Where do I start?

Ugh.  I really don't want to write this post but here goes....

I am so off track right now.  Since I spent most of the summer healing up from surgery and getting my stomach back to normal I forgave myself for the foods I was eating.  I said once the holidays are over I will get back on track.  Well the holidays are gone and Im not on track. I really want to do this, but I have no tool to help me anymore, only my willpower .  So where do I begin. I know from past experience that if I jump in head first I wont make it through the first week. We've all been there, you're all excited and by day 4 ready to jump ship. So, one lifestyle change at a time here.  What do I give up first and how do I get myself to stay away from it? I feel like im drowning here.

(((MELLIE)))

You've certainly had a tough year.  But I love your approach - one step at a time.  We know that's the only way it'll work.

Make small changes first.  Identify what YOU think your problem areas are.  Keep in mind that some of the lessons learned via wls are still important - protein will keep you full longer, drink lots of water, limit refined carbs, exercise to the extent that you can, journal what you eat, and most importantly, if you fall off the wagon, get right back on - try not to let it "allow" you to continue eating poorly.

I'm here, as many are, for whatever you need.

Hugs,

Tia

YOU are not alone!!!!!! Do you belong to a gym? If not you should look into some and join one that is good for you and your wallet! My gym has started a 8 week challenge and it is the best thing and I started lastnight, They give you a food journal and exercise journal. You have to be comitted to it and take one class a week and the class instructor has to sign off that you did it.

So maybe the gym and start a food journal, Once you have to be accountable it will help keep the bad foods out and the good ones in, Keep coming back here for support and encouragment.........Just be careful to stay away fromt he non support posts!!!!!

Mellie, I am glad to see you posting again. I do understand the food thing. I have joined Weigh****chers and have lost 8 pounds in 4 weeks. I enjoy the program and think it has a lot to do with going each week to a meeting. There is no way I want surgery till I lose at least 50 pounds. The cost is not to bad as I do a monthly pass and can go to as many meetings as needed. I can't tell you that this is for you but maybe it is worth a try. They also have etools and it helps to me. Good luck and hang in there. I have missed your posts.

                                                                               Julie

Mellie,  before I thought about having WLS I did South Beach Diet.   and IT WORKS.   yes the first two weeks are HARD but YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS.

I lost 80 pounds on SBD... and I ate great.  

Are you eating white things (white flour, enriched flours, sugar, white rice etc?)  can you give those up and replace them with whole grains?   use sweet potato, brown rice, quiona and such?

that would be a good start.

We've all been there pre-op and feel your frustration!  I think Tia has a great suggestion in using what we learn with WLS - eating the protein, drinking the fluids, exercising. 

Best wishes!!!!
Heather

just curious, is your lap band filled? is there a reason why it isn't helping? i agree about doing one step at a time. i guess pick the thing that you find will help the other things. exercise is good cuz it helps w/ your appetite. i notice that my appetite is alot more regular if i exercise regularly and if i do eat too much it isn't as bad as if i wasn't exercising.

Mellie, so sorry to hear you're having a tough time.  It is really difficult because you don't have the tools to help you physically while you adjust mentally.  It is really a shame that the Lapband thing didn't work out for you.  And I have to go with what Tia said - maybe that WLS advice can help you get started on your journey in being a heck of a loser! 

We are here for ya! 

 Your not drowning honey I have heard this more and more lately. I think its this weather..........it perks some of us up and brings some of us down. To a lot of people the cold makes them stay at home grazing all day out of boredom. The holidays are gone now so you can get back on track. Do you attend support groups in your area? They are WONDERFUL and full of people who can help you stay out of harms way. We all have had the feelings your having at one point or another in our journey. YOU CAN GET PAST IT!!!!! Like you said one change at a time. Do you have a treadmill? Walking just 30  min a day 3-4 days a week will make you feel better give you more energy and boost your weight loss. Hang in there honey. (((Hugs)))

Thanks for all the replies and advice ladies. I knew I could count on you all.  I did go to karate class with the kids and Marty last night and was able to talk to a few moms who got me inspired.  So Im going to make small changes so as to not get overwhelmed and tackle 1 thing at a time.

Today I start going to weight loss classes at the Health Dept with my big sis.  I will get weighed in there once a week and they will keep me accountable. 

Next month my YMCA membership kicks back in and I will start going there to workout in the evenings.

Thats my start.