I think the honeymoon is over

I think this whole honeymoon and malabsorption thing is real.

I am 19 months out from surgery.  I think I am no longer malabsorbing calories.  I was 116-117 all of last week, 117 on Sunday morning at a friends, so not my own scale.  Came home to 119 Monday, yikes   Ate very low carb, yesterday and walked, still 119.  Before if I came home from a weekend a few pounds heavier, a couple of very low carb days and back on routine and I would be right back to my range.  The last few times, the range has been going up.

My range was 114-116.  I've been at the top of it for about a month now bouncing between 116 and 117.  Feb, March was 113-114. 

So, I have to think that I am eating too many calories to maintain my 114-116 range.  That is where I would like to be.  I will start tracking again, seems like just posting on Miles and Menus isn't enough at this point.  I need to see what calorie range will keep me in the range I want to be.  My exercise is up to a level that I feel ok with.  My intake is pretty stable except for the weekends I am away.  I don't think I was unreasonable this past weekend.  I did eat some stuff that I don't normally have but did try to do protein first and get in my shakes. 

So, here is my plan.  I will start tracking calories and carbs again.  I do fine on the protein end of things.  I will have to do better on my weekends away.  Although this gain is small, it is a wake up call.  I can no longer think it is just a bounce.  I think it is real.  So everyone who isn't here yet, be alert, what Roz says everyday is real. 

Here's to the future.  I'm starting a new phase.

I agree with you on everything.  I am 30 months post op.  For the longest my range was 130-133 with very little effort.  Actually I could eat what I wanted and often.  Then I began living at 133, and the range shifted from 133-135.  I did not like that, had to be more careful and only occasionally dipped below 133 but never stayed there.  Then the weight shifted to 134-136, and the real work began.  I would pop to 137 now and then.  It was easy to pop up after using soy sauce which was never an issue before.  I also learned exercise was non-negotiable at this point.  It was not until I had my obstruction that I have been able to drop back down.  I am taking advantage of the situation and am working to keep these pounds off.  The days of eating pasta more than a few times here and there are certainly over.  The days of popping a few of cookies into my mouth at night are over.  The days of not walking cannot be part of my plan no matter how busy I am.

Like one vet said in a post several years ago when talking about her success and her friends complete failure (her friend gained all her weight back and this poster never had bounceback) she said never let 5 become 50.  I quote those words to myself every time I step onto the scale.  I too have had to go back to tracking every single bite that went into my mouth.

Yeah, I thought I was understanding maintainance.  I was just eating like I had been, although I will admit to some chocolate and bigger servings but hadn't been way over board.  I thought.  But I think I really am dealing with a new situation now.  And it is going to take a new way of handling it. 

Price

Thanks so much for posting this.  Right now, I'm trying to develop those good eating habits, and it's tough.  I'm trying to balance not losing anymore weight (I'm losing strength now too, so my weight needs to stabilize) with eating and exercising for the future. 

I have finally admitted to myself that I never knew how to eat right, and trying to undo 55+ years of doing it wrong doesn't happen in a day.

I have maintained the habit of measuring and writing down every bite that goes into my mouth.  It continues to be a real eye opener!

Good luck!

You are welcome.  As much as for me, I did it for all the folks who are where I was a couple of months ago.  i didn't like me at 111 but I don't like me at 119 either.  There has to be an inbetween and a way to stay there.  I just need to find it.

Right there with ya, Price!

Loss was easy compared to maintenance! But - we lightweights are mighty, and WE CAN DO IT!

yep, we will do this, together. 

It's like it happens overnight Price!  When I got back from vacation I knew I would be up a few pounds but in the past it would come off within a week but this time it came off but even though my menu is the same as it has been some of it came back and it doesn't want to go away! 

The hardest thing for me is not getting discouraged like I did on WW.  I've actually had days that I feel like I've failed. 

(((HUGS))) Price!

Oh Roz, you are one of my heros and a wonderful success.  We can knock this.

it does feel like my body changed the rules on me overnight.  I know I am getting more exercise now than I was when my knee was holding me back but I also know I can't say this is muscle. 

 Oh Price - do I hear you loud and clear!

I'm quite a bit up now - actually 10 lbs over my "goal" weight.  I'd like to get 5-7 back off.  Today I have vowed I am back on track.  I've got some events coming up I REALLY need to get the weight back off for.  That also includes exercising.  

Its hard - very very hard... but we can do it!