jlball

I am wondering how your surgery went?? Did your insurance agree to pay for any of it?? Have you on my mind...hope all is well. How is the recovery going??

You mentioned both of my weaknesses...sweets and nights!! I tend to get carried away with the sugar addiction and snacking late at night has always been my worst habit. How to break it is a mystery. I can do great for a significant amount of time and them bam...I'm right back to battling those demons again!! I try to plan, but am always able to justify my bad behavior...right now I'm doing okay, but know the winter is coming. Walking really helps me to los4e and maintain...once the snow flies it gets more challenging. My goal this winter is to try to stay the same until the spring thaw!!!

This sounds so much like me!! I doubt that we are alone. Learning to keep our weight off and finish what we started has got to be the hardest part of all. I, too, have 30-40 lbs left to go. I've gotten back on track this summer but am worried about the winter months when we can't get outside. I took action when I gained over 10lbs ...went back to the psychologist, support group, and joined a weight loss program. It all helps me to be accountable which you identified as key in this journey...I so agree with you! I am hoping to make better plans, but it is so easy to let those addictions take over and make excuses...such a roller coaster! Congrats on all you've done and good luck to both of us in completing our greatest accomplishment!

Hi Sindy Sue, 125lbs is amazing...I'm at 108 with about 30-40 to go! sometimes it seems impossible that I could have done it but maintaining and getting weight off is getting more challenging., I'm almost done with my 2nd year and am disappointed when I backslide. I've gotten back on track this summer which is good. What are your most common "meals" and tips at this point??

I have learned to cut it into tiny bites and take a lot of time between bites....my band is pretty tights so that's the only way I can eat! Good luck!

Did you ever have some backslide moments or stall at a certain amount? I seem to be stuck, not losing...any ideas to get it going again?

No...I've only thrown up maybe 6 times in two years and am grateful when I do!! It isn't vomiting like you know it...it's a one shot deal and then relief. Not continuous episodes...at least that has been my experience. If you follow the rules of small bites, well chewed most things are fine. GO FOR IT!!! It is the best decision I ever made!

It has been 2 years since I started. I lost 42 before my surgery. I had been down 104 but I gained 14 lbs over the winter and am fighting to get it off which is not going well. I think I only have shed 4...I went back to the psychologist and, my old weight loss program so that I am accountable and have finally returned to the correct eating habits. I have walked every day and done weight training 3x per week for the last 3 weeks and it is only 4 lbs!!! grrrr., I guess I need to go in for a fifill since I seem to be able to eat quite a bit of food (for us, not a normal person!) I seem to be hungry more often too...going to the doc on Thurday so we'll see what he thinks. It is amazing to think of our numbers but I still think of myself as fat...do you do that too??.

I am so amazed tht your insurance is paying for it all...that is terrific. I wish you the best. I have lost 95 lbs but still have another 30-40 to go so can't consider it yet! Good luck!

I am curious about your TT surgery...is your insurance paying for any of it? What is the recuperation supposed to be like??

I was only allowed to take 2 oz at a time the first days after surgery. (it reminded me of infant feedings-staying on schedule! lol) Each day gets better...just follow the rules and do what they suggest. It will be worth it!! Best of luck!

I admire your hard work so much. I started out at 278 an am down to 185. I gained about 14 lbs over the winter and am having trouble getting myself back on track. It is so frustrating and scary. I don't want to gain back my weight and I still need to lose 40 more...I just need to get this done but seem to have lost my mojo after 2 yrs...any suggestions?

I think you are right that I need a fill...though I also feel that I SHOULD be able to control myself...but I never could for long in the past so I guess I should use my band as it is intended! Thanks for your support!

Shirley, That is so maddening ...after five years. I am so proud of you for not giving up...I will follow your lead! You are an inspiration!! Best of luck as you revisit the journey!

Wow- just reading this thread makes me feel better!! I, too, am in my 50's, did great but am struggling right now and have gained 14 lbs back of the 104 I had lost...now it's kind of like figuring out how to start ovcer. I am in such a better place and feel so good - yet still view myself as an obese person. All of my old demons have returned. About a month ago I had .4 cc removed as the fluroscope indicated I was way too tight and couldn't eat...since then, I feel like I can eat and eat(tho in reality that is not so) I am making poor choices and must remember that any weight loss is calories in/calories out. I am trying to regroup - going to see the Psycxhologist tomorrow and meeting with a little support group of fellow bandsters for lunch. I probably should go in for a small fill but then feel as if I should be able to self-monitor - yet I am so out of control with my choices of food. I keep telling myself that it is the winter blues and that as soon as I can start walking again I will get remotivated. I actualy think I did this vcery same scenario last year which is even more frustrating as in reality I should have been able to reach my goal weight by now but am back to where I was in November...what a waste. I know I am not a failure coz I've come so far but I don't want to continue gaining - I want to conquer this and be a good role model for my daughters who need to follow in my foosteps. So much excuse making and emotional garbage. When I did my three months for insurance approval I never waivered and lost 42 lbs on my own...so now I have this fabulous tool and am not eating correctly. ugh I appreciate everyone's support to everyone...WE CAN DO THIS. We will have ups and downs as life throws it's curve balls but how do we keep ourselves in check and focus on what we need to do to maintain. When life gets tough, we need to at least stay where we are - this gaining must stop!!!! I am hoping that I can start walking outside later in the week...just need the temp to raise a few degrees. That is one activity that has many benefits. It is of course good exercise, but also gets me out of the house and away from food, fresh air, a different view, nature and an opportunity to think or talk. I have been religious about going to the gym 3 days a week, but lately have been slacking on the cardio...no wonder I'm gaining poor food choices, plus lck of cardio = poundage!! So, knowing all of that....why do I keep on?? Let's all set our "do over" day and JUST DO IT!!! The rewards will be felt in the summer and it will be soooo worth it!!