Question:
I am getting out of control with the food again and I need help!!

I am 15 months post op and I am eating everything all day long. It is as if I cannot get enough to eat. I want to snack all day. I hardily sit down to eat because I have a daycare in my home and I am busy with the kids getting their meals and getting them ready for the next thing and then for dinner, we are so busy at night that we just sit for a few minutes to eat. So, in between times, I want to eat all the time and of course all the wrong things. I haven't loss weight for over 5 months now, I am remaing within the same 5 lbs. I did join Curves in October and I am going between 3-5 times a week. I know I need to EAT more Protein and less carbs but I really struggle with it. Give me some ideas on fast meals or snack meals. i just ordered more protein shake stuff from unjury so I will get back on that, but what else can I do? Am I the only one out there in this shape? Robin    — Robin A. (posted on December 4, 2003)

December 4, 2003
I am in the same place! I am 13 months out and also stay within the same 5 lbs and want to loose 9 more to reach my goal. I find myself tasting or sharing with my kids again, and yes that is one of hte bad habits that made me MO in the first place! If you find hte answer to stoping let me know. I do try to watch and limit any food intake to at least 3 hours between eating. I think I may not eat till full at meals or eat enough protein. I hope we both get an answer and stop our picking! Wendy
   — Wendy H.

December 4, 2003
Your doing great with the exercise but you have really wasted your window of opportunity. The key for you with your busy life is to find something quick but nutritious to grab instead of grabbing the wrong things... I would suggest having pre-made protein shakes, like the EAS Advantage low carb shakes in the fridge and next time you want to snack, grab a shake. Cut up some carrots/celery and place in the fridge to snack on. What about beef jerkey or cheese sticks? Truthfully, unless you make a conscious effort to do something about it, you won't lose any more weight. Although on the bright side your not gaining, if losing is the goal, you have to do something to jumpstart. Are you sucking down lots of water too? If not carry that waterbottle around with you too.
   — Cindy R.

December 4, 2003
WOW I thought I was the only one in this predicament. I am 16 months post-op and I feel like a failure. I go to Curves 3 times a week and I will also use my treadmill in between but I just can't stay away from the carbs and snacking. I feel so guilty after I eat the stuff and still dump from it but it doesn't stop me. I have lost 120 lbs. and would like to lose 30 more. I have'nt gained anything but I haven't lost since Aug/Sept. I do try to drink and do try to make protein a priority. So please don't feel like your alone cause I'm right there beside ya!
   — Sheryann Z.

December 4, 2003
Hi there, Robin! I'm in the same situation. And while I don't have an answer I am confused by a comment made that you missed your window of opportunity... I though it could go until 18 months post? Maybe I was wrong. Hopefully, those post ops that still have great success can comment as well. Vi. open RNY 9/23/02 down 152 lbs.
   — Vi F.

December 4, 2003
See the very bottom of my profile. I am like you, more carbs equals wanting more:( I added a protein drink went back to basics and lost from at least 205 to 191. 2.5 years out. My pretty fast loss at this time I hope it means that window of opportunity isnt rock solid, Anyhow perhaps my experience can help others. I am ultimately responsible for what I put in my mouth and will not let myseklf get fat again.
   — bob-haller

December 4, 2003
About this "window of opportunity": It's not like the ability to lose weight is gone completely after 18 months post-op, it just means that you will have to WORK at it, just like the general non-WLS public. <p> When I had my VBG in 1995, I quickly and easily lost about 100 pounds. That put me around 190. About 3 years later, I decided to get serious and really put in an effort to lose more and started a new routine. I started lifting weights, I started running every morning and I cut my calories. I lost another 30 pounds in about 2 - 2.5 months. Of course several years after that my staple line disrupted and I gained 90 pounds, hence my revision to RNY - but that's another chapter! <p> You just have to decide if losing more weight and/or getting to goal is important enough to you.
   — Ali M

December 6, 2003
Hello...I would recommend you visit the Overeaters Anonymous website and maybe find an OA meeting in your area. OA has really helped me so much both as a pre and post op.
   — Linda B.