Question:
Help!

5yrs out, and having initially lost 250lbs, moved to Oregon, unable to locate support group close by, can't afford gym membership, weight slowly creeping back up. Petrified, need help to get back on track!    — Diane L. (posted on May 5, 2007)

May 5, 2007
Diane, do you still have your post-op diet paper work. If not email me and I will send you a copy of my post op information. Maybe if you start back from week one and work your way back down. If there is a high school track close -- get you a walkman or something and start walking.
   — the7thdean

May 5, 2007
Have you tried OA? They have meetings all over,and even on-line meetings,if time hinders you from getting to a regular scheduled meeting. They are concerned with all aspects of eating disorder recovery. I found them uncomfortable at first,because I did not want to change anything TOO much! But I learned to let go & it really saved my life. Maybe they can help you,too. The web address is www.oa.org I wish you peace.
   — peacelovecat

May 5, 2007
Think high protein (50-60 gms daily) and low (low glycemic index) carbs, lots of water and exercise. You say that you don't have the money for a gym membership.. you don't need money to walk... you can rent different exercise DVDs at your local library to see what ones you like, before buying them. There are lots of exercises that you can do without a gym membership.. don't use that as a cop out excuse for not exercising ... you have come too far for that...
   — Kari_K

May 5, 2007
Some suggestions: Start your own support group. Find out if there are other bariatric patients nearby and arrange to meet for coffee at a local diner or at Barnes and Nobles....buy some exercise videos and do a different one each day....go walking, it costs nothing. Do you have a community college near you? If you are a county resident you can use the gym there for a very small fee. Hope these suggestions help.
   — Sheri A.

May 5, 2007
Hi...have you tried fitday.com to help you track your progress and nutrition? It is a very helpful website. Can be public or private and it's free!
   — PGould4103

May 5, 2007
Hi, Have you checked with the local hospitals, YMCA's, Doctors? Some support groups have sprouted in these areas. Also -- WALK..... It is also a great stress releaver. I am 4 yrs out.
   — Wendy1954

May 6, 2007
Hi Diane, thanks for writing. You sound like you have financial issues, but you don't need money to walk. Map out a mile or two around your neighborhood and just start walking. Back to basics, protein, water, exercise. You can get support either on line like this, or Barbara Thompson has a website that has an on line version for "getting back on track". Don't remember the website, but if you google Barbara Thompson weight loss surgery I imagine it will come up. You are in a hard spot, but it is really up to you to get started. you just need a first step, but only you can take it. The choice is yours, but so is the consequences. There is no time like today to quit fearing, and start acting. Your pouch will still work for you if you use it wisely. The ball is in your court, what will you do? Take care, Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

May 7, 2007
Where in Oregon did you move? I also live in Oregon and know of some support groups.
   — tonyapf