOUGH part of the journey, and it only gets tougher. But think what you've been through and draw strength from your experience to go forward day by day. The secret is to continuosly make the correct choices. Are you getting in all of your protein first?? Are you waiting before and after meals to drink?? In other words, are you still following your pouch rules?? That is tip 1. Tip 2 is getting in enough exercise! Remember the key to any weight maintenance is calories in vs calories out! Tip 3 - get yourself to a support group meeting to connect with those in a similar situation. It really does help! We're all here for you! Hugs, Carla ObesityHelp Support Group Leader

Carla, Thanks so much for all the advice. I'd love to attend one of your mtgs. When/where are they? xo JA

JA - Come by anytime. Here's our website with all the details: www.staythecoursect.com Hugs! Carla OH Support Group Leader

Hey JA, Great to see you on the boards again. I am sorry your going through a tough time, I know how it feels. I have been out about 14mths and am stuck at a weight that is driving me crazy. I hope it will change soon. Keep positive sweetie, hopefully it will get better for you. I wish you all the best. Hugs KimC

Hey Kim, You look like a million bucks! Thanks for your support...we all must support each other so we can keep this going. It's the greatest tool in the world...but we must always remember how to use it and not abuse it. Today is a new beginning for me. xoxoxoxo JA

Hi JA Welcome back to CT message board!! We missed you! glad to hear about new job you love it! I know what you are talking about struggling. I will share mine. For me I refused to eat any carbs (but I do eat good Carbs once a while not everyday). I stick with mostly meats (proteins), then eat vetgetables. I do not drin****il 30 min after I ate my meal. I use drink alot of nectar protein drinks and load of water between meals. I exercise 6 times a week to keep move alot of cardio and moving my body which keep my mind peaceful ( i do have fear in the back of my mind is REGAin weight back) I am very busy working mom with two hands full for my two kids s activies but I booked an hour for myself everyday for exercise time. The kids knows it is my time to do it. Try to go Carla 's support group since it is closer to your town, try to find the protein drink you like and stick with it, try to carry bottle of water with you ( i drink over 100 oz of fluids per day), try to exercise 20-30 min 3 or 4 times a day, walk with your dog everyday to keep your exercise build up, and email or call one of us to talk . If I do not use my tools then I will go back my old ways. I will be 18 months in few weeks ahead and I do have struggling from head hunger but I put stricter on me by looking at my old picture on my refrig to remind me to pick wise foods before i put it my mouth. I repeat myself few times to think if the foods is good or bad before i put them in the mouth. It works for me. email me or come back to ask for support then we will be there for you but remember it is not EASY way to have this surgery and we have to work harder to keep our tools for rest of lives. Our new lifesytle You can do it with our helps and use your tools. Hope to see you at WLS picnic party on June 24th Hugs Kathy K

Kathy K...MY HERO! You look absolutely GORGEOUS! I'm crying looking at your picture!!! They are tears of happiness of course! GOD, you're awesome..you must be sooooo very proud of yourself! Thanks for the encouragement. I am starting NEW today. I promise to stay on the boards and if I don't SMACK me!!! love ya xoxoxo JA