Question:
14 Months out and gaining

I have been gaining and losing the same 7 pounds for four months now. I'm 14 months post op (-126 lbs) and fear that my "window" has slammed shut. I am SO angry and frustrated that I have thrown up my hands and have gone back to turning to food to cope. Though I no longer eat the same large portions, the behavior (grazing, bingeing) is still unhealthy and will no doubt lead me back to 326 pounds. I'm so scared,depressed,and just feel like such a failure. Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful for what I've lost so far, and I'm sure I sound like I'm feeling sorry for myself-maybe I am, but I'm trusting that you won't slam me for it. This is just so HARD,and I am desperate. Please help.<P> I need to know how to get back on track....    — 5yrsout (posted on June 15, 2002)

June 15, 2002
I'm only 2 months out so I can only imagine the depth of your despair. My answer probably won't help but from what I've read sometimes it helps to go back to square one. Put yourself back on the protein liquids (I use Pro-Cal 100 and it tastes great) for at least six weeks. That's the period of time it will take for your system to readjust. Calculate the amount of protein you'll need so that you don't always feel hungry. Exercise (how boring!:) is also a key element in re-firing the fat-burning mode. Yeah, I know, it's a drag but even walking at a brisk pace gets everything fired up to do the job of burning fat. Weightlifting is also a great way to tone muscle and burn fat at the same time. You've done so wonderfully well, don't beat yourself up. Give it another go! Think about doing things that might encourage your system to rev up. Plateaus are always mentioned as being one of the most frustrating situations to overcome...but you can do it. You've already proven that by your successful loss of 126 lbs.
   — Lynn E.

June 15, 2002
First of all, *hugs*. You are so dang hard on yourself! We all have issues with food... that's what got us fat in the first place. Yes, some people think this is the easy way out -- but these surgeons aren't doing brain surgery! We still have to fight all the old demons when it comes to food = comfort. Anyway, my suggestion is to follow the rules of the pouch. (You can read them here http://www.shelby.net/wizards/larger.htm) Drink your water, fluid load right before meals,protein first, etc etc. Good luck to you and don't be so hard on yourself! Kristine in Toronto http://pages.ivillage.com/krystinesjourney/
   — kristinevok

June 15, 2002
Calm down maybe you need a friend that would be willing to support you with your efforts. Support groups of this surgery are great for meeting people who can help each other through crisis no mader how small it is. I find it uplefting to hear you have lost so much weight it wonderfull for you. A platoua can be discourageing. So when you feel the need to eat get away from food and go for a walk or start a craft project keep your mind and your body so busy you won't have time to sit and worry. Trust me befor you know it that weight will come off you just can't let it consume your whole life it not healthy. You can also think about volunteering some where to get yourself away from it. please I have not had surgery yet but would be willing to become your support angel write me any time you feel bad. sheri burke castrovalley California [email protected]
   — sheri B.

June 15, 2002
Hey. Don't be so hard on yourself, you've done great! 126 pounds gone means you did something right. I know how hard it is to stop using food as a comfort, but the truth is if you do that you will gain that weight back. I won't pretend it's easy. You see, it's science. If you burn more calories than you take in you will lose. That's a fact. So just start moving. Think of it this way, it's a lot easier to exercise at the size you are now than the size you were 14 months ago. Just stay on track and get moving. When you want a piece of cake just think about how many minutes of exercise you'll need to do to make up for it. If your game for the exercise then I guess there is no harm in a small piece of cake. Good luck to you.
   — Sarah K.

June 15, 2002
I know your scared, but try to take a deep breath. Now, go back to the basics. More protein, less carbs, more water, more exercise, and I think You will see movement. Its what has helped me break a few plateaus so far, so perhaps it will work for you. Try not to get frustrated, because, as with most of us, stress is just another emotion that drives us to eat. Think positive..minus 126! Thats a huge positive, re-dedicate yourself to the rules and then "just do it".
   — Cindy R.

June 16, 2002
Noelle, sweetie, you are going to be ok. We are a part of your support system, and as you can see, everyone cares about you a lot. Look how many posts you have gotten already. If you need to, find a group that can offer you face to face support. This will be a huge motivator to you. Write down your reasons for NOT feeding your feelings and when you get the urge to binge or graze, get out that list and read it. This can be a powerful tool. Go through an old photo album of yourself, or try on some of the fat clothes you saved for just such a moment as this. Another tool that helps me is a pedometer. I wear one all day long. This gives me a cumulative mileage. I find that just working around the house or at work (I'm a nurse) gives me several miles. I also walk one or two miles a day. I aim for 4 miles a day and when I get there, I celebrate. Then make your meal plan, and damn it, just follow it. It's one of those things you just gotta do. Don't forget all the stuff you know...protein, water, etc. Keep fighting as we all do.
   — Bobbi G.

June 16, 2002
I'm pre op, just starting my journey... but a couple of things that I am hoping to help me... maybe you could do? Is there a support group in your area? Could you find one? It doesn't have to be one totally associated with WLS, because the bottom line is.. when we get where you are, its all about healthy life style... maybe you could find something that might work for you? Also, are you exercising? I can't tell from your question.. my guess is, long term success has a number of variables.. but I think exercise is one of them. Finally, you could keep track of everything you're eating at some of the sites designed for that, like fitday.. and then when you've hit whatever number of calories during the day that you decide you need.. stop eating. My guess is, in a matter of days you'll be spreading those calories out..just my few thoughts.. I wish you luck.. I can only imagine how you feel. Sometimes I worry myself about having this surgery and ending up where I started five years down the road.
   — Lisa C.