Hello Group, 2 years out and need to get back on track

hi welcome back, i think that accountability is important for keeping our head in the game...so join in on the daily thread for weighing it will help you want to stick to the program.

head hunger and cravings are not nice to deal with, for me i do go back to protein shakes for a day or two one because it does help with portion sizes and it makes it easy grab and go .. i only normally do that for a day or two and if im hungry for snacks i use boiled eggs...

then back to basics trying to keep my calories to around 800, but you should have some idea of where your calories were in the losing phase...

stick around and im sure youll be completely back on track before you know it.

Sorry to hear you had the accident and are hurting, but you came to the right place for support. Seems like going back to one or two protein drink meals a day would be a good thing or even as an extra snack. My surgeon advised to increase protein via protein drinks to speed weight loss. When the head hunger or carb monster hits, the best solution seems to be some protein. A little container of sf pudding is pretty good with a couple of tablespoons of protein powder mixed in and pretty satisfying. A hot coco made with skim milk and any choc protein powder plus a little extra unsweetened coco powder is  a comfort way to get protein. just be careful not to over heat it.

Lack of exercise can sure make you depressed especially if you are used to getting some. You sure don't want to exacerbate your injuries. Have you had any physical therapy? You might try some gentle exercise like tai chi or yoga that you could do at home watching a video. Some of those big rubber bands might give you some resistance that is gentle.

Its important to not let the depression turn into something significant. A primary care physician can prescribe an anti depressant if you feel you need it, though a psychiatrist is best. I speak from experience. And sunlight is a natural antidepressant. Don't know where you live but if you can get out in some sun it can make you feel better. My husband uses a light box to get an extra sun dose on the rainy days we  have in the pacific northwest. and any exercise is also a natural antidepressant so long as you don't make your injuries worse.

You have taken an important step here by asking for suggestions. Wish I had more. Please check in from time to time and let us know how you are doing. diane

Would swimming be an exercise you could do with the pain your experiencing?  I know my back doctor tells me exercise is the best thing for back  pain from injuries or whatever.

I agree that you should stick with solid protein and veggies if you have room so you aren't hungry
and it will come offf. It may not come off as fast as it used to, but it will come offf.

Oh my gosh, unidos; your situation sounds so much like mine.  My plan went to pieces when I had spinal surgery that went all wrong a year and a half ago.  They fed me junk carbs in the hospital and nursing home for a month and a half, and after I got home I couldn't kick the carb monster again. 

I'm so proud of you for coming back *home* and asking for help!  Everyone has given you great suggestions.  Let's both work on this!  Best wishes as you move ahead ... and take good care of yourself :-)
--Dorothy

In addition to what everyone else has suggested, especially pushing the protein at regular intervals, I'd suggest a few more things. One is to prepare as much food as you can in advance. Grill up some chicken breasts and have them in the fridge ready to go. Make a batch of deviled eggs or similar items that are quick and easy protein.

Having your food already prepared and ready means it is convenient and it's more likely you'll grab it when you need food to turn to. Next I'd recommend adding chromium, l-carnitine and l-glutamine to your supplement regime. These will help you beat the sugar cravings and are very helpful.

Also helpful is bitter melon extract, cinnamon and bilberry leaf. I take these supplements when ever I get that craving feeling. Hope that helps and hugs...

Good for you for recognizing your situation early before it gets out of hand!

Everyone has some great suggestions on here! I know that exercise keeps my depression in check, better than any of the prescriptions I've taken. So if you can find something / anything that you can do without pain, do it!

I've found that when I need to get "off" of carbs, I let myself eat as much as I want for 3 days of the no carb foods. It take about that long for me to get them out of my system. Once the cravings are gone, THEN I refocus on eating the right portion sizes and only eating every 3 hours.

even after dropping over 140lbs Oddlly enough people still want me to be a bouncer. I worked a few high power gigs over the weekend one being a Craft beer fest with over 600 people in attendance. Last night I did a show for Janiva Magness a BB King Artist of the Year.  I got a call last night to escort some VIP's to the Daytona 500 this Sunday. (wow lots of Rednecks)  

Thank you to everyone *****sponded and for helping me remember the basics.  I am going to get back on track and beat this things ass.  I just ordered 5lbs of choc whey isolate since choc now seems to be my trigger to want sweets. I never cared for choc before surg.

I have chic breast and salmon. I will be marinating and grilling these in a few days.  I am going to start the 5 day pouch thing to get me started again. 

I will keep you all posted of the progress..