5 Years Today

  Today's is my 5 year GBP anniversary. Off and on I have posted on BOTT. Mainly a cry for help, for my horrible habit of 'night-eating.' I have kept all my weigh-ins over the 5 years.  I would love to hear your opinions. I am only 5 ft 2 inches tall. Arthritis horribly bad and really can tell an increase in pain with the weight gain. Over the last couple years many times I have felt hopeful and excited, so pumped knowing I was back-on-track, but like my presurgery days it never lasted. I guess I have cried a river struggling with this. I KNOW what to do, but can not seem to see more than 3 or more successful days. Instead of celebrating my 5 year anniversary I feel very low and scared of gaining it all back. One of my biggest mistakes is not becoming more involved in BOTT, night-eating, too much sugar and carbs. Please help.. I know it's my choice.   Kathy 1. Pre-surgery: 284 lbs  2005 2. Surgery Day: 264 lbs 12/7/2005 3. 259 lbs 12/21/05 4. 251 lbs 1/10/06 5. 200 lbs 3/26/06 6. 176 lbs 8/9/2006 7. 154 lbs  12/6/2006   ONE YEAR 8. 134 lbs 12/5/07    Two Years 9. 151  lbs 12/3/08  Three Years 10. 162  lbs 12/09/09  Four Years 11. 179 lbs 12/05/09  Five YEARS

Hi Kathy!
Congrats on your anniversary!  Think positively, you're still down over 100 lbs.!  We all fall back into old habits, it's easy to do.  I know personally, at 5 yrs, I did start gaining back some of my weight.  I thought that I was doomed, but I wasn't.  You HAVE to tell yourself that YOU CAN DO THIS!  Take things one step at a time. 
-Try making a batch of protein drinks and at night when  you feel the munchies coming on, have a shake instead. 
- Cut up some veggies and dip, I use Fage w/Hidden Valley mix. 
- I make ham/turkey and cheese rolls and keep them in baggies, so when I open the fridge, I grab a pack.
- Hot flavored tea will curb the cravings also.
I hope this helps!
Deb

Thanks Deb... I love your suggestions...  I am going to make the Fage Dip today, I have a bag of carrots ready to eat. Now, do you make up protein drinks in bulk? Thank-you, I am going to get involved in BOTT.... I need you all.
Kathy

Hi!
I do make a batch when I'm doing liquid meal days.  I make a basic vanilla or chocolate and then add to them.  Depending on my mood, I'll add PB2 or different s.f. flavored syrups.  Check out Eggface's blog, she has some great ideas for shakes!
Keep on BOTTing!
Deb

Hi Kathy,

Do you have a face to face support group you can start attending?  I started attending a face to face support group in April or May of this year and that has helped me. 

You have to believe you can do it and never give up on yourself.  Perfection is NOT the key here, consistency IS.  So get rid of the all or nothing thinking and take  one day at a time babe.  

You can do this and if you are determined to stop now and say I am not going to gain another pound you will not.

It is not going to be easy as you already know.  I have really stuggle this year but I am still ahead of the game because this year will be the 1st year I have not gained in 3 years since I am down 33 pounds.  Hang in there and keep posting.  Deb gave good suggestions for night eating and I have some more but no time to post.  I am sure you have heard them all anyways.  You just have to find something that works for you.