I'm out of control!

I've gained 40 pounds in one year! I quit smoking about 18 months ago and had plastic surgery 12 months ago (arms and stomach). Also, I started a new job after 15 years at the old one. I am so upset with myself I can barely talk about it! I was a size 8 and now I'm a 16/18. Why can't I get myself in check? I don't even know where to begin. :angst: Help!!

I'm going up and down but.. the down seems to hae stopped. Stress is not gonna help. I've just "taken control" again, cut all sugar out, going to only wheat bread, that kinda stuff. Baby steps, Susan you can get back down.

I didn't gain 40 back but I did gain 15 back last year when I was put on Paxil. I got it back off when I became very diligent about what I put in my mouth. Here's the Bootcamp version of what I did Got a trash bag and threw away every bit of junk in my house, whether it was my junk or someone elses. I told them if you want it, hide it somewhere cause it's will be in the garbage. I made a list of all the things that I should be eating. Dense proteins, Veggies, fruits, nuts, and whole grains. I ate protein and veggies for about 2 weeks and then slowly brought in the fruits and whole grains. I kept track of everything I ate on fitday.com My carbs were not to exceed 30% of my daily intake of food. Being as I have insulin resistance and PCOS, this number might be low for someone, but it helps get your body back into loosing. I made up sample menus of foods/recipes that I should be eating and went grocery shopping for only those items. No extras. If it was not on my list, I didn't buy it. Eat right before you shop. If your pouchie is full, you tend not to be tempted by stuff I made sure I not only met my daily protein but exceeded it. I supplement with shakes and protein vials from IDS. I regularly hit between 100-125 grams a day. We do still malabsorb protein, at least I know that I do, so I expect that only half that is actually being absorbed. I do not touch white food unless it is a special occassion. No Sugar, No White Flour, No potatoes, no processed foods. I watch my sodium intake and I don't eat corn or beets or anything else high in natural sugars. I basically follow a Low-Glycemic index diet. I'm rarely truly hungry. Exercise does make me hungrier but I grab a cheese stick or a protein drink instead of junk. Water. Water. Water. Very important. No soda either. I noticed I started gaining weight around the same time I started drinking diet soda again. I did some research and found that even those who drink a lot of diet soda, also gain weight almost as much as people who drink regular soda. Soda makes you crave carbs and junk. I don't know why this is, but it seems to be the truth in my case. I drink almost a gallon of Iced Tea and crystal light everyday. A minimum should be 64 oz, but I'm a camel when it comes to drinking, always have been. Exercise. Yes, we all dread it. But you got to do it. Even if it's just walking the dog. ~Jane~

Jane, Thank you SO MUCH for this response to Susan's post. I need to read it several times a day! I know it's nothing revolutionary, but I just need to be reminded, and it helps to know that there are Grads who DO succeed at getting back to basics and losing the dreaded re-gained lbs. I just really like the direct, common sense way you wrote your post, and I'm printing it out! Thanks! Jo

Jane....I have to see how I can work your program...I am at the 14 lb gain and I don't need it to go any further. What you say makes a lot of sense. I do believe the evil sugars such as beets/sweet pototos and white stuff like crackers have become my staples of diet. I have fooled myself into thinking these things are good because after all they are fruits and veggies and I am not eating the candy or junk food stuff but really I am when I am eating these things. I see I do need to get the south beach book and pay closer attention to those high glycemic foods and move them off the shopping list. I do exercise when I am not ill...right now I am toting a cold. I am sure my gain would be higher without it. So one good thing I will go beat myself up at the gym at least 3 times a week. Thank you soooooo much for your post! Debbie

Hi Susan, I hear you and can totally relate. I've pretty much on the same schedule as you, have gained 45# in 15 mos, and I've already had all my PS. What a waste. I like the post above with the list of what we should be doing. It's so easy to forget. Stay in touch and maybe we can take those baby steps together. Tina

Tina, Have you read South Beach Diet....I am going to pick up the book and see what I can get from it. My gain is not too bad but its a gain. A G number at any rate sucks in my book. Lets get rid of the sugar from our lives little by little. The baby steps have to come to play for us now. Its just us and our determination to beat this G! See you soon. Debbie

I'm up 30 pounds. I got pregnant and jumped back into some old habits because I "could" while I was pregnant and nursing. Now, I'm paying for it. Funny about an above post too, I NEVER wanted a diet soda until I was pregnant. Now, I'm addicted to them. Maybe I'll start there by cutting out the soda. Best of luck to you, to all of us!!! Laina Lap RNY 9/9/03

Hello Laina, HI I am Beth and when I reda your post I thought...that is me tottaly! I never wanted diet soda untill I was pregaunt also and now its like i want it all the time..my son is 13 mo I had him in dec of 05 and from may that year to dec I gained 55-60 lbs and just cant seem to get it back together either...how sad. I jad inattly lost 120 pounds . I was still at 226 when I got pregaunt at 1 year out , so I still was working on my goal...but as you said , I just fell right back into those old habits and I just cant seem to shake them...Lets pray! Well I just wanted to share that with you...good luck Beth

Jane has a lot of great answers .. I wanted to add to this .. Start out as if you where a brand new weight loss patient . Start slow .. Keep your protein up .. and remember the key formula .. WATER+PROTEIN + EXERCISE = WEIGHT LOSS . While I have not gained any .. Thank God .. I struggle to keep it on .. but I know from mentoring so many in my support system that the formula works . Set small goals .. do not overwhelm yourself with a great big number . Strive for pounds by the week ... versus overall loss . Reward yourself when it happens .. remember you are your biggest fan here .. and YOU matter . Best wishes to you .. and please keep us posted on how you are doing .. I am sure you will be a success and your story will motivate others . Hugs, Natalie