No longer relating with main msg board

I am almost 16 months post op and i need people who understand the stuggles at not just 2 weeks out, but 1 year and beyond. It seems our support thins out around a year, but i know i need to keep this support and i need to continue my battle, as i am not to my goal yet. I did the stupid thing of allowing sugar into my diet and it truly is an addiction, now i crave it. Although i don't have much i do eat a bit every day. ( 1 pc, maybe2) I rationalize that real chocolate has less fat and no malitol which causes GI distress so it is better to eat the real stuff. I wish i had never let it back in. I also now eat south beach bars and although they have 10 gms protein they have 7 gms sugar and sugar is the 3'rd ingrediant in the nutrition label. I also listened to my NUT who said increase my calories as that is why i am not losing more. So now at 1200-1400 calories a day and still not losing. I wish i had maintained the 800 calories a day i was content with. SO ANY WORDS OF WISDOM WOULD BE HELPFUL. I KNOW GO BACK TO BASICS, BUT HOW. I'M ADDICTED TO SWEETS.UGHHHHH!!!!! Anyway thanks for listening.

I am 18 months post-op and although I haven't tried real chocolate, I also have had some issues. I was "addicted" to microwave popcorn and have been working hard to break that cycle. I have been stalled on my loss for several months, never really enjoying the level of success that I expected. At 18 months, I have only lost 110 pounds. I know, 110 pounds is alot, but when I still have 30-40 pounds more to lose and my "window" is closing, I worry. Not to mention the fact that life has recently thrown me some curve balls in my home and work life, adding more stress to my daily routine. I try to follow a strict diet routine, but the slow weight loss is depressing me. I use fitday.com and a menu planner. I take protein shakes, drink tons of water and still only lose at a snails pace. I thought by now, I would be planning plastics, but no, I am stuck at 184 and need to be around 150 before I could get plastics. So (HUGS) to you. I feel your pain and I wish you well. Try the fitday site, as it truly does help to document your intake. It is also a great distraction from life's other little frustrations. LOL Many blessings, Karen G

Thanks for the reply Karen, sorry you are having a difficult time too. But look on the bright side, we are in it together. LOL I do use fit day, it's a great site. My only complaint is that i don't eat much processed food, so i have to calculate everything and add as a customized food. Their selection is limited. Today already i am up to almost 500 calories and thats just with meatloaf, carrots, yogurt and SB cereal bar. Geez, it seems my mouth is always watering for more food. I know the closer we get to our goal the slower it is. I just wantto be out of the 150's..... I know what i need to do, now if i could just make myself do it. Anyway, i am here for you. Thansk for your support, Melinda

OMG Karen!! I would NEVER have recognized you ... in fact, I hold in suspicion that you aren't even the same Karen I've seen post here previously!! How fantastic you look!! Not only do we have the name in common (although you do spell yours weird) ... I, too, fell to the evils of popcorn ... which I believe helped pack on an additional 20 pounds from September 2004 through July 2005. I also use fitday, as I've learned I will ALWAYS need to journal food intake. Don't feel bad that you're losing at a slow pace ... I think too many people judge themselves harshly if they aren't losing as fast as someone else. You'll get there. I still have quite a ways to go myself. I think the answer to a lot of people here is to stay away from the "trigger" foods. If I start on pretzels or popcorn, forget it ... that's it for me, I just can't get enough, nor can I stop. Can't even keep that stuff in the house. Anyway ... hang in there, you've done remarkably well, and look fantastic! Karyn

Aw Thanks so much. You are a dear. Karen G

Hey, Karen! I had to comment too. I did not recognize you til I look at your profile. You look fabulous! Best wishes, Kathy

Thanks Kathy. I hesitated to post an "after" pic, as I was really afraid it would jinx the weight loss. I finally caved in because I couldn't stand looking at the "before" pic anymore. Have a great day, Karen G

Holy Cow, you aren't Karen!! What have you done with her? You must be Karen's daughter!! You look marvelous! Pat

Ha Ha It's me !! I promise. You are too funny, girl. Thanks. This was a nice pick-me-up for a dreary rainy morning. Karen G

Karen, wow you look fantastic lady, much younger and such a beautiful smile. I also had to go to your profile to be sure it was you. Dana