Question:
HELP me get through the weekend!

I had surgery 3/13/02. I have lost about 120 lbs., but still would like to lose 30 more. My problem is, that I do well through the week, then the weekend comes, and I fall back into old habits. Any helpful hints to get throught the weekend. Sometimes I feel I can eat a TON through the day. Anyway, I linger the same 2 lbs ALL the time. I am a size 16 now, but would like to get to a 10-12. I'm 41, so maybe this is where by body is comfortable, but I'm not! Any suggestions to help me get jump started through the weekend. I know if I could get through weekends, my weight would start going down, instead of maintaining. Oh well, I have never had any luck maintaining so I guess I shouldn't complain. Thanks for letting me vent!    — Kay W. (posted on November 5, 2003)

November 5, 2003
I would be interested to know what you are eating during the week. I find that when I screw up it is because I alter my diet first thing in the morning. If I don't follow my routine I screw up. It is that simple. Every weekend is not a holiday. I had to get over that old concept too. You might need to find other interests that don't leave you centering activities around food. Congratulations on your very impressive weight loss!
   — Carol S.

November 5, 2003
Hi Kay, I know what you mean. It seems like the normal weekday schedules that we get good at are just disrupted over the weekends. Here are some tips that may help: 1. Exercise. Where are you with that? If you can incorporate a weekend exercise session, that helps, and remember, only heart pumping cardio boosts the metabolism which burns those calories. 2. If you don't do it now, get in the habit of carrying that water bottle with you everywhere while you run those weekend errands. Drink, drink and more drink. My water bottle has a carrying case with a shoulder strap-I'm so used to carrying it with me everywhere that I would no longer forget the water bottle than I would my purse. 3. Whatever is tempting you on the weekends, get it out of the house! Fill the fridge with pre-cut celery, carrots, apple slices, pre-made canned protein drinks etc and reach for healthy stuff first. I know its not easy, it takes work at this point. I'm a month more post-op than you, and it is work at this point to maintain. Keep in mind that it is a calories game. Apparently you are just taking in enough calories to maintain your size 16. To go lower, it means lowering calories or upping the exercise to burn more of what you are taking in... BTW, good job on the 120. Pat yourself on the back...
   — Cindy R.

November 5, 2003
I am a very early riser now so I usually exercise, have breakfast and take in a morning movie on Saturday. Saturday afternoon I write for a few hours, then clean in the lat e afternoon. Sat night we usually go out for din din. Sundays are a little harder. I am less structured then. All in all, I definitely consume more calories during the week than on the weekends. Work is boring sometimes.
   — mrsmyranow