How to get back on track

mariposah
on 1/19/09 5:56 am

From those who have lost the regained weight or from those who have stayed at goal -

I am having a terrible time trying to get back on track. Does my pouch still work 5 1/2 years out?  I know SUGAR is out, as it contributed a lot to my weight gain but I need a more modified and less horrific approach as opposed to ATKINS or something as dramatic.  Does anyone portion out their food?  I would like to know if someone can give feedback as to what works for them and how I can start to lose weight again.  Do any of you abstain from sugar?

 I bought the 10 minute trainer (exercise DVD's) and I haven't tried it yet but it is something that I can start doing as it is very "non-intimidating".  Has anyone done a "carb" detox or something similar?  I am having such a hard time and the honeymoon is definately over.  I need a jump start.  Please help!

I am 235, 5'6", 5 1/2 years post op.  Thanks, again!

shoutjoy
on 1/19/09 7:29 pm - Culpeper, VA
Hi,

There are alot of factors that can contribute to not losing weight.  I am eight plus year out and I have changed alot on how I eat and exercise since my journey started.  I know the tool still works because when I put the effort in to limit fats and be more active, I lose.  Anyway, our bodies make periodic adjustments throughout our journey to balance our weight loss.  That is why we hit plateaus and such.  What I suggest is that you look back and see what changes happened to you, what bad habits have crept in and how adjustments can be made.  Sugar, I have a little.  Not anything like I used to, but I have learned that depriving myself makes me mad and angry and go overboard when it hits peak.  I try to think food as fuel for my body and not my body for food.  It is an on going process and at times, ooops, I didn't think that one through as I munch on a donut. teehee.  Sometimes, we have to deal with the brain issues, like emotions, addictions, and things that trigger our bad choices.  It is alot of layers to get through and sometimes, we need help in dealing with those.  I know I am being very vague but I don't have alot of details.  I can tell you that don't think you are a failure.  You have done great so far.  You just may have to dig a little deeper into yourself and make some changes.

Clueless about weight loss and weight loss surgery of any kind.

    

        
Tracy B
on 1/19/09 9:58 pm - Erie, PA
I'm only 4yrs out, but my pouch still works if I work the pouch, so I would assume that yours will still work too (as long as there's no mechanical problems). When I eat healthy and exercise, I will lose weight. I have some holiday pounds on right now and am working to take them back off, so its back to basics for me. I did detox from carbs first and now am eating only healthy carbs. I do also limit my sugar intake. I guess I'm eating like I really should be all the time, but sometimes I just don't do what I'm supposed to do, LOL! I think starting some exercise will really help too b/c it revs the metabolism and burns calories. Good Luck to You!

~*~Tracy B~*~

328/160 *** 5'9"
start/current

Debbiejean
on 1/20/09 2:26 am - Shelbyville, MI
It's never too late to lose those added pounds.
Look into yourself first, ask the hard questions and be truthful.
Are you drinking alcohol?
Are you exercising enough?
Are you reaching for protein first, then fresh veggies/fruits?
Are you drinking at least 64oz of water every day?
Another rule to never break is...never drink when you are eating your meals.

You've got your tool, use it. Start measuring your food and detox starting today from sugar.
Find a workout buddy to exericse with.

Are you going to a bariatric support group? If not why? Now more than ever you need the support. We should never be on a diet, just a lifestyle change including exercise. Diets do not work, that's why we had the surgery in the first place. Find a good Nut. and make an apt. to figure out how many calories you need, let him/her know how much you exercise. If you exercise a lot you may not be eating enough food.

I portion out my food, eat on a saucer plate, never eat off a big plate anymore. I don't reach for second helpings ever. Again, a life-style change for me. If I eat out, I ask for a container when they bring my food and only eat about 1/4 of the food, the rest is in the container before I ever start eating. Yes, I try to not eat sugar but if I do, it's a treat. I savor the taste, take my time with it. If it's something really sweet, I tell myself anything after 3 bites and I go into "okay, I've tasted it and my tongue is satisfied, so you have had enough"...with this I have learned moderation.

Please continue posting, keep loving yourself,  you are a success and this is for lifetime. You will get to your goal and remember it's not a race, this is forever. We have to work at this for lifetime but if you make those lifestyle changes from the beginning and embrace them, maintenance will be easier, your not deprived and nothing is off limits. Nothing makes me crazier than someone saying "are you sure you can have that"? Of course I can have anything, but I've changed. I automatically reach for the protein first instead of the desserts.

Do I have all the answers? Nope, we are all different, some of us are food addicts, some get transfer addictions and yep, I chose exercise as my transfer addiction. I have an addictive personality, I knew I'd have issues if I didn't take the bull by the horns. Am I addicted to exercise? Well if I don't exercise my body know it. I have lots of workout buddies and I look forward to going to the gym and working out.  Good luck and we are right there with you. We can identify what you are going through. All of us worry about putting pounds back on.
RGAtlanta
on 1/25/09 11:38 pm - Smyrna, GA

Hi Everyone,

My name is Ruth and I have not been on here in ages, but I find myself reaching out now to those who hopefully understand.

I am 6.5 years out and am in trouble. Before surgery I was 270, I originally plateaued at 147-152 about 1.5 years out. I maintained that for almost 4 years and then everything went haywire. I have gained almost 50 lbs back and i am scared that i will end up where i was.

I am back to my old addictions (sugar and carbs), and cant seem to break the habit. Is it possible to go back to 3, 2oz meals per day? Is it ok to just eat cottage cheese and applesauce? will my stomach shrink back?

I hate to exercise and i know I need to.  I need advice!  Please....

susang
on 1/20/09 10:08 pm - CA
I struggled for about six months with some extra weight, tried in my own way and then decided to join WW. The weight is coming off soo easily I cant beleive it. I am doing the points and cant get all of the points in if I eat well and follow "their" suggestions. I also needed the accountability so although it has been a few years since I had to be accountable to anyone else the face to face or should I say face to scale with someone else "watching"  has really helped my motivation. I also had to put away my pride..... I am sure weight is Gods way of keeping me humble!!!
Just keep on the journey....xo
I
jlmartin
on 1/21/09 5:07 am - Random Lake, WI
I still say, "a lot of this job is mental"   Meaning, that the biggest long term problem is more head hunger than anything else.  They key is living with your addiction.

First, log your food and look for bad trends.  Also figure out how many calories you need to maintain.  Like, start with 1400 calories per day and see how it goes.

Second, eat up to your maintenance limit.  Some foods are better "deals" then others when it comes to satiety.  I think you'll learn what you like.  Popcorn for me is an incredible deal...100 calorie packs, not so much

Personally, I like to think I eat normally now.  If I go to McDonalds, I get the Cheeseburger Happy Meal.  I USED to get a quarter pounder, two extra double cheeseburgers, supersize fry, and chocolate shake.

And finally, excercise 3 or 4 times a week and make it a non-negotiable.





mariposah
on 1/21/09 5:59 am

Thanks for your reply. When you say live w/ur addiction, what do you mean?  Also, do you not low carb?

jlmartin
on 1/21/09 11:22 am - Random Lake, WI
I'm coming up on 3 years out.  To this day I do not have a physical sensation of hunger.  BUT, I do want to eat all the time.   That is head hunger.  I mean, if you've eaten a meal an hour ago and now you're searching the kitchen for something to eat you're not REALLY hungry...you can't be.

One trick is to be really strict with the snacking, to the point of allowing NO SNACKING hungry or not.  You will start to become more mindful of the desire for snacks and can react accordingly.  Start with meals and no snacks for a day, then another and so on.

As for low carb, that's tricky.  I eat any foods I want (but never all I want) and if I go out with strangers they have asked "Are you doing the Atkins?"  So, whatever I'm eating must appear low carb even tho I do not think of it in that way.  I have done food logs and run 30-40% carb with the remainder in fat or protein which varies from day to day.  I think I once read the "average" American in something like 60% carb so that must be why I appear to eat low carb.  Given that I had a cookie with TV watching tonite, I would not call myself low carb.

I would also caution against low carb in the sense that most low carb diets do not give adequate attention to CALORIES which is probably the most important thing one should consider.  Too many low carb diets use Heavy Cream, Almond Flour, and other high calorie, high fat ingredients because they are, after all, only trying to be low carb.
mariposah
on 1/21/09 1:55 pm
Well said !

I need to cut back on snacking! My nemesis! Thanks for all of your input!
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