hello... and question?

Hi all :)  I am 46 years old, lost down to 156 pounds, and I am now 187!!!!  HOW do you all do it?
I tried fluids only ... but get massive headaches from that. So I eat something, and the headaches go away.
My selfcontrol is great during the day, but at night I could eat a horse... in small portions, but litteraly I could and sometimes do eat from 8 till 11.... crazy!!
I try to stay possitiv, but I don't know what to do anymore.
HOW can I get back in control?   I soo loved my body at the small size, I was so proud, and now I am just a chubby mommy again.
My goal is 10 pounds/month, until april 2010.   I started drinking more again, started to brew up some green tea, and drink that. I am also a big coffee drinker, mix my protein in it.

I am just glad that this group exists, and want to say 'HI' to everyone!  Karin

I don't know if we are the ones to ask about how we do it since we are all looking to lose a bit of regain! 

What I try to do is be thoughtful and intentional before eating (and nighttime is the toughest for me as well).  That and keep myself engaged in something that demands focus.  I am a knitter, so I will be starting a new complex lace shawl pattern. 

And, as a nerd, I also read and reread books about health and weight control to keep my focus and motivation.  It just seems to keep things in the forefront for me.  I like the Beck Diet Solution (about using cognative behavioral therapy--changing the way you think to change your behavior) and Winning After Losing (written by a woman who had wls) and Passing for Thin (which is more about body image and emotional issues written by a woman who lost a lot of weight with Overeaters Annonymous.

I just keep trying to add more strategies to my arsenal, so when one doesn't work, I have more to chose from.

Sally

thanks for the reply, and the head-scratch, lol  
I am a knitter too, and started to knit sweaters for my chihuahua girl, plus I am now working on x mas gifts for this year, starting with scarfs for the family... ANYTHING that keeps me busy! and out of the kitchen.  Karin

I use knitting to slow myself down when eating.  I pick a complex pattern so it will demand I pay attention--that way I won't want to put it down until I finish the row.  Then I take a bite and slowly chew as I work my way through the next row.  I wound up with a lot of scarves, socks, mittens, and sweaters! 

Have you ever checked out Ravelry.com?  Sally

Hi Karin,

I have to agree, how I do it is questionable, after all I too have gained from my lowest and am out of may comfort zone - +14 from my personal ideal , +9 from the top of my comfort zone...

All I can say is how I plan to get back to it...I have tried the 5-day reset thing with 2 days of liquids only, I was able to work it, but I really don't think it worked very well for cleansing me of my bad habits ( real sugar & white carbs snacks ), anyway, I'm not trying that again...

What I am doing is going back to basics : 1000-1200 cals a day & total carbs @ less than 1/2 of total protein  - I still follow the rules of 80+ gr of protein a day, keep it at lower fat intake and rarely drink and eat at the same time...I've added exercise EVERY day even if its just taking the dogs for a walk around the neighborhood ( I was doing a 3 day a week exercise plan )

Lastly, I'm trying to keep it real - I'm about 5 yrs out and have been at goal for almost 4 of them, one thing I realized in about my 3rd year was that the pounds don't drop off fast like they used to, even with modifications I know I'm not losing 10lbs a month, but instead am setting a goal of 1 lb a week...If I lose more, woowhoo , but want to be realistic about what my body is willing to give up and even before surgery those last 10 lbs were the hardest to lose...

Good Luck, its a lifetime of work it to make it work

Hi Alesia.

yes, I am back to basics now too, protein and all.... plus I started to walk the dog every night before supper, no matter how cold it is out there, we are walking!! lol
love your saying :its a lifetime of work it to make it work
true that!! 

I think you make a great point about being realistic in how slowly the weight will come off.  I am also aiming for just one pound a week average.  I know some weeks will be better than others.

I also need to limit my carbs, especially non-vegetable ones.  I don't do that much rice, potatoes, pasta, and bread, but crackers and baked sweets are my downfall.  Must keep them out of the house.  I think I need to up my vegetable intake to help with snacking.  I've gotten to where I can eat celery again, but I need to limit the peanut butter on it!  Maybe I could start using veggies as my evening snack?  Hadn't thought of that.  Even is they are in a bit of cheese sauce, that has to be better than what I have been snacking on. 

I'm not good about a seven day a week exercise program--I need my weekends free more for my head than for anything else.  I still often get the exercise in, but then I feel like I've done more than "required" so it's a bonus.  Ah the mind games!  I am doing five days a week though.  A minimum of 20 min. but trying to get in up to 45 min. when I can get up in time.  (This cold does not help!)

Well, good luck.  I look forward to reading how it goes for everyone.

You guys are making me feel more guilty about not exercising. I live in Florida and am freezing. The dogs have on snowsuits and walk themselves!

As today's high is only going to be negative 1, I'm not all that sympathetic with your coldness:)  I grew up in Houston where 30 was considered artic--only wish I were fussing about it being 30 now.  I've got to move south.  My dog, a sheltie, loves the snow.  He could stay out in it all day if I'd let him, except when the wind gets too bad.   (this morning's wind chill is negative 40.) 

Stay warm

Hi Karin,

I lost 100 lbs (from 255.5 to 155.5 ) initially, then gained 34 lbs to 189.  I posted what I have done in a seperate thread to get the weight back off.  I just wanted to emphasize that it has taken me 10 months to lose the weight, so as one of the previous posters aid,be realistic and don't expect it to come off overnight.

For me, when I get the iidea that I am going to lose 20 lbs in a month, it never happens, and then I get peeved & throw in the towel. 

You can get back on track.  Be patient and take care of yourself.

Best of luck.