Giving up

Hi Shannon, You are not alone. I got pregnant about 2 years out. I started eating more because I could. Then I was breastfeeding so I could still eat more. And I started eating more junk and fast food. I'm now up 30 pounds from my low of 145. It is very discouraging and I feel like "how can I fail at this too?" But I know the answers - most are listed in the previous posts. I used to get up every morning at 5:00 and go walk with my neighbor. I used to TRY!!! None of my clothes fit and I feel so depressed about it! I have got to do something to get motivated again!!! Just wanted you to know you are not alone! Laina Lap RNY 9/9/03

I read your post, and I saw alot of me in it. You are not alone. And by posting it, you have made the first big step. I KNOW you want to change these bad habits, or you wouldn't have posted this. It's just hard to find a starting point. I've had a 38 lb gain from my lowest weight since surgery in just the last year. Why do we sabotage ourselves? It's hard to know for sure. It's almost like I "look" for bad things to eat and I don't know why. I've tried to examine my life, what's going on in it, and yes, there has been a few things...lots of stress triggers financially, personally, etc. in the last year, and I know this has something to do with it and I have to deal with them. I think I've begun to figure out I subconsciously sabotage myself and eat things that used to satisfy my loneliness or boredom, because it did just that....it "used" to work. Let's face it, 47 years of old habits (in my case) are hard to break vs. 2 years of healthy eating habits. But it's something we need to do for ourselves. That's why we took this step. I don't want to go backwards....it's hard, embarrassing, depressing, yes, the list goes on. Then what do we want to do???....cover it with bad food! We just can't. I'm saying "we" because I know exactly where you are at on this. It's a hole that's hard to climb out of, but I'm trying and you need to too. Just two days ago, a friend and I decided to take baby steps...1st step, we've begun to get back to the 64 fl oz of "good" fluids a day. I've never been a pop-drinker so I didn't have to break that habit, but I just wasn't drinking near enough a day. And I still drink my cup of coffee in the morning, but I've been getting in the additional 64 oz. a day. That was our "1st step" we set for ourselves. I'm actually doing it! And I feel like I'm accomplishing something, even though it's a small hurdle, it's a hurdle jumped! So if I can do it, YOU can do it! We can't go back to where we were....you don't want to - I don't want to. So, if you want to join in, we're going to add a new "good" habit every two days til we get this thing under control. ARE YOU WITH US???? Best of luck to you! Keep in touch! Theresa

Wow, Theresa. Did you post ever hit home for me!!! Especially the part about "looking" for bad things to eat. I cannot figure out why I do this! I only know that it drives me crazy, upsets, and depresses me. I do like your idea about trying to add a new good habit every two days. I also need to drink more water, so I'm going to try this as well. I know that I have to start somewhere. Actually, I have "started" many times, but I end up abandoning the good habits I'm trying to adopt and go right back to the bad ones! But I think the water thing I can do, so I'll give it a try. Thanks so much for this post, and for everyone else who posted here. This is a great thread - it helps to be honest about where we really are. We can't go forward with anything if we remain in denial about it. Best wishes to all here! Carlita

Yeah, I thought the liquid requirement may be the easiest one to get "back on the wagon" with, and so far, so good! Let's keep in touch on here...especially us struggling with this problem. We can support each other thru this! Hugs, Theresa

Shannon We had surgery on the same day! I feel your pain. I just got up this morning and said...who cares that it is Friday and not Monday, I need to get it together! So I mixed my Any Whey protein with SF hazelnut creamer and coffee and got in front of the computer to visit my old friend OH! Your post just really hit home. I certainly didnt work this hard to let it all slip away. And I refuse to let any of those Nay Sayers get the best of me! I don't know if I can figure out how to send you an email but I am going to try. I would be happy to be your buddy and continue on this jopurney!! Jen

Shannon, A few weeks ago I posted stating I was having some of the same problems you are having. I am wanting to eat the wrong things for the wrong reasons and have gained about 15 pounds. I feel scared. I don't want to go back to where i once was. Posting here and putting it all out there helped. I started planning what i was going to eat. I find that do just fine during the day but I tend to graze at night. Like you, I seem to be able to eat just about anything. I stocked up on things I can safely graze on like rice cakes with peanut butter, veggies, or fruit. I was skipping lunch and feeling really hungry at night so am trying to eat something during the day, even if it is just a meal replacement bar. I also find it helps me to be accountable to someone besides myself. If you would like to meet me here on this site daily and we can share what we have eaten the previous day I think that might help both of us. You know, a kind of buddy system. Please know you are not alone. Many of us who had the surgery a while back are now struggling. We have a good tool. We just have to remember to use it. Good luck.