Question:
Does anyone reach a certain weight and start gaining again

I can not count the times I have reached a weight of 160, (once even 158) and gain weight back. My husband tells me that he needs my victory and that I can be too hard on myself. I do so good at home, but when I come to work I catch myself eating with the others despite me encouraging myself with affirmation of self-discipline. Any ideas of what helps get you through it?    — h0ttie (posted on June 30, 2008)

June 30, 2008
Part of the eating with others is a social reflex thing. You need to establish a new reflex. Try keeping your water bottle in your hand at all times. This will help you to not pick up something else and you will also have something to put in your mouth like they do. Freeze your bottles 1/3 with water and then add water and Chrystal Lite at work to have something special too. Know you are not alone. We all struggle with social eating but it can be managed if we get a little creative. Don't beat yourself up. You've come so far! Keep up the good work! Laura
   — waterlover

June 30, 2008
Once your body gets close to it's idea of an ideal weight for you, it slows down and yes...many people do have a small 10 % gain after initial weight loss...I reached 158 lbs for a abot a day...After that i went right up to 165 and stay there within 5-8 lbs...If I get close to 170 I panic...and do whatever i have to do to get the weight GONE! I rarely stay near 160...but maintain very well at 165 for the last 4 years...It's basically up to you if you gain weight...I know why i gain when I do and it's not the surgery...It's the comfort food binges and naughty foods or just falling off track that makes me gain...I force myself to focus on the tool and it takes care of me if I allow it...IF I ignore the warnings and the fullness and go beyond...I gain...It has nothing to do with a size really...I'm happy at 165...but many women want to be much less than that...I don't look good that small...don't feel good that small and just don't want to be. I have muscle that I want tostay nice and toned and well...big! LOL I'm not fat anymore and I'm happy to have lost 150 lbs...I can easily gain if I wanted to let myself go and give in to my head rather than listen tomy pouch...I'm at that point now...and gained two pounds...I know EXACTLY how I did it too! Junk food!
   — .Anita R.

June 30, 2008
I'm having the same problem as you are. Sorry I wish I could help or maybe we just need to be strong.
   — jfehlman32

July 1, 2008
I am in the same boat...I started at 302 and I am at 180, lowest was 178 and I go up to 186... I think my body is comfortable here but I am not... I still feel huge, especially when I stand next to someone I feel SO much bigger than them... I know my problems and I try to conciously fix them but I still have those eating problems....Good luck to you!
   — Debbie B.

July 4, 2008
I can't answer your question about reaching your goal weight and gaining because I'm only 4 1/2 months out but I just wanted to say something about "eating with the others". I am back at work and we seem to be having many "celebrations" or "social gatherings". Things like ice cream socials, pretzel & water ice parties, a cheesesteak luncheon (I live in Philly), etc... Anyway, I don't avoid them. I go and I take my own beverage (water supplemented w/protein mix), my own snack or my own lunch depending on the time of day the event occurs. This allows me to still participate in the socialization but to also remain in my healthy eating/drinking mode. I work at a pediatric specialty hospital and it's no secret that I've had the RNY surgery. Our dietary department even brought in sugar free Tastykake snacks (another Philly brand product) to one of the gatherings for those of us who are more health conscious. You too may need to bring your own foods and beverages when you eat with the others. This may help stop you from eating the things that promote the weight gain. Remember, even though your co-workers can be your friends, no one can care more about your health than you do. Good luck to you!
   — dsmuffin

July 4, 2008
I am also having this issue. I am 21 pounds from goal weight and now I have gained 5 pounds. I can not seem to get down and stay down. This scares the crap out of me!
   — Alvernlaw