Introduction and new to the group

Hi all,
So glad I can join this group!

I'm a 5 year postop this month (Jan. 31st) and have been really struggling for the past two years.  I lost my weight (280 to 160) within the first 9 months of lap RNY surgery and easily maintained it for the first 2-1/2 years.  Did everything I was supposed to do - focused on protein, supplemented with 2 protein shakes a day, took my vitamins, and exercised.  Life was good.  Then I switched to a new job where the stress almost did me in, bottomed out with anemia and let the exercise lapse as I barely had enough energy to get out of bed in the morning, got sucked in with the drama and dysfunction of DH's family and took on more caregiving for his ailing mother, switched back to a job with former employer but then found out a year ago that I would lose my job this January.  Emotional eating took over and even though I still kept on the with protein shakes I indulged in a lot of carbs/sweets/real sugar, etc.  I basically stopped putting myself first and taking care of my needs and to no surprise my weight crept up every month until I reached 183 pounds as of January 1, 2010. 

Like you all, I'm recommitting to myself and getting healthy again.  To help get the emotional eating under control I've started to see a psychotherapist who specilizes in eating disorders and body image issues.  I'm working on getting regular exercise and as of a  few days ago...trying to eat better and get away from all the carbs & sweets.  The scale was down 2 pounds today.  I'm looking for the emotional support that comes with these forums because as we all know, it's not so easy to take it off once we've put it back on. 

Thanks for being there!

Hi MaryEllen,

You are a welcome addition...I can see that you are on board in your life too and have moved in the right direction to get it back together and on track & at least half of the this life choice is adjusting with the changes in your life, congrats on seeing the new direction and making the leap...

I know those first early years it is SO easy to say to yourself I can keep going like this forever, following all the rules, taking care of you first, exercise, protein, etc - been there, done that...For me life stepped in and I started feeling like I could be a "regular" person. it took a few slips out line to realize that I will never be "regular", food is my downfall, still is, I must follow a plan and basically stick to a few, very doable, rules  andI will find better ways to "deal it" into my life...

I firmly believe support and accountability are what makes this work, I account for myself daily on thedailyplate, attend a live support group once a month and come to OH & other online support sites often...Once again, welcome, look forward to seeing you around the boards

Its a lifetime of work to make it work...

Thanks Alesia!

I agree with you that accountability is key....interesting how denial takes over when things start to slide and allowed it became easier not to weigh myself every week or journal my food, etc.  I relate to what you said about starting to feel like a "regular" person and thinking how effortless it would be to continue the early success for the rest of my life.  Not the case for those of us who've been MO for the majority of our lives.   My heart sinks everytime I see a newbie post "XX amount of pounds gone forever!"  But as you said it's a daily plan and one choice at a time.

I see you're from New Bern.....I was there eons ago and stayed at the most quaint Bed & Breakfast (can't remember the name of it though!).