Time To Get Real Here

[Brian66 85]

I still consider myself a success story. I had my surgery two years ago (7/13/2010) and I have maintained a weight loss of about 120 pounds. I look and feel better than I have in my entire adult life. I am writing today because I want to keep it a success story while I still can.

Here's the thing. I went to my surgeon for a check up yesterday and his first words were, "OK, now it's your be careful time." I gained 2 pounds since my check-up last year. His concern is that once the weight loss stops, your body re-sets itself to a new equilibrium and it is easy to re-gain weight.

Am I surprised that I gained weight? Hell no. I am surprised that I didn't gain more. For a long time time, I've been cheating like hell in what I have been eating - Cookies, candy, chips, pretzels, etc. -- all the stuff I have always loved. Why did I do it? Because I could, that's why. I have been able to eat those things, albeit in smaller portions than I used to, and I have felt some joy and excitement because I have felt like I was getting away with something. I wasn't eating because I was hungry, I was eating because I felt like it was a challenge to see what I could eat. How messed up is that? I either kept losing weight or didn't gain anything, so it really did feel like I getting something over on someone (Who? Beats me.) My first thought when I saw the gain of 2 lbs was, "No big deal, what's 2 lbs when I have lost 118?" But then I started to think, every bit of weight I ever put on came in 1 or 2 pound increments and it really started to scar the cr*p out of me. I will not go down that road again. I have come too far and gone through too much to allow myself to do that to myself again. One of the main reasons I had this surgery is that I felt that even if I could lose weight with diet and exercise (highly unlikely), I just could not go through all that hard work just to have it come back. Even knowing that, I have continued to sabotage myself. Man, the power that food has in my life is really amazing.

Anyway. I am writing probably more for myself than for others. I needed to admit these things and to make myself accountable so that I don't screw up one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Just wanted to put this out there and to remind everyone -- "Let's be careful out there."

Thanks for listening.

Brian

[NDN_RN 527]

Awesome post. Not yet sleeved, but the reality of failing the sleeve is real. I dont ever want to go down that road!

[kimmy*custis 276]

Thanks for sharing, it is easy to slip down that slide again. Best of luck to you, you can do this!

[Shape_Shifter 83]

I still consider myself a success story.

You are a success. You just need to work on continuing success. My PCP told me years ago that if I gained 5 lbs I should change my diet and loose 5 pounds. Weigh weekly but live life reasonably. 5 lbs. is a lot easier to loose than 120. So...loose two pounds. You know how to do it. (Hoping i can stick to my own advice when the time is right

Good Luck

[Sherry77 166]

Wow... Thanks for the great advice and keeping it real. I will remember your story when I reach my goal and beyond.

[Wolfgirl1978 256]

Thanks for sharing that.

[TinaMari 75]

This post is amazing. You made me chuckle. Keep up the good work~!!

[vinnyfan 23]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm just starting out...have a long way to go to goal, but I've already started worrying about the day when I lose control and start eating the wrong things again. I'm going to save your post and use it for inspiration. Good luck to you in losing your 2 lbs.

[SleeveandRNYchica 1,155]

Thanks for sharing. I am sure it takes alot to admit what you have been doing wrong especially on these boards when sometimes people can be a bit judgemental. I wish you continued success on your journey.

Anyway. I am writing probably more for myself than for others. I needed to admit these things and to make myself accountable so that I don't screw up one of the best decisions I have ever made.

[Pparrisss 46]

THANK YOU I HAVE NOT BEEN SLEEVED UET BUT THE REALITY OF STAYING AT 217 IS SCARY THANK YOU FOR YOUR HONESTY

[cmw10000 35]

Great post. I am 5 1/2 months out and it is a reality that a lot of us haven't thought about. Keep posting we like it.

[TheRealMeIsHere! 863]

Good for you! AWESOME loss, great maintaining, You've been slipping up lately, but are getting back into it, good job! I admire that 2 lbs was enough to get you back into the right mode. I hope I can be that disciplined.

[toibunny 12]

Awesome post. Thanks for the reality check! I am 18 months out & needed to hear that. You are a success!!!

[suzjag 107]

Took alot of guts to post your errors. I admire the hell out of that. We ALL know that is our worst fear. Thanks for being real and helping us all.

[smitten4glitter 5]

thanks for you honesty. I really appreciate your honesty about it and shedding light on all aspects of your amazing journey. All the best to you;)