It has been a long time since my last post and I find myself a bit discouraged. I was so psyched when I first got the band and did everything to a T. Lost about 50 or so pounds in the first 6 months. Well that was 2 years ago this coming September and not much has changed in the last year and a few months. The good news is that I have not gained back the weight. The bad news is that I haven't lost any in over a year. I am certainly in better health. Went from a 46 to 38 waist and feel good but I have really lost my way. I know the culprit is a lack of exercise and not making great food choices. I have plenty of restriction, dont eat bread or many starches but I have found a love of Reese cups and hot fries. Suggestions on how to get back on track?I have about 40 more pounds to go and need to find my mojo. Maybe coming back here is a step in the right direction,

Greg

Hi Greg, I am right there with you! I lost my first 100 pounds in 6 months, and then it took me a year to lose the next 50...and since then I've been riding the weight loss rollercoaster. We tend to slip back into our old habits after awhile, and it's hard to pull yourself out of it. I'm coming up on my 2-year anniversary next month and a bit down in the dumps that I haven't reached my goal yet. I'm about 35-40 pounds away (haven't set a solid goal, just an "about" goal). For me, it's all about routine and structure. I HAVE TO schedule time for exercise, and I MUST plan my meals ahead of time. I'm finally getting back on track, and here's what I did:

- Every week, I am planning the following week's meals before I do my weekly grocery shopping. I write down everything I am going to eat, and then make sure to check it off after I eat it. If I eat something else, or something in addition, that gets written down too. I'm being 100% accountable to myself, and to my husband. He is under strict orders to veto any requests for ice cream runs, pizza, or unhealthy snacks!

- Check out www.livestrong.com/mydailyplate. I've been using it to track my eating and exercise. It's an amazing tool. Find something like my daily plate that will help you track.

- I needed some structure, so I found a diet plan that works for me. I just need to be told what to eat, how much, and when!

- Make time for exercise in your daily schedule. Decide on a time of day you're going to exercise and actually write it down in your appointment book/calendar/phone.

- Find a workout buddy! My husband and I have a pact that we don't accept the "I just don't feel like exercising today" excuse. There have been times we've had to drag each other out of the house, but we feel good when we do! Find someone to meet you at the gym or go walking with...again, it's accountability.

- Set goals and reward yourself when you get there. Find something you really want and set a weight loss goal to get it. It could be anything, a new CD or something. Having something to work toward is good motivation!

Whatever you do, you have to take it one day at a time. You will have good days and bad days. Celebrate the good days, but don't beat yourself up over the bad ones. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and move on. It is hard to get motivated and restarted after you've fallen off the bandwagon, but starting is the first step! I have found that if I make a plan and I can stick it for two weeks, it starts to become routine. So if I've been eating healthy and exercising for two weeks, I'll feel sluggish if I don't hit the gym and junk food will make me feel blah. Once you've been doing it long enough, you will CRAVE exercise and healthy food! I'm not there yet myself, but there was a point where I was and I remember how good it felt. I'm focusing on the positive things to get me through the first couple weeks. And don't forget how far you've already come! Focus on the positive energy and feelings you had when you were losing and eating right. Good luck!

I have used the daily plate and like it. I have it on my iphone as well. I think part of my frustration is that for the most part I eat like a bird. My portions are tiny but I just stalled. I would guess I eat about 1400 calories per day. I really feel as though my metabolisim has slowed to match my level of food. I used to be able to eat 2000 calories per day without gaining but I can't do that anymore. I really think I need to hit the gym. Easy to argue that I don't have time. After all I live 3/4 of a mile from my gym that is open 24 hours a day. Just need to get back on the horse.

Greg