Words of wisdom...please!!!

Okay all, its time to fess up. If I don't make myself accountable, I will never get back to where I want to be. Today is the day things WILL change. If I believe that, I can achieve that, but I need your help. I had my surgery 4.06.04 and am only down -50 lbs. My doctor feels like I am right on track but I know myself and my habits and I can be down a whole heck of a lot more. I have gotten off track and started resorting to bad habits. I remember back in the day reading this board and thinking once I had the surgery, I would never go back to those bad habits, but now reality has set in and I have to fight fight fight!!! I have been avoiding this site because I feel like such a failure but seeing all the posts today, has made me realize that I need to be back on here. I need to read others hopes and ups and downs so that I know I am not alone. Everyone on here is such an inspiration and I pray that I will hear back from many so that I can empower myself to start making the right decisions. Ultimately it is up to me, but I would really appreciate feedback and encouragement. This site has meant so much to me and I appreciate all of you! From this day forward, I commit to myself and all of you that I will eat 6 small meals a day, and NOT go over 900 calories in a day. I commit to walking daily and drinking lots and lots of water and/or crystal light. I will lay off my cappacino's and get better at my food choices. I will also pray for strength as this is going to be HARD!!! Any help in that area will be appreciated. Thank you so much for letting me put my feelings out there. -Susan 286/160/-50

Hello Susan, My words of wisdom would be to sit down and discuss a plan of action with someone. Pick small obtainable goals each week and spread it out over a couple of months worth of time. It has been my experience that each time I meet a goal I feel better about myself and try harder to meet the next one. I have spent one month getting my exercise on track -- next month I will address my eating habits and choices. Who knows where I will be at the month after that. But I will continue to set small goals that give me success and thereby provide greater confidence and belief in myself. I am now setting myself up for success instead of failure -- something I have never done before!! You can do this Susan -- I hope our VBG family rallies around you and provides the support you are looking for!! Best Regards, Sharon

Hi Susan, I congradulate you for your commitment to your health and well being!! I am almost to the -50 pound mark. I have days where old habits creep up and bite me, but I am focusing on the short term goals because the long term goals seem overwhelming. My goal right now is to get to the gym 4-5 times a week and make it under 300 pounds by Christmas. The only advice I would offer is to take it one day at a time rather than putting huge restrictions on yourself to follow a plan for the rest of your life. I only say that because sometimes I set myself up for failure by putting my focus to far into the future instead of staying in the present. I will include you in my prayers and I truly wish you all the best!!! Hugs Sara 364/356/308/175

Susan, I agree totally with what Sharon stated. Be goal oriented and don't beat yourself up when you slip. Get right back on that horse. This is lifetime work and we all have been where you have been. We are not perfect, just strive to do better one day at a time. Keep only good things in your home to snack on. If the kids or husband are junk freaks, have them keep their stash somewhere other than the pantry. It would not kill them to eat healthy snacks also. My problem is outings for I seem to do well at home. So you see, we all have our problem areas. Drink your water, don't let yourself get hungry and eating several small meals is a great committment. Exercise will play a key role especially when you get to plateaus. Praying is good but you are going to have to do the work. Your VBG family is proud of you and will be here to support. Dianne