Why would you be beating yourself up instead of celebrating your success? You're close to goal.
Are you drinking Starbucks everyday and grazing on sweets uncontrollably? If so, address it as a problem. If not, be realistic. You're about to transition into maintenance in fifteen pounds. Eating normally, enjoying a treat occasionally, is normal. Moderation is key.
Weight loss does slow down - as we get smaller - because we have less to lose. It still comes off, even many years post op. Our sleeves still work. I'm proof.
I don't know why so many people panic over this one year fantasy magic number. It took me 17 months to reach my first goal. Had a baby 2 years post op, after a bit I lost 27 more pounds over 14 more months. Slow going? Oh yeah. But I'm tiny - 5'1" and 118 (actually 116 today) pounds. Weight loss was always slow for me and excruciatingly slow the closer I got to goal.
But maintenance has been a breeze.
I eat like a normal person. Protein focused, mostly, but I do my Starbucks on occasion. And dessert, small portions, if I want. If I'm doing this for life it can't feel like a diet.
Congrats on your loss, and keep going. You've got plenty of time and will see goal soon, I'm sure.
Whew. Well you're honest with yourself and that's a start. I've heard of people "eating their way through the surgery", but never heard someone admit to it. For that, I'm very glad you posted. Let me start by sharing that I am pre-op so can only relate to being an extreme carb lover who also has a long history of binging. Even saying the word "carb" brings on the most severe head hunger. I assume since you paid out of pocket, you were able to get surgery without any requirements which would aid in preparing you for the limitations so I will start from where you're at now with that assumption. I will seem harsh. Please know I intend to be straight forward because I have to personally hear it myself right now as well due to head hunger. You have already had the surgery before being mentally prepared. Since you can't change the surgery, your option is to grow up and get a grip on yourself. Or, you can choose to be the proof outsiders need when stereotyping us about finding the easy way out, cheating at losing weight, and being lazy. If you choose to actually work at this, here are a few recommendations.
Tell your doctor. If you can't, join a support group in person asap.
Talk to your PCP about being on a dr monitored diet.
Track ALL calories. Every single thing that goes in your mouth, put in MyFitnessPal and keep your calories at 1200 (I'm personally at 1000).
Step away from carbs. Easier said than done, but if I can do it, so can you.
Understand you have an addiction. Treat it as such. Get rid of all temptations, pre plan your meals, cook at home or bring a meal or shake out with you.
Buy pre cooked GRILLED chicken breast for those moments you don't want to cook. Pop one of those in the microwave and you have an almost instant meal that will dull bad cravings.
Get a nutritionist and remain honest with them.
And finally, for everyone else's sake whose going through the aggravation of educating the masses about how hard we work to be successful at this, please don't contribute to the stereotype and fail. Be stronger than your addiction, tell your head to shut up and keep your hands away from junk. Our minds and bodies are stupid when it comes to this stuff. Consider them your enemy and get back in charge of yourself!
Marco Martin reacted to clk in Vent..complain..self pity perhaps