Members speak - What has been the toughest challenge in this journey?

 Hey Members,

It's that time again, where we share and inspire others about our journey.  This month I wanted us to share with others what has been the toughest challenge in this journey?  Was it getting insurance approval, pre-op dieting, complications after surgery, no energy, food?

For me being so far out I am finding the biggest challenge is not gaining weight.  I need to stick with the basics and not let life get in the way.

Come on in and share with us and your comments may appear in the next edition of OH's Newsletter.

Take care,
Kathy

Hello Kathy.  My biggest problem is not being at goal and dealing with both physical and head hunger and calorie control.  Food never lost it's appeal for me other than the first couple of months and my appetite came back early. I never lost my sweet tooth and I am struggling to keep losing as I have 50 more pounds to lose to be at goal and I just passed 18 months out.  I was told at the hospital's program that I would be satisfied with 1 cup of food per meal, 3 meals a day and one snack for the rest of my life.  That, unfortunately, is not true and it is very difficult to deal with as we were told not to worry about calories the first year.  When I asked for a guideline after the year I was given a number much lower than what I had been consuming for a number of months and it is hard to go back to the beginning again as I have so much more room in my pouch now.  I have also been learning that I need to get rid of an "all or nothing" mentality and approach this one decision at a time. If I mess up, I just start over.  I may feel guilty, but the guilt is not going to make me fail unless I let it and I'm not ready to call it quits. After all... like most of you, I have gone to great lengths to come as far as I have and I do not want a regain.  I had a 14 pound regain that had to be water retention that's taken me months to get rid of and it is SO FRUSTRATING.  Good topic.

Thanks!

HORRIBLE NIGHT EATING!!! It's such a pain!

IndyKitty

The numbers are different but this is my story almost exactly.  The only difference is my program stressed that you had a honeymoon period and to try to lose as much weight as possible.  We are going to do this!!  Yes we CAN!!  Patience, perseverance, and positive. 

Hello Kathy,

My story is the same as IndyKitty except for the numbers and programs.  I could have wrote her post myself.

My challenges changes from month to month -- or it changes with LIFE'S ups and downs. 

Today in this moment in time, my biggest challenge is consistency with all of my eating habits.  I am very consistent with exercise, journaling, etc.  But not with food issues.  When I master consistency 85% of the time or more, I will be unstoppable. 

Thanks for posting this because it made me sit down and meditate on my biggest challenge in my journey and meditate on what I need to get consistency with my eating program.  

 

Other than a post-op complication, haven't really had any challenges.  

Right now my biggest challenge is behavourial, and has to be grazing.  Eating huge amounts of food at one sitting wasn't really my problem, but after the wls honeymoon period that old grazing habit has come back to haunt me, reinforced by the meal, snack, meal, snack, program we adopt right after wls. Thankfully although I can eat more now than I could a year ago, it is still miniscule compared to what I used to eat and as I have managed to get back on track with my exercise I haven't had any weight gain. 

While I still have 30 lbs to go to get to goal,  I'm not so unhappy with where I am at and so can't get motivated to really buckle down and lose that 30 lbs.  I just need to get started again. 


Ceelions

Thanks Molly! Yes, we CAN do this.  Night time eating got me last night because I took a nap after work and didn't cook like I had planned to do, but the day before I had a light calorie day so it should not be too awful. Also just started prednisone again for my pinched nerve in my neck.  It's really cramping my style. I was looking forward to after the hernia surgery being able to pump some iron... or at least lift some lady weights.  We can do this, though.  YES WE CAN! 

EVERYTHING!!!

I was doing good until my mom got sick in Jan 2009, she passed in Feb 2009.  Since then it has been a whirlwind and I have had a tough time getting back on track.  Today I decided that I have to do something I know I hate to do which is journaling my eating and exercise habits.  I only hate to do it because I hate to write.  Nevertheless I will do it I have made it a non negotiable goal.

My challenges are caffinated coffee, fast food and grazing, especially on  high carb foods. While writing this post I realize that by not planning and preparing my meals and snacks I graze.  My excuse of being a full-time student is no longer acceptable.  

Since being on my two week break I have regrouped, returned to OH and got back on track.  My supportive daughter bought me a very nice lunch bag and I am planning my meals for the next two months (semester).  School starts on July 6 and I will not be eating on the run (fast-food drive thru) as I have over the past 12 months. 

After going back to the wls basics for one week my pouchie is still in good working order.  My BIGGESTchallenge is to stay focused to maintain disipline.

One of my challenges is making time for myself...to exercise, journal, plan meals etc. With a full time job, two kids, and volunteer work it is hard. The first thing I let go when things get crazy is me.
This summer making time for healthy habits.