Need some Advice

Hi Everybody, my name is Sue and I am new to this message board. I am almost 5 years post-op and have lost 156 pounds. My problem is that I have gained back 38 pounds in the last three years and feel totaly out of control. The "food addict" in me wants to eat all the time. I feel if I don't get control of myself now, I'll soon be back up to 200 pounds and I never want to go back there again. In the past two weeks I have started drinking two quarts of water a day and have eliminated carbs from my diet. I still get hungry and really miss sweets. I just have to get this weight back off of me. I also just joined Curves and started exercising even though I hate it. All I can think of is that size 12 bathing suit that I used to fit into. I know I've stretched my pouch and feel so ashamed of myself. Other friends and family have noticed the weight gain. Any suggestions out there. Help.....I can't gain any more weight.

Hi Susan. It sounds like you're doing all the right things, be patient, the weight will begin to fall off again. There have been several posts on weight gain and they always say to get back to the basics. Lots of lean protein and water. If you get hungry between meals, snack on low calorie items, veggies and fruits would be good (I don't dump on any fruit). Keep up the good work, you'll be down in no time! Oh, one last thing, stay away from carbs, I know they always make me hungry later! Cathy

There is an online course offered through OH on emotional eating. You can sign up for up to 12 weeks (the full program) and explore the reasons why you eat and try to break some of those food connections. They also offer a trial program which is free and runs for 2 weeks. I am in the midst of it now -- it helps you understand why you eat for head hunger and how to break your food addiction. I know I would need a lot more than this 2 week course to help "cure" my issues with food - but I have found it very interesting. It sounds like you are doing really well, but maybe something like this would help you get that control back. Kristin

Hi Kristin ... do you have the info for the program? Thanks, Karyn

I think this is the right link - if it doesn't work, please let me know! http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/emotionaleating They post the announcement for it on the Main Board at the top -- I think they're called stickies? Those messages that remain at the top of the postings. I happened to notice it the day it was posted-- the class is limited to 50 per session, and it fills up very quickly. I think it gives you a pretty good understanding of what the 12 week program would expand upon. Good luck! Kristin

Where do you find that online course? I have looked but don't see it. thanks Shelley

Hi Sue, Have you been back to see your surgeon recently? Are you going to support meetings? You might get some help with them. Also think of how you lost your weight. GO back to use the same method. eat protien first, no fluids 1/2h prior to meals, none with meals and wait 1 hour after to drink. Find some kind of exercise you like and start that. Good luck you can get back on the losing track. Sher

Hi, Sue. First off, congratulations on your great success. You lost A LOT of weight and have done very well with it. I do feel your pain, too. I'm 20 pounds heavier than my lowest post-op weight, and just feeling a little powerless to do anything about it right now. I think you're doing the right things to jump-start your weight loss, but I know how hard that is. Increasing your water is great, and joining Curves is also a good way to get back into exercise. But I'm with you on "hating" it - if it's not fun it's just another chore that we have to do. Anyway, hang in there and try to be patient. It will take time, unfortunately. I think as newer post-ops, we can be a little awed by the "magic" of weight loss, as it seemingly comes off of us without the traditional dieting efforts. It's hard when that magic time is over, and we actually have to discipline ourselves about food and exercise. Best wishes to you!