I Think I Need Some Kind Encouragment...

[OldMomOf3 52]

I was banded in late June and have lost 35 pounds - all between July and September. No weightloss in October or November.

I suspect that is partly because my doctor told me to stop tracking my intake, insisting that it is not a "lifelong habit."

So, I stopped, and so did the weightloss. Subsequently, a few snacking habits creeped in and so, here I am, stuck at -35.

Thankfully, I have not gained weight, and I have gone from 42bmi, to 32 and I feel really good. Those are good things, but for some reason not motivating me. It's time to get back on that weightloss train, and I find myself unmotivated. I'm feeling balze. I think I need some kind encouragement and helpful motivation. Can you offer some, please?

Thanks, in advance!

Momof3inOC

[maegan 51]

If tracking helped, then track!!! I have always heard that I is best to write or track your intake. I wish I could get motivated to do it again!!!

[TKW 501]

I'd go back to tracking.... there is something about those "extra" calories staring you back in the face that keeps you from eating them the next time.

I find tracking to be one of my most beneficial tools.

Your weight loss is great... if tracking helps motivate you do it!!!

[dee257 1,516]

I agree tracking works....

and there are so many fun tracking apps free on the phones

Good luck !

[Toddy 758]

If tracking works for you, do it!!! I can't believe some doctors are SO STUPID!! If tracking was bad for your health, then maybe his advice would have had some merit!

[line-dancer 810]

almost all diet programs tells you to track and you proved it worked for you. most doctor aren't dieters so they don't really know the daily problems we have. The know how to make a living on helping us but often don't know how to do it the long way. People on here do know and are living it so they can help more. Get back on your tracker and clean your house out of not so good food...you can do this along with us

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

I'd go back to tracking. You can stop tracking once you're at goal and maintaining your weight, but while you're losing, I'd definitely be tracking.

[♥LovetheNewMe♥ 1,216]

I totally understand your doctors comments, but it takes more than a few months for us to hard wire our new behaviors for our life style change. I still track at 2 yeats post op and at goal weight. I do it so I know how much I eat and so I can plan for my meals or special occasions. Now on be stalled with weight loss, I can speak to this, it happened to me at about 6 months, 1 year and 18 months. It is very frustrating especially when you feel like you are doing the right stuff. So here is a few suggestions, go back to tracking what you eat, start looking at your mix of Protein, carbs, and fats. You may need to increase your protein and decrease your carbs and fats, I realize this is not a diet but to lose weight sometimes you have to shake your bodies metabolism up a little and not always eat the same consistent amount of calories everyday. The body can get comfortable with a certain weight and a certain mix of foods and needs a little adjustment to get you moving again. My longest stall was from June 2011 til Jan 2012. The scales moved very little during this time and I was still about 40 lbs from my goal, I had went from a 24 to a 12 but was still an unhealthy BMI. I ramped up my exercise, increased my protein to >100gms and decreased my carbs and I increased my calories to 1250 per day. Yes you heard me right I had to eat more to start losing, my nutritionist told me I was eating too little so my body was holding on to the fat and I was losing lean muscle mass so I was basically stalled. I do not promote fad diets or pills but even with the band you have to find out what makes your body lose and high protein, low carb does work but don't forget the veggies, fruits and fats. You can make the scale start moving again,and reach the success you are striving for. Good luck!

[August_Alberta 6]

I'm 2 1/2 years post banding and I still track every day. Just like the band, it's another tool to help with my weight stabilization. Another thing I do still, is portion everything. I don't eat out of bags or containers; everything goes in a bowl or on a plate so I can see what it is I intend to put in my mouth.

You'll get back to your weight loss. Don't lose hope. 35 lbs is wonderful! Be proud

[CHEZNOEL 4,061]

Do what works for you. You know how to make it work. And if I may... NO snacking and cheating with "NO NO" foods. You know what they are! So a gently kick in the butt. Pull it together and get back on the wagon.

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,722]

ok, whats done is done

start over today.....i agree with grammys post......you can do this

[FLORIDAYS 3,040]

My dr told me to stop tracking when I was 3/4 of the way to goal... I had been at it 18 months and lost about 180 lbs. the reasoning was that he wanted me to learn to eyeball it... Become not be dependent on a tracker. I was scared to death since I had been so successfull. so I tried it but I did use the calorie Serb every now and again to check out food I wasn't sure about.

When I went back to the dr I actually had lost about 10 lbs which is the same as I had been averaging every month, however I knew that because I didn't give up my scale.

Maybe your dr has the same reasoning if you are close to goal. I will tell you that every so often I will track a day here and there just to keep myself in place.... But for the most part I have learned to live without it...but I do believe it was one of the secrets to my success.

[OldMomOf3 52]

Thanks everyone! Your comments, suggestions and encouragement have been very helpful. Just what I needed. I've worked out 4 times since my original post, have been eating healthy, and (this sucks!) gained 4 pounds! But I'm not going to let it get me down. It was probably from damage I did before getting my groove back. Thank you again!

[CHEZNOEL 4,061]

You go girl!

[bigenuff 302]

I stopped tracking 2 months ago. I stopped losing been stuck for 2 months.I would track a day here or there but not consistently. I also stopped coming here consistently for accountability. I think both are important and not doubg them stalked my weightloss .i am starting back tomorrow and also meeting with a trainer tomorrow evening. I will also come back here mire consistsntly.. Everything is a tool we have to use them all :-)