Might need some encouragement

I have kinda forgotten .. or at least pushed it aside .. smile .. I have gained but Dr Steward says I've still done well but I don't think I'm fine .. I need to get back to basics but honestly my journey wasn't like everyone else's so am lost .. My surgery was 9-15-03 .. but in the hosp for approx 5-6 weeks and then still ill and then back in the hosp for anoher well .. took me approx 4-5 months to get back to work .. but did well for awhile and lost fast obiviously but sure need to get back on track and with the exercise more since have slacked .. started at 264 (5'3") and down to around 120 but now have had the last few years the weight creeping back and as a weigh with my PCP yesterday I was upset and horrifed and embarassed it was up to 195 .. so obviously need to do something NOW .. any suggestions on what one eats for their meals would help .. and again just some motivation .. have finished some schooling and starting back up in March that will last a couple months and stressful but at least online so am trying to better myself just want to better the outside of me .. well sorry for rambling .. Rhonda 

Hi Rhonda,

Wow...I can really feel for you. The fact that you recognize the need to get things back in check is the first step. For your own health, you probably need to set a realistic goal of where you want to get back to. At least for right now, I really feel that the 120 needs to be off the radar. I'm just throwing out a weight of 163...just for starters. If your starting weight was 264 and your normal weight was established at 120 then 70% of your excess weight would put your initial target at that 163 mark. From what I understand the 70% is considered the point of success for a long-term WLS patient.

As far as foods go, I'd really recommend looking at some of the threads since this little group was formed. I think you will find some of what you are requesting hidden in some of the very useful posts. I'd recommend that you get back to veggies and dense protein sources. That has been absolutely wonderful for me. I was originally thinking that I had ruined my pouch stoma and now since getting back on track, I realize that the failure was with me and not my tool. The likelyhood that you are experiencing the same situation is very likely.

Just an FYI...I miss Dr. Steward and I please that I was able to have my surgery done by him before he moved away. It is so sad that he no longer works in the bariatric world, but I know that he wanted to get back home to be near where he grew up and around his family.

Best wishes...

John 

You're absolutely right John .. I have been told I have been where most end up at .. and I do realize that the 120 mark is definitely not good either .. but do need to get rid of what I've gained because of me and not cuz something is wrong with my pouch .. smile .. have started with the veggies and the protein and just making myself more aware of what I'm eating and going from there .. and of course the exercising .. I have been lax in that .. had been going to the gym and worked with a trainer but then got away from it .. so am trying to get back on track with that as well .. so everything can work together the way it was meant to be ..

I know Dr Steward needed to make the move to be closer to his family but I do actually still see him .. I follow up with him on other issues I had .. I have family in the same area and so I do travel for that .. I agree that it is sad that he doesn't work in the bariatric world .. he helped alot of people ..

Sounds like you're doing good too! .. thanks for the encouragement ..

Rhonda