Frustrated!

While I'm not as far out as you and I'm still working to get to my goal weight maybe I can offer a little encouragement or advice. Since you are asking for advice I won't commiserate with you, there are plenty that will. I'm not saying that I won't have the same struggles one day and I may be on here asking for the same advice as you. But commiserating with you won't solve the problem, so: First off, why wait until tomorrow? ("My goal for tomorrow...") Right now, this instant, be accountable. Do you have foods in your cupboard or fridge that shouldn't be there? If so, throw it away. Don't justify it by saying that it's for the other members in your house. Chances are, it really isn't a healthy choice for them also. If you don't have those temptations handy, it's less likely that you'll succumb to those urges. Your family might grumble but go buy healthy snacks that you can eat and so can they. After all, what you should be eating is also good for them. When you want that snack, go drink water, go for a walk, get busy doing something, anything to get your mind off it. If you can't, then eat a healthy snack (1 oz of cheese, nuts, etc.). Talk to yourself. Tell yourself that you've worked so hard, you've lost x no. of lbs, do you really want to blow it for a few minutes of satisfaction. Set mini goals of 2 or 3 lbs, eventually you'll get back down to where you should be. If you have a local support group, go there! That's what they are there for. Too many people start to gain and then won't go back to the support group out of embarrassment. Ask for their help, that is what they are intended to do. Get some exercise every day. Find something you like to do and go do it. I've discovered that I really enjoy walking and I do a little jogging now. I try to set goals for the week, first it was to walk 2 miles a day, then 3 and now I try to get 25-30 miles in a week. It was really a struggle at first but now I can do it. Drink tha****er! Many times thirst can be confused with hunger. Spread your water intake out over the day so you are drinking all throughout the day. You won't be as hungry. Focus on protein first, then complex carbs, then fruit. Use small plates, measure your portions to get back to eating the right amount. Don't eyeball it. Eat small bites, chew well and go back to the rule of no water right before, during, right after meals. Go back to basics. You can do it, today, now, this instant take responsibility. Tomorrow never comes. HTH Linda

Just want to thank everyone for their responses. It's nice to know that I'm not alone and I also truly appreciate everyones suggestions. I know that each and every one of us has the ability to take control back so I wish everyone luck on their journey! Mary

These posts, and other evidence, just goes to show how obesity is a terrible disease to beat. You are never really cured. It's just the same as alcoholism or drug addition, although with different triggers and symptoms. Everybody on this board is terrifically motivated to lose weight and stay thin. You know you are. You have risked surgery and pain to get thin. But a lot of people are having a hard time. Our bodies WANT to be fat. Our hormones, our fat cells, our brains all cry out for more food. We fight it successfully for years, and then one day, like an alcoholic, we lose control again. Going back to the basics is a great idea. We all have to be prepared to fight this battle until the day we die, unfortunately.

Hi Mary, I ran across your post. I too have gained 16 pounds. It's been 3 years since my surgery. Those 16 pounds won't let me get in my little back dress. I'm only 5'4 and the extra weight is really a show and tell. I'm using fitday.com from now on. Good luck to you.