New to BOTT; gained back almost half of weight lost

Hello.  I am 51 years old and mother of a 10 year old (yes, I know--I started late).  I am five and a half years post-op.  I was 367 pounds before surgery, and my lowest weight was 146 (my goal was 135--now it is 150 which is more realistic for for my 5'5").  In the past year and a half I have gained back 100 pounds, and have finally reached that place where I say, "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!"  I am willing to do whatever it takes to get back to that healthy weight, but as all of you know, it is difficult to get BOTT, especially in the beginning.  Coming back to OH and finding this group (BOTT) will hopefully be a God-send for me.  I know that getting back to the basics is the key, but does anyone have advice on how to jumpstart my diet to help kick the sugar and carb cravings to help me get back to the basics?

The 5 day pouch test worked for me.  Google it and enter the link.  Welcome and good luck.

Thanks, Bella!  Several people have recommended the 5 day pouch test.  I plan to begin today.

Maria, Welcome ! I am right there with you. My highest weight was 368. My lowest was 220. I weighed in today at 255 lbs.  Like you I made up my mind enough was enough. I am so scared of gaining all my weight back. I sat down and wrote a letter to myself. Than I wrote out a plan. I struggle everyday to stay on track but it is important to me to do this. I guess we all have to do what works for us. I still crave carbs but I am doing good right now at not giving in to much. One day at a time. Good luck and if you find something that works, please post. See you lighter. Joanne

Hambear, Thanks!  Yes, one day at a time.  I, too, have worked out my plan, and I am  drinking 64 oz of water a day, journaling and everything else I did in the beginning.  I want thinner 'n healthy again, and I will get there one step at a TIME!  It is good to know that not only am I not alone in this journey, but that there is encouragment and support from those of you who know firsthand what the journey is all about.  Once again, I find myself thanking God for OH and all the people here! 

Welcome.... you've come to the right place!  I started at 326... my lowest was 216 and suddenly, without warning, I was 256!!!  Since getting serious about BOTT (about a week ago), I'm 249. I never thought I'd be so happy about being 249!  That carb monster is hard to drop.  Try and find something you like to keep it at bay.  I eat sugar free pickles when the monster hits, they're sweetened with splenda.  It seems to help me cope, at least so far.  It's a day by day, hour by hour struggle.  A struggle I believe worth it, as I never want be 326 nor 256 again for that matter.  Our pouches will work if we work it!  Congrats on coming back to the board, sometimes that's the hard part.

Thanks, Jewel.  Yes, coming back was hard, but I know that it is necessary for me to have as much external support as I can get.  It worked wonders in the beginning of my journey, and then I got away from OH and my local support group, and before I knew it, I was on the wrong track, and worst yet, thinking "I can handle this; I'll start again tomorrow!"  But tomorrow didn't come until almost 100 pounds later!  Tomorrow has come NOW though, and I have started!  So my journey continues and I will succeed.   Thanks for all of the encouragement and support!!