HELP! I have fallen and need a hand up!

So.... hi, group!

It's been a LONNNNG time since I've visited OH, but I am at the end of the road here...

I am 11 yrs post-op, OPEN RNY procedure. Lost about 90lbs. Have gained 50 back. 

Why? Well, I can give you all the EXCUSES in the book, the honest truth is that I've lost my mojo. I don't care. I am NOT drepressed, I am just not motivated. Start, stop, start, stop, stop...... get back on crappy eating habits not to mention that my job does not help!

I am a Program Director and we're notorious for eating a LOT at all our programs and events. While I admit I can walk away, I have no desire to do so because I don't care anymore. 

In addition, I am starting a new nonprofit in my area and I am in graduate school taking 2 courses online which I really use as an excuse to not make time. Although Financial Management calculations burn a whole through me!!

I should have every reason in the world to MAKE time and MAKE an effort - therapists have not helped either... so I am turning to you because I know some of you can relate. 

By the way, my marriage is somewhat stable, but even that is not terribly exciting (10yrs next January) - we are more like roommates. :(

Help?? 

I think the sad part in your story is that "you just don't care"... 

You need to snap out of it... And find the fire in you you had... Until then - I don't think you would have enough motivation to really try.  Maybe a New therapist? New meds?  Or new dress? A trip somewhere t

OMG! H.a.l.a.!

Nothing to cheer me up than a bad-ass image of Cher slapping someone!

Thank you - I am working on it already. No time for trips, but I think a new dress may fit the bill for some inspiration. 

I can totally relate to your situation.  I had lap RNY 9 years ago.  I lost 120 lbs and regained 40 lbs during the past few years.  For the most part, I did very well maintaining until the past 3 years. As the stress piled on, so did the weight.  I let bad habits sneak back into my life.  I had a knee injury that required surgery and limited my exercise routine for about a year.  My desk job during the day doesn't help, and oh yeah I'm pursuing my bachelors of Nursing.  My days and nights are crazy hectic and I don't always have the time to prep/plan meals like I should.  Well, I do get time but it's late at night and my family isn't too happy with me banging pots and pans at that hour.  I live between 2 houses currently and that does not help establishing a routine!  My boyfriend has been blessed with a super fast metabolism and eats whatever he wants, but also hits up the gym at least 5 days a week.  It's a struggle most days to not graze when I'm bored at work.  So YES I know exactly where you are coming from!

I think you DO actually care, that's why you are here.  But lack of motivation happens when life gets crazy.  I totally get that.  I myself at times get so unmotivated...mostly when I'm tired from 12-14 hour days!  But to make changes, start small.  What bad habits did you let back into your life?  Is there anything small you can change right away?  Big changes are hard to stick...unless you have super willpower (which I don't!)  Many people want to make changes but don't have a realistic game plan and it makes it hard to stick to that routine.  I know people who have done the 5 day pouch test, which...I tried and failed because I felt so sick.  I don't know about anyone else but I can't afford to miss mandatory clinicals in nursing school.  I think my problem is real hunger vs. head hunger.  I'm not sure how to beat that.  It's easy for people to say "snap out of it" but they really do not know what your life is like...what challenges you face and your daily routine.  But I think you are in the right place, there are a lot of supportive people here.  So now that I've rambled on...maybe start writing down your bad habits, and then brainstorm how to correct those habits realistically.  That has helped me in the past, if I could only stick to it as my life changes...

Hi Amanda, 

Thank you for sharing your story. It helps me realize that a) I am not alone and that b) I can get back to basics. 

I started walking yesterday morning - I feel like a slug, BUT I am walking 30 minutes. This is the woman who did a 5K last yr... so I am not impressed, but I am determined to stick to it. By the way, I gained 30lbs this past year alone!!

This week is supposed to rain ALL week, so I will get on the treadmill. Did I mention that I also have a FULL gym downstairs, oh, and a GYM membership? I will be making use of them both when I cant get myself out to walk. 

One thing that really has creeped up is my wine drinking - oh those EMPTY calories! I can down as many as one full bottle in one day... that, is off my list. I am now drinking green tea.

Another thing I am fully aware of is the mindless eating - yes, when I am bored, when I am studying, when I am writing a discussion post for one of my online courses, when I am watching TV, when I get stressed or mad (the few times I get mad), when I don't want to cook.

So, I am curbing that to me more mindful about what do I eat, why do I eat and when do I eat. I know it's been only 36 hours (haha!) but I am putting more thought into it.

Well, those 3 things are first: walking every day (even if it rains), switch from wine to green tea, being mindful about my eating habits.

Let's see how it goes from here...

Thank you again for the encouragement. I needed that and I dont have that where I live despite the fact that 6 of my immediate family members have had gastric bypass. You'd think we would support one another!!? 

Have a fantastic day! I am here to listen to you as well. 

Ana

Wow you are off to a great start.  You've identified 3 things to work on and keep it up!  No one in my family has had gastric bypass, they've only had to deal with my adventures!  I must say, my family has been supportive of me all the way.  But sometimes it's nice to relate to someone else going through the exact same thing!  My problems are - I'm addicted to sugar (it doesn't make me dump anymore), my portion sizes are too big, and I graze (mindless eating.)  Those are the issues I am dealing with right now...and with the holidays coming up I just feel doomed!

Hi there,

I am sorry I have been off the radar for a few days! It's been a crazy week!

The sugar addiction... oh, if it didnt turn into empty calories, right? Holidays are horrible, BUT there are ways you can get around it especially if you don't dump anymore. How about you do indulge your cravings, but in smaller portions? Depriving yourself will only make it harder.

So, if you bake cookies during the holidays, for example - why dont you pack them in small portions inside sandwich bags? Better yet, bake and share with the neighbors or with your family! Best choice: don't bake! LOL

If you get gifted a tin of cookies - like I do from my neighbor - bring it into work and put them out for others to eat. That way you don't have them at home. IF you must have them at home, do what I used to do: FREEZE them! Yes, put them in the freezer in small snack bags. You'd be surprised about the types of foods I've frozen. Haha!

Lucky for me, I am not a sweets person all the time, but when I do get a craving for something, it's not a few cookies... it's the sleeve! LOL That's horrible!! The worse part is that a) I KNOW it's a horrible choice and b****il last week, I felt guilty, but ate past the guilt.

These past few days have been better. Let's see how it goes through October. Fingers crossed for all!

I am glad you found this group. People are very encouraging.  Tri

I am for sure feeling insipred.

Thanks, Tri!

Ana

Hi there! I'm sorry to hear about your struggles.  I bet you do "care" but that person is buried inside of you.  You can bring it out again with a little effort!  Here is my story:

I'm 8 years out and up 35 pounds.  I added carbs back into my diet which was all bad.  I am gluten free due to celiac disease, and every time I saw something "gluten free", be it cookies or cake...I ate it!  I am getting back to basics myself here.  I did the "5 day pouch test" to kick me off.  I did lose some weight and it helped me kick carbs (but it was hard!) I'm eating protein and some non starchy vegis.  Bought a fit bit and have been walking and drinking my water.  I hope to see more weight loss in the near future!  

Good luck to you and I wish you the best!  We can get back on track together!