Considering A Real Diet

[pcos_chick 23]

I'm sure you've heard the old adage, " The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

I really really hesitate to give advice because here on the boards we really get such a small view into each others lives and few of us are experts at much beyond ourselves.

But it seems like you have acknowledge that the real issue (real being a horrid word... perhaps underlying would be better).... the real issue is something mental or at least a chemical issue that effects you mentally (and then indirectly, physically.)

My suggestion is to put a hold on any 'physical' solutions. You've already applied the best possible physical solution to the physical part of the issue - you got surgery and its working! You've dropped 90 lbs. That is amazing.

Medifast will be there for a while. I think you feel rushed because of this one year anniversary date looming. Its just a date. It doesn't mean anything. The generalization that once you hit one year your weight loss stabilizes is just a generalization. Its not a hard line.

You want something else to consume your life? Something positive? Something to be passionate about that doesn't involve obsessing about the mirror or scale? Medifast won't give that to you. Size 8 or twenty more pounds gone or what ever the magical number is doesn't give you peace or self worth or harmony with your body, mind and hormones.

And at 48, if you could have solved this problem on your own... you would have by now. I'm not trying to be harsh. Its obvious based on the history you've shared, the posts you've made and what we all know of this struggle that you are a strong, intelligent, capable person.

Now its time to ask for some help. Not the form of a diet but in the form of getting some of these mental issues addressed.

Like me, I truly feel you have been undeserved by the medical community, who for must of your life have likely not acknowledged the complexity of obesity. I don't mean to project here and I certainly don't mean to paint you as any kind of victim but be your own advocate now. Seek out the professionals that can help you. I'm talking Endo docs, and nutritionists and mental health folks that understand the bigger picture here where your hormones and weight and issues have banded together against you.

I think you are highlighting a serious issue here that a number of folks struggle with. And sadly, even here it doesn't get much spotlight.

[missmeow 156]

I think a diet is going to put you in a bad place and it sounds like you already know that. Maybe just adding in an extra walk or something will help you pick up some speed on the loss. Although I do think there is a huge focus on "goal" and that isn't always a good thing maybe? Maybe your bod likes where it is for now and just needs some time to be convinced of changing more.

[christin 54]

The pain I really feel is the regret that I spent my life on this. Dieting and weight and body obsession have basically been my career. The real reason I got a vsg was because I was 46 years old and I wanted a different job.

Crosswind... I can TOTALLY relate to this statement. I turned 40 last year and decided I was done torturing myself with dieting. It has been a lifelong career like you said. That is exactly why I got weight loss surgery.

You have done so well and I really appreciate your balanced approach. I can totally understand wanting to do a last ditch effort to get to the end. I might contemplate something similar. I would think that you could do that and go right back to the way you have been eating all year. Just be careful that it doesn't start the "cycle" again. Only you can know if it will.