Wanna help me get back on track?

Hi everyone! I'm Jennifer. 32 from Alabama. It's been awhile since I have been on here. I hope everyone is doing well. I had surgery Aug. 28th, 2008. My start weight was 493 pounds and I currently weigh 324 pounds. I am very happy to have lost the weight that I have lost, but I need to lose more. I am almost 6 foot tall, so I don't look too terribly bad. But I would like to weigh around 250 or less. I know I need to up my protein, water and exercise. My question is... I have been having problems with my blood glucose and blood pressure dropping on me. Would it be wise (with my glucose dropping) to do the 5 day pouch test? Any other tips you have for me to get back on track? Also I am still taking my daily vitamins but should I up or lower anything to get the weight loss started again or does that have any effect on it? I guess I just need you guys to tell me what exactly you would do if you were in my shoes at this point. I don't have the extra money to go out and buy the expensive gym packages or protein powders or bars but I do want to do things differently than I am now. I'm not eating horrible things, I'm just not eating enough of the good for me things. I'm not drinking my water as I should and I am not exercising like I was. And, I have lost all motivation. It has been 6 months since I have lost more than 5 pounds and kept it off. So it goes without saying that changing those things will help greatly. Anything else I should know? Do any of you have sucess with keeping a food jornal? Anyone wanna be "keep each other movitvated and online buddies? I will need someone who I could call and chat with because I don't get online as much as I use too. Thanks you guys and have a wonderfully blessed weekend!

Jennifer,
Congratulations on your weightloss!  I can only answer some of your questions and what works for me.  I had problems with my blood sugar, my numbers tank to 40's,  so I really watch how and what I eat.  I try to eat 6 smaller meals.  On regular eating days, I always balance my protein w/good carbs and fruit.  Lately I've been doing a lot of protein drinks during the day.  I feel much better drinking my meals than eating my meals.  I've had stomach problems since my teens.  Again, this works for me and my sugar levels have been great.  You really need to check with your doctor/nutritionalist on what would work for you.  As far as food journaling, I try to get on BOTT to do it every day, it helps keep me on track.  I also track my food daily through my Bodybugg.  It really helps to post here on the Daily Cafe/Cardio and through the 911 post.  There are some really great people who are on here to also help you with their ideas.  Good luck!
You Can Do This!!!
Deb

Hi Jennifer. First, congratulations on your tremendous weight loss! You're not quite 2 years out from your RNY. That being said, you need to realize that at this point in your journey, you will not lose as fast as you did during your "honeymoon phase". Losing 1-2 pounds a week is the average.

Of course, exercising is key to continued weight loss success.

I've regained over 100 pounds but that is because my eating was out of control and I stopped exercising. I was grazing on all the sugary, salty and comfort foods. I knew what I was doing but couldn't stop myself.

I came to this forum, BOTT and got a lot of support without the shame. It took a while, but I am back on track. I am not losing like I did, but slowly.

My advise is to start tracking your foods, what you are eating - is it all processed foods?? Fresh foods are a lot better for you. Of course, an exercise plan tailored to your needs will help with the weight loss. Start slow and build up over time.

Try to remember why you made the decision to have WLS. You've got a great kick start.

Be accountable for your actions and come here and post.

I wish you the best in your WLS journey. We are here together to support each other.

I am sure that others will have some insight for you.

Hugs!
Lucy

I would begin by journaling...see exactly what you are putting in your body....Go back to the basics....you know what to do....begin by trying to get in all your protein...these two ideas really helped me get BOT. 

You look wonderful don't lose the faith....you know what to do....

Hi Jennifer - What a tremendous success you are with that weight loss.  CELEBRATE!!!!!

I aagree, the first thing I would do would be go back to your surgeon/nutritionist and have them give uou a detailed plan for your food, supplements, water and exercise.

Then be what I cal a "Nike Girl" (Just do it)

Know we are here to support and help you in any way we can - just ask.

Also, the Cardio & Cafe is a wonderful thread for being accountable.  Forces us to have a plan - we may not be perfect every day of the year in following t our plan but we are way ahead because we have made one and we know the next meal is the perfect time to get back on track.  I know I cannot stay on track if I don't make a food plan at least one day ahead and it's even better if it's 2 or 3 days ahead.  When the day actually comes, I may modify my plan a little - but I ALWAYS modifiy it to be within my calorie limit.  Calories count the same after surgery as they do before.  As we think, so shall we eat.  We have taken care of our boidies with wls, but that does not take care of our thinking/feeling.  And therein lies the challenge.

As to motivation - it's nice when we have it, but not essential.  We all do things every day we are not "motivated" to do - like getting up and going to work.  We just don't even think about "voting" whether or not we want to.  We want the reward (pay check) so we do it.  We may play "hooky" a few days out of the year - but not so many our pay check is in jepordy.  So it is with compliance.  we want the reward, so we don't vote - whether or not we want to is irrelevant.

Post 50 times a day if that will help you.  If you have time to graze you have time to post instead.

YOU CAN DO THIS (and you know you can because you have already done it)  Believe in yourself -respect yourself - give yourself the time you need to do whatever it takes to be successful.

WE CAN DO THIS TOGETHER - YES WE CAN

Hi, Jennifer:

Congratulations on the weight loss!  You should feel really good about what you have accomplished.

I wish I could add some insight, but you have had some wonderful advice from the wonderful BOTTers who have responded. 

Best of luck, and keep us posted on how you are doing!  :)

Hi Jennifer,

I think you have done a great  job so far. I don't think you need all that expensive stuff to get back on track. Just try and remember to keep track of the food you do eat. I now how hard it is to stay motivated. Right that is were I am at.

I had the lap band done in 6/08 and lost 90lbs but can't seem to lose anymore. I have put 10lbs back on. I have started excerising again and keeping track of my food.

Let's keep in touch and motivate each other thru the board.

WEndy

Hi, Jennifer!

You are where I was two years ago. When the honeymoon phase is over, it is so hard to stay motivated. I agree with all of the above, especially the "just do it." I think I will use that idea.

You are doing great and look beautiful! Keep it going! It's like an escalator...you can't stop climbing or you will slide back!

I would love to support you online. I need a buddy, too!

Cindy