How do you get back on track after 6yrs?

Hello Everyone,

I'm new to this group, but a old member on OH.  It's been a while since I've posted, but does anyone have any suggestions on what is the best way to get back on track?  I had WLS 6 years ago when I weighed in at 365lbs.  I've only lost 65lbs over the last 6 years and still have much more to go.....I've been so ashamed and stay away from family and friends (only because I live in another state).....Today I woke with with a renewed attitude and is ready to move forward and accomplish this weight battle.....After research on OH this morning, I went to the grocery store and purchased all the stage 1 liquid foods....My plan is to start today as if I'd just had surgery on yesterday and then I'll move gradually into the other phases......But, I wanted some support so I joined this group and also wanted to ask if anyone had any suggestions for me....I've also purchased some exercise videos (Walk Away The Pounds, Resistance Bands & DVD, Dancing with the Stars Exercise DVD and Strength Training DVD).....So as  you can see, I'M READY!!!!! to get moving which is something that I did not really do when I had my WLS 6 years ago....Okay any suggestions?  (Oh and I still take my vitamins - never had a problem with that)
 
Many Blessings,
Marilyn

Welcome to the Group Marilyn, I am fairly new here to. This group has been very supportive and you will like it here. Most of the posts I have read are all like us...Determined to do better! I never reached goal and had some regain but I am back at it with a vengeance...I can do it! So can you!

I took baby steps at first...I cleaned out my cupboards and pantry throwing away stuff I knew shouldn't be in there....I can still hear my mother telling me never to waste food because there are starving people in this world...yada yada yada...Well, I never wasted a bit and got up to 300 lbs!!
Then, I had to ween myself off of sweet tea and soft drinks...I got hooked on that stuff again, but I got over the caffeine/sugar withdrawal headaches in about two days.

Then did the five day pouch test that someone posted here.....and it was like starting over.

I then loaded up on all my staples and now I am good to go.

I am happy to report that I lost 12lbs in the first 20 days YIPPPPEEEEEEEEE!!

Good Luck To You!!! *.* June

Hi Michelle,
Welcome to BOTT!  It is possible to lose.  I had my surgery 9/2000 and didn't  think it would be possible to lose.  I have gone back to the basics of WLS, protein, no drinking before/after meals, no white products and exercise, write down everything you eat.  Since starting to BOTT, I have lost 18 lbs. as of this morning.  They say that it takes something like 21 days to adapt to a new routine and honestly I think it's true.  I feel great. 
You can do this!
Good luck,
Deb

Welcome!

I'm new here myself.  I had VBG with sleeve gastrectomy 5 years ago.  I lost from 350 to 235, then gained 30 lbs in a matter of 2 months from emotionally eating simple dense calorie carbs.  I am back on track again.... protein first, no drinking during meals.... all the pouch rules for dummies that was recently posted!!  Good news is that I can easily get my protein in and I'm not ravenous. 

I'm cheering you on!!

Hugs,
Ratkitten

We are starting a monthly 5DPT.  We will do the 5 day plan the first Mon- Frid of each month and post on here.  Down the list I have posted the diet.  Join us!!!!

Hi Marilyn,

Welcome to BOTT.  I've been part of many groups throughout the years but this one is so special and extraordinary.  Our goals are the same and we share the commonality of being on track and staying on track.......together.

I see how motivated you are so that is a big step toward your goal of losing weight and being on track.  I'm 8 years post-op and I experienced a weight regain a few years ago.  I lost it but it wasn't as easy as the first time around.  You've got a second wind and it is your time now. 

One of the things you might consider is to make a list of all the habits you want to change to your ultimate goal of back on track.  Sometimes to change everything all at once is a set up to be overwhelmed and eventually give up.  From the list of the habits you want to change, assign a month you'll work on each one.  Essentially, you're breaking your quest to be completely back on track in easier pieces to accomplish.  You'll also create a momentum of success as you complete each month.  For example, March could be drinking all 64 ounces of water, April could be eating protein first, etc. 

Whatever you decide to do, your BOTT friends are here with you all the way!

Cathy

Hi Marilyn,

I'm smiling as I'm typing this. I am also a new member to the group, 6yrs post op and my name is Marilyn too  How much of a coincidence is that? I lost 275lbs in about 6 months following my surgery. I was a lot bigger than most and still am at 574lbs but doesn't help that I've gained almost 100lbs back. Before my previous 2 visits I had been gaining a significant amount of weight between visits. When I went in Sept 08 I'd gained a pond since visit in Feb 08 where I had gained 12lbs. This visit Feb 09 on Monday I managed to hold my own no gain but no loss. I also had an upper GI before my morning appointment. My pouch is still the size they made it. There's no leaks. So I NEED to make it work for me. No I need to WORK HARDER to lose. I have a lot of weight to lose as you can see and need to get back on track. One thing I know I am not doing enough of is drinking enough protein shakes. anyone got any good suggestions? I've changed my goal to 100lbs at a time. I figured that might be more attainable than trying for more than 300+ lbs. I need to get moving again. I was scared to walk much post op because when I did I would end up having to use the bathroom and being post op there's just some things you can't hold any more like I could pre op. I look forward to getting back on track with you all and any suggestions or ideas. good Luck to you, Marilyn. And Thank you and everyone in the group for your support.

Marilyn W.

 Hi Marilyn -

I wrote a response to Marilyn and wanted to wish you the best as well.  We all learn what a life long journey this is.  I have certainly learned the meaning of "you must use your tool" and that surgery wasn't a quick fix for what ailed me - being an emotional eater.  It's great to hear that your pouch is the same size and no leaks.  I have just started back this week with trying protein shakes.  I really like the advantage edge carb control french vanilla.  It doesn't taste gritty or have a horrible after taste.  I bought chocolate muscle milk also this week and am not that crazy about it.  I did get it down though.  Have you watched the show "Ruby" on the style network.  Her journey has been inspirational to me even though she didn't have surgery, but she made me want to get back on track.  Good luck.

Oh words can not express how WELCOME that I feel from all of you.  Thank you so much for all of your suggestions and I truly look forward to BOTTing with you all.....Many Blessings, Marilyn

Marilyn,

This is a great group. I had a 5  years exercise break, and I am back on track. I read whatever Cathy and Kathy write. I am learning so much from them, so I can do it right. WELCOME!

This is what I do:
1. Log all my food at FitDay.com
2. I go dancing-Zumba and my Serbian folk dancing
3. Read this board daily