Really Discouraged!

Thank you Carlita! I'm just striving to have a more balanced relationship with food and exercise at this point. Losing these extra pounds will just be a bonus! I agree that realistically I will probably not ever see 132 pounds again, and I'm okay with that. I think that I looked and felt my best in the 145-150 pound range. I just want to feel good about myself again, and try to wake up each day with joy in my heart. I haven't felt that way in so long, and I want that back! I really appreciate your support! Lelina

Sounds like you've recently recovered from some tradgic times. Life throws us these curve balls from time to time. The important thing is to concentrate on yourself for the next little while. Take life one day at a time. Make out written menu plans and follow them as much as you can. Add some serious exercise into your daily routine. Not only will this help to restart your weight loss, but it is a wonderful way to clear your head and put the day's troubles on the back burner. You have done a remarkable job with your weight loss and I know you will be back in the saddle soon. The angels are on your side. Karen G

Hi Karen! You are right, my father's long illness and death really took the starch out of me. Grief is a terrible thing - I feel like I've aged 10 years in the last few months. I know that things will get better with time, and I'm just trying to keep the faith. I feel so blessed that my friends on this site can empathize with me and offer me these wonderful words of support! Thank you for caring! Lelina

Hi Lelina, I am post op 2/12 years and I will have to say I see my weight creeping back but I am dealing with a 10 pound gain. I knew when this happened what was going on. I am integreting carbs back into my food plan as I used to eat when I was really heavy. When I am truthful with myself I know in my heart I cannot include this carb intake in my daily eating like I used to. I know this is what caused my weight gain over the years. Now I can see a tremendous amount of weight gain in my future if I do not stop it now. Look, we have come way to far to end up where we began. Do not be so hard on yourself as it is a struggle. There will always be a struggle with food but we are human with our own human stories that trigger our eating the wrong things. Just concentrate on what fuels your body and not feeds it in a negative sense. We have the answers and the means to fix it so to speak. Dig deep and make a plan. You have come a long way. I remember my doctor telling me we can give you the surgery to fix the weight but you have to change the way you think about food alltogether. This board is an excellant resource and the people on it all struggle with the same issues at one time or another. Just know we share your frustration and each of us have to find our way to change the way we think about food. You look great girl!!!!!!!! Again, do not be so hard on yourself. Just make a plan and one that works for you and make it your daily gospel so to speak. Emotions derail our eating so just recognize it when you see it coming. Tragedy in our lives work in the same way emotionally. You are only human Lelina. Take care and make a plan that you can live with. Jackie Butcher Spring, Tx

Hi Lelina I am exactly in the same boat - 2 1/2 years post op and can not get below 200 pounds to save my life! I started at 420 so I think my current 215 is mabye not so bad - never expected to get even close to 150. I think those of us who started at the really high end of the scale need to rethink our expectations. My surgeon said that of all his patients that started at 400+ none were able to achieve and maintain a "normal" BMI (around 25). Still - anything under 200 would be great. It's amazing how hard it is now - the first two years were easy, but somehow after that 2 year mark it seems like my body adapted and I can eat anything now. Just have to admit I will have to really watch what I eat for the rest of my life. Sigh . . .

Hi Sheri! WOW, you have made an amazing transformation losing over 200 pounds! I know what you mean about it being relatively "easy" for the first 2 years. I guess some of the malabsorption issues go away after that time. I never thought that I would ever have to diet again after having this surgery - boy was I wrong! It's discouraging to realize that this will be a lifelong struggle for many of us. I wish I could just "get over" food and weight issues and enjoy my life! Lelina

Hi Jackie! Thank you for your kind words! I definitely need a new plan - I'm just not sure what direction to go in at this point. I've tried upping the protein, cutting out the bad carbs, upping the exercise - I just can't seem to stick with it like could as an early post-op. I know, I know, JUST DO IT! I've even considered going back to just protein shakes for a few days, but I know that I would end up feeling hungry and deprived. As you know, bathing suit season has already arrived here in Texas, and I'm just dreading putting one on looking like this! I hope I can get my act together soon ... Lelina