How do I start over?

 6 years ago this month I had open RNY.  I lost 95 lbs in about a year.  Over the past 2 years I have gained about 60 pounds back.  For awhile I was putting on a pound a week.  Being 51, my GYN said it could be attributed to hormonal changes, but I know my eating habits and lack of exercise are the main cause.  Surgery did stop me from being able to drink sugared soft drinks and eat ice cream, but my main albatross, Hershey Nuggets, were not affected.  I can eat an entire bag in less than 2 days with no side effects.  I graze and drink way too much diet soda.  I am sick of what I'm doing to myself after going through the surgery and recovery.  I have to start over but it's like I never did it.... I have no idea what to do.

I know there are many of you out there that have the same issues and I'd love to hear from any of you that have gotten back on track.  Please help :-

20% of the thousands of people that had RNYS are in our shoes.  At least you have kept off 30 lbs. and you can't eat sugar.  Chocolate is higher in fat than it is in sugar.  I have 2 friends that had RNYs and are at normal BMIs and 4 1/2 years out and drink a ton of diet soda and haven't stretched anything out.  I can't drink soda because it makes me pee.  I wouldn't say soda is bad for everyone.  You have to do what is best for yourself.  If you read the study on diet soda they found that obese people drank diet soda, they didn't find out that all people that drink diet soda were obese or thin people got fat when they drank diet soda.  I think that study has been misinterpreted for years.  I don't keep anything I don't want to eat in my house because I can't.  I cook substitute foods for my weaknesses because I learned years ago as a Weigh****cher that omitting a food will only increase the desire and cause a binge.  But I also can't keep the real thing in the house or I eat too many calories so I substitute.  If chocolate is your thing then keep only really dark chocolate in the house or substitute with sugar free cocoa or pudding.  I'm sure you know what to do....we've all dieted for years and are experts.  Eat mostly healthy foods. My profile has simple recipes to turn healthy foods into desserts.  You can find tons of great recipes everywhere for swapping out.  Watch Dr. Oz he has really great ideas.  I have re-lost 51 lbs. since April 2009.  I will be happy to lose 20 lbs more and be overweight.  I am still eating 1600 cal a day and losing 1/2 to 1 lb. a week.  I did it by eating a lot of food because I finally recognized that I can't get by with less.  If you can, then go with the 5 day pouch test or back to the basics type of diet.  I am just trying to practice eating what I plan on eating for the rest of my life.  I am no where near perfect and I am not one of the super patients but my A1Cs are normal for almost 4 years now.  In 20 more pounds my clothes will fit and I will be happy, not thin but happy and a whole lot healthier than I was 20 years ago when I weighed 276 lbs.  My nut recommended almonds.  I ate a whole bag of those in a couple days so that didn't work.  I can keep walnuts in the house though without a problem.  Weigh****chers called things like your "nuggets" trigger foods".  Some people say go to therapy to get to the root of the eating problem.  I saw 3 therapists and found it nice but not really helpful.  I simply have accepted I need more and better tasting food than many people...so what.  Lots of thin people do too.  If you honestly count your calories and then subtract 600 calories you will eventually lose 60 lbs.  You will basically be practicing eating what you have to eat to maintain a total of 90 lbs. weight loss.  Or you could go for a DS.  Lots and lots of people find the DS really keeps weight off no matter what you eat.  It really works.  Exercise is healthy too but it is easy to over count too many calories from  exercise.  I exercise a lot and it makes me feel good.  I know it doesn't burn many calories though.  Sometime I think it increases my appetite.

You have lots of options open to you.  Good luck finding the way that is best for you.  Daisy

 Thank you so much for replying, Daisy.  Everything you said makes sense :-)  I did research the 5-day pouch test I read about here and I think I will give it a try.  I'm like you - I feel like I need more food than most post-GBS people.  I have always felt hungry more often, even right after surgery.  The only time I don't feel hungry is when I'm sick with a stomach bug :-P 

I've never tried counseling - partially because I feel I can get the same results from the OH forums.  I just need to start coming back here on a daily basis.  It really helped me before.  Members such as yourself are a great resource for everyone.

I'll keep in touch and I will check out your profile for the recipes.
Thanks again,
Vickie

Vickie, I turned to this forum again for the first time in months, searching for help.  Your post just jumped out at me because your situation IS SO MUCH LIKE MINE, IN EVERY WAY.  Thank you for speaking up, and I will be reading more on this forum everyday.  I am going to find the 5 day pouch test and try it this week.  My major problem is lack of energy, and I know more exercise and less starches and sugars will help that.  Kathy

Please join the group - Back on Track Together 
This is a group for people who are working hard on trying to lose, maintain or relose the gained weight. 

Lots of nice people and support.


http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/backontracktogether/discuss ion/
 

Hi Vikki,
I am getting focused right now.  As time passed, I reverted to some old habits and did not make myself the priority like I had done earlier.  This is a key to being successful.  My other tid bit to share is i believe one day and one thing at a time.  As I say with some girlfriends, "Keep It Simple, Sister!"  KISS.  What is the one thing that you are or are not doing right now that is getting in your way?  Be truthful.  You know the anser.  Work on that.  Posting here is helpful.  Even give a daily post with how you did that day.  ie - no soda.  Mine is writing my food daily.  This really helps me focus on me and what I need to do to have the life I want, not what others expect me to have.  Hope this helps you along...Best, N

 Thank you for your reply, Noralee.  You're so right - I do know what my main problem is and I've already taken a step to correct it.  I know I can't totally stop eating chocolate because I've done it before and end up going on a binge.  Instead of buying bags of Hershey Nuggets I've bought single Hershey bars.  Portion control is much easier that way.  I'm losing slowly just by making some small changes.  I know it will take time.  I am trying to get on here daily because I know that is another major step in the right direction.

I appreciate any comments! 
Thanks again,
Vickie

 here is a fat free substitute that WORKS for those pesky chocolate cravings .   Dr Oetkers  organic brownie mix .   

Make them with water , no butter  ( U CAN put in protein powder if U want but I usually dont )  and dont bake them too hard .   Or U can Use a bit of fatfree promise n butter buds  n  fat free  half and half and make them really  ASTOUNDINGLY good and buttery tasting ( and still fat free )

The fat is the main culprit in those  Hersheys products.  Honestly , they dont even contain that much  high quality CHOCOLATE .

try the brownies..Ull love them.     

U may crave  vitamins .... they are a frequent cause of binging  for mood .. maybe U want  to try having Ur labs run ?