Lost Hope/Please Help

Hi Deb
Glad you are doing so well.  I am still struggling.  What medication did he change you too?  So many of us take meds that cause weight gain.  thanks, Just me

(HUGS)  Kathy, I know how hard it is.
But - I think if you can pick one plan and try to stay on it for 3-4 months. 
But be really honest about it.  
I know what are my demons and I either avoid that or only allow myself a small amount when I do.  That means - that I can't have that home.  None of that. When I am there by myself.
(i.e bread, wine, etc.)
My body does wonder with proteins and fats - great.  But carbs - and I gain like crazy. Even so called "good carbs". My body puts them away...
There are some carbs that are less of trouble... but still may make me gain.

Artificial sweeteners are horrible - the make me so hungry... and I eat double.  When I use splenda or some others - I get the bottomless pouch days.
Sugar alcohol - same thing plus I get the horrid gas.  So I try to make an effort to use only stevia.
I do eat fruits...they are in season now.. But I still try not to eat too much.
Alcohol - makes me really hungry.  and relaxes the stoma... again - that has to go.

Not taking vitamins and minerals - will do the same.  It may weaken the liver other organs.
Stress contributes to weight gain. And poor thyroid function.  Soy slows down the thyroid... I try to avoid that, unless it is miso or soy sauce (limited).

Not enough exercise... and not enough proteins in the diet would make the muscles to get weaker... less muscles - lower the BMR- calories burned. 
Not enough rest - sleep - may cause the weight gain, same with hormonal imbalances...

And so on...

EWhen did you have the Blood test done? how are the results? maybe some were not tested...
If the blood work is OK - really good - then try to pick a plan - one that you can follow for montsh and maybe years - and stick to it... make a commitment for 3-4 months ... and evaluate.  

When you say you went back to basics what do you mean? Did you have snacks? did you cut out extras such as creamer in your coffee? Could you give me some specific ideas?

 Check out the sticky post on the discussion forum we have a list of basics for you.

When we say that we are going back to basics, we mean protein first then veggies and fruit.  Go back to drinking at least 64 ounces of fluid and take all your vitamins.  I eat 6 to 7 mini meals a day to keep my blood sugar level so that I don't have any crashes and I made exercise part of my daily schedule.  I find that if I plan/schedule my meals and exercise that I become more accountable to myself and them.  I usually eat the same thing at breakfast and lunch but always change up my dinner meal for variety.  This works for me.

Tess,  Do you mind sharing what you typically eat for breakfast and lunch?  The plan that you are following is exactly what my Doctor told me to do to get back on track....  Thanks.

 I work through lunch each day to get off at 3:30 to pick up my son so I eat at my desk.  The protein bar is very convenient for lunch.  Same for breakfast, I am on the move so I take a protein shake with me and drink on the way to work.  I do a different bar for a mid morning snack.  In the afternoon, when I get home I have a cheese snack for a boost before I go walk.  By the time I get back home and down 20 ounces of fluid, I am ready to fix dinner.  I relied on the +2 method.  I have no more than two items for dinner.  If it is a sandwich, that is whole grain and protein, 2 items.  Or, protein such as chicken breast with green beans, protein and a veggie.  My last snack of the night is usually protein pudding, NSA Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich or fruit.  When we add to many items to our meal, it adds the calories to us.  The old me would have had a meat, two veggies, bread and dessert just to finish the meal off.  How about you?  On the weekends, I like to have a different choice for breakfast.  I love Oatmeal and have now discovered Hi Lo Maple Pecan Cereal which is high protein.  I have one on Saturday and one on Sunday.  If I eat lunch on the weekend which is rare, then I will have a protein bar for dinner.  This is just what works for me.  My grocery list includes the following items:

Whole Wheat sandwich thins by Oroweat
Chicken Breast in Can, I use Mark by Sam's Club
Breast of Tuna in water
Light mayo or miracle whip
Tyson's Chicken Breasts
Hormel Roast Beef
Green Beans
Fat Free Refried Beans
Onion
Bananas
Green Grapes
Apple
Chedder Cheese
NSA Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches
SF/FF Pudding
Weight Control Oatmeal
Hi Lo Maple Pecan Cereal
Unjury Chocolate, Vanilla and Unflavored Protein Powders
Quest Protein Bars-Peanut Butter Supreme, Brownie, Vanilla Almond Crunch, Apple Pie
Pure Protein Bars-Chocolate Deluxe, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip Bars
Kraft Mozzarella Twist Cheese
Laughing Cow Garlic and Herb Spread
Carb Master Gluten Free Crackers
Little Baby Bel Lite Cheese
Propel Zero
Crystal Lite 
Mio
Diet Pepsi (I can not lie, I still drink soda)
water

This is just a few of my essentials that I live off of each week.  I hope this information can help you.  

Thanks for sharing Tess!  You are so inspiring!

Tess,

Thank you so much for sharing.  I have been following your posts for a couple of weeks and have learned allot!  You have inspired and motivated me.  I started in earnest to get B.O.T. today!  I had my grocery list for the family on hand and just went back to add a few more items :)

I have not tried the Quest bars.  Are these available at the grocery store?

Also, thank you for the tip on the flavors.  I used the coupon code and got my flavors today.

Have a great day!

I have loved all your post. I have read them over and over and over. Tomorrow I am joining Weigh****chers again. From what I am hearing somewhere we have to square-up and say enough is enough, I am from this moment on getting myself back-on-track, Lord, help me! You are all so real and honest. I post was and is a desparate cry to help. Thank you, Kathy!