Help - way off track

I had RNY  gastric bypass surgery  6 years ago, I lost 110 lbs but never fully reached my goal.  I have, over the last couple years been slowly gaining weight back.  I am now up 30 lbs from my lowest weight.   I started  thinking I could control it  (NOT! ) and could let myself eat things that I knew were dangerous foods for me.  I quit excersiting and was not taking the time I needed for me so I could stay true to my tools.  I also have problems with reactive hypoglycemia but love my sweets so I am on a constant food roller coaster.  I eat too much sugar/carbs so I feel sick then try to counter it with protein, I'm grazing all day. 

I did find the motivation to quit smoking and now  want to lose that 30 lbs plus get to my goal.  I have a total of 48lbs I want to looe.  I'm trying to find the motivation to get back on track but this seems harder to do than quitting smoking.  If anyone has any advice on  how to start all over again on my weight loss journey, motivation or getting back on track I would love to hear from you.  I'm feeling very overwhelmed and frustrated with myself.

Thanks for listening and best wishes.
Deb

Deb -

You aren't alone.     I didn't reach my goal either, and am up about 12-15 pounds.    Some of that is muscle (the clothes still fit) - but it's the way I keep sliding downward in my eating habits that are of SERIOUS concern to me.

Today I'm 'resetting" by sticking with my low carb protein shakes and water.  I'll likely do the same tomorrow or until I feel the carb cravings quiet down.      Then I'll add back in the lean meats, vegetables, and fruits, etc.     (Some recommend the 5 day pouch test - google it)

I've gained a lot of insights from others on the board here... you might also find a local support group to be helpful.         Counselling might also be a good option for you..... it's still one of the tools I'm holding in my hands .  

I've found some good books that have offered great insight at different times as I've struggled through the mindset changes.  
The Beck Diet Solution (Judith Beck)
It Ain't Over Til the Thin Lady Sings ( (Michelle Ritchie) 
The Emotional Eating Toolkit.

I've got some others that are on my reading list..
Intuitive Eating  (Eveleing Tribole) - recommended by my surgeons office
Women Food and God by Geneen Roth
Shrink Yourself  By Roger Gould
The End of Overeating (David Kessler)
The Thin Commandments (Stephen Gullo) 

I've seen a lot of positive feedback on metabolism monitors - such as BodyBugg and GoWear Fit

Journaling can really help - track what you eat  (fitday or sparkpeople.com)  , track what you are feeling.     Make lists of why you want to choose to be healthy... journal your insights and struggles....

There are lots of tools to help you - you just need to take a step forward and remember it's a journey for life, not a a one time and your cured deal.

Jody

Jody,
Thanks for the advice and encouragement.  I will check out some of the books you suggested.  I am in counseling dealing with some of my other issues that seem to go hand in hand with my weight.  My therapist recommended the book Intuitive Eating and I did purchase that.   You're right I do just need to take that first step. 

Thanks
Deb

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

I am 6 yrs out & have managed to gain back approx 59lbs from what was my lowest weight.
If i think back, Im not sure that I ever had a "goal weight" in mind. SInce Ive never been a "skinny chick", I never new what it was to be under that 200 mark as an adult. As such, I think if anything, my goal at the time was simply to see the other side of 200. When i reached 164, it was everything wonderful & everything scary at the same time.
Since then, i put on 59lbs & have been maintaining that weight. So i guess thats a good thing :) i feel much more comfortable in my own skin. However during that time, Ive realized the battle with WL is not over! The realization that Im adicted to food if I want to keep eating what ever I want, I must exercise every day. Therefore, the battle with weight is a daily battle. If I stop, it wins. period

However, instead of whiming & crying about it - feeling sorry for myself (which leads to more emotional eating), Ive resolved to another plan.
Since Im going to have to do this for the rest of my life (MUCH LIKE the rest of society mind you), I figure I go back & start to utilize the tools I was given. 
Starting with holding myself accountable.
- Ive IDed a WL "goal". I know what i want to be when i grow up (or down as the case may be) :)
- Get back on the vits
- Do the extended version of the 5DPT (10 days total)
- Them jump on the Atkins bandwagon for 4-6 weeks (in hopes of getting off the crack - i mean CARBS) lol I love bread, but its my nemesis
- GET PHYSICAL - at least 20-30mins of cardio every day
- Weight training at least 3x/week
- track my foods
- reach out for support thereby being supportive to others (thats why im on here all the time again lol)

YOU CAN DO THIS!!! We're all with you :)

After losing 110 pounds I am sure you know all of the things that you are supposed to be doing and aren't. You've listed a whole bunch in your post already. So I won't say them again since hearing the same thing over and over again probably isn't helpful.

Clearly you know what to do and your obstacle is having the ability to do them. I speak only from my own expereince on this, but, I would say that the thing that has helped me get back on track more than anything else is going back to Overeaters Anonymous meetings again. I know that 12 step programs aren't for everyone, but it's the best thing I know for getting my head straight when it comes to food.

I think you are 100% right that putting down the food is harder than quitting smoking. I know that for myself, I am a food addict and a compulsive eater. Having WLS certainly helps me manage the amount of food I can eat, but it didn't do anything to change what I can eat. The choice of what to put in my mouth is all on my shoulders. I can't make those choices wisely. If I could I wouldn't have gotten to the point where I needed WLS to begin with. So, for me, going to OA puts my head in the right place so I can get my eating in line with the WLS way of eating.

I just know it works for me when nothing else can. Maybe it can help you too.