Starting over

Hi All,

I can't imagine I'm the first one to make a post like this. However, I feel like I need to put something out here to make myself accountable. I am 6 years post-op; 298 down to 153 up to 217 current. Yup, that number hurts to type. I'm sad and I'm frustrated with myself. When I was at my lowest, my ex-husband (husband at the time) turned into the devil. He did NOT like me being thin at all. Which sent me into a downward (or upward) spiral. Maybe, just maybe, if I put the weight back on...things would get better. I finally wised up and 2 years later I filed for divorce. But, the damage was done. I was able to eat anything I wanted, carbs, sugar, and full plates of food. So, here I am. Back in a size 18 and so angry with myself; yet, seemingly unable to stop. I know I can do it, I've done it before. I just don't know how to start. I've read about the 5 day pouch test. Does that work? Does anyone have any suggestions? I want my health and my body back :(

I think the daily menu folks threads are a great resource in here and a great place to start because they show you what successful people are eating. Spoiler alert: it ain't easy.

The " 5 day pouch test" may or not be mythical but you had the knowledge to succeed in the past so technically you indeed have the knowledge to succeed in the future.

Not bad numbers. You must be doing something right.

Not drinking with meals

Eating protein first. Dense protein that fills you up. Not shakes that just wash through.

Tracking your food.

Seeking support.

You have a permanent change to your anatomy that allows you a daily chance to make the right choice .

You all ready ditched some dead weight (the ex).

It's slow but can be done.

The mental part is the hardest. If you have not already done so, find a good therapist. The negative self-talk has to stop. You have to love yourself enough to make good choices everyday and do what you need to for for your health.

I am almost 10 years out. Most of us can eat a lot the further we get from surgery. I can eat anything and everything and can eat a ton, but I don't. It's all about the choices we make.

Good luck.

HI, You are not alone. I regained about 50 lbs. and am starting over. I made the mistake of buying the 14 Day Inspire Diet, which is not good, or healthy. Can't even use 1/2 the stuff I ordered and am stuck with it.

I read the 5 day pouch test which is now online, and have been using a lot of those guidelines now. I am using an online food tracker called Baritastic, which is helping me to track my food and water. My biggest downfall has been carbs so am now limiting them, to 50 gm a day, getting the protein first in at about 100 gm a day and remembering to eat the protein first. Also tracking water, which i realized that i was not drinking enough, the 64 oz/day. Just eating the meat first has shown me that my pouch is still working, as i get full pretty quickly. You can do it!

I think there are many of us out there.

I am 10yrs out my story is different than yours BUT..... results the same-gained weight!

i had total thyroid removal 5 years ago then 4 years ago changed buildings at work-janitor at school went from second shift where there was no one around (except other janitors), no food to going back to a day shift where there is the most unhealthy food! I am struggling to get it to move! I am trying starting today to do protein shakes and all my water for a few days till I get discounted from all this freakin food! Let's help each other get these lbs off!

Thank you everyone! It is definitely a mental struggle and my mind seems to win at night. I appreciate the support as I begin this journey...that I swore I would never do again!

You have already taken the hardest step by saying enough is enough and now I want to get back on track. I maintained 118-125 for over 10 years after losing 200 pounds. Due to a personal tragedy I gained and hit the 190 mark a year ago. After several starts it finally clicked and I am back to goal losing 70 pounds of regain. Here are some steps that helped me and I hope they will help you too! You may have several starts and stops but don't give up, don't beat yourself up. IT WILL CLICK!!! Our tool works if we work the tool and get back to the basics.

Planning/Preparing

Remember when we were preparing for surgery? How many meetings, classes and such did we attend? We were told the more prepared we were the better our chances were for success. And they were right. Go through the house, car and work place and get rid of trigger foods. Stock up on foods that will keep you on track. I removed every bad carb/sugar temptation and replaced it with lots of protein, veggies, grains and fruits.

Journaling

Get back to journaling. This will help you identify when you feel like eating, stress factors and any triggers in your life. Once you identify these factors, this will help you put tools in place to keep you from eating. It became clear I was not taking time for me anymore. I worked my day job and then spent the rest of my time caring for my husband. It was easy to reach for fast, prepackaged food. Since I purged my home I have to eat clean as there are no other options LOL

Use a tool to track you're eating and exercise like Getting Started with Health Tracker. Once I started to track ever bite and drink it became clear why I had gained.

Goals/Rewards

Make a list of goals for yourself. Make them realistic and small. Some of mine were move more, purge all junk from my home, eat more protein. If you didn't make a Weight Loss Surgery bucket list when you first had surgery do it now. GREAT reminder of all the things you can enjoy in life after losing weight.

Food

In general, a long term post-weight loss surgery eating plan includes foods that are high in protein, and low in fat?, calories, and sugar. Important, vitamins and minerals are provided as supplements. (if you had a different surgery adjust this to your food plan).

Water

Water is our Best Friend. I have to say I never went back to pop or any bad drinks, however I was drinking tea like crazy. What is wrong with drinking tea? I was either using sugar or 3 equals and 3 sweet n lows per 32 ounce glass. I found once I started carrying one of the metal bottles of water to keep it cold I drank water all day.

MOVE!

I can't say enough about how key this was for me. The reason I kept my weight off for almost 10 years was no matter what, I kept moving. If I could not go to the gym I would walk. Grab a cart and walk all the isles at your local box store. I loved Zumba, bootcamp workouts, lifting weights. When I stopped, the weight started coming back. So for me I am starting slow to avoid injury by walking and using some of the workouts on my Demand TV. Find something you love to do and it won't feel like a pain in the *** to do daily.

Support

If it's an option "run" don't walk to a support group. Come here on OH daily for support and participate in one of the food threads. It helps you be accountable and also great ideas for food prep.

Keep me posted on how you are doing.