Question:
Anyone else feel like they are struggling?

My 1 year anniversary is 1/6/07 and up until a couple of weeks ago I was doing great. I went away on vacation, my first one post-op and my first one in too many years. When I got back I got on the scale and saw my weight had not changed, but about 4-5 days later I was up 2.5-3.5lbs. This kind of through me into a tizzy. I had been maintaining my goal weight for about 2 months so the increase did not sit well with me. I was definitely hungrier than usual and could eat more, so I did get a fill. The fill was last Friday and I feel like I am hungrier than ever. I know that I am putting way too much emphasis on the scale and am driving myself batty. I am hungry about every 1 1/2 hours maybe 2 hours. I really feel like I am struggling. Has anyone else felt like this? Can anyone offer any advice. I do have an appt w/my Dr. on Friday, so I will discuss this with him then. In the mean time I could use some input.    — smooga_79 (posted on December 11, 2006)

December 11, 2006
Relax on watching the scale. I will fluctuate afew pounds up or down; I am almost 2 years out and for the last year have been this way- but I am still losing size wise. Some days I can eat better than others- just stay conscious of what you eat and make it healthy! I notice if I tend to eat more carbs- I will be hungrier the next day, but I don't disallow them because they are important- just eat the complex ones more. I don't deny myself a treat now and then- but I don't lie to myself about what I am eating. I still measure and count calories. Only you know the reasons why you let food get out of control before. Those issues will always be there- but you have a chance to control them now. You have been given a second chance. Remember just because you are hungry doesn't mean you have to eat. Ask your Dr. for a nutritionist if you need someone to help you eat healthy. But you are at goal weight so that says you are doing good. It might take you a little longer to feel that you are in control- don't be too hard on yourself. Use your doctor- you paid well.
   — Cdavis226

December 12, 2006
You sound like me in that I had surgery on 1-20-06. I have been at a stand still in my weight for several months, only losing a few pounds every month before for some time. I have been very patient as I have not gained any. I went on vacation in Nov. and I did just the opposite. I have went down several pounds since I got back. About ten pounds, so I am very happy. It must have been what I needed. I think all our bodies are different and we all must have plataus. If it upsets you to look at the scale, dont, they say to weight once aweek. I cant wait that long. If you are eating healthy then you will lose. I have aways to go too, but am not a year out yet so I am very happy where I am. If I lose for another year I dont know if I will recognize myself. I hope to only lose 30-40 pounds but am already in a 14. I can get a 12 on but because of the excess skin I cannot fasten them yet. My family think I should wait for the tt as I want to have them get all the excess skin they can. The best thing you can do is have patience and stay on a healthy diet, drink lots of water, excercise and walk. Keep up the good work. You sound like you are doing great!
   — marlenemn

December 13, 2006
Whether you are a Lap-Bander or an RNY-er, it can be a struggle trying to find a healthy balance between being aware of everthing you put in your mouth and being obsessed-- it is tough learning to be aware of all the changes in our bodies without also going nuts at even minor, typical daily fluctuations in our weight. If it helps, your home scale can be off by a couple of pounds-- they are just not made to be highly accurate. Plus the human body does not have a consisten weight throughout any given day-- that's why it's really best to weigh yourself weekly (or only when you have a doctor's visit). It takes time to find that healthy balance-- what helped me was relying upon my support group peers. Good luck in your journey.
   — SteveColarossi