What WLS?? Starting Over

Thanks Char.  Good to hear about someone else that made it back.  Just curious.. I'm petrified of getting back on the scale to figure out what I weigh right now.  I can't decide if it would help or hurt to know where I'm at as a starting point again.  That or I'm thinking maybe I'll just get into the flow of things and then do it in another week are two when I feel like it won't completely wreck my mood. When I first had WLS I was scale obsessive so I put it away and only weighed myself at my doctors office.  I'm thinking that I still probably should do my own weigh in weekly or at least once every couple weeks.  What are your thoughts on this?  What about other people who have gained as a grad and then had to take it off again?

I am right there with you.  I think a lot of us are.  There's no denying this is the hardest addition there is - it's not like we can just quit eating!  I don't think our old habits ever change.  The second we lose our vigilance, they spring right back to the front and we have to consciously keep them depressed in the background.  It takes a lot of energy to do that!  It is a constant battle.  Related to the scale....  there are strong feelings on both sides of that argument.  For me, though, I found that I needed it.  I refused to get on it for the longest time, knowing that I was going to be horrified and disgusted.  I finally forced myself.  Guess what?  I was horrified and disgusted.  However, once I had done it, I needed that daily reminder about what I was doing.  It doesn't come off fast anymore, but even if it doesn't go up, it's been a successful day.  I weigh every night before bed, but I actually record it weekly to allow for fluctuation.  I'm afraid if I waited, I wouldn't have that visual reminder and accountability.  Even for the week, if it doesn't go up it's a success.  I started another diet 2 weeks ago.  I've only lost 3, but it's 3 that I didn't gain which has been the trend lately. If I could ever go back to the post-surgery diet, I'd probably drop quickly again for awhile.  I'm trying to gear up mentally for that, but right now it would be doomed to failure.  I can only do my best everyday, sometimes I blow it, but as long as my good days are a higher ratio than "bad" I'm on the right track!  We can do this!!

I actually weigh myself everyday with the understanding that it is normal for our weight to fluctuate each day and that I have not failed if I see a gain. I use fitday.com to track my eating and I record my new weight there once a week. I use a food jourrnal as a back up when I don't feel like using fit.day. My motto is: "you bite it you write it". I think the best way to face your fear of the scale is to get on it right away.  Just bite the bullet and weigh in tomorrow morning. If you weigh more than you thought, try not to be depressed or discouraged but use this as an incentive to get back to the wls lifestyle.  Instead of looking at the total amount you want to lose, just set small realistic goals.  Try to weigh in at least one a week. My plan is to lose 1 pound a week and give myself a small non-food reward atter each 5 pound weight loss.  If there is week with no weight loss or even if there is a small gain, it makes me more determined to keep trying. Devise an incentive plan that you feel would work for you then go for it.  You can do it!! Please keep us posted on your progress.

I love the You Bite it You write it.  I have to figure out how to use Fitday.  I have kept diaries in the past but I have been away from them....its been a big down fall.  I also know that I have exercise better than what I am doing.  I have let a lot of things get in the way of me.  Thanks for your words.  They have helped me!  This place is the best! Debbie

Just read through your profile and what you did to lose weight again - I'm so proud of you!  and it is wonderful to know that losing again after a few years can be done ...Got about 45 to lose and started exercising again this week - trying to get the carb monster under control today - I like the "small goals" tip - 1-2 pounds a week would be wonderful.... Thanks - DeAnna

Just wanted to say I am in the same boat.  I kind of forgot where I was somehow.  I am 2 1/2 years and I was great until about 6 month ago.  I was 317 the day I layed on the table and maintained the 155 area success for a year maybe a bit more.  At my 2 year I was still on target.  But it has not been an easy one.  Food Additiction is the worst addiction.  You don't need the other addictions to survive, but food??? I slowly started with carbs again, not healthy lunches at work and generally not taking time to think of myself.  And little by little things got out of hand.  I keep bouncing back but for short periods of time.  So because of that small miracle, I have stayed not too far from track but I weighed 165 this morning, 10 pounds more than I want to be at.  So I am going back to basics I upped my protein to 80mg and keep eating small meals and like you I started drinking with eating not much but still considering it is a general no no, a little is still no good.  I am so afraid I have stretched my pouch out.  Sometimes I just feel like crying.  I have an appointment with my surgeon on Aug 9 to look at my second hernia repair option with the tummy tuck and I am petrified!.  I am telling you one thing unless I am 155 I am putting it off!  The tummy don't hang, I am so thankful and lucky for that, just very loose flesh but liveable.  But if I am under for a hernia, I might as well.  I think we both need a congratulation for reaching out to the other WLS grads and for making our way back here and recognizing what we need to do.  It is never too late!  And we can do it!  I will never lose sight again and I mean it.  It is a comfort to know I am not the only one.  It will be a journey and there will be bumps in the road, but I consider myself a 4x4 and I will have fun on the way!  

Hi, Stacy.  You're smart to recognize what's happening and take control before your habits get more firmly engrained.  It'll take effort on your part, but you can absolutely get yourself back under control.   I'm 21 months out from my surgery date and I've accepted that, in order to maintain my weight loss, I will have to keep track of daily food intake for a long time, perhaps forever.  It's too easy for me to eat too many calories now, and if I don't pay attention, I'll backslide pretty quickly.  I'm also one of the folks that weighs myself every day.  That helps me hold myself accountable, plus if the scale starts to creep back up a few pounds, I can make relatively small adjustments to bring my weight back down.  For me, that usually means cutting out some carbs.  Also, getting yourself back into the exercise habit will be tremendously helpful.  It'll burn calories, plus you'll feel better - physically, mentally, and emotionally.  Finally, use the fabulous OH resource - there's lots of cheerleaders here who will encourage you on to success!   Good luck on your continuing journey -  Kellie

Hello Stacy, I am so glad you took this first step in returning here for help and support.  That is the main thing that is shared at our surgeon's support group meetings.  The ones who succeed and stay sucessful, attend support group meetings and stick with the plan.  Like you say, only those who have been through WLS can truly understand.  And another thing I know we all hear is they do surgery on our stomachs not our brains.  So we have to practice the things we learned in the beginning.  Girl you sound creative so use that in food prep for yourself.  You can do this!  I also am from Baltimore MD originally so I know how strong we are girl! I will pray for you to get back on track and also for you to not fear the scale.  Just get on and document it along with your measurements and then do that often.  I measure every month on the anniversary day of my surgery.  I am 15months out and I worry that I too will regain and have decided to choose to monitor food intake on dailyplate.com or fitday.com forever. Glad you came back...although this is my first time here.

I'm not far enough along to have any advice, but I just wanted to let you know that I admire you and the other ladies on the board that just keep plugging along. I've had a bad habit in the past of losing weight, and I'll gain a little back, and think "well hell, I've messed up again, might as well gain 100." And I do it! I've lost and gained so many times, I surely know it can happen to me. It sounds like you're got a good attitude and know what you need to do, and you'll be back to where you want to be before you know it. (I'll be watching, admiring ...)

Stacy, I remember you from Dr. K's site.  Actually, it has not had much action lately.  But, that is another story.  I really can't give you any life experience advice, as I am one year and a few months out.  I do know exactly how you feel, and it scares me to death!  I have only know 2 other people who have had WLS, and neither were successful.  I asked Dr. K about this and never really got an answer.  I do think we are kind of given the idea that WLS is fail proof.  But, I can't help to think that the reason I needed WLS was very much a head problem, as with most others.  At my one year check with Dr. K he was pleased with my efforts, as I was.  He did make sure to say that if I found I was gaining to please contact him asap.  I am not sure exactly what he would do.  He did say that it is important to realize some WLS patients will need extra counseling support.  Now, that said, I am not sure where to find that help or who would be good.  But, it looks like you are well on your way to success with your desire to achieve your goals.  I am sure having support, like this site, will be benefical.   Keep your head up!!!