Going to give this my very best shot...

It has been a little more than two years since my VSG surgery.  During the first year post surgery, I officially lost 150 lbs!  I was so happy with my progress, that apparently - even though I still had 50 lbs to go to get to my goal -  I decided I didn't need to do the work anymore... In the past year I have gained 30 lbs back, and now have 80 to go to get to my initial surgery goal weight.  

I have big plans to get back on track.  At this point, I am ashamed to say that I pretty much eat anything I want.  I do have the occasional exception - breads, which my tummy still doesn't tolerate since surgery.  And still no soda, which my tummy also doesn't like.  Otherwise, I pretty much eat/drink what I want.  I completely stopped using my tool and gave up on myself.  I don't know if I can even get my tool back to working again, but I'm going to give it my best shot.  

I am officially going (to try) back to basics:  using the guidelines that I used during that first year after my surgery to get back to losing.  I know this is going to be so difficult.  I am going to go through carb withdraws again.  I never did do any exercise, even during the 150 lb weight loss initially.  I'm going to be walking to try to help this time with my loss - already started that.  

Guess I'm just looking for a place to hold myself accountable - to find friends - to find support.  I may start blogging too, just for my own sake.  This is hard.  It is so hard.  

Right there with you Jen.  I'm almost 9 years out from my VSG, which at the time was the best thing that ever happened in my life.  Two years later, we adopted our first child and my new lifestyle went off the rails.  My now 7 year old is becoming more independent, allowing me to again focus on me and being healthy to extend and enhance the time I have with him.  I've gained back 39 of the 70 pounds I lost.  I never came close to my "goal" weight, but I did feel amazing at my lowest, which put me into a size 12.

As for the rules, I too stopped following many of them, of course.  A few, I kept.  I do eat a protein breakfast every morning.  I try not to drink with meals (but I'm not always good).  I eat protein and fruit at lunch.  I gave up bread for good because I found out last year that I have the gene for celiac disease (but no intestinal damage at this point).  At the end of the day, I have two "slider food" weaknesses that have completely derailed me:  chips and chocolate.  I could eat them for every meal, and lately find it hard to pass a convenience store without grabbing doritos and a diet coke (which I do consume together).  So embarrassing.

I've started back up with my bariatric vitamins and B12 shots, which seem to curb my urge to snack.  Also giving up the Diet Coke once and for all.  I stopped for 2 years, and felt amazing.  But, that stuff is like heroin to me. I need to do some exercise, as it was the only thing that really helped me get to my lowest.  My metabolism is severely impaired.  I still barely eat anything, but when I do, it's garbage. Even still, I eat less than 1800 calories a day, but am still gaining at a rate of about 5 lbs a year.  The key for me is keeping the carbs below 40 g.  As long as I keep my liver/insulin in check, I can lose pretty steady and control the cravings.  If those damn chips would just stop calling me.....

Had a great first day back today. Happy to find another Jen in the same boat.  Hopefully, we will remember to check in and keep each other on track!    It IS hard, but anything worth doing usually is.

Have a great on track day tomorrow!

Another Jen

I'm starting again too. I never made it to goal and gained 35 or so lbs. Today it's protein, veggies, a little fruit and lots of water. 5 small meals on this plan called BE Easy. It's from Suzan Maria Leach sites called BE Eating and No More Regain. It's a plan I feel I can do for life. She has a back on track plan too where you drink 4-5 shakes and have a protein veggies meal as well. Lots of easy tasty recipes too!
We can do this
Edie

Posting daily and weight myself almost every day helped me lose my last 10 lbs of my regain. 

Posting daily - even when I was the only one doing it.  Being honest with myself.  

This what helped me: 

• Measure or weight every bite.  Yes - it is important. 
• Find new ways to deal with stressful eating...drinking
• Plan for slip-ups , but don't plan to have "cheat days" 
• Take one day at a time - one meal at a time
• Limit carbs and make sure every meal is balanced.. (i.e no carb heavy meal even if it fits with daily macros)
• Not too many proteins
• Identify triggers - I.e aspartame makes me crave sweets...
• Allow treats - for me it was 85-90% dark chocolate. And organic PB.

The weight will came off quickly at first - it is the decarbing- then it may be extremely slow.. My last 5 lbs -took me 6 months to get rid for good.. I still would like to "lose " 2-4 lbs... Or rather exchange fat for muscles...because I got too flabby... 

Good luck... 

 

 

 

Today is 4 yrs post op.  I had a small regain last winter, but was able to lose it.  This winter my regain is 27 pounds,  This is all emotional for me.  I am working hard to show up in my life and not isolate into the world of food addiction.  I am on board and could also use daily support.  I will show up and hope you all do to.  Together we can do this.  

I am here seldom. 

I am at my goal. During my last doc appointment I was told not to lose anymore weight. This is a second time in my life I was told that....lol.. But really - I don't need to lose more. 

At 5 years post op - I was app 20-25 lbs heavier.  It took me 6 months to lose 16 lbs....it took me till spring this year to get rid of the rest..