will power

How do you all stay on track so well? Are there days you do fall off the wagon and over eat on things you shouldn't? 

I know I want the surgery more than anything for my health, but I do have doubts on how well I can handle this. I am 47 years old and have not done a great job up till now... Thanks for listening.

       susan.

For me, and me only, I was too damn stubborn to not suck it up and just do it. I followed the plan, saw the results, and refused to "fall off the wagon". I can state without hesitation that the sleeve keep and still keeps me on track. The permanent/constant restriction and complete loss of physical hunger are huge contributors to my success with not only losing, but maintaining my loss and current relationship with food.

thanks I guess Im not really taking all things into consideration like the physical hunger it will not be there like it was before and like you said in other posts you can mostly have anything just in moderation.

 I know the further I get the more I tend to add more items but they are limited, for me anyway. 
I also know I have a wonderful tool that will help me this time and that gives me the ability to get back on track.
I think we all have doubts but a positive attitude is a must and I try to keep one. For me I could have NEVER lost this weight with out my sleeve, I haven't been this weight or size in I don't think ever.
By reading this forum everyday I read what everyone has to say and they help me, my own personal support group.
I do my best to keep on track and be a loser. I will make my goal.
You will do fine with everyone here to help you. I we could have done this on our own, we would have not need the sleeve.
Also I was self pay so I have a huge investment in me and so far its the best investment I have ever made. I would do it again in a heart beat!!
Sorry I rambled and I hope this helped you.
Denise

For me, it was a matter of determining that this was my last chance to be successful at weight loss. That meant I had to suck it up and except that I would not have my lovefest with carbs. The first few weeks were difficult in terms of hunger but got much better when I had mushies. True hunger is only after 3-4 hours of not eating, but never have a growling stomach. I also don't have the highs and lows from eating sugar. That said, I still have head hunger and want to snack often. I don't snack on "bad" foods, but I'm still eating more calories than I should - probably not more than 1000 but weight loss has slowed at 9 mos and only 11 pounds to reach "my" goal. Granted, I would love to go lower, but will be happy at 130. During this time, I really haven't felt like I was on a "diet". No constant hunger! It's still a choice to eat the foods that work well for me. It's the best thing I've ever done for myself! Good luck with your decision.

I understand so much!!! I'm worrying the same thing. My surgery is June 27th, 2011. I'm in therapy to try to learn impulse control and I'm also taking an emotion regulation class. That said, I'm still worried about my actions after surgery.
Just think though, lots of failed attempts lead us to learn how to succeed.

I'm still working on it. For me I know it will be a life long struggle. I never realized how much of an emotional eater I am until this year. Our family has had a lot of trials and tribulations in the last 7 months (I am 9 months post-op) and I've wanted to turn to my old buddy food for comfort. I'm working hard on overcoming that now. I'm very thankful I got the surgery when I did, though. I think without the surgery I would've gained 63 pounds instead of losing them.

I'm finding the book "Made to Crave" to be a super useful tool. I am learning to turn to God in times that I need comfort instead of food. I wish I would've done this work before surgery, but it's better late than never.

Oh and I'm one of the ones that still feels hunger. It's OK for me, though. It reminds me to eat when I need to. The trick is learning the difference between true hunger and head hunger.

I really don't allow myself to "get hungry" very often.  I stick to the routine I was given - I eat 4 mini-meals daily at 4 hour intervals.  Breakfast is around 9 (I'm retired), lunch is at 1, dinner at 5 (or 6) and my 4th mini-meal is at 9ish. (usually popcorn; SF jello pudding; cheese stick, almonds or some combination of those things) Calories are always between 1100-1300 per day AND I exercise enough to burn 500 calories (minimum) every single day - no days off, ever.  Do I "snack?"
Once in a great while, I'll grab a few almonds, but that is rare. 
Stay hydrated - focus on activity rather than food - and stick to a regular eating and exercise plan.  Cravings will go away; but it does take some hard work - hey, that's what we signed up for, right?  Today is my 6 mos. surgi-versary - I've lost a total of 135 lbs.  Good luck.
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thank you all for great replies I appreciate it very much

           susan