Looking for advice...

I am new to this site.  I had gastric bypass surgery nearly 3 years ago and am struggling to maintain my lowest weight.  I feel so sad tonight that I went online to seek out help.  I feel as if I have made a mistake by not attending support groups.  I told myself that I was too usy.  Now I realize how important it is for me to share with others that understand my upset.   What are your thoughts about Weigh****chers to support? Please let me know your thoughts. 

You are SOOOOOO not alone here!!!! I just found this site as well and it has been such a blessing! I stopped going to my surgical program support group when a pt was allowed to tell her entire UNREALISTIC story about how she stayed home drinking protein shakes to gain enough wt to qualify for the surgery, then she says she works out 2 1/2 hrs a day, and to get plastic surgery she used a scrub brush to make her skin look infected to get insurance to pay for it. The group leaders did not redirect her or make any comment about how this behavior was not therapeutic. Also, the group seemed much more about pre and immediate post op rather than the long term issues.  Getting support, having some accountability, and sharing useful ideas is key to managing any chronic condition. I have been getting some here for now, at least. I think WW would benefit you in the same way. They won't address your WLS issues but certainly a resource for support on food issues, which is our root problem anyhow. Read up on others posts and you will feel welcome here!!

Thank you for replying to my plea.  I appreciate your thoughts.  I did join WW and feel terrific after only the second meeting.  I am re-teaching myself how to eat and I lost 2.6 pounds.  I did cardio on the elliptical for 45 minutes every day this week and made good food choices.  I will continue to attend the meetings and follow the program.  i find it so helpful. You are an angel!  Thank you fir letting me know that I am not alone.   Have a great day!

My 3 year surgiversary is in July.  I too did not attend support groups because I am too busy... but OH has been a God send to me along the journey of the last 3 years.  The California board is always hopping and we are constantly getting together for outings.   I personally was never successful with weigh****chers, and JMHO... they don't know what it is like to be us... if you cannot attend a support group meeting... my suggestion is to use this place as a forum to vent, ask questions and reconnect to those who have been where you are or are there with ya now... Good luck to ya

Hi there!  I totally understand what you mean about support. It is sooo important to us. I am going to my first support group here in my hometown tomorrow for the first time in 2.5 years. It has taken me that long to realize how important it is! WW has two wonderful things going!  1) Acccountablity with a group of like minded individuals striving for the same goal.  2) Tracking all of thier food intake and counting points.  You can do both of those with a wls support group and fitday or spark people (online food diaries and trackers) I know postops who love WW though becuase it is that level of accountablity and comradery with those in your group. The only thing that I would caution you about (hope you understand) is not to tell them right away that you had WLS unless you really feel compelled to do so. People can be so rude and judgemental and if you get the "biggest loser" award for the week they might feel you cheated...people are so silly!

Thank you for your thoughts.  It is so comforting to know that I am not alone.  How long ago did you have WLS?  How are you doing ? I did join weigh****chers this past week and attended my second meeting tonight. I have a friend that attends and she knows that I had WLS.  I do not feel comfortable telling the group about the surgery and I do not think that she will either.  She realizes that I am genuinely struggling.   The entire has helped me to see that I have had such an awful relationship with food my entire life.  I have developed a better relationship since my surgery and feel happy that I had the surgery.  It has completely changed my life for the better.    The one thing that I am concerned about is that my appetite has come back.  However I do realize that now I do not eat for the same reasons that I did in the past.  Now I eat because I am hungry!  I was depressed because I gained a few pounds.  I am afraid because I do not want to ever be the big woman that I once was.  So, I joined Weigh****chers and lost 2.6 pounds!  I was thrilled.  I will continue to go and to follow the program. Please share your successes.  Have a wonderful day!

You are right on the money about our relationship with food and what we need to do to manage it(and that is individual) . This is a great place for people to share their ideas and support so we can find what IS going to work for us. Molly's postings have been very instrumental to me working on regaining control by her ideas and support I customized to my own needs but all with the goal or managing our relationship with food and caring properly for our bodies. This is great to share with others *****alize the struggle!