Daily Post--1/2/08

Today's question is one that can affect us ALL! Are you scared of gaining the weight back? Does that inevitable bounce-back effect worry you? And, what are you doing to prevent regaining? Yesterday's response was good. Hoping to see twice as many today! Hugs, Lea PS--Don't forget to respond to yesterday's post if you haven't already!

Funny you should ask that question. I am worried about gaining some weight back. I read somewhere this weekend that this gain sometimes starts at 24 months out. I am approaching my 21st month so am even more concerned. I am really planning to be more proactive in my eating plan, making sure that I am getting in enough protein, water and exercise. I weigh daily so that if there is a slight gain I know it immedicatley. I know that there are minor fluctuations so don't worry over that, but am just more carefull that day to make sure that it does not creep up on me. AND of course participating in this forum, my state forum and my local support groups. Julia

I would be lying if I didn't say I was afraid of gaining weight back. I just keep telling myself, that part is all up to me, and no one else. I can never blame it on the fact the surgery didn't work, the surgeon made my pouch too big, whatever..... It is all up to me and I know that. I know now I will never go back to the way I was...I am so psyched to hit the 199 mark...the weight loss is what keeps me going. I know maintaining will be the real challenge, but I CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!! Katy

I haven't even lost half the weight I need to lose and I'm TERRIFIED of this one. I'm also worried that because I'm losing so slowly, it's all not going to come off. I hit a stall almost two weeks ago and I just kept telling myself I could get through it. I weigh myself every day and don't stress over small fluctuations. I've found over the years that if I weigh myself frequently, it "keeps me honest". My plan is to continue doing what I've been doing, which is exercise, follow my mealplan and drink my fluids. My gym was closed yesterday, so I went for a walk on the beach. I LIVE IN NH, it was windy, raining and freezing but I did it and today for the first time in a long time, my scale was a whole pound lighter. Maybe my stall is over. Honestly, the only thing I keep reminding myself of is that I AM IN CHARGE. Even if the scale isn't cooperating too well right now, I still can make good choices and eventually it will move. It's the eventually part that's hard.

Right now (2 weeks post-op) I'm still worried it won't come off! When I am at goal I have 2 very positive friends that have had WLS (5yr. & 2 yr. post-op) that are fantastic role models. Both exercise and eat in moderation. I will have them to lean on. I know matinance is very rough but hopefully I will make enough changes during my losing journey to keep me on the healthy path all through life.

Good morning So how do we get buddys and all of that? This is my first time with the challenge. Of course I'm scared of gaining back but I figure if I keep the habits I'm making now that won't happen. Since I'm still 'losing' I figure I'll worry about that when I get to the maintenance point. Worry about one thing at a time, right? To prevent regain I plan to do what I do now, always start my day with a protein shake (gets me into a healthy frame of mind) and keep up with my jogging, pilates and toning.

YES!!! regaining scares the heck out of me. I so worry that I will have gone through all of this just to end up being that fat person again. I guess you could say that I have become addicted to weighing myself to try and help not regain. I do weigh every morning. If I am up a little, it helps me to get back in check with what I am eating and cut back where needed. I have been on a plateau for a few months now and really want to break that. Only problem is how? I keep telling myself that if I get down some more and then bounce back to where I am right now, I would be fine with that, but, I really think I just tell myself that to make myself feel better, I don't even want to be the size I am right now, I want to go down so at least I am at what the charts consider a "healthy" or "normal" weight. To do that, I would have to lose 15 more pounds according to my height. So I am really hoping this challenge (I have never done one before) will help jump start that and give me the motivation I need to step it up. Maryann

I've lived it! At one point, I got on the scale and was close to 15 pounds heavier! AAAAHHHH! SOOOO SCARY!!! However, it was a wake up call and happily, I have lost that weight. I did that by logging on to FitDay, focusing on protein, limiting calories to 1200, and exercising 4-5 times/week at the gym. I had gotten way too comfortable and had "gotten the taste" for foods that are incongruent with WLS. I'm now focusing on these last 20...The New Year always serves as a jump start--I hit the YMCA this morning and had low sugar oatmeal for breakfast. I've ordered some protein bars and am trying to push myself to drink a protein shake a day (I haven't succeeded yet). Being 3 years out, I've gotten away from the drinks. I never really found one that I loved. Yet, I know this could possibly help. I am terrified of "failing" at WLS--I'm thinking this forum is yet another way to stay connected to those who have similar experiences and can provide support. So, THANKS in advance! Christy

Yes...I am terrified of regaining weight. I am only halfway through losing the weight I want to, but it's already on my mind. I try so hard not to, but I find myself getting on the scales constantly! If I hit a stall (even though I know it's normal) I really get upset and think that it's all going to come right back! To try and keep it off, I am just trying to make sure that I am getting in some exercise and eating like I should. I don't EVER want to take losing weight for granted. I try and keep a journal of my thoughts and feelings during this crazy journey, so I will never forget the way I felt and what I have gone through. My wonderful doctor gave me this tool, it's up to me to use it!!! Christy

Yikes! Yes indeedy I'm scared of gaining the weight back. PLUS I'm scared of not reaching goal. I can't let myself dwell on it too much though--I need to get in the right frame of mind where I KNOW it's possible. Right now I just think it's accidental that I'm actually losing weight! I'm hoping by the time I get goal I'll have developed the healthy behaviors that will keep me there! I plan to stay active, to eat healthy and to keep coming here for the support and encouragement that will keep me going in the right directions. It's one of the reasons I joined the challenge. And this post too has got me thinking...time to get up and get moving for 20 minutes at least. Here's me going for a walk!