(((HUGS))) I can't imagine what it's like to have had the RNY, go on the wild roller coaster ride and then gain a lot of it back but I know it's a painful experience.

Molly is so right in what she posted - start over today and don't knock yourself down for what has happened in the past. You can shed the weight without have revision surgery - yes surgery does help, no question, but it's riskier and as you know, more expensive and not close to home.

I recognized in myself that I was addicted to many unhealthy foods - ice cream, chocolate, cookies etc. and I was out of control when I was near them - I can't eat one and say it was good and leave the rest. I found it helped to read a book by Dr. Kessler called The End of Overeating: Taking Control of the Insatiable American Appetite to see how these foods are designed by food scientists to be addicting. I'm currently reading Dr. Barnard's book Breaking the Food Seduction which also addresses this issue. I just can't eat this food - there is nothing healthy about it and it takes the place of healthy low calorie food in my diet. It was hard to give up this stuff at first but now I don't miss it and seeing ads on TV or displays in the grocery store don't bother me anymore. I see it as food that maybe some others can eat, but it's not food for me. These are the typical slider foods which can get you into trouble no matter what WLS you have. I don't know if that is your problem - eating junk slider foods - but if it is, you'll find it extremely helpful to just not eat them - not even a taste or a single serving because it will bring back the addiction.

In the last week for some reason, maybe the summer heat?, DH and I have become very lazy when it comes to meals so the simpler the better. I'm using the microwave to quickly heat up our starchy veggies and making lots of salads where we just throw in pre-cut bagged veggies into the bowl. I'm just not in the mood to stand over the stove for any length of time stirring stuff, making sauces, sauteing etc. The plus is the simpler the meal, I find I eat less. Also the less variety you have in a meal, the less you eat.

Thanks Michelle. It's weird because I never thought I'd get this far and the idea of being at goal and having to maintain is scary now. I know that Ruth and Mary talked about maintenance is harder that shedding weight.

When Motivation Lags

At some point in your journey toward eating better and becoming more active, it's inevitable that you'll face a lapse in motivation. After all, at the rate of 1 to 2 pounds a week, weight loss can seem like a slow journey. But as the old fable of the tortoise and the hare illustrates, slow and steady wins the race. Week after week, those pounds will add up sooner than you might think! After all, 2 pounds a week is 26 pounds in three months and 52 pounds in six months! In the meantime, try these tips for keeping your eyes on the prize:

•Look for inspiration. Draw motivation by reading inspirational quotes or the biography of someone who faced her weight battle and won.

•Buddy up. Find another person who shares your commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Challenge each other to keep going.

•Write in your journal. Turn to your journal to see how far you've come, remind yourself why you're doing this, and clarify what obstacles might be getting in the way.

•Switch it up. Perhaps boredom is the cause of your slump. If you always walk for exercise, try swimming or biking instead. Experiment with some new healthy recipes. Keep it fresh.

•Try a coach or trainer. These professionals can help you reconnect with your vision and how you'll get there.

•Make a list. Write down all the pros and cons of stopping your weight-loss efforts now. Do you really want to go back to your old habits?

•Shop for new gear. A new pair of shoes or workout outfit might be just what you need to get back in the groove. You deserve it!

•Remember the positive. Think back on all of the compliments you've received as a result of the changes you're making. Write them down so you'll have them to look at the next time your motivation lags.

•Set a new goal. Consider training for an upcoming race, walkathon, or other sports- or fitness-related event.

•Seek support. When you're feeling discouraged, make an extra effort to surround yourself with positive people.

•Use visualization. Reconnect with your goals by visualizing the future you want and what it will take to get there.

Remember, motivation is a feeling that comes and goes. Persistence, not perfection, will get you where you want to go. Don't give up now!

You can find even more nutrition, fitness, behavioral health, and medical tips at www.dukediet.com. 

You need to do what is best for you.  We all need to find our own keys to our success.  I see your points about making you doubt your decisions and jumping on diff rent band wagons mid-stream. 

Your post helps me to understand some of my friends who i believe are like you.  They do not want my help or suggestions and now that you have enlightened me I am going to back all the way off unless they mention weight related issues.  Thanks for enlightenment!

Congratulations!!!   and thanks for this post!!  Keep up the good work!  I think the slow down is due to summer time and less time to come here.  I know that is the case for me.  I am off work today and so was checking in.  I had WLS but that was about 6 years ago.  I am getting support from anyone.  I check this site and myfitnesspal.com for support.  I like this forum because I get many tips and support that will help me lose the next 200 pounds I need to lose.

I have been sort of up and down for the last 4 months -- but I have managed to lose 20 pounds.  Your post gives me confirmation that I can reach my ultimate goal.  Thanks again.