Can you help me keep it going?

  You are my peeps!  This is the board where I can truly relate.

I had surgery last Sept 09 - starting the process at 399 (high of 424).  I have lost 120 now (though I fluctuate 4-5 pounds up and back), and at 279.  I can't seem to get down anymore.

It's not a mystery.  I have been snacking on treats and increasing some foods high in calories.  I don't exercise.   I know I need motivation and even more so, commitment, to continue on the journey. 

My surgeon set a goal for me of 215-220 - reasonable, I think.  He said because my bones are heavier from carrying all the extra weight so long, that I'd look like I was in onederland.  I'd like to make that goal, but haven't lost in quite awhile.

Do you struggle?  What do you do?  With the holidays coming up, I'm worried about losing even more ground...

I was at 380 my surgery date. I have lost 130 pounds this far. I have also slowed down on the weight loss. The most important thing for me is to remind myself why i am eating and what I am choosing to eat. Bad old habits are hard to break, but you went threw sugery for a reason.   Exercising is hard for me also, but I have made the decision that I have to do the work. JUST GET UP.  Start slow, just move.

I know.  that's why I wrote my plea for help!  Not to make excuses, but I'm 58 with a total knee replacement (that has never been "right") and feet that have lots of pain (bunions, plantar faciitious, callouses) and it is really painful to walk.  I know I have to do something and I from time to time walk around at work, knowing anything helps, but it isn't enough.

The other part is those bad habits you mention. Every afternoon, I think I need treats.  Bad behavior - carb cravings, mostly - have my loss at a standstill!  Time to get back in the swing of things.

Whine, whine, whine.  I usually have a better attitude.  I do thank you for responding and I know you are right!!!

What i didnt say was that I think its totally normal. More importantly you are aware of what is going on. My surgeon always says 7 minutes........Start with 7 minutes of some kind of exercise. I kinda feel like i am preaching to the choir, but maybe i needed to hear it also.

Thanks, Amy.  We all struggle.  I just have to get this together.  I can't believe I can be "done" yet!

Hi Mary!

Like you, I also relate most to this board, having begun at 391 on 3/31/09 (surgery date). I'm at 20 months out and have been at 203 for weeks. I mourn the ending of the "honeymoon" period when weight melted off. I really want to be in Onederland (I'm 5'8") but my more recent food choices and non-dedication to exercise don't support my wish.

Let's re-commit to the good habits we learned and practiced the first year. And 10-minute stints of activity (even cleaning, dancing is more fun, though) multiple times per day will speed things up, I bet!

I'm with you; let's continue onward in our success!

~Linda in S FL

PS: It's extra-hard with the holidays, I do know...
plus I don't dump, ever! (bad knowledge)

Thanks, Linda. 

Kind of wish I did dump, too!   But yes, more activities, less food.  You are an inspiration and onederland is going to be yours!

Mary

Hello Mary,

Well I know what you mean.  I am still in the 300.....:-)  My lowest weight being 302 about 3 years ago.  My highest weight being 611 and 580 by the time I had RNY.    I regained 80 pounds gradually over the last 3 years.  In March of this year I decided I could not and WOULD not gain another pound this year.  Thankfully I have not.  So far this year I have lost 33 pounds. 

I have fought for EVERY pound dearie.  That is where you are at now.  The honeymoon is over and you will have to fight to reach 220.  Some of that stuff on your feet is fixable, right?  Callouses can be removed.  Go see a foot doctor.  I see one annually if not more.  I have my foots worked on so I can continue to exercise.  There are many exercises that can be done sitting and just standing.  What about a stationary bike?  Research your options and do something.  My Mom is on a cane and go to a gym 3 times a week for seniors and they work with her and she has lost inches.  She is not eating right so I can say she has lost any weight but exercising is good for the soul. 

Since your exercise is limited Mary, yes it is important to be even that more careful with your eating habits.  The hard part for me and I am sure you too.  If it weren't for my poor choices with my eating I would have re-lost my 80 pounds by now.  I have not been perfect but I have been persistent in not giving up.

Successful people NEVER GIVE UP.  So my advice is not to give up babe.  Get help from your surgeons team.  Join some of the wonderful groups here.  I am in several of the groups here.  Look at the groups under community and join them.  There is one Positive Attitudes and Back on Track Together.  Join and use OH.com to get you back on track.  On the BOTT board print out the packet with advice on how to get back to basics and to get back on track.  There are some wonderful suggestions there.

I also recommend keeping a food diary.  If you send me your email address I can email you an invitation to be my friend on Myfitnesspal.com.  I log every morsel of food going into my mouth even when I go over my calories. 

Also I recommend attending support groups.  I have found these to be very helpful for me.  I also try to call into telephone support group twice a month. My average is once a month.  I also attend my WLS teams support group one a month.  Listening to the excitement of the new ones inspires me and my director will call on me to share my experience with the newbies and ones waiting on dates and/or thinking about having the surgery.  It is not going to be easy to break bad habits but better to do it right now before you give up.  5 pounds is not bad at all and congrats for maintaining your weight because I know this is not easy.  You can reach your goal.  The key is to persevere, be patient because you are going to relapse and you will not be perfect, and lastly be positive.  These 3 P's have served me well.  You have to want it Mary. 

I know many who have gained all of their weight back or over 50 percent of it back.  I was determined not to go that route. And I am going to reach my goal of 220 also.  If I get under 250 I will be happy.  We are here for you!!  I hope my story helps you reflect on the reasons you had WLS in the 1st place babe! 

Thank you so much, Molly.  Your story and your perseverance are inspiring to me.  Your suggestions are smart and give me hope.  Some of them I already have done. I go to a podiatrist, but haven't in well over a year.  I'll try to make another appt.

I will send you my e-mail, too for tracking, even though I hate it, I'll try it again!

I agree I need to persevere, be patient and stay positive.  You are a miracle.  We all are!  Thank you so much.  

Mary

I really hate to exercise, but the one exercise I love is water aerobics. I hate that I have to put a bathing suit now, but I love the water and the exercise is great. This might be a great form of exercise for you and your bad knee/foot problems. Hang in their, you can do it.