Motivation

I don't post often on this board...but I have something on my mind this morning...
How do you all stay motivated? I am just barely over 2 years out and I have got so far off track, it's almost like I never had surgery.
I stopped following up with my surgeon and haven't had labs drawn in over a year (I know, I know, very stupid) ...
I've put on weight and it sucks.

I know exactly what I should be doing.. I just don't know how to keep myself motivated to keep it up.

Can anyone relate? or have any advice?

Thanks,
Katrina

{also posted this on my state board}

Hi there Katrina,
  I had my surgery 5 days before you, and have gained 4 pounds... 129.... I lost 100+ pounds... to stay motivated, if I put on something that a little tight, I know that I need to do something, so I stay away from the carbs, I"m a cinn-sugar graham cracker person. can't do the sugar alch. stuff so that eliminates a lot of stuff. I just don't want to be the overweight person I was before. I see pic's of me now and believe me thats kinda of a motivation not to gain anymore. My health is good,and I walk alot in my job... hang in there... dig out the old pic's of your self and that'l do it...Peggysue

I'm with Peggy Sue - I saw 134 on the scale this morning (used to say 125 and then 130), and that pulled my motivation string. It's so easy to get complacent. I've lost and regained thousands of pounds, and those few pounds can turn into a couple hundred in no time. So I'm going to be a pillar of strength and get those pounds off. Like the little engine that could. I'm a scrapbooker and when I look at those old pictures at 340, OMG, don't want to go there again.

It's scary when you see those numbers start to rise. I personally told myself, okay no more after these 3 lbs. Then a few more, and I'd say no more after these. It's a never ending cycle. I just don't want to be the way I was before. I was so unhappy, I could even go as far as saying I was absolutely miserable. I had pain every single day. Before surgery I can't even remember a day that went by without me feeling horrible... That should be motivation enough. I guess when things get good we forget where we came from.

I definitely need to dig out those old pics. I never felt unattractive, very self conscious about my weight but never ugly.

Now is the time to get a hold on this.

Hi Katrina!! I think most of us can relate to those times when you just don't feel like doing it anymore and we get off track. It happens, but you just need to pick yourself up, dust off and start over again! Putting on weight motivates me to get moving! I refuse to buy anything I would ever consider "fat clothes" again, so when my stuff starts getting tight, its time to drop a few pounds immediately! Staying on a regular workout routine helps me to stay motivated too b/c if I spend the time working out, I don't want to ruin it by eating crappy and losing the benefits of that good workout.  Getting support from support group and here at OH always helps~I read and respond to others and usually every day I find something or someone here to motivate me!


So, you're right~you already know what to do, its just a matter of doing it and you CAN do it!!!! First, make an appt to have those labs drawn. Start tracking your food at thedailyplate.com. That's always eye opening for me! Go back to following the old rules~push protein first, no drinking w/meals and 30/30 before after, take in plenty of fluids in between meals, exercise. Start out small and then build on that until you're back on track! Good Luck and keep us posted on your progress!!!!!

I think the problem is like another poster said, complacency. I hate that feeling when you slip on a pair of jeans that you love only to find out they're tight. Whats worse than that is the thought of possibly getting co-morbs back post-op. Surgery would be such a waste 'cause that was my main motivation for losing. I wanted to live a long healthy life. Believe it or not I read here on OH almost daily. I know everyone struggles I guess I feel like I've been down so long. It's scary getting back on the horse, so to speak. I really should get back in my support group also.

Thanks for taking time to write me. You're right I need to get a grip and do what I know I should be doing. I am only 2 years post op now is the best time to do it.

Hi Katrina,

Remember the surgery is just a tool to start you on the road to a new you.  You need to remember that when you decided to have the surgery you were going to change the way you used to eat.  I know it is not easy!!  If you don't want to continue to do what you are doing, than write down some new goals and get started.  I pray you continue to have a healthy and successful journey!!!

Hi Melissa,

Thanks for your reply. Along the way I guess I quit working my tool, and this is where I've put myself. I'm going to change this!

Thanks,
Katrina

Hi Katrina,

You go girl!!! Take one day at a time, and you will see you will be back on track!!!

I stay motivated by going to local support group and listening to people who quit taking their vitamins and quit having lab tests..The story is sad and a commentary on staying compliant so I do.