Feel like a failure.

3 months out and have lost 55 lbs. I have felt really great about my progress thus far, and had been eating really well. I was passing up treats left and right, and not even giving them a second chance. I've recently changed positions at my job and have a lot more stress on my plate. Of course, I turned to my old friend food. I can't eat as much as I once could (of course) but I'm surprised how easily the sugar goes down. I always feel really guilty and promise myself that the next day will be better, but the next day comes and I end up eating something I regret. I know it's too soon to be having these problems and I feel so disappointed in myself. I guess I just needed to get this off my chest, and confess. I know what I need to do, I need to get my head in the game. I need to get off my pity party and learn how to deal with stress in a manner that is not destructive to my eating plan. If any of you have any suggestions, let me know. Thanks.

 There are many tips to help you along the way but you basically need to decide to do it first. If you had found a way to pass up on  the treats and eat well you just need to do it again.   Stress is part of our lives and it will always be.    Decide to change now for good.  I know it' s not  easy and years of bad habits creep back up but  you can do it if you decide to. You have an awesome tool, use it  like  you were doing before. Get out your tool box:  pack healthy snacks for work,   carry a bottle of water with you all day and drink when you are tempted,  let people  around you know you are trying to do this so you can get support ( you will be amazed at how supporting people can be when you just ask for help), go  for a mini walk during lunch, so may things, make a list and do it. 

Good luck !

Thank you!

For me, sugar causes food cravings. I know that if I give into the desire to eat carbs, it will be all over.  Will power can't compete with the carb cravings for more than a few days.  And it goes just as you describe it - every day planning to be good, but giving in and feeling bad about myself.

You have to detox from the carbs.  If you can eat very low carb for a few days, you'll break the carb cravings, and it'll be much easier.  So white-knuckle it for a few days. If you know it will get better, it helps with the resolve.

best of luck.

Carol

Thank you, I'll try to reset!

You can also try the 5 day pouch test.  I use it to reset my system. I've been there...I'm there now. It's a real struggle for most of us. Try to not be too hard on yourself.

Fay

I think it's important to separate the thought of "I made a mistake" and "I'm a failure."  We all fail from time to time, but that doesn't make us failures, it just makes us human.  Getting wrapped up in a cycle of guilt and defeat serves no useful purpose, it just drags us down.  

Are you seeing a therapist?  That might help you to find better coping techniques than eating off plan.  There is so much brain rewiring that we've got to do to make it through this process.  Therapy can really help.  

No I'm  not seeing a therapist, but that is probably a good idea. Thank you.

I have nothing useful to add.  I think white knuckling is about your only option at this point.  We all must do it and it's hard.  Don't have the junk available and that will be half the battle...because then you'd have to make a conscious choice to go and buy it and that should be something you could more easily talk yourself out of.  Also, therapy for skills and alternatives to eating during times of stress is a great idea.  I'm pretty sure therapy should be a must have for anyone who has WLS.   

I'm going to clean out my pantry today! The kids will just have to deal with it! Thank you.