Struggling
I guess like so many of us who've had some type of weight loss surgery, mine has finally slowed down to a snail's pace. I feel like I am finally out of the 300 pound scary range- and a little too comfortable at 268. I want to move past the 60's because If I become too comfortable it's too easy to start going back up. It's a definite struggle. My snacking over the last month on and off has not helped and I am trying to focus on what I know, but it's hard. Harder is not really getting responses from any one on here. Wish there were more 'friends' on here who can help out. It does help. I do the overeaters meetings and that helps at times, but this food thing is a constant battle. I am grateful for being out of the death weight of over 400 pounds. Now I feel like I am fighting for my life. Fighting to stay on track. I can see my body 60 pounds smaller even though the skin all over especially my breasts are deflating - sigh...I think all of it is making me feel a little less attractive. I don't have the money for skin surgery and a body lift scares me, but I know that I will need something even with exercise. HELP!!!! ANYONE???
There's nothing easy about this journey.
This community is starting to be a little more active and there are so many great people here who will hopefully chime in and offer some support.
You have done very well - and yes, at some point, it really does become a struggle. WLS doesnt prevent us from having to follow the same "diet" mentality that we've become accustomed to - we have to watch everything we eat, track it, and move more.
What are you using to track your food? If you are not tracking your food, the first step might be going back to weighing/measuring and tracking everything. A few extra snacks or calories can add up and you wouldnt even think about it. And now that you are smaller, your body burns less calories just existing, so you have to keep that in mind as well. The process of weighing/measuring/tracking - it is very tiring, but I think its critical. I even tell all my non -wls friends who keep complaining about not being able to lose weight that its very important.
Always have a plan - if you eat out a lot because you are always on the run or just dont feel like cooking - try and find a way to fix that. Eating out has a lot of hidden traps that add on calories we dont need. Keep snacks/water in your car/desk/where ever you might need them.
Go back and review the basics - eat dense proteins to stay fuller. Will hopefully help cut back on some carb intake if you dont have room to eat it. Pick low fat/lean meats. Get carbs from fruits/veggies and not slider type foods. Dont drink your calories. Avoid or limit alcohol. Don't eat and drink at the same time. All those sorts of things.
Start (or keep) moving! It helps with weight loss as well as your mental health - will make you feel good from endorphines, and give you a sense of accomplishment.
As for the body - wanna compare deflated rolls!!! Hahaha - I know exactly how you feel. Close to 200 lbs of fat gone and all the skin is still there - its sooooo gross but honestly, ive never felt better about my body. I work out a lot and have a lot of muscle and I just try to focus on that instead of the negative parts. Some days im more successful than others.
Come back here as often as you need for support and join us on our Monday threads - I'm hoping more people will start joining in since I can see them lurking!
This community is starting to be a little more active and there are so many great people here who will hopefully chime in and offer some support.
You have done very well - and yes, at some point, it really does become a struggle. WLS doesnt prevent us from having to follow the same "diet" mentality that we've become accustomed to - we have to watch everything we eat, track it, and move more.
What are you using to track your food? If you are not tracking your food, the first step might be going back to weighing/measuring and tracking everything. A few extra snacks or calories can add up and you wouldnt even think about it. And now that you are smaller, your body burns less calories just existing, so you have to keep that in mind as well. The process of weighing/measuring/tracking - it is very tiring, but I think its critical. I even tell all my non -wls friends who keep complaining about not being able to lose weight that its very important.
Always have a plan - if you eat out a lot because you are always on the run or just dont feel like cooking - try and find a way to fix that. Eating out has a lot of hidden traps that add on calories we dont need. Keep snacks/water in your car/desk/where ever you might need them.
Go back and review the basics - eat dense proteins to stay fuller. Will hopefully help cut back on some carb intake if you dont have room to eat it. Pick low fat/lean meats. Get carbs from fruits/veggies and not slider type foods. Dont drink your calories. Avoid or limit alcohol. Don't eat and drink at the same time. All those sorts of things.
Start (or keep) moving! It helps with weight loss as well as your mental health - will make you feel good from endorphines, and give you a sense of accomplishment.
As for the body - wanna compare deflated rolls!!! Hahaha - I know exactly how you feel. Close to 200 lbs of fat gone and all the skin is still there - its sooooo gross but honestly, ive never felt better about my body. I work out a lot and have a lot of muscle and I just try to focus on that instead of the negative parts. Some days im more successful than others.
Come back here as often as you need for support and join us on our Monday threads - I'm hoping more people will start joining in since I can see them lurking!
www.sexyskinnybitch.wordpress.com - my journey to sexy skinny bitch status
11/16/12 - Got my Body by Sauceda - arms, Bl/BA, LBL, thigh lift.
HW 420/ SW 335 /CW 200 
85 lbs lost pre-op / 135 post op
~~~~Alison~~~~~
Hi, I am a newbie to ObesityHelp.com and even newer to this particular forum, so I don't really have any advice to offer but I do want you to know that reading your post inspires me. I have a LOT of weight to loose and to see how far you have already come on your journey causes me to take notice that I can do it too. You are obviously a winner and will find your way over this hurdle just as you have always done. It's good to see successful people like you on the fourm! ~Nann
VSG/Dec 7, 2011 5'3" Female, HW 399, SW 371 Target Goal 135 lbs/BMI 23.9
Dec M1-23 Jan M2-15 Feb M3-11 Mar M4-13 Apr M5-13 May M6-15 Jun M7-?? Jul M8-??
Aug M9-?? Sep M10-?? Oct M11-?? Nov M12-?? Dec M1-?? Jan M2-?? Feb M3-??
Yeah what they said!
Also remember to remove said carbs from the house- give them to neighbors and make your environment friendly for you!
Go get yourself a new bra that fits good Dillards catherines etc. will all measure you for free!
Honestly I was feeling less than pretty and I went and got new undies and a new good fitting bra and honestly it raised my opinion about my sagging body.
I like spanks but I love slimpressions-- they help with body issues and make my clothes look better.
I hope others will chime in soon. Hang in there!
JJ
Also remember to remove said carbs from the house- give them to neighbors and make your environment friendly for you!
Go get yourself a new bra that fits good Dillards catherines etc. will all measure you for free!
Honestly I was feeling less than pretty and I went and got new undies and a new good fitting bra and honestly it raised my opinion about my sagging body.
I like spanks but I love slimpressions-- they help with body issues and make my clothes look better.
I hope others will chime in soon. Hang in there!
JJ
Yes, the weight loss slows down after the 6month mark, but the good news is that if you stay on track, you can keep losing for up to 24months out!
Keep your head up, listen to the above poster- tracking your food is absolutely necessary! It helped me lose my 190lbs as much as I hated it.
It is hard, but you've given yourself a great tool to help you. Keep your protein high, your carbs low and get exercising!
Good Luck and please post again if you have any questions or need support- we're here for ya!!
:Danni
Keep your head up, listen to the above poster- tracking your food is absolutely necessary! It helped me lose my 190lbs as much as I hated it.
It is hard, but you've given yourself a great tool to help you. Keep your protein high, your carbs low and get exercising!
Good Luck and please post again if you have any questions or need support- we're here for ya!!
:Danni
:Danni >>>AIDS/LifeCycle 10 & 11 Finisher: 545miles on the bike in 7 days <<<
HW390/SW340/CW 208/GW170
I am coming in a little late on this conversation, but....
If you go into my blog for December, I outlined the grades/classes that are used to determine if you are able to get reconstructive surgery as opposed to cosmetic surgery. I qualify for reconstructive, and am awaiting the surgical date of my panniculectomy (removal of fat/skin from lower belly - not a tummy tuck). I have also outlined information about abdomnoplasty, and will be doing more work on reconstructive versus cosmetic -- did you know if one breast is larger than the other, you may qualify under Medicare for a breast lift? I just looked it up a few days ago.
Information is something to help you get what you need -- you just have to be willing to do the digging : )
As for being worried about becoming complacent, hell I already worry about it, and I am only a year out, with a lot further to go. Much of what you need will have to come from within, the rest will hopefully come in support from others. You already got a handful of responses, so see, we "get it".
I used to swim, in public, at 474 pounds. I am limited by pain in what exercise I can do, so I pull on my swimsuit, and I swim (literally) my ass off. My swimsuits fit me oddly, so I wear a tighter brief under my one piece, and I hold my head high & show up 5 days a week. Maybe just walking will help you? I park as far away from any location I drive to, just to get extra steps in. I also walk a track near my home, it is easier for me, as the pavement is made for this purpose.
Be proactive, meet people, you will find support in many places. Do you ever communicate with others at your OA Support Group? You just may find a workout buddy.
Check the plastics forum, here on OH -- or even your surgeons office may be able to help you get a referral. I was afraid to make the appointment, but ended up being told by one surgeon I needed the surgery, but he couldn't help. He sent me to the surgeon I saw on the 20th - who WILL be doing my surgery - and it IS covered by my medical!
Good luck!!!
Brenda : )~
If you go into my blog for December, I outlined the grades/classes that are used to determine if you are able to get reconstructive surgery as opposed to cosmetic surgery. I qualify for reconstructive, and am awaiting the surgical date of my panniculectomy (removal of fat/skin from lower belly - not a tummy tuck). I have also outlined information about abdomnoplasty, and will be doing more work on reconstructive versus cosmetic -- did you know if one breast is larger than the other, you may qualify under Medicare for a breast lift? I just looked it up a few days ago.
Information is something to help you get what you need -- you just have to be willing to do the digging : )
As for being worried about becoming complacent, hell I already worry about it, and I am only a year out, with a lot further to go. Much of what you need will have to come from within, the rest will hopefully come in support from others. You already got a handful of responses, so see, we "get it".
I used to swim, in public, at 474 pounds. I am limited by pain in what exercise I can do, so I pull on my swimsuit, and I swim (literally) my ass off. My swimsuits fit me oddly, so I wear a tighter brief under my one piece, and I hold my head high & show up 5 days a week. Maybe just walking will help you? I park as far away from any location I drive to, just to get extra steps in. I also walk a track near my home, it is easier for me, as the pavement is made for this purpose.
Be proactive, meet people, you will find support in many places. Do you ever communicate with others at your OA Support Group? You just may find a workout buddy.
Check the plastics forum, here on OH -- or even your surgeons office may be able to help you get a referral. I was afraid to make the appointment, but ended up being told by one surgeon I needed the surgery, but he couldn't help. He sent me to the surgeon I saw on the 20th - who WILL be doing my surgery - and it IS covered by my medical!
Good luck!!!
Brenda : )~
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