Question:
How do you stop wanting sweets, junk food and can't get the exercise needed?

I had my gastric bypass surgery 3 1/2 years ago and lost 125 pounds, but I have, in the last 7 months, put back on 15 pounds. I've changed jobs to a less active job. I've had some recent surgery where I was unable to exercise at all and recently fell and injured my feet and knees. I'm feeling very down and depressed do to all of the above plus added financial and personal situations. Can anybody give me some good advice and encouragement to get back on track? I don't want to gain my weight back and I'm really scared that I'm headed in that direction. Thank you!!    — Julia P. (posted on November 8, 2010)

November 8, 2010
What you just wrote is my biggest fear, it terrifies me. So I will not eat sweets, and I try to walk everyday, it is difficult for me to go to the gym. Plus, I weigh myself almost everyday, I do not know if it is smart, but I am deathly afraid of gaining. If I go up a lb I will stay off carbs that day. Plus I do go to a counselor for this all, and it helps greatly.
   — FSUMom

November 8, 2010
Julia, you lost 125 pounds. What an incredible accomplishment! You have already proven to yourself that you can do it! The best way to get back on track is to go back to the meal plan you were on post surgery. Focus on protein to keep you full and not thinking about food. We all hit slumps, but don't let this sabotage all your success! Remember that we eat to fuel our bodies, not to nurture our emotions. For most of us, food was a crutch at one time to get us through where we were lacking in other parts of our lives. Don't fall into that trap! I'm sorry that you hurt your feet and legs. Remember that they will heal, just like your heart. When you can, start back on a regular walking program. Just 10 minutes at a time, three times a day can make a difference. Work up to an hour when you can. It all counts! Make a list of all pluses of being thin. Stay away from the sweets and junk food. Don't even have it in the house. It's like an alcoholic trying to keep an in home bar! Those foods are not our friends! You can do this! Please keep us posted and God bless! Bonnie
   — Bonnie H.

November 8, 2010
I am right there with you. You know what it is, its that food addiction rearing its ugly head. I am there. I have brought carbs back into my life and though my weight is stable,I am only 17 months out so it would be, I fear the 3 1/2 mark because I can see weight creeping back. I don't exercise enough either. I think I am sabbotaging my own success. I am trying to take one day at a time. I personally need a small support grp where I talk about my struggles everyday. I haven't been able to find that. I do meet with a Bariatric Support grp every month but that isn't enough. All I can say is look inside and face your reality and then get help. It may be you could use some counseling if you are struggling with the beast. I have lost 130 lbs and am so afraid of being a fat person again, but my tool box has several dangerous addictive behaviors in it. I have scheduled for the 22nd of this month to see a psychologist. I think that is the route I need to remove the demons. Good Luck. I'm open to any pen pals who want to make it work and admit that they struggle with the head hunger (emotional hunger). Karen
   — Karen D.

November 8, 2010
Hi and Congrats on a job well done!! I am 29 months out and hit goal by 10 months post op...lost 130 lbs. I took the time while losing my weight to focus on only nutritious foods and tried to disicpline myself to avoid sweets ..which were always my "drug" of choice. I always ate at a regimented time and still try to follow that. If I get food into me before the urges start, I am usually better prepared to fight any cravings..if that makes any sense to you. as far as exercise goes...do anything you can...if you can ride a bike...like ata gym, or do core strengthening class, or sit in a chair and move your upper body...anything to burn calories. Journal again, if you are not.. Keeo track of what you are putting in, when you are doing so and if you really felt ,or were bored, feeling emotiona,l etc...this will also allow you to keep track of calories in and calories out... Try to eat high protein foods and very few if any carbs..I find that if i eat carbs today, I am hungrier tomorrow... I wish only good things for you and pray you get yourself back on track to be the success you are!! Chin up!! hugs n God Bless, Kim
   — gpcmist

November 9, 2010
I am also out 3 years and 4months 14 days. Everyday is hard, but somehow you just have to look and say I did the surgery to lose weight not just to gain it back. You done a wonderful job. I was not a big loser as everyone else has been, b ut it was my own fault. I had ankle that been fused, a complete knee replament and the had to have it rev. just last month. I try to exercise even to walk. I understand the pain with your feet and knees. Even if you setting do leg lifts, arm, butt tighting, flex legs and ankles. I found it easier when they hurt to do it in the tub. water is great help. I write my feelings down each and everyday. I got a teenager that is stressing me out. I can not afford the gym, or Wii system, Everything I got goes to the kids. I try mental thoughts and water to get push the sweets away. I am also afraid I will gain back. I was 377 now 285. I am still trying to lose, this is a life long problem that I will have to deal with. I went to the beach this year and had fun first time in a very long time. But i know with each pound gone I feel better. Like the ladys before the carbs watch, get protein first, mine is beans, then walk, even if several times a day, It will get better. Congulations. carman
   — carman

November 11, 2010

   — sammyaime