Feeling Lost

Hi - this is the first time I've posted to this Forum.  I had gastric bypass in July of 2008 and lost 115 lbs to get to 130 lbs (5' 2").  I did great during the weight loss phase but now I find myself really struggling to stay focused.  I graze all day long, starting to eat sugar again (makes me sick but I still go back to it) and I've gained back 4 - 5 lbs.  Not alot, I know, but it feels like a slippery slope.  I just feel lost and not sure how to be on "maintenance."  I've never NOT been on a diet in my life and it feels wierd.  Without a weight loss goal, I don't know what to do with myself if that makes any sense.  Any tips or advice?  I see some of the posts talk about a normal "15 lb bounce back"  - is that normal?  also see that some of you have joined Weigh****chers as a maintenance tool, is that a good idea?  HELP!  I don't want to go back to my old life.

It is a slippery slope but they didn't operate on our heads or brains, they operated on our middles. This you have to do with will power. The tool has done well so far.

If you find that you can't say no to sugar once you start, you are probably addicted to the stuff and will need to completely cut it out of your diet from this point on. It gets easier the longer you stay away from the stuff. It's like heroine or alcohol...very addictive!

For the record, my goal was 125 and I got down to 117 (which was too thin). Today I weigh 127...No bounce back to speak of. But you will find that your body will insist on a certain weight. For some it's goal, for some others it's a bit heavier than goal (probably due to muscle mass) but where you end up, try and maintain right there..that's the best you can hope for..

No a bounceback isn't normal if you reach a realistic goal weight. It just means you're no longer following the rules you were suppose to learn in the first year. Get back to basics. Journal, write down your food intake and calorie counts for each thing. See a good therapist who deals with food issues if you aren't already. For many it's not the grazing it's the head issues behind it. Find out what you can do to keep yourself on track. Get your exercise program to be a habit, get out of the kitchen, find a hobby to take up your interest. Find a good support group, post wls buddy, something to make you accountable to yourself. 5 pounds this year is 10 pounds next year and 20 pounds the year after that. It's harder to take it off later. Keep it under control now. You'll be glad you did later on.

I  am beginning to eat sugar too and unfortnately it  doesn't make me sick. But I am ready to get back on track . So you keep on keeping on and so will I .  I think our getting on this site is the first step and I'm looking forward to reaching goal and staying there.