almost 5 years out

Hi all. I had my surgery (RNY) on 3/25/03. I have done well. I have not put my weight back on. Well, I take that back. I have just recently started to put on a little weight. Just as a quick reference, my husband was diagnosed with cancer, has been doing treatments for over a year, just had a stem cell transplant in October--I know its emotional eating. I need to get back on track. I can't seem to do it on my own. Any suggetions? Do you think the pouch test will work after 5 years? My pouch definately still is the boss. I just last night ate some garlic bread, and paid by vomiting for the remainder of the night, until I passed went into a food coma on the couch.

Just needed a little support before I get completely out of control. Thanks for any suggestions!!!

Tracy

Absolutely the pouch test will work. It's a reset sort of and it will at least tell you your current limits.

I'm sorry to hear that life is stressful right now. Is your husband doing better now?

You can also document your foods and see where you stand on that too once the pouch is reset..It really does help to journal it all and measure for a little while just to see if what you think you're eating, you're really eating..

Good luck to you. God Bless.

Hi Dawn. So can you tell me what exactly I need to do for the pouch test? It's been so long since I've been on here I can't remember.

My husband is doing well. His counts are coming up. He can't be out in public, or in crowds due to his immune system, so we're just hanging out at home all the time. We don't know if he's in remission yet, hopefully.

I definately am going to journal my food intake. I know that I'm eating crap, not getting enough protein, too many carbs............I've just been drifting along, it's time to get serious again.

I am definately not the same as I was before weight loss surgery. My highest weight was 398, don't even know what size I was. I have been a size 14 since I lost all my weight. Can't seem to get any lower, but I can live with that. It's just lately things feel tighter, I'm not having that. No way am I going back to  my old self!!

Thanks for the reply to my post!!

Hi Tracee,
Sending you hugs. You know what to do to keep on track. Right now you know you are eating out of emotions. Time to get a journal and write down your feelings. I'm not a big fan of the 5 day pouch test. Reach for protein first then fresh veggies/fruits. Watch the carbs right now. You are probably reaching for some crackers and munchy stuff right now?
Set a timer for 10 minutes when you have the urge to eat crap. Then reach for your journal and write down what you are feeling.

Some ideas for you instead of grazing or reaching for unplanned meals:
Paint your toenails, give hubby a backrub, then he can give you a backrub, take a bubblebath, go visit the elderly in the nursing home, go for a walk, write poetry, go visit a neighbor.

Sounds like your pouch is still in charge. How are you doing drinking your water and taking your vitamens?
Keep posting, you will get a lot of support here. Are you attending a bariatric support group meeting in your area? You have done wonderful!! Don't be so hard on yourself.

HI,

Hugs to you!! I think the first step is recognizing where the problem lies. You have done that! Congratulations.

I had a little bounceback weight of about 10 pounds after Hurricane Ike and then my birthday so I am on the downward path from that.

I started back attending WW meetings and that is what is keeping me focused on what I am eating. The weekly meetings and weigh ins keep me accountable. I have a love/hate relationship with food and must always be mindful of what I am doing.

Exercise is another thing that  is critical to maintain/lose weight. I work out about three times a week, although I have been slacking on that the last few months. 

Keep your head up, take your vitamins and make good food choices. I know its hard sometimes, especially when you are stressed, but it is really the best gift to your husband to take care of yourself so that you can be there to take care of him.

Good luck to you and let us know if there is anything we can do to support you.

Angela

My husband has cancer as well - it sounds like yours has a systemic rather than lump cancer?  Mine, too.  He's on a clinical trial at the Mayo Clinic that has been very effective, thus far.  Suffice it to say, I feel your pain and know where you're coming from...been there, done that, bought the t-shirt.  

If you do the 5 day pouch test, just to purge yourself of the evil carbs and start over fresh, then start tracking your food, you'll have no problem getting back on track.  Another thing that has helped me tremendously is exercise, specifically yoga.  It has all of the physical benefits of any exercise, but it also helps my mind and spirit, along with my body.  I highly recommend it.  

I don't know if you have kids, but they are my motivation to keep my weight off and exercise regularly.  They need to have at least one parent, and considering that my husband's cancer is aggressive and incurable, I've got to be the healthiest me I can be.  It's so very difficult to deal with and I commend you for not using food as a crutch, or using your situation as an excuse to go crazy with the food.  

Stay strong and take care of yourself!