New to Site - looking for advice

Hi Everyone -

My name is Jennifer and I am new to the site/group.  I am currently about 100lbs overweight and am contemplating surgery (sleeve), but don't feel 100% good about the idea.  My issues started with my last pregnancy, 8 years ago.  I gaine 15lbs in 1 month in my first trimester and my OB said that I needed to slow it down or I was going to have major issues.  The thing was, I didn't change a think from the previous month.  I ate the same amount, walked the same amount, ate the same type of food, etc.  I also struggled with depression during this pregnancy.  Since then, I have not been able to lose a thing.  I have tried so many types of diets and exercise programs with no success.  About 5 lbs is the most I will lose.  :(  I am so worn out from trying to lose weight that I just can't bear the thought of trying one more program.  I'm wondering if I have a hormone imbalance, but don't know what to tell my Dr to help him believe me/know where to start.  They have done thyroid tests and those all come back within the normal ranges.  I guess my question is, do you think that if it is a hormone imbalance, will the surgery give my system enough of a shock that it will shock it back to normal, or will I end up gaining it all back (we eat fairly low carb/healthy, make most meals at home, bring lunches to work- usually left overs, etc so diet isn't the issue...).  My concern with the surgery is all of the liquid/soft foods that I will have to eat.  I am so burned out on shakes and such, that I just don't know that I can do it and be OK with it.  And I'm afraid that any weight I might initially lose I will end up regaining if there is an underlying issue that isn't resolved.

Thanks for any insight you might be able to provide

I would find the right doctor and yes find out if there is a medical reason you are gaining so much weight so fast.  I would also suggest log all your food and portion size (I know you are sick of this stuff) and be honest.  Sometimes we think we are not eating very much but we are.

You and only you will know when its time for WLS.  I went to so many seminars and came out each time saying those people are nuts I can do it.  I would lose and then put it back on and more.  After the 3rd time I KNEW I just could not do it myself.  When my PCP said I would be dead in 5 years if I didn't lose the weight that scared me thin.  Even as they were wheeling me to the Operating room I was still thinking what am I doing.  It was the best decision I EVER made.

Here is something I share with members that are trying to get back on track. While it's geared for those that had surgery the basics work for anyone that wants to lose weight. If you get tested and there are no medical reasons for the weight gain. Try this to help you lose on your own.  If it works great, if not again you will know when the time is right for WLS.  Good Luck to you

You have already taken the hardest step by saying enough is enough and now I want to get back on track.  Here are some steps I hope will help you. They helped me...    

Planning/Preparing

Remember when we were preparing for surgery?  How many meetings, classes and such did we attend?  We were told the more prepared we were the better our chances were for success.  And they were right. Go through the house, car and work place and get rid of trigger foods.  Stock up on foods that will keep you on track. I removed every bad carb/sugar temptation and replaced it with lots of protein, veggies, grains and fruits.  

Journaling

Get back to journaling.  This will help you identify when you feel like eating, stress factors and any triggers in your life.  Once you identify these factors, this will help you put tools in place to keep you from eating.  It became clear I was not taking time for me anymore. I worked my day job and then spent the rest of my time caring for my husband.  It was easy to reach for fast, prepackaged food.  Since I purged my home I have to eat clean as there are no other options LOL

Use a tool to track you're eating and exercise like Getting Started with Health  Tracker.  Once I started to track ever bite and drink it became clear why I had gained.

Goals/Rewards

Make a list of goals for yourself.  Make them realistic and small.  Some of mine were move more, purge all junk from my home, eat more protein.

Food

In general, a long term post-weight loss surgery eating plan includes foods that are high in protein, and low in fat?, calories, and sugar. Important, vitamins and minerals are provided as supplements. (if you had a different surgery adjust this to your food plan).

Water

Water is our Best Friend. I have to say I never went back to pop or any bad drinks, however I was drinking tea like crazy. What is wrong with drinking tea?  I was either using sugar or 3 equals and 3 sweet n lows per 32 ounce glass.  So I was either pushing to be diabetic or get cancer.  I found once I started carrying a bottle of water around 24/7 (yes had one at my bedside) I lost the cravings for the sugar and I KNOW those artificial sweeteners are not good for me. Look I am old and if you add up all the artificial sweeteners I have consumed I am sure I am at the rat in the lab getting cancer threshold.

MOVE!

I can't say enough about how key this was for me. The reason I kept my weight off for almost 10 years was no matter what, I kept moving.  If I could not go to the gym I would walk. I loved Zumba, bootcamp workouts, lifting weights. When I stopped, the weight started coming back.  So for me I am starting slow to avoid injury by walking and using some of the workouts on my Demand TV.  Find something you love to do and it won't feel like a pain in the *** to do daily.

Support

If it's an option "run" don't walk to a support group.

Keep me posted on how you are doing