The creep has me

 I have never been able to keep a log of what I eat or drink and doubt I ever will. I do need to get control and sooner rather than later. I am up 12 pounds from my lowest and its creeping up . I kinda expected some gain but it seems like there is no end to the creep. Any suggestions? I have to stop it before its gets really out of control. I started back to support meetings. I missed three months and thats when I gained. Should I be worried at 12 pounds? I am below my personal goal but above my doctors goal.

Yes - get it before it becomes the 30 that have crept up on me! Why did I think I could eat like crap again?

Yep, you should be concerned. Really after 3 years and sometimes even less time...it's all us keeping the weight off.

So you know what to do, you blogged it yourself...journal, go to a bariatric support group and you will find you are not alone with your weight gain.

Exercise and drink all your water, never drink with meals. Protein first always. Eat your fruits and vegetables. Be accountable to yourself, practice Mindful Eating.

Calories in and calories out and you have to move to lose now. It's called a lifestyle change. Any thing else is dieting and dieting doesn't work. It's okay to treat yourself but then cut back for the next day or two. Don't freak out about food, be aware of your trigger foods and get them out of your house. I believe it's okay for anyone to "detox" their body of sugar and carbs for a couple of days only.

There is no magic bullet here in the end. WLS helps you lose weight for the first few years then it's all about you and what you put in your mouth.

Easter is just around the corner, those Easter baskets filled with goodies. Make an Easter basket for yourself with fresh fruits, beef jerky and stay away from the candy. Oh yeah...the Girl Scouts are selling their cookies again. It's always something. Learning to take control is so important to us. If we lose control don't beat yourself up, it's a new day, new hour, new minute. Be mindful of your eating, baby steps. It's a learning process. Good luck! Debbie

Please, please, please tell me you are a regular exerciser!!  If you aren't, then tackle that first--it really is the key to long term weight management.

I also never logged my food until I had WLS.  Now I still do it and it really helps me understand the weeks when I go up a few.....try to make this a habit.  And be honest, even when you graze, write it all down--it is an eye opener.

I know on the weeks when I'm up a few I'll be very careful for a few weeks and I go right back down-- I run more and when I "snack" it is on things like baked chicken, nuts or cheese.

You are wise to tackle the beast now.

Come on. You know the answer to the question. Yes, you should be worried about a 12 lb. gain. It may be creeping on....but it's weight gain and it's in the double digits.

I am not great about logging my food but found that when I was up a few lbs. (that didn't seem to want to budge) I went back to the "purest" form of post op eating. None of the little extras that I've added - no protein bars, nuts, etc. Just high quality protein, veggies, and some fruit, with a protein shake for breakfast. It really did help!

And yes, exercise becomes the equivalent of a prescription drug for us!

Best of luck to you!

 y eating habits haven't really changed. I think I eat a healthy diet and although I eat more than I did just after surgery but not large amounts. For breakfast every morning I mix my protein powder in my coffee and thats all I have. Lunch is sometimes yogurt or frozen dinner unless I have leftover meat from the night before. Yes my largest meal is at night but my total count for the day is usually 12-1600. Now exercise is my problem. My joint replacements limit me some and I need surgery on both feet. I weigh between 128 and 132 most mornings. I know that is not a large number but more than I would like. I was down to 117 and everyone thought I was sick so that may be too low but I do not want to get any higher on the scale than I am now.
Some days I have no hunger and forget to eat until I have to feed someone else and others I stay hungry. I keep nuts and dried fruit for those days because they fill me up fast.

I was just hoping for a little advice from anyone who had this happen to them. The only other thing different is I am on RX iron but doubt that is it. I know most people do get some bounce back weight and just wondered how you handled it.

I agree with everyone who has posted..it's all about mindful eating..what goes in compared to what we use up...that's never going change.  My only comment is:  watch the peanuts and fruit...they are both high in carbs...and carbs will be our downfall :-(  I've added back 10 lbs since my lowest wt..and finding the right combination of foods in order to lose them has been a challange so I have increased my exercise routine, adding a line-dance exercise class 2X a week.  I'm also back to basics eating protein first and only adding veggies with dinner.  I'm not sure I truly believe in the 'bounce-back' theory....I just think that the further out we get, the easier it is to forget the rules and the old eating habits creep back in.  And lately, I've been quilty of just that....thinking I'm 'normal' :-(
You've recognized the problem....that's half the battle!  Try journaling for a day or two...I use FitDay.com...so easy and quick...and it does all the calculating for you!  You CAN nip the 'creeps' in the bud!
Hugs
Nancy aka Sunray

First let me say I'm struggling, so don't think I've figured it out myself yet.

The reason I'm replying to your post is because you said...."I've been guilty of just that....thinking I'm 'normal'".  I work at a Physical Therapy office, needless to say 17 pretty healthy women there!  While I was going through all of this, pre op, post op..... I asked allot of questions of these women.  The common thread; they are 'good' 90% of the time, they don't bring crap in the house and they exercise 5 days a week.  THAT is what it takes, it isn't easy for any of them, I truly thought some of them were 'naturally' thin, ummmmm NOPE!  they ALL work at it.  Like you and others have said, it's a lifestyle change, not a diet.

Let's keep plugging at it ladies....we'll get there!

Edie

The way I keep track of what i eat is while I'm at my desk where I have email, I send myself an email from my email address TO my email address and then when I eat or drink something I reply to that email..over and over..keeping track that way is pretty easy. But it would have to fit what you are doing. A little tablet would work too, I think..and then planning ahead and packing a lunch and several snacks..it's what works for me.