Motivation..

I don't post often on this board...but I have something on my mind this morning...
How do you all stay motivated? I am just barely over 2 years out and I have got so far off track, it's almost like I never had surgery.
I stopped following up with my surgeon and haven't had labs drawn in over a year (I know, I know, very stupid) ...
I've put on weight and it sucks.

I know exactly what I should be doing.. I just don't know how to keep myself motivated to keep it up.

Can anyone relate? or have any advice?

Thanks,
Katrina

What motivated you before? Maybe revisitng yourself back then may do it. What is something new in your life that you may want to be there for or work towards? Mine is my Grandson. I have found out recently that I will probably be the one raising him for the next twenty years and need to get myself to where I need to be to do this!  First it was to be alive to see him enter this world...now that goal has been moved to raising him. He is what makes me get out of bed each day and want to be on this earth.  You have to find it within yourself, but when you do...we are right here to support ya! How about posting on the accountability board? Just for starters. it might kind of get you back into the swing of things......

Hi Lee Ann,
Thanks so much for taking the time to reply to me.

My motivation was mainly to be healthy, and rid myself of those health problems, learn how to use food for fuel vs. emotional eating. I knew automatically if I took care of my health problems I would live longer for my child. So that was like 2 motivations and bonuses in one.

I beat myself up daily about this, however, I haven't done anything to change it. In my mind I feel like I'm too far lost but I know it could be way worse.

Thanks again,
Katrina

hi Katrina,

    sweetie don't beat yourself up over it, if you do, it will be emotional and you will eat more, maybe turn off the tv through the day, go for short walks and then try to walk a little farther every day. I know some people tell you to throw away the scales, but maybe weigh yourself every day, and dont let it pass a certain number, just cut back on eating , I know it is hard, I find myself in the same situation. wanting to eat when i am bored or depressed. so I try to stay busy, talk to friends on the net, or on the phone. clean out closets etc. and don't buy the junk food and bring it home,
   go to the store after you have ate. so you won't feel like buying the " good stuff". lol.
I am here if you need any support, I will try to do my best. 
                                                                 Lisa

Hey Lisa,

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I try not to beat myself up over it. I try to stay focused and what not. I've even tried that 5 day pouch test but I can't get past day 1. I guess I've gotten so used to not following the rules. I don't weigh myself everyday but I try to at least once a week to make sure the # is staying about the same, or at least in the same general area.
I honestly just stopped following all the rules. I did call my surgeon today about getting my labs drawn since it has been about a year. They're having a support group tomorrow so I'm thinking about going.
I have a job that keeps me very sedentary also. That is a lot to do with the eating out of boredom. I usually work 12 hour shifts and mostly alone.. So it's easy to just "pig out" here. I'm thinking that since we have a pretty big basketball court( a really nice one at that ) I may start taking some laps around it. My biggest reason for not exercising is that of most peoples..No time. lol I was never a good dieter. I could diet for a bit and lose some then would go right back to the awful eating habits.
Anyway, thanks again. I noticed you live in Salyersville. I am originally from there.. lived over on Mine Fork and Falcon most of my life.

Katrina

Hi Katrina,

Glad you posted.  Hadn't heard from you for a long time.
I stay motivated so I can enjoy my son, and enjoy life in general.  I have found that if I push myself to exercise or walk.....even when I feel like it is too late or I am too tired, then it actually gives me MORE energy plus I feel better about myself.
Taking that first step to get over the hump is the hardest.

As far as dieting goes at 2 years out..............I don't know.  Maybe look at some of your old menus or phase 4 lists and try sticking to them.  Get back to the basics of lots of water and PROTEIN.  Cut the carbs.

I have been posting on the Accountability post each day.  That helps keep me focused on where I should be.  I saw that Lee Ann mentioned that and I think it is an excellent piece of advice!

If you need anything let me know.
Leslie

Hey Leslie,

It's very nice to hear from you. Thanks for replying to this. You did actually see me at the tanning bed that day. It was my laundry day. lol

I am going to a support group meeting tomorrow. I think if I get back in the groove of going regularly I'll be much better off. I've let myself drift away from the "basics" and I feel more like a pre-op patient now. It's ridiculous. I don't even have any restriction.

I've just gotta stay motivated and do it.

Katrina

You can do it!  Just keep telling yourself that!  And don' t give up.  You have come too far to go back now.
If you need anything or want to walk sometime, just let me know.
Leslie

Hi Katrina,

Going to support group is a GREAT thing!  Seeing other people who struggle with the same issues as I do and how the cope with things is very encouraging to me.  I try to think about my condition of obesity as some people would alcoholism.  Not so much the "is it a disease" debate but more so the accountability portion of going to meetings and having a support network outside of the meetings.  Most of the local gals on here (I love the non-local gals as well) have become true friends to me and I believe would be there for me as I am there for them if need be.

It would be nice if we had the "sponsor" thing going on like they do with AA/NA/OA/etc. to help guide us when we are first starting out and to kick us in the butt when we stray!!  I know there's been a time or to when I've needed a good swift kick!!

Try being a little more active on here with us if you think it might help ya!  The more the merrier!!