I need help!!

Hello everyone....I hope everyone is doing alright because I unfortunatly am not. I had my surgery on October 19, 2004. I weighed in at 418 and now I am down to about 372. My problem is that I eat all the wrong things. I feel that I can eat alot at one sitting especially if it is junk food. I hate that I am doing this to myself and I want and need to stop!! I didn't go through all of this to go back to my old eating habits that is for sure. Does anyone have any advice that they would want to share with me. I am getting so depressed about this! I was down to 365 and then gained weight. I need help. I would appriciate any advice anyone can give me. Thanks for you help Mary

Hi Mary, I totally understand because I have been struggling lately myself. I have been incredibly bored and I eat when I am bored. Here's what I did....Get the junk food out of the house. Stock up on healthy stuff that you will actually eat. If you are driving and feel tempted to stop and buy something that isn't the best choice, put on a CD that reminds you of your goals and how strong you are. This also works if you are tempted to eat at home...put on music and dance around until the craving passes. If you do fall off the wagon...exercise more. Take an extra walk or whatever you like to do most. Find some hobbies that keep you away from the food. Volunteer for a cause that you enjoy. Just find something to fill the time you usually use to snack or eat the stuff that is less than the best for you. Also always remember to stay positive and a slip doesn't give you license to keep sliding If you fall of the horse just get right back on! Good luck to you! Feel free to email me anytime if you need support We can do this...I am right there with you!!!! Hugs, Sara 356/280/175

Hi Mary, I too can relate to being able to eat a bunch of junk and have it go down with no problem. It is very important to keep the junk food out of your house. My friends and family already know if they're hungry or thirsty not to stop by my apartment because there's nothing here, hahahaha. All the drinks are "light" or "sugar free" or "unsweetened". I don't know about your living situation, but I'm 25, single, and I live alone so I don't do too much cooking anyway. I eat a lot of Weigh****chers and Lean Cuisine meals. When you're hungry, although you want to reach for the bad stuff you HAVE to choose something that's higher in protein because it's going to fill you up. I was 475 before surgery and everyday it's a struggle for me. Me against the food and my old habits. Personally, I feel it's important not to deprive yourself and live like your on a diet. You need to know when you're vunerable to eating the junk and plan for it. I sit at a desk all day, I bring string cheese (for the morning) and crackers (in case of emergency) and pudding (afternoon) to work with me in addition to my Weigh****chers for lunch. So when I feel the urge to snack I have something with me so I don't run to the vending machine. Also, my friends and family think I'm perpetually broke because I never carry money with me anymore, because it's easier for me not to give in to buying junk when I'm out if I don't have any money. And I'm too embarrased to hand over the debit card at Wendy's for a 99 cent frosty, hahahahah. It makes me think more and be more aware of what I'm doing. You'll be alright if you just keep your eye on the prize and rember why you made the decision to have surgery in the first place. I recently put some old pictures of myself up on the refridgerator as motivation and as a reminder of what I've gone through in the past year. It's also important to surround yourself with supportive people. My co-workers and family are so encouraging and supportive that it keeps me going. I wish you all the luck in the world, and I hope you're comforted in knowing that you are not alone in this battle, and anything worth having is worth fighting for. Take Care, Alysia 475/347/?