Question:
I have fallen off the wagon, what is the best way to get back to losing weight

I had a AGB (Adjustable Gastric Banding) done on July 16, 2004. At first the first 3 to 4 months I was doing really well, then the holidays came. I had managed to go from 355 to 315 pounds. I am now at 330 lbs. My eating is out of control... I am not over eating at meals... just doing every thing wrong and snacking all the time... I just can't seem to stop myself. What can I do? I can't eat fruit or vegetables for some reason, they make me p'b even if they are pureed. So I eat meat, avocados, whey protein drinks, crackers, chocolate, cookies, ice cream (the later three are the bad ones) I make a veggie juice twice a day out of any and every veggie. What can I do to sustain my energy level and get rid of the munchies. I am desperate. I my family didn't pay $12 000 for me to fail. Thank you for your insights.    — winniepooh2 (posted on January 1, 2005)

December 31, 2004
If you can't stop yourself, get the temptation out of your reach and bump up your exercise. Water is on of the best appetite suppressants you can do. Instead of eating when you want to snack, drink some water.
   — Cathy S.

December 31, 2004
Looks like you understand what your weakness is..A food journal is a good place to start, keep track of EVERYTHING you put in your mouth. Keep it for a couple of week and please be honest, you don't have to show this too anyone but you. While you keep track of the food also write down your feelings, your moods. This is helpful. Now at the end of the two weeks, look over this what can you live without..make it gone. What can you not live without but needs to be made more healthily. Change this. Now if you don't bring it into the home you cannot eat it. Clean out the cupboards, refrigerator, freezer and any secret stash places. Drink plenty of water, exercise, and give yourself a huge hug. You can do this !!! Kelly
   — domestic G.

January 1, 2005
I don't think that this is your fault. I believe that you had the wrong surgery. I am only 12 days out, but had the RXY and can't eat the things you are describing. They make me sick to my stomach (not very appealing), and I have the deterrant of dumping, which I hear is pretty horrible. Perhaps you could have a revision?...or talk to your doctor about adjusting the band? Lastly, never, never, think about the money. Whoever helped you cares a great deal...enough to understand that this is just normal behavior (like before the surgery). It is mechanical, not something you are doing to sabotage anything. The best to you. Persue this with your doctor, get a second opion. Do not give up!
   — lindarodham6

January 1, 2005
I agree with getting the tempting foods out of your environment! I also wanted to add that for a carb addict like me, the longer I can go without the goodies, the easier it gets to stay away from them. I fell off the wagon over Christmas for three days, so I know how powerful that old behavior is. Maybe you can try just staying with the pureed veggies, protein shakes, and lots of water until you get "detoxed" from the foods you know are sabotaging your progress. Good luck and don't beat yourself up for having a set back. Remember to be kind to yourself and strive for progress, not perfection. Betsey
   — betseylovelace

January 1, 2005
I agree that the more CARBS you eat, crackers, ice cream, chocolate etc..the more you want those things. If you cannot stand to go without chocolate..look for a low carb variety..there are some good ones out there. AFter about a week of eating very few starchy, sugary, sweet things you will NOT crave them so much. Eat protein first when you eat too! That takes longer to break down and go thru your tummy and satisfies you longer.
   — FaithMills

January 1, 2005
If you are PB'ing on pureed veggies there is a problem--sounds like you are too tight. You didn't mention when and how much your fills have been. Remember liquid calories are not good--defeats the whole purpose of the band--solid foods make you feel full, liquids go right through. You really need to consult your doc on this--pureed anything shouldn't be causing you to PB. And no, I do not think you had the wrong surgery, as someone else stated--you can sabotage bypass just the same. The good news is this: This is all within your control. The bad news is this: This is all within your control. Good luck, see about a possible un-fill--that often helps people to start losing. Jessica
   — jessicamegan

January 3, 2005
I have to disagree with the poster, Linda, that says its not your fault and it could be mechanical. If you are eating chocolate, cookies and ice cream, then it is your fault. But you know that. Even with the surgery, its a calories game, if you take in too many calories, and you dont counter with exercise to burn it off, you will gain as you have found out. I totally agree with the posters that say get the junk out of the house. If you cant trust yourself to leave the junk alone, remove it. Then fill the house with stuff you can grab and snack on, like cottage cheese, other cheeses with crackers, peanuts, peanut butter etc. Continue to eat protein as much as possible and if you are not exercising, make the committment to do so. Even if its just a walk around the block, do it. Then the next day go a few steps further, then a few steps further the next day etc, until you build up speed and distance. Join a gym, like Curves. Find a walking buddy or workout buddy. I can honestly tell you that it takes work and you have to have the committment to do so. I will tell you that if you eliminate sugar, eventually you do lose the cravings. The best advice I can give you is to JUST DO IT. We can always find excuses to not do something (too tired to exercise,not enough time, don't feel well, kids need something, etc, etc) but you have to realize that only you can make the difference and do this. So, no excuses, just do it.
   — Cindy R.

January 4, 2005
I would highly recommend that you get yourself on protein shakes 3-4 per day. That will fill you up, get the protein in your body, and help curb that carb monster. Check out the protein shakes at www.vitalady.com -- you can get samples and find the flavors you like. Also, make sure that you are getting your water in. Try water loading before you eat a meal. Good luck.
   — coffenut