7 months in and losing my way

Hey everyone,

It's been a while since I've visited here (and maybe that's part of my struggle). I had my surgery in May and I've lost almost 100 lbs, which I am very happy about. Starting in early October, I started to go off the weight loss "diet". I stopped counting carbs and protein and started eating sugary and fatty foods. I also stopped going to the gym. I went for basically a whole month without losing weight and it wasn't because of a stall this time. I can't seem to get myself back on track and it scares me that I'm struggling when I still have 5-6 months of prime weight loss time ahead of me. (130 is my goal, but I'd really like to try for 115). And it also makes me nervous that I won't be able to keep the weight off in the long run. I did start the weight loss "diet" back in January before my surgery-so I lasted 9 months before making a mistake. I just can't seem to stop the mistakes anymore. Did any of you go through this while in your 1st year post-surgery (or any time, I guess)? Any advice is welcome on how to get back on track.

Note: I have recently started seeing a psychologist, but we're focusing more on my self-esteem than my food issues (though those two seem to cross over a lot).

Thank you for your support!

Kaia

What "mistakes" can't you seem to stop making?  What keeps you from stopping them?

Are you tracking your food intake?  Do you attend a WLS support group?  What about checking in here more often?

The mistakes I make are that I'm not tracking my food. I'll eat sugar and carbs when I feel like it. I get at least 30g of protein a day, but that's obviously not enough. My main issue is that I can't stop the sugar and carbs. I'm craving them all the time and can't seem to resist them anymore. I seem to have a lack of motivation, which is annoying when I've worked so hard to be where I am and my life has been improving for the better.

I don't go to a WLS support group. I tried the one at the hospital where I had my surgery and didn't like it very much. I used to go on this site every day but haven't been on in months.

So it sounds like these are the things you need to try:

1.  Track your food.

2.  Keep the sugary, carby stuff out of the house.  I'll tell you what I've found.  I love starchy stuff.  But the more I eat it, the more I crave it.  If I make it a few days without it, I stop craving it so much.  And I'm kinda lazy.  If I don't have it in the house, I'm not likely to eat it.  I might crave a cookie but usually not enough to go out to the store in the cold late at night to buy some cookies.

3.  Get more protein.  If you fill up on protein, I bet you'll crave the carbs less.  Plus you won't have much room for them even if you still do crave them.

4.  Find a support system.  Come here more often.  Find a different support group if you didn't like the one you tried.

Yep.  What Kelly said.

Suck it up buttercup.  You know what to do-now do it.  I'm proud of you for seeking therapy-that is a step in the right direction.  Please stop with the "diet" language and mentality.  This is NOT a diet....it should be a way of life.  There will be times when you eat less than perfectly but food is food...none should be labeled as "bad" or "diet"....you KNOW which food is best for your body.....choose that food first.

I can't add a lot, since Kelly's advice was so great.  All I can say is that you clearly know what you're doing wrong and you know what you need to do.  You have to be strong and just do it.  You will certainly not get to goal and will definitely gain back your weight if you don't get it under control, like yesterday.  The surgery only fixes your stomach - not your head.  You need to really try and work with your psychologist on why your are struggling so much right now and see if he/she has any suggestions for how to get back on and stay on track.  I wish you the best of luck. 

Please see my profile page if interested.

It helps me to make a list of things I want to accomplish.  Most of the time it just means making a schedule and following it.  It is a good thing that you are seeing a therapist.  

If you make a menu for the week and have the food on hand, try preparing extra that you can freeze for the future and when it comes time to have a meal you will have a good choice to select from.  Try meditation and really talk to your inner soul about the joy of reaching your goal and the change you want to accomplish.  Most eating is idle nervousness, not knowing what to do with your time so get some hobbies, read good books, and fill your mind with constructive activities.  Think thin.

Great advice, pre planning meals is so important!  If you know what you are going to have, and when, and it's there for you, it's so much easier to stay on track. 

Also, at times when you are wanting to do something that you know is not good for you and your goals, have a little conversation with yourself.  Be kind.  Pretend that the part of you that wants to cheat is your beloved, sweet tender child, who wants something, but can't have it.  What would you tell that child?  give a hug, and say, You can't have that.  Let's go for a walk instead. Or I love you sweetie, and I know you want X, but you have really good healthy things to eat.  And then change the subject to distract that child.  Whatever you do, don't be mean to her.  She will stick her tongue out at you and make more "mistakes" when you aren't paying attention! lol  But be firm, and tell that child that there is no option here.

Good for you for seeing someone and I hope that it is an effective tool to help you make better choices about what you put in your mouth.