Looking for a weight loss buddy...

Hi Everyone,

I signed into OH today for the first time in a very long time.  I decided I wanted to get back on track and I thought perhaps a weight loss buddy would be just what I was looking for.  Then I remembered this group, I had always found this a good bunch of people, so I have decided to post here instead... thanks for being here.

Some stats:

-  had surgery in 2009
-  High Weight - 230 lbs
-  Goal Weight changed several times - 140 lbs, then 145 lbs then 155 lbs
-  Lowest Weight 130 lbs (Under weight, but felt fantastic)
-  Realistic 'Dream' Weight Range - 140 - 148 lbs
-  Current Weight - around 170 lbs :(

I am so disappointed in myself, even thought I know that will get me nowhere.  I kept my weight off for so long, I never thought I would have a problem again.  I so want to lose this re-gain.  I now live on a remote island, 12 miles by boat to the town where we shop, and when I do shop there is very limited choices.  I also have very limited refrigeration.  AND, we normally only go to town once every 2 weeks...

On a more positive note, I can do this, the above does not matter, it is just excuses.  When I put my mind to it, I actually lose weight quite easily.  I am just having a hard time putting my mind to it.  I need to start somewhere, so I am here...  I will try to weigh tomorrow morning...  and I will try to be more aware of what I am eating...  I will also try to go for a short walk... 

Any support or suggestions are greatly appreciated, I am glad you guys are here...

Cindy

Hi Cindy!

Sounds just like me, the shame is horrible. I was never going to be the person who struggles with regain, but here I am.

Surgery RNY 7/2010 SW 205 (HW230), goal was 120 (not going to happen) I am 5'1", would be happy in the 130's again

Got to 131 for about 2 days, maintained in the 130's then the next year 140's and this year hit 163! Yikes!!

Goal is 130-135

I think part of me just rebelled against the surgery in a way. Still took my supplements and do not drink with my meals. But started eating like my family, too many carbs and developed a fondness for Guinness beer.

I was desperate to regain control, I know there is a lot of controversy over the 5 day pouch test, but got the book on my kindle, prepared myself for about a week and started in the middle of March. I am now off of refined carbs, protein forward meals and vegetables if I have the room. I can feel restriction again, not like the first year, but when I eat solid protein first, I eat much less.

I also realized I was no longer drinking with my meals or much else through out the day. So increasing my fluid intake has decreased my feeling of hunger.

I also have been getting hot flashes and the worst pms ever! Premenopausal, I am told. These symptoms have also improved, not gone, but improved with getting rid of the junk from my diet.

The biggest thing, for me, is that I stopped seeking support, coming to the boards or meetings. But now it really keeps me focused and not feeling so alone. Tracking on my fitness pal and here with Roz on menus and miles.

So I guess, my best suggestions are:

  Be Kind to yourself

  Journal everything you eat and drink

  Protein forward meals

  Cut out all refined carbs

  Keep moving

  Keep posting

  And stock your pantry with canned meats/fish or if you have a freezer stock that up too

  Keep taking your supplements.

Hope this helps, good luck and welcome back!

Hi Maria,

Thank you so much for your heart felt and detailed reply, I really appreciate it :)  I know just what to do, but I can't seem to get going.  I know once I do, I will wonder why it took me so long...  I hate how down I sound.  I am normally so upbeat...  I admit I feel overwhelmed...

Today I went to weigh, and as I suspected, my battery was dead... no town day scheduled for at least a week... so no scale...

I forgot to tell hubby I was going to cut back, and so he made me a bowl FULL of banana, papaya, shredded coconut, a bit of oats and milk... and topped it off with a sprinkle of brown sugar...  I ate it all :(   So delicious and fresh, grown right on our property...

Mid morning I felt hungry and figured I had messed up already and so grabbed the bag of crackers and ate till I was full :(

However, on a more positive note, I touched base with you, and I am hear holding myself accountable... it is a start.

Thanks again, I am so proud of you for what you have done recently.

Cindy

Cindy, you can do this.  Part of it is getting to the store and getting the RIGHT stuff in the house so it will be easier.  I can't imagine having all that fresh fruit right there.  That would certainly make it harder.  But if you can grow that, can you also grow spinach, kale, greens, onions, stuff that would be healthy to eat and have less carbs and calories?  I have spinach, brocalli and lettuce in my garden so far and it really makes a difference.

We are here for you.  Post on Miles and Menus, be accountable.  Weigh in with Sunday weigh in when you get a new battery.  You can do this!!!  We can help.

Hi Price,

You brought tears to my eyes...  thank you.  I will try, I knew it was a good idea to come here...  My lunch time is coming up, I will try to choose wisely...  

We are very fortunate to have fresh fruit and coconut right here on our property...  I also plan to put in a full veggie garden, I should have no excuses...  

I want to send you something back in appreciation... a cyber hug and smile.

Thanks again,

Cindy

Good morning Cindy!

The fresh fruit sounds amazing, just need some protein with it. 

Love that your husband makes breakfast for you. So sweet!

Hope you're feeling a little more optimistic today. We are here for you!

Good Morning :)

The fruit is incredible and I hate to give it up, it keeps me regular ( TMI) and I just love it :)  I do have milk with it, however, perhaps I could have an egg or cheese or something instead of the oats...  I will adjust that :)

My husband IS a sweetheart, he does so much around here, as I am a Virtual Assistant and work online each day... we live in The Kingdom of Tonga in the South Pacific on a very remote island...  so until our little resort is set up and running, I need to work online :)

I will work at being more optimistic, I really do want to do this, and the support here is incredible.  You guys are so kind and helpful.  Thank you!  I can tell I am here before I am ready to get started... however, that is ok...  I can also tell I am on the verge of doing something and communicating with you guys is 'tipping the scales', so to speak...  I am so ready to be slim again, I loved how I felt for all those years, I was so proud of myself, so confident... now... not so much :(

Thanks again my dear, have a fantastic day!

Cindy

Hi Cindy!  Good to see you back!

I'm right there with you!  I need to lose 15 to get back to my comfort zone.  Right now I'm at my highest regain.  I know the rules - but doing them seems to be a problem for me!  I have life events that I plan to lose for and that doesn't even seem to help!

I would love to be your weight-loss buddy and help both of us stay accountable!

Hi Jody,

Ok sound great!  I am not mentally ready yet, but I am very close... where are you at...?

At this point, I am here, I am inputing my food intake, even though it is very embarrassing, but it is the first step of many I plan to take...

We know how to do this.  We know what it feels like to be 'in that comfort zone'... I so want to get motivated and get back there...

Let me know if you want to communicate here, or touch base on Skype each day, or both... whatever works for you I am game.  I don't mean talking on Skype, I mean Instant Messaging each other, just to have a quick chat and encourage each other.  I have never done that before, and I am thinking it might work well...  we will keep it weight loss related, and short... if you are interested let me know.  If you prefer to keep it here, that is fine with me also :)

Thanks for offering to be my weight loss buddy, I know we can do this, we have done it before!

Hugs,

Cindy