Eleven Months Out and Depressed

I'm almost exactly 11 months out from my surgery. I've lost 100 pounds. A year ago I thought I'd be in heaven when I got to this point, but... My weight loss has stalled or stopped. In fact it swings up and down about 5 pounds. I still can't eat a lot of foods. They just plain make me sick. And it seems to be impossible to predict what's going to be a problem and what's not. Sometimes I can eat something just fine one day and a week later it'll make me ill. I think I'd live on Wendy's chili if I could because it's one of the few things I know I can eat all right. I can't seemt to get myself to exercise. Never have. So now I feel guilty about having blown the whole surgery because I'm lazy I'm afraid I'll sabotage everthing and gain it all back. I got an ulcer last summer and I'm afraid it'll come back. When my friends constantly ask how much I've lost now, it irritates me to keep telling them the same thing. I just feel down. And, oh yes, Santa gave me a case of shingles for Christmas. Which the doctor--not my regular one--didn't think was because of the surgery but I can't think what else would cause this. I'd discuss this with my local support group but whenI went to the Sept. meeting no one else showed up, so I assume they changed meeting place/day/time and never told me. Since they don't put out email reminders I don't have a way of contacting anyone. Does everyone feel this way after about a year or is it just me?

I'm sorry you're having such a hard time of it right now. I don't know what it's like to be a year out, but know about worrying about messing up the surgery. That has consistently been my fear, that I'll mess this up somehow, and not lose the weight. I think you've done really well in losing 100 pounds. I hope things get better for you. Linda Vicory

I'm 11 1/2 months out and know just what you mean. I think we all go through this. In the last three months I lost 2 pounds in oct and Nov then in Dec I droped 5. I've slacked off on my exercise. Keep with the program and you will start to lose again. I haven't been very good over Christmas and I keep going up and down the same two pounds. We just have to know we are not alone in this battle. I keep telling myself I've come this far I can't give up now. Besides I have a goal to be a 180 when I go back to see Dr. Evanson in May. He's so nice (and cute) I don't think I could go back and face him if I didn't do all I can to make my goal. Sorry about the shingles, I've never had them but I know they are painful. good luck with all that and just keep remembering How you got to where you are now. You sure don't want to go back to how you were a year ago. You might want to call St. V about the support group meetings. I missed our Nov meeting because my daughter was in the hosp. They didn't have any Dec meetings so I'm really looking forward to the meeting next week. I think they really help.

Linda, Shingles is of the same virus that causes Chicken Pox. Chances are great that you had chicken pox as a kid and the virus laid dormant in you all of these years instead of going away. My daughter had it when she was only 14 and my grandfather had it for several years. No WLS for either of them. So nope, definately not surgery related. At ~ a year post-op, most people do experiences a ....s...l...o...w.....down in their weight loss. It was so cool losing 5-10 lb a week so it can be mind stumping when our body says 'ok, your turn! The next pounds you have to earn!'. I'm over 2 yrs post op and can tell you that if you start exercising...even if it's just walking...you WILL continue to lose weight &/or inches! So...increase one or more of the following: Protein Exercise Water intake Remember: PEW Best of luck! Sherri

Linda, Sherrie hit the nail on the head. I am 9 months out and went through the same thing a month back. It seemed I'd never lose weight again and I wasn't at my goal. I kept with the program, used fitday to record everything I ate and I did start walking. All of a sudden pounds started dropping again. I am nearing my goal and I know the losses will be smaller and slower now. That's OK. Just stay with the program prescribed by your doctor and nut and it will come off. I hate to exercise too. Finding something that is fun is the key for me. We used to walk aorund the pond at a local park so we could watch the ducks and geese. It was fun to watch the chicks grow last year and there were always people to say hello to while walking. When it rained or was too cold we walked the local mall. ANY exercise is helpful. You don't have to half kill yourself exercising for an hour for it to help. I used to think that way so I just didn't do any. Good luck on your continued success. Brenda

Linda F- First off big hugs to you!!! I too have been feeling down and worrying about gaining it all back! So I can say to you that I kind of now how you are feeling. I too am a little tired of family asking how much weight I have lost. It is kind of like they are waiting for me to fail again! That ****** me off!! I have not had shingles but I heard they really suck! So shame on Santa for giving them to you!! I hope they go away soon and never return. As for the exercise... all I can say is that I used to hate it and now I can't live without it! I have missed several day's over the break in school and have really had bad day's from not doing it. I am so much happier when I take my flabby self down to the basement and work out. I don't know if it is just mental or physical or both, but it makes me much happier and less *****y! So make the first step and give it a try!!! You may feel so proud of yourself that this depression will lift! I hope so anyway! Blessings, Carmen