Question:
In a JUNK FUNK! 11 months out ... and out of control.

I have lost 135 lbs. but I'm sure I've gained in the last month. I have resumed ALL the old habits and in QUANTITY, too. Certain I've stretched out my pouch ... Seems as though there are no limits - I don't dump on ANYTHING. Need some wisdom here ... feel like a failure. (Hope mom isn't reading - she's been my greatest support.)    — Linda P. (posted on July 18, 2002)


July 18, 2002
So....what type of advice do you need? You know what's wrong. There is no magic to this really. Do you want diet tips? Hand holding? Encouragement? Not sure what to tell you. Is this mental for you? Meaning do you know why you're eating? Physiological? Meaning are you actually hungry? Start tackling the problem there then maybe you can better target a solution. Good luck and God bless!
   — Kimberly L.

July 18, 2002
I am sorry you are going through this. Sometimes nutritional deficiencies can make us very hungry. Play it safe and talk with your doctor. I also think the other post on this issue is a bit harsh. Maybe your problem is lifestyle, maybe not. We don't know enough to judge that and the previous response to your question seems a bit like the people who judge fat people and assume they are lazy or won't keep to a diet. I suggest you call your doctor and get to a support group ASAP. You might also want to go back and see a social worker / therapist. We have some very good ones where I go for my WLS monitoring. Remember WLS is a tool not a magic wand. They say that about a year out the honeymoon is over. Well, it sounds like reality has slapped you and now you have to choose a lifestyle that is healthy or return to what you had. Maybe your doctor has an answer and maybe you have a nutritional defiency? I hope your problems are not serious, but am concerned for you as well. I would call the doc and find out if something is wrong. Better to play it safe than to take risks. Good luck. HUG Good luck and keep us posted.
   — Thomas M.

July 18, 2002
How much protein do you eat a day? I went through this a bit earlier (can you say hello Halloween candy?) and the cycle stopped when I upped my protein to 100 grams a day. Thomas has a good idea about a therapist, too. The surgery won't fix all our issues with food!
   — ctyst

July 18, 2002
I have no answer for you because I am pre-op, and I don't know what advice to give you...except to hang in there. We all have tough times and feel like failures sometimes. Even after surgery, it is possible to fall off the bandwagon sometimes...you just need to get back on it and keep going in the right direction. Hand holding? I think that poster was a bit insensitive and sarcastic towards you. This is supposed to be a site of support and of course we all need someone to help us through some things. Even if we know the answer in our heart...it is still good to hear it from others who are going through the same thing. Hang in there!
   — Shawnie S.

July 18, 2002
First, don't beat yourself up- you came here for help and encouragement, I hope I can help:) I am 2 1/2 years post down 148 pounds (about 10 pounds shy of he anorexic governmental standard- perfect for me) and have gone through what you are going through. I doubt that you are eating as much as you think you are- try keeping a food diary and make sure you are eating what you percieve you are. Then, if you really think you stretched your pouch, there is a way to shrink it back- I don't remember the full treatment posted here a while ago, but I simply go back on full fluids for a few days and that seems to reset my pouch size as well as dumping. In that full fluid regime, I push lots of protein shakes so I am not necessarily cutting calories, just having a liquid volume. The intent is to shrink the pouch- not lose weight:) Anyway, you do need to spend some time figuring out why you are craving and eating again- counseling or even the food diary may help by realizing when it is you want to eat. Work on finding other ways of comforting yourself- baths, books, flannel (my personal fav), candles, exercise, whatever. Hang in there! I think this happens to many of us- just we don't have the courage to write and ask for help! Also, for what it is worth- I eat a ton more during my PMS week. Every month I panic, every month I gain 3-5 pounds, every month I lose the same 3-5 pounds, and then I do it all over again. Guess it is normal for me, eh? During that time I eat sugar (chocolate) and carbs. Not as much as I used to, but again, normal for me now. I was just afraid normal was abnormal- now I know I am ok- you will be too!
   — M B.

July 18, 2002
i can feel for you. i'm only 2 1/2 months out and i am having a big problem. the last two days i've been eating a lot of junk food. cookies, doritos, etc...can't seem to eat right. i can also eat more than normal. i just had a whole waffle except for two bites for dinner. now i'm so stuffed i wish i hadn't eaten it. good luck to you
   — candymom64

July 18, 2002
Dear Linda... I understand completely. RELAX though. You have made it through the hardest parts... the pre-op wait, the surgery, the post-op adjustments, and you have lost 135# - my LORD - you are a SUCCESS! So, take a deep breath! Get out your old photo albums and LOOK at the OLD LINDA! Is that where you want to be again? When that "out of control feeling hits" - that's the heavy devil trying to rope you back in! Just look at those pictures of the old you and then stand in front of the mirror and admire the new you! And put those donuts down! Pick up a carrot, smile, and remember we are ALL ROUTING FOR YOU! Heather =)
   — Heather M.

July 18, 2002
Hi. I would be willing to bet every single person on this site has had a few times when they were doing great, and then wham, fell on their butt. Then we feel like it's all over. We messed up so might as well give up. The hardest thing in the world is to start again the next day! We all find a certain amount of pleasure from eating the foods we love and then a certain amount of pain for eating them. You have the perfect opportunity to break that cycle. You can not possibly mess up all you have done. My friend lost 100 pounds then gained 30. It took all her power and all the support of those who loved her to help her turn around. She did turn around. She has lost 25 of the 30. You can turn this around. Please feel free to email me if you want to talk. Do not listen to the poeple who want to make you feel bad. You are doing great! You are way ahead of the game. Good Luck.
   — Pam G.

July 18, 2002
Linda, I feel your pain! this past weekend I fell off the wagon...it was the first big mess up since before my surgery in April of last year! I felt terrible...but Monday I went to WLS support group, got myself motivated and have been on a liquid diet for the last 3 days. I really think the support or just being around others on the same journey really helped! If you have a group around you... GO! Get that sugar/carb monkey off your back start now a few days on the liquid diet will get you back in control! We are here for you!
   — Peggy N.

July 19, 2002
Hey, I have been there too!! I was at a point that I wasnt dumping on anything so I took advantage of it. So I made myself get back on track, I did 3 days of high protein, no carbs-not even breads or fruits, and increased the water considerably, and increased the exercise. It really did help. And the best part is, it completely reset my dumping. So it's easier to stay away from the bad things again. Good luck!
   — Cory F.




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