Question:
Does anyone know how to counteract the feelings of helplessness and panic I feel now?

I had RNY in 2002 and lost 211 pounds. . .went from 423 down to 212, but have recently started regaining. It seems the harder I try to go back to the regimen of restricting what I eat the more compulsive I become at eating what I shouldn't. How do I turn this around? I'm 5'10" and have regained back to 260 pounds. Help!!!    — Connie K. (posted on May 16, 2005)

May 16, 2005
Connie, even thought there is/was a vast difference in our beginning weight, we both STILL had WLS, and feel , oh I FELT like the surgery has failed me. COnnie, there is still hope, re-examine where you *think* things went wrong. Many times, it's just a matter of us 'backtracking' and/or journalling. Use Fitday.com (I didn't, but I'm going to). Read my story, I started at about 265, I'm 5'2" and got all the way down to 132 (I was wearing sixe 6-8s!!)All is not lost! I can eat more too! You're not alone. Make sure that you are exercising (if you have nothing that would prevent you from doing so), Are you attending a support group? You are with the right ones now...Basically everyone on this website is/are (I forget the proper grammer) a DEDICATED, & SINCERE group here on this website, that will be beside you every step of the way! WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN!!Best Wishes on your success!
   — yourdivaness

May 16, 2005
Connie, here's what I do. I write down everything I eat and/or drink. EVERYTHING Just like in the beginning when I kept the food journal. Be honest--it's for you, no one else. See where the glitches are happening at. Write down what you are feeling, why you are eating that, and why now. Write down any exercise--walking, stretching--anything.What's your mood during the times you aren't doing what you think you should be doing? Be honest, but don't be negative. This is for your info only. You will see patterns, and see things that didn't seem important when you were eating. You will also see some good things--like when you think you really over ate, but you see that the amount is so small its funny that you were worried. Do this for a week or so. It will help you get back to your basics, help you see where, when and what you need to focus on. If there is anything I can do, let me know. And what a fantastic loss you've had. Don't beat yourself up, you are a success. You can get this figgured out. Luv Ya--Bek
   — bek4901

May 16, 2005
Individual counseling and support groups. asap. You need to find out why you are sabotaging yourself. you deserve better! please look for help with someone with experience in eating disorders.
   — **willow**

May 16, 2005
I havent had surgery yet so maybe I should mind my own business but...I know how I feel at my weight, (388) and I think if I lost it and started to regain I would try to remember how miserable I felt at that weight and how much better I feel now. You are a sucess. You have done this very hard thing once and you have the strength to nip it in the butt before it gets too far out of control. If you need someone to talk to when you wanna eat something you shouldnt you can email me anytime and I'll be glad to be your "accounyability buddy". It would help me too. Sometimes it helps to have someone in the same boat to help keep ya straight. Good luck to you.
   — justaboutkrazy

May 16, 2005
It's time to join the Grad list. No guarantee that you'll get the rest of the wt off, but there's also the trick of maintaining the loss you have achieved. There is a lot of combined long term experience on this list and I'd recommend it in conjunction with this site and any local lists you use. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG
   — vitalady

May 16, 2005
Dear Connie: Please consider working with a weightloss coach/ Eaters' Anonymous 12-Step Group and/or a psychotherapist to learn the antidote to your self-sabotaging behavior. You CAN turn this around and the answer does NOT lie in feeling RESTRICTED, or deprived, or hungry. Truly! Lovingly, Lauralyn www.embodysuccess.com
   — EmbodySuccess