Question:
1-22-03, WLS good success, the rest is up to me

My highest weight was just over 300#. i am now hovering at about 190#. I find myself needing to get re-energized, especially with the holidays approaching. really want to lose another 20 lbs. i am pleased with my success, but I know the reat is up to me. any help would be great. thanks!!    — HOTSALLY29 (posted on November 2, 2004)

November 2, 2004
I don't know if I have any helpful advice, but your attitude is surely in the right place! I checked your profile, but it doesn't say if you exercise or not. Do you still work in the restaurant? If not, try to start moving a bit, Walking is excellent for starters, and training with free weights. Body For Life, which I do, is also wonderful. Anything you can do is better than nothing. I started at 11 months out, and it really kickstarted my loss and reshaped my body. Best of luck! J
   — Jeanie

November 2, 2004
Sally-- we're nearly twins! I had my lap RNY on 2-10-03, started at 313, now at 180 but I've slacked on just about everything and I'm concentrating on getting back on track, too. Since I have mid-terms this week, I'm concentrating on the little things: getting more water and taking all of my vits. What "little things" can you start with this week so that you don't become overwhelmed and frustrated? I've also found that it helps if I start to track my food intake. Best of luck and feel free to email me privately.
   — lizinPA

November 2, 2004
What a great post and great responses. I'm a veteran of 2/7/04. Highest weight was 276, last pre-op weight was 248, lowest post-op was 280. By letting everything go - and going back into my "I'll start on Monday, better eat it all now, what a jerk" diet mentality I got back to 211. My last weight last week was 200 - yeah! The best thing I did to start out again was to forgive myself. These last 2 1/2 weeks I've eaten much better (including forcing myself to eat when I need to by the clock and by my pouch), watched a lot of little things like Beth suggested, and am working to increase my activity. Yes, we can stop before goal, even gain all our weight back, but it's different now - I doubt that I would have lost 11 lbs in 2 weeks before and I know that I wouldn't have "only" gained back 31 lbs. (But gosh I shudder when I type that.) I'm not taking anything for granted, but even if I do have a pint of ice cream I know I can re-start healthy eating RIGHT AWAY!!! And it does help to get full faster - grazing is more work! LOL! Best of luck to you - and to all of us struggling with this long-term (which I guess, at goal, trying to get to goal, or fixing a re-gain, is ALL of us). Bette
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 2, 2004
I love your attitude, Sally. My highest weight was 297, and I got down to about 190, then to 170 after plastic surgery this summer. (I had RNY on 4/1/03.) Due to a few things in my personal life, followed up with my car getting totaled (I loved that car!--but fortunately no serious injuries for anybody), I allowed myself to get off track with snacking and skipping exercise, and gained back 9 pounds. I got back onto exercise this week, and have lost 2.5 pounds in the past three days. I'm trying to work on the grazing now (that stress-eating just doesn't go away). I put a piece of gum in my mouth just now instead of a piece of candy. I had a cup of hot tea this morning when I wanted to eat something. Those are small things, but the exercise alone has made a big difference. I know that I must make that a routine part of my life, and I must always learn to deal with grazing when under stress. I would suggest working on one thing at a time whether that's exercise or food choices or grazing or liquids, and build from there. At least for me, motivation is 80% of it, and it sounds like you're motivated. Best wishes.
   — Vespa R.

November 2, 2004
CORRECTION: Make that surgery date 2/7/03! These Senior Moments seem to be more frequent! (Do they burn up any calories I wonder?) Bette
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 2, 2004
I life is based on the KISS method--keep it simple silly!!It's impossible to change all things at one time. Do a change and add one each week. Keep track of what you eat and drink for a week. Then increase fluids or decrease food as indicated. Next week set an exercise program that you will do--doesn't help one bit to plan on doing 2 hrs of aerobics a ay if you know that's not going to happen. A little walking every day and increase weekly will do much more than "planning a big routine". This method has been good for me when I've gotten off track. Open RNY 11-12-02. Down from 350 to 125 and holding.Start with little changes and watch for big results from your consistent efforts.
   — dianne E.

November 3, 2004
I'm glad to see you are trying to get this under control now. You also have the right attitude. It is up to you. Unfortunately, some don't take full advantage of the first year and end up 2 or 3 years out wondering how to get it under control. I read a lot of profiles before I underwent surgery and listened to my doctor when he said I had to exercise and follow his plan. I decided I didn't want to "wake up" a year out and have to try to figure out how to "fix" things. This was my own personal choice. I worked extremely hard with the exercise and have followed "the plan" to the letter. I have never stretched my pouch so I am still pretty much eating immediate post op amounts. You still have your tool and it will work for you if you put it to work. Go back and start over. It won't be easy but I know you can do this. Please take control now before you have to start back at your beginning weight. There are ways to reset your dump o meter. Leave all refined sugar alone for 2 to 4 weeks. Stay away from carbs. Focus on protein first, then your veggies. Drink only non calorie liquids (water, water and more water) I promise you that you will be successful if you follow these rules. Good luck and God Bless.
   — sgibson71