Maintaining the loss

Linda, Iknow that I for one can not allow myself to take this for granted. I do not want to go backward. If it requires starting over with stage one diet, then that is what I will do. I know that we have all come to far and enjoyed it to much to return to the days of yester year. Thanks for the reply and just work your plan. Mike

Mike, I'm right there with you!  I had my surgery in November of 2003 and recently just gained 8 lbs from my lowest weight.  It was just  so easy a year or two ago, when you just seemed to maintain!  I have been in panic mode since I jumped on the scales last week and signed up on OH TODAY!  I hope this gain is what I need to get back on track again.  It's such a disappointing feeling to think that you have come so far to gain it all back again....but I just remember, it took a long time to put that weight on....and if I get back on track right away I can hopefully keep it off!  I read somewhere (not on this website) but another forum that a 3 year post op patient was told by her NUT to get "back to basics" to go strickly protein liquid for 10 days.  It will set you back to your first stage post op and shrink your stomach back enough to not have the night time cravings.  I don't know if that will work and I know that I am hesitant to go through that liquid stage again...but I figure i can handle anything if it's only a few days...I'm gonna give it a try and I will let you know how it goes.  In the meantime...if anyone finds a cure for night time grazing....please let me know!  It's the worst!

Jessica, Well I guess I will do what ever it takes. I remember being told that this was just a tool. And that we had to make changes. I know that there are no easy answers. It is to important not to make it work.  I am going back to the basics. Thanks for the reply. And If I find an answer I will let you know.  Mike

Hello, At my lowest weight I was 5 #'s below my goal weight. Now I go up and down about 6 pounds. I am trying to get back to my goal weight of 150 and stay there but it is really hard. I work out with a trainer 3 days a week in a group and run 3 miles before class. I am getting faster yesterday I did 3  miles in 36 minutes. Today I hurt so bad I can hardly move. I hate to exercise always have so I only want to work out as few days as I have to. I don't eat a lot I try to eat a lot protein. I always think about what Oprah says nothing white( I still cheat) and nothing after 7pm. The kitchen is closed there is no more FOOD to eat. I think she is right about the late night eating. I am over 2 years out and still can not eat very much at one time with out getting sick. That is good but also has it's bad side when I do get sick and dump it takes a lot out of me and may take days to recover until I feel better. It is a tool and we have to watch what and how much we are eating and we have to get up move. I use the scale to guide me that may be good or bad. I step on it every morning it may make me want to work out harder and not eat as much that day.    Kim

Kim,

I try to remember that you can not fast, that you have to eat to maintain and also to lose. My NUT keeps reminding me that you have to eat protien first. At first I would only eat thre main meals a day, I am thinking about changing to 5 mini meals that are mostly protien. I know that it that it takes more calories to digest the protien. I have gone back to working out daily and I think that should help. Thanks for the reply and the advise, it is always good to hear from others. Mike

Wiseman,  Take a look at your calorie intake.  I had a problem with night time grazing until I upped my calories.  It sounds insane, but I went from about 2000 to 3000 calories in 6 meals. Night time grazing just stopped with that. 

Chris, I will have to try that. I know that it is not because I am hungry, it is just a mind thing. I have started walking on the treadmill while watching TV. That has helped. And I have increase my PA to 120 minutes a day.  Thanks for the reply. Mike