I'm 23 months post-op and struggling

I had my surgery in 02/05, weighing 282 lbs. I quickly lost weight. By one year out I'd lost ~90 lbs. I've been stuck there ever since. Well, not so much stuck now. I've gained about 12 lbs over the past 3 months. I can't seem to stop eating, especially carbs. I've also started drinking Diet Coke again, and had gone without it for over a year. I've had so many changes in my life. I moved from my home state of Michigan to Atlanta in 07/05 - and have not had any post-op care or emotional/nutritional support since. Then in 08/06 I moved to North Carolina. These were both professional moves, but they've left me feeling adrift. I am single, no children, so I have no family here with me. I find myself bored much of the time, and either shop or eat for "entertainment". Help!!

Loretta.............first and foremost u know what ur doing wrong...you just typed it.....u can so do it...start going to the gym meet new ppl......if you're hungry eat soy products.........protein and such drink water, be creative....dont fall into ur old routine...excuses just block u from ur future goals.....this is ur life work hard at it..... u can do it.....TRUST ME i know its HARD......i struggle too.....we all do ....ur not alone...........but i know i will fight my inner demons of my pass life of obesity .........i dread my old lifestyle....i was 430lbs i was jailed in my own skin......im free now......i still struggle to lose another 35 to 40 lbs.....but i will work hard on it.....at least i know i tried....I WILL NOT GIVE UP ON MYSELF THIS TIME...NOR SHOULD U!!!! good luck Marshie 430/225/???

Hi Loretta, Marshie gave you some good suggestions. I would add this, you are in a new community, try going to the North Carolina board here on OH and ask for a referral to a wls surgeon so you can get the aftercare you still need. Look for support groups there, meet friends there to spend time with, wls brothers and sisters are everywhere and we share lots in common. Find other things to do---hobbies, take classes for fun, join a fitness club, etc. And stay here with us, we will help you through this. Hugs, Connie -147#

Wow, you've had alot going on with all of those moves!! I can imagine how difficult it must be on your own in a new place. I liked everyone's ideas! Joining a gym to meet some people is great or even try to find a workout buddy in your workplace. Boredom is a tough one to deal with in regards to food~its our friend, its always there~but you can strive for so much more. Seek out some wls support in your area thru a surgeon's office~going to a support group meeting might be a great way to make some new contacts! Good Luck to You! Tracy B 328/150 5'9"

Marshie, Connie, and Tracy - Thank you for the encouragement. You're right, I do know what to do, it's just the doing of it that's hard, right? The reality check is much appreciated, along with the practical advice. I'm going to look for a support group here in NC. There are several gyms around that would no doubt love to take my money, so I'll check that out as well. I know I can do this. Like you, I've come to far to go back to where I was 2 yars ago. Thanks again. Loretta

Also, it's hard to stay motivated. So try to find some short-term and long-term goals/rewards to keep yourself going. Several people on this site reward themselves with jewelry when they lose a certain amount of weight. You can pay yourself $10-$50 for every pound you lose, and when you lose 25 pounds, buy a nice necklace. Or set up a plastic surgery goal. Or a cruise. Or whatever will motivate you to put the carbs down and focus on what you really want. And you can use that extra time to work out at the gym..... Find something to work TOWARD......

Being accountable helps, so let us know your progress. For instance, announce when you join a gym. Let us know what you are changing in your diet. Did you find a doctor.... Karyn

Dear Loretta, As someone who has both moved around a lot and is single, I know it can be tough breaking into a new town. If you don't have people to hang out with, it is easy to stay and home, be bored, and eat. In addition to finding a wls support group, you might also look into groups that fit your interest/hobby. Right now knitting is having a resurgence, so a lot of knitting shops have a "knit night" or some kind of knitting group. If you have a dog, check out the area for an off-leash dog park. They dog owners are almost always friendly and willing to talk about their pet if nothing else. And almost every Barnes and Noble or other major bookstore chain has one or more book groups. Sometimes it is difficult for me to drag myself to something after a long day at work, but the less time I have alone at home to be bored, the less I overeat. Best of luck. Sally