Newbie "Grad"

Today is my one-year anniversary! Hard to believe--it's gone by so quickly. But even though I feel like I had surgery a week ago, I'm definitely a "grad" in terms of reality setting in. The honeymoon is over and has been for a few months. My weight loss just stopped dead about 3 months ago, and I'm having to work for it big time now. I lost about 110 lbs over the first nine months, and though I haven't gained, I've been stuck and frustrated for weeks. I have about 30-40 lbs to go to get to my goal range. My appetite is also back and I've been grazing a lot lately. I was SO enjoying not wanting food and not thinking about it those first few months. Oh, well--I knew it would end at some point, so here I am. Anyway, I blame my plateau on a recent move that threw me off my routine. I haven't been on a set schedule since the move and I haven't yet joined a gym in the new city. So I used to exercise 3-5 times per week, and now I don't at all. That has to be the biggest factor. The second-biggest is work-related stress. I'm taking on far more projects lately than I used to (I'm a freelance writer), so I'm working all hours of the day and night to pay for two houses until the old one sells. This wacky schedule and high stress have made me more prone to grazing, especially on carbs. I know what I need to do--get back to exercising regularly, make sure I'm getting my water, protein, and supplements in, and cut back on the carbs. I also need to try for the three meals a day recommended by my surgeon, but when I stay up working until the wee hours of the morning, I usually end up having a 4th or even 5th meal/snack in the middle of the night to keep me going. Any other suggestions from all you wonderful long-term posties? The amount of knowledge and experience here is great. I feel like a fresh-faced newbie again around all this wisdom! --- Leslie 35yo, 5'3" 282/170/135 -112, ~35 to go

Hey Leslie.. *hugs* good to see u here girlie... my suggestion.. brain surgery... and Im first in line. Ya know what ya gotta do.. and I do too ... errrr lets sit on the couch and think about it some LOL... Lazy butt here! deb

OOO Yeah... HAPPY REBIRTHDAY GIRL!!!

Thanks, Deb! --- Leslie

Hey Leslie! Today is my one year anniversary too! Congrats to the both of us! You have done great. I've only lost 2 pounds over the past 3 months so I think I'm at the end of my ride. Of course we are going to keep trying- RIGHT??? Michelle 8/3/04 294/150/150

I'm absolutely going to keep trying! I'm healthy at this weight and look and feel soooo much better, but I'm pretty sure I can get even more out of this if I really put my mind to it. It's clear at this point that the surgery has done its part, and now it's up to me to work the tool. Stress or no stress, I have to do what I know I need to do, or I have no right to complain if this is where I stop. Congrats to you, too, on your anniversary and a great loss! ---- Leslie -112

You outlined the plan for getting back on track. Maybe you could start with cutting back on the carbs. I made a rule for myself when I wanted to snack it had to be on protein. Not amazing that I didn't want the snack if it had to be protein. Sometimes I have to trick my mind into doing the right thing. You've done a great job so far. You can finish the job with a bit of concentration. Best of luck to you.