The battle is on!

Thank you, I think this is my new reality.  Every once in a while, I am going to have to go back to basics to maintain.  I just have to except this as the new normal. 

Well Elina  you are gonna win this skirmish and every other one too. You know why? Because you are proactive. That extra pound or so is probably from salt from the margerita and stuff like that and would probably drop off it you just returned to more regular maintenance eating and didn't even do a battle plan. But you are like me; when something is unacceptable you don't sit and mope. You deal with it by taking action. By taking action you relieve the stress and anxiety that goes with the problema and you get rid of that in addition to getting the problem solved too. Do you think those seaweed chips are salty enough to cause water gain? Point to ponder.

So this is a lesson to everybody out there who is having a problem with weight regain, certain foods, snacking, or any aspect of life. Make a plan and take some action. Multiplepetmom is brilliant at this - coming up with creative plans for the classic issues of destressing at the end of the day and long commute and the deamons that come out after dark and command you to put food in your mouth while watching tv. Thinking ahead and having plans is a good maintenance tactic. Look at those navy seals that took out you know who. They had alternative plans for every possible scenario so they weren't blind sided by something unexpected. We can take a lesson from that (sure makes our problems seem small by comparrison) and be prepared for the day we see a couple of extra pounds and get the jump on it.

I had an odd eating day myself yesterday as I was out and about from morning until night and had dinner out (most of which came home in a box).  Result was low protein so I had a full scoop protein drink for the first time in awhile. It was fine and I felt like I took charge. I feel like i really need to keep up the protein as a help to healing up my hand injury which is slowly improving.

Anyway, too much blathering but Elina makes a good point and I wanted to underscore it.

Diane

Thank you Diana, as usual you make wonderful points.  I don't think it is really a salt issue as I had run out of the seaweed snacks about a week ego and have not had the time to restock.  However, part of it is water retention due to it being close to that time of the month. I also have not been eating well for about a week now, if I continue down this road, the pounds would start to add up.  I have had PinkBerry once too often and ice cream a few times and have had other carbs that do not help at all.  I really believe that for me, "getting right on it" is the only way to make this work long term.

Elina, thanks for posting this. I, like all the other posters, know these few pounds will be no match for you. I am relieved to hear that you are able to catch this and nip it in the bud before the off-plan eating becomes a big problem. That is an inspirational thought for people like me still wondering what struggles the maintenance phase will bring.

Oh, and your husband sounds like such an awesome guy!

Lindsey

Thank you Lindsey, he really is my very best friend in the world. I think if we all had a spouse like this we could achieve world peace. :) We really take care of each other and I still get butterflies in my stomach when he walks into a room.

I really think it can be done if we choose to stay vigilant. Some of us seem to be really lucky and not need to be so on top of this, from experience I know I am not one of those lucky few.

going "off plan" is OK every now and then....staying "off plan"  is where we run into problems!  Good for you for for "waking" up.....as many of us....are still "slumbering!" 

Hi Elina,
It would be easy for you to feel offended if you heard me say 'phew - she put on a couple of pounds!' but let me explain!

I have been struggling a little bit lately and I have felt like a bit of a failure when some of you seem so in control of your VSG lives! I am really struggling with the mindless eating and a few pounds have crept back on. I guess seeing that you have let a cpl of pounds sneak on doing the same thing makes me see that you are human!  

I really wanted to make it to the conference call and unfortunately I got the time difference wrong but I was almost a bit too shy to do it as I thought I'd just be a fraud in amongst all you success stories! It amazes me how bent out of shape and distorted my self perception is - I am probably up about 7-9lbs from a weight that was actually a bit too thin but the mindgames that that has caused is a nightmare - just the thought of regaining the weight keeps me awake at night!

I don't know how others feel but I also feel extra challenged having young kids in the house. I don't feel I should have a totally treat free house because it is not them with the weight problem - so the house is full of yummy carbs/home baking etc.  For 18 months I was able to turn a blind eye to them and when I did slip up the old sleeve was kind to me. Now obviously the honeymoon is over and things are different.

I guess it is just so much harder to get back on the wagon! In closing I guess I'd like to say thanks for the honesty - it gives me hope to know that I too can get back on program! In fact I just found this beautiful recipe for a poached pork (may use chicken) green bean and almond salad - all asian inspired flavours that I am going to make for today!

Big hugs and look fwd to the next conf call 

First let me say that I completely understand where you are coming from. I am all too human with quite a few weakness and faults.  Sublimate knows me in person and has witnessed my struggles. You are not a fraud in any way for having regained a few pounds.  Bounce back is normal and occurs for most people. I understand about keeping goodies in the house because of the kids. I have kids too.  I find that there are certain foods I just can't have in the house and others don't bother me as much.  The ones I can't have, I eliminate from the house.  As much as the kids would want them, my health comes first.  As the honeymoon fades into the distance, we need new ways to deal with our head hunger and cravings.  It is harder to get back on the wagon once you fall off, but it is doable.  You can do it.  What you need is a plan.  Remember the post I made about putting a plan together?  If you can, find it and reread it.  I really think that this is the big key.  We can't just assume anymore that the sleeve will do all the work and in order for us to do our part, we must first have a very detailed plan of attack. 

I am not at all offended or hurt by what you said, I totally get where you are coming from. Just remember that we are all human and no one got here by being perfect with food.  Don't hide, come out and talk it through with us.  I promise to not judge you at all, but to only offer suggestions and support.  Hugs right back at you.  That was a courageous reply.

You're my VSG Hero!  To talke action quickly is what we all need to do! 

Thank you Wanda.  For me, keeping my eye on the scale will be the difference between success and failure.