Question:
I'm worried I might be eating too much/losing too slowly

I got weighed at my regular Dr. today, I weighed 226lbs, starting weight was 278lbs on June 12th. I am feeling lately like I am eating way too many carbs. Hubby is not working and it seems like I can never afford to buy good food for me, an excuse??? maybe!!! Any tips to help me get back on track? I feel also like I can eat way more than I ought to, tonight it was stir fry, ate the meat and the rice.....    — Mandy M. (posted on November 21, 2001)

November 20, 2001
52lbs is still a lot of weight to lose, don't beat yourself up. Like a lot of people say, this surgery is just a tool, it doesn't cure the self destructive behavior that got us fat to start with. It sounds like you are under a LOT of stress!!!! Carbos are a favorite comfort foods. I know it sure was mine. I luckily started seeing a therapist and taking antidepressants before surgery and continue to do so. I know that I have to learn different ways to handle stress, anger, fear etc. You are beating yourself up about your weight loss,you're worrying about the layoff, you're worrying about finances, etc. I think that all that stress has led you back to an old habit, turning to food to soothe yourself. Instead ,get in to see your pcp and talk about all the worries, stress and frustration you are going through. Your pcp might be willing to start you on an antidepressant then you can check out counselor (cheaper than psychiatrist). YOU ARE WORTH IT, YOU NEED TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE. YOU JUST NEED A LITTLE GUIDANCE TO GET THROUGH THIS TOUGH TIME. The carbos only give a temporary emotional fix. Your body will burn the carbos up before burning up fat. The more carbos you eat, the more insulin you body releases that in turn makes you hungrier. I really think that once you can get your depression/stress under control you will beable to get back to following the eating program. It doesn't have to be expensive to eat the foods you need, thats why I think the eating problem has more to do with all the stress you're under. Please get help, I'll keep you in my prayers.
   — Helen B.

November 20, 2001
52 Pounds is great!!! We all drop at diffrent paces and all of the sudden the scale will move down agian. I know it is hard but mix protein with your carbs, crackers and peanutbutter or cheese, Baked chips cheese and bean dip and just be carefulnot to mix drink with your food. I come from a home that doesn't have much money and it's hard just don't worry eat slow and drink water and the weigth will come off
   — Tiffini P.

November 20, 2001
Girl I get caught up in the carb trap too. They're just so readily available in snack form. So much easier to pick up a couple crackers, tortilla chips etc. I had to banish some of this stuff from my house! Even though fruit is a carb, it is complex and not as easily converted into sugar (fructose - fruit sugar- is also not as easily absorbed). Anyway, I got some apples and eat 1/2 at a time. I also went to the grocery store and bought one of those roasted chickens and now just take pieces off of that for a protein packed snack. In addition, I do the shakes. Hopefully this will help you! Good luck and God Bless!
   — Kimberly L.