Question:
I'm really out of control, how can I get back on track?

I had RNY 2 years ago, lost 100 pounds, and really no unusual problems or complications. I have been spiraling into an abyss for the 4-6 months. I've become addicted to candy, bakery, anything sweet. It's all I'm eating. I do feel sick much of the time, but it doesn't stop me. I'm just obsessed with sweets and all the wrong food. Any suggestions? Please!    — a A. (posted on May 11, 2010)

May 11, 2010
Are you diabetic? My mother is Type II and when she has gotten on binges of eating sweets, she says it is like an alcoholic. When she starts eating sweets it is hard to stop, as an alcoholic with alcohol. Try getting your mind on other things, walking, excercising, just anything to take your mind off food. I would see my nutritionist or surgeon. You dont want to go bk to our old way of eating.Please try to get bk on track. You have done very well with your wght loss. 100 lbs WOW. Tell yourself you like the wght loss better than the unhealthy foods. Good Luck and God Bless
   — T R.

May 11, 2010
I would suggest going back to liver shrink or pre-op diet for 1-2 weeks. I guess making yourself stick with it is the problem though. There are other sweet things like apples with sugar free caramel dip. Somewhere deep inside you have to decide if you'd rather be trim or fat. "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels". I am 1 wk post op and wonder if I will be able to do this....I wish us both success. Hugs, Jane
   — Jane W.

May 12, 2010
It's been 2 years and 8 months since I had gastric bypass surgery and like you all of a sudden as I reached the 2 year mark I wanted to eat all the things I used to. Go back to basics. That's what I did. I attended a support group meeting and leared that a lot of people go through the same thing at the two year mark and as it was explained to me there are nerves that are desensetized when the surgery is done and around two years that wears off and so now we crave and some of those old tastes come back. Now is when it becomes mental. As someone wisely told me they did surgery on our stomachs not our brains. GET TO A SUPPORT GROUP!! Surround yourself with REAL bypass patients in your same situation who are not afraid to admit that they gained a few pounds or that they fell off the donut truck. You can do it! You are at the point where you see and know your enemy (food) and it knows and sees you! Plan your meals to include something sweet. I make key-lime pie using sugar-free graham craker crust and sugar-free key-lime pudding. Believe me it satisfies. I don't punish myself for what I eat but I realize the consequence is that I HAVE TO exercise. I was so afraid that I stretched my pouch and that my old eating habits were back to wreck my life again but it's a mind game. My body craves cheese cake so I give it what it wants but it's sugar-free and a small serving. Try the post-op diets and plan , plan, plan your meals and liquid intake. I still do 64oz a day and realized I don't eat as much as I think I do. Peanut butterand rice cakes are my fav. The take care of my sweet-tooth and give me protein. I am proud of you because a lot of us don't admit to our cravings and still pretend we stick to our eating plnas when we don't. You'll be fine.
   — hubbyshoney