How do you get back?

What do you do to get back on track? I have had a 35lb weight gain and read an earlier post with alot of reply's about going back to the basics. It is easier said than done. Please tell me what you do to motivate yourself to get there? I'm desperate to know! When I lived in Michigan I had a great support group that I went to and that helped me alot. Since moving down here in Texas I haven't found one that is structured. I have attended one a couple of times but everyone just sits there and visits. I need to find a good structured support group also. Thanks for any advise! Connie

Connie, Well I'm in the same boat...  I gained 25lbs back in the past 2 years from eating wrong and making the wrong choices...  I tried to go back to square one but wasn't able to and make meals for my family and all the functions I attend.  So I cut back, I'm eating the way I'm supposed to and I have lost 5lbs so far.  It's coming off slower than I'd like but part of that is because I'm not exersizing the way I should also.  I'm eating protein, then vegetables and if I have room I eat a small (small) amount of carbs...  I'm actually eating protein then veggies, and then more protein most of the time because I know I'm a carb-a-holic.  I've been living with my folks for the past year and having to make them meals so it has been hard (they don't like the "healthy" stuff of course), but you can do it if you set your mind to it.  I'm moving into my own house this weekend and my goal is to cook and eat the way I did when I was 3 years out (I'm 5 years out now) and get moving!  I didn't keep junk or soda in my house.  I know I can loose this weight, it's up to me!    Take care!!!!!

You make very good points. Thanks for your response. I am going to get motivated. Connie

HI Connie. Yes, it is so hard to get motivated! One thing that I do is focus on an upcoming event~like I have this reverse raffle that we go to every year in October. I know that's coming up and I want to wear a particular outfit that I've already picked out and I want to look good so that helps to motivate me to stay on track! Also, if I get off track for a day, I try not to let that day turn into a week and so on. I try not to beat myself up for the mistake and just move on the next day and do better. Of course no one is perfect so we all have days when the eating is out of control~its how you recover from that that really  matters.  You could start tracking your calories at fitday, sparkpeople or a written journal. That's always eye opening for me! Follow the "old rules" of protein first, no drinking with meals, etc. Cut back on the sugar and carb intake. Just making some small adjustments might jumpstart a loss. I agree that support is so important. If you can't find a group to attend, try to stop by here daily. That really helps me.  Good Luck!

I'll be a regular here I think. I am going to try that 5 day pouch test and get back on track. That way I can rid myself of the carbs and get back to the basics.  Thanks for your reply! Connie

CONNIE-First off-please know-you are never ALONE in this struggle. HAve you ever heard of KAYE BAILEY and her "Life After WLS" series"? If not, google it. I would post the link here, but it might be misconstrued as advertising, and OH prohibits that. She has a thing called the "5 day pouch test" that I absolutely swear by. I have lost about 20 lbs of my "regain" weight-almost painlessly-just by realizing MY TOOL DOES INDEED STILL WORK!!!!! Should you ever like to start a group in our area-even a "sometimes" group, I'd sure come. My work schedules varies, so I could not be counted on to LEAD a group, but I'd sure be a good member. I still attend our other group-and love them dearly-but no one is as far post as me-and cannot understand my challenges. At any rate, I'd love to see you again!

Gina AKA Nurse Diva 

Gina, Thank you so much for this 5 day pouch test. Someone also sent me a PM with the link. I really appreciate it. I am going to give it a try.  Please know that I think the DFW group you guys have are full of wonderful people. I just feel uncomfortable not knowing anyone. I guess I'm not that outgoing to strike up conversations. I do read the TX board daily and the Mi board and another site. I was on my husbands computer yesterday and found the grad board link I put on his computer and was reading.  Thank you for the encouraging words of not being alone. I guess people feel alone in this journey sometimes. I admire the people who come out and ask for the help. I need to do that more instad of sitting quiet here. Thank you again. Connie

I didn't know anyone when I first started going and I was scared of of my wits!!!! I was very serious about us getting together sometime, if you want to

Sounds good to me. We don't live that far apart. I'm off of 731 in Burleson. We will have to pick a time when it fits our schedules. Thanks Gina! Connie

Hi Connie! Greetings from Michigan!  I remember when you and I were both "on our way down the scale" together.  Well, I'm in the same boat as you...and we both need to journey back down together! I've gained about 45 lbs.......about 30 of which I want to get rid of again!  I too have struggled with motivation and have at least been trying to stop the gain.  I feel like I'm gaining in motivation, and want to get more serious about weight loss.  I got serious for a few days a couple weeks ago and lost 6 lbs....giving me confidence that  CAN do this, and its not that hard.  The hardest part is getting started and making it through the first couple days of de-carbing.   Our support group has disbanded here, and I struggle to find the time to attend anyway.  My main support at this time is this WLS grads board, and myself.  I was so strong and so motivated before that I really didn't need to rely much on others....I need to recapture that enthusiasm!  IT looks like my husband is going to start exercising himself, which will help to motivate me, thankfully. If you'd like to team up and work at this together, email me! By the way, it was nice to see a familiar face from the "old days"!  Welcome back! Kathy