Gained weight, getting back on track & NutriSystem Review

Ok, so I had my surgery in June of 03.  I remember my dr. saying at my first visit that I was a slow loser, and that I might not get down to goal. I wonder if that set up the defeatist attitude in my mind. My goal wasn't low - even though I'm only 5' 3", I set a goal of 168 because that's what I was my senior year of high school. I was diligent and made it down to 175 by August of 2005, but went through some really rough emotional stuff. I guess I never got over the emotional eating end of things. After that I started to regain some weight. I have a band around the top of the stomach entrance to prevent overeating, but it didn't prevent me from eating the wrong things. I found it hard to get the protein in because if I ate meats they would get stuck & I'd lose them. Not fun. Between September 2005 and last month I gained almost 45 lbs. I hated myself. I went from a 12 back up to a 16, and was starting to come out of the 16s. I nearly broke down & cried in Macy's when I went looking for a winter coat and had to buy a 1x. In between those dates I've gained and lost weight a few times. I'd start a plan, stick with it, and then fall off. Again, it was emotional eating.  I know it. I also react to weather  - I do better in the warmer weather, and I shut down and want to do nothing but eat when it's cold out. Two weeks ago my Mom talked me into joining Nutri-system. I was reluctant at first, but I think it's easier for me to follow something where I don't have to cook/weigh/measure. I had tried Weigh****chers and felt that I wasn't getting enough protein. So, I've been on Nutri-System since Monday,  March 26. I've dropped (on my home scale) from 218 to 205, so I'm happy with that, but I know that in the beginning it's a lot of water weight. That's fine - I'll settle for slow & steady after this. The positives: Protein - every meal, even the snack, has protein. If you follow the diet to the letter and add in the supplemental protein choices, you'll get a great amount of protein. Everything is pre-packaged and doesn't need refrigeration, so it's easy to take them to work - or anywhere. Fiber - there's enough fiber to keep you going, haha. Size - the portions are small, perfect for WLS patients. The Cons: The cost, obviously. I'm not spending anything on groceries or lunches out like I did before, so it's not such a huge cost, but still - it seems like a lot. It's almost 300 a month. Sodium - there is a LOT of sodium in this diet. I have been getting in my waters just to make sure I flush the sodium out of my system. The meal I had for dinner tonight was one of the highest - 750 mg of sodium. Gas - holy cow! My Mom is also on the diet, and she, too experienced bad gas from it. I find that buying Beano helps. This weekend is going to be tough. We're supposed to go out to eat with the in-laws, and there will be chocolate everywhere (my weakness). I'm going to have to hang tough because I need to get this extra weight off. I have a hernia that needs to be corrected, and I don't want to have it done until I'm sure I'm down to a decent weight.  My interim goals are to get below 200, then to get down to 175, and then to make it to the 168 I promised myself. I'm older now, 41, but hey - I can do it.

Good luck with everything, Sweetie.  It hope works out for you - I KNOW you can be successful!  Maybe some counseling will help you conquer the emotional eating problem.  I think most of us will always struggle with that, so you are not alone.  I will be praying for you.  Hugs, Tracy

Glad that you are taking control of your eating problem.Nutri system is a good way to lose weight but has you come close to goal try eating different foods so that you do not bounce back again.I see an ad that GMC will be selling the program from their stores.Maybe with their discount the price would be cheaper every month. If you need some professional help that get some to overcome your emotional issues. bob

Wow that's great your loosing on the nutri system. Do you get to choose your own food or do they choose for you? I know on QVC you can order the meal plans like for a month but I hate to do that and what if I don't like the food.