Can anyone relate ???

Hi all.

I am a returning member of OH being post op for 7.5 years.  I have gained back 75% of my weight lost and I am feeling all those feelings we know so well.  Guilt, Disgust, Anger, Shame....
I don't want to be one of those who hop on the first of the year bandwagon, but I need to do something.  I want to experience the freedom of my body that i had even 5 years ago.  I look in the mirror and don't recognize the person looking back at me.  I feel I have lost myself, and I am constantly thinking back to how  i "used" to feel when I was thinner.  How I "used" to maintain myself, my diet, my excercise and my whole being.  I miss myself.  Does that make sense to anyone ?  I don't know what I am looking for from this site again, but it was such a good tool for me to have "back then".  Can anyone help ?

Yes. I can relate. I follow the program on the Food Network called Hungry Girl..she has alot of really good advice and I've always felt the same way..

To keep from setting yourself up for a fall..start simple. Journal your intake and see what you can fix first..Don't try and fix too much. Don't try and adjust too much because it can be overwhelming..See what you're eating and then increase your protein and cut out some carbs..eat more veggies..But, like I said, don't just set your sights on a diet of 500 calories..you'll feel like a failure when you can't keep at that level..

Then move more. You don't have to start being a marathon runner tomorrow cuz you'll get super sore and super disappointed when it's impossible to move the next day..So park further from the stores you go to..Instead of sitting around on the weekends, take the dog to the dog park or just go to the park and walk around..You can find a local farmer's market and walk..but move. Your mood will improve just getting into the sunshine..

Scope out your house and see what things you have there that you can't say no to..Those chocolate chip cookies may have to go..the ice cream, candy bars..anything you can't let sit on the counter that mysteriously end up in your hand and then in your mouth..they have to go..Then stock up on snacks that you WILL eat that won't make you feel guilty..

You can do this..it's just hard but it's not impossible..

Hi I am 9 years post op RNY.  I lost 140 pounds and was able to maintain it for a couple of years.  I then had to go on steroids and between the steroids and poor eating habits I regained 90 pounds in six months.  I have been able to lose all but thirty of those ninety pounds.  If you don't mind me asking, why did you regain the weight?  Is there a medical reason, did you sabotage yourself?  I realize now that part of mine was sabotage.  I didn't feel like I was worthy to be thin.  If I can help in any way feel free to ask. 
I would start by going back to the basics.  Journal everything you eat and drink.  Don't drink within 30 min of meals, and start exercising.  Hope this helps.
Stephanie E

Great advice from the other two. I can't add a thing except get back to basics - portion control, protein only or protein forward meals, lots of exercise and lots of water. If you regained because of bad habits, see what you can do about getting rid of those. If there's a mental health issue that's keeping you from success: depression, ocd or whatever seek out a good therapist to help you control those. It's do-able but it's a lot of work. Hang in there - you can do it again.

Jen 10 yrs post op RNY

I can sure relate.  When my now ex-husband left he took my WLS notebook with him just to get back at me.  We'll be divorced 2 years Feb 1 (YEAH!!!!) but I need to get back on track.  I literally forget everything.  I forget the vitamin doses I'm supposed to take, and pretty much everything else.  I've only gained about 25 pounds so I guess that's a good thing.  I want the "small" me back.  I want to get back on track.  I want to feel good again.  I'm going to make an appointment with my surgeon.  Haven't seen him in over 4 years.  Ex would not "allow" me to do any visits past one year.  He thought I got WAY too small (I did) and that surgeon was encouraging it.  I want to get back to where I was comfortable.  So, I can absolutely, totally relate.

We have a BOTT group here on OH.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/backontracktogether/discuss ion/

Back on track...

We can ALL relate to some or all of what you are going through.  You've taken the first step-you identified behavior you want to change, and you already have the tool to do it.

PoetKelly can help you with vitamin requirements.

Please don't try fad diets.  Track your food, determine your RMR and reduce your RMR by 500 calories per day to lose a lb a week.  Increase your activity and follow the rules for your surgery.

You still have to live with whatever you do, so don't try to be drastic and go on a "diet".  Practice mindful eating and always remember YOU ARE WORTH IT, MAKE YOU A PRIORITY!!

We are here for you and read Hala's quote under her post....this is so true!

Hugs!  Kim

 please check out this website. its a great tool to help shrink your pouch again so you get that full feeling faster again, its a lifesaver!!


http://www.5daypouchtest.com/  

I am also post op 7.5 years.  From the date of surgery I lost 92 lbs.  About 3 years ago I started putting on weight.  This was due to a change in job and peri-menopause.  Once I hit 20lbs. I knew I had to do something.  At the same time I was also having problems with my vitamin levels and I was anemic.  I went to a doctor who specializes in nutrition.  He has helped bring my vitamins and blood counts up to normal levels.  I explained my frustration with my weight.  I was having sweet cravings all the time and caving in.  He put me on Wellbutrin and I began seeing a nutritionist weekly.  I have been working with her for almost 2 years.  I lost the 20 lbs. I gained by staying within 1200-1300 calories per day.  I keep a food log, weigh myself every day and exercise.  I have finally adopted a healthy lifestyle.  I would recommend you see a nutritionist for help.

Nope, can't relate at all.

I can't relate SO much that I wondered why the heck I even came to this forum...I think i've been here...twice before, EVER!

Babe, wow, So THAT is whats been going on huh?  This freakin "dark gift" that we get is a Pandora's Box. As you know I've dealt with different, but equally demorilzing issues.

I was wondering why I was here...now I know. 
I know that I reached out to you recently when I hit a low point...I was not very happy that THAT was the last time we spoke...but stil I'm here for you.

hugs,

c.