I used to be on here all the time - back when I first had my surgery and a few months post op. I've slowly started coming back due to the realization that I haven't lost anything for at least 5 months and it's because I haven't been in the game at all. I am seeing posts from people that had surgery around the same time as me or much later, that weighed more than me at date of surgery, and they have reached far and beyond my wildest expectations for myself. I just wanted to get below 200 and if I had stayed on plan, I would've accomplished this. The thing is, I can eat almost exactly like I used to and I do feel hunger and I am addicted to sugar/carbs. It is nothing for me to put away a donut and not have a single feeling of fullness. This has been the case for a while now and I know that the same obstacles that prevented weight loss for me prior to surgery still exist post surgery - mostly head hunger and telling myself that I will "get back on it" tomorrow. It's a terrible cycle that perpetuates itself over and over as I give in to a craving or deceive myself into thinking that it's ok because I did lose "some of the weight". I just realized that the only goal I set for myself was to get below 200 but maybe breaking it down might make things a little more doable and I will feel less like a failure. To those who have accomplished their goals, great work and let me know if you have any tricks or tips that you could share. For those who might be in the same boat as me, I feel your pain and maybe it's time today to do something about it. Yesterday was yesterday and tomorrow is a long way off so for now, I am focusing on my actions today.

No, I have my own recipe(not protein...), but I bet its good!

She has tons of great recipes for goodies. I know some people stay away from any treat like food' date=' but me, I've got to have them in my plans, or I go a little crazy. It works for me. I make little mug cakes now and then, out of super good ingredients, and sugar free. It really keeps my sweet tooth in line, and the scales heading in the right direction. I even bought an ice cream maker to make Protein ice cream.[/quote']

I want to buy the attachment for my kitchen aid but I'm so cheap. Do you use it a lot? I recently bought the ninja kitchen system and I've been making all sorts of goodies with it. That's why I've been doing so many shakes, I love that thing.

The scale started moving again but I averages 5 pounds last month. Today is my 8 month post op and I'm thinking it shouldn't be slowing down this soon. Ugh, I need to figure our what's going on. If hate to think my surgeon was right. He said don't expect more than 60% from surgery. I'm at 70% and would love to lose another 30-45lbs.

I wouldn't say I use my Cuisanart Ice a lot, but I do like it when I do.

I know the rate of loss is different for everyone, but 5 a month at 8 months seems pretty good to me as long as you can keep it up for the long haul! Are you doing what you need to do? Protein first, Water, exercise? My weight loss slowed around 8 months as well. Not uncommon. I will not have lost 100% EWL until around the 3 year mark, and I only had 90 pounds to lose. Figure the math on that one! (2.5 pounds a month) I am very happy with it though... 100% is 100% whenever it happens. I know I must seem kind of lax on all this, I might have been able to power my weight loss faster, but after many earlier attempts, I just know I needed to find a way that I could continue into the far future and not just dump it because I hated it. I eat everything in moderation, and now follow the 5:2, which is working for me.

Welcome, you have done great so far!

I hit the "doldrums" at around 8 months.... I lost very slowly. very very slowly for a few months.. and was in danger of not really meeting my personal goals. It is a GREAT time to get motivation and support from people a little further out. Later, if y ou wish, i can share more of my personal experience getting "fired up" again but for me the first thing was deciding what it was I really wanted. I faced my own ambivelence... I had gotten just under 200# and was comfy. I could do the physical things I craved, my health issues were vastly improved, I looked a million times better but still had a nice comfortable protective layer of fat, if you know what I mean. I didn't realize that i had resistance to getting slimmer, but when i faced that, the rest started falling into place. I think we all have our own "headspace" about our goals and there is nothing wrong with that - but realizing that I didn't really feel entitled to becoming an attractive, feminine looking woman and realizing that i was a little scared of that - it was an eye opener. And yes - it has had consequences but I am happy with the new person I am still in the process of becoming... transforming.

Oh no, I might need to venture out and see them. I'm currently at my desk forbidding myself from going to our cafe, they have carrot cake there today and I really, really want some. BUT I want to be under 200 more. It's touch and go, thankfully my phone keeps ringing and I can't escape my desk.

Since this is my 1st post in the Veterans category I should introduce myself a little. I was sleeved almost 8 months ago, I'm down 114lbs and now fighting to lose the rest. It's slowed way down, hunger has returned and my sleeve has matured. I find myself relating to this category more than the others. I appreciate all the support everyone gives each other.

Welcome' date=' you have done great so far! I hit the "doldrums" at around 8 months.... I lost very slowly. very very slowly for a few months.. and was in danger of not really meeting my personal goals. It is a GREAT time to get motivation and support from people a little further out. Later, if y ou wish, i can share more of my personal experience getting "fired up" again but for me the first thing was deciding what it was I really wanted. I faced my own ambivelence... I had gotten just under 200# and was comfy. I could do the physical things I craved, my health issues were vastly improved, I looked a million times better but still had a nice comfortable protective layer of fat, if you know what I mean. I didn't realize that i had resistance to getting slimmer, but when i faced that, the rest started falling into place. I think we all have our own "headspace" about our goals and there is nothing wrong with that - but realizing that I didn't really feel entitled to becoming an attractive, feminine looking woman and realizing that i was a little scared of that - it was an eye opener. And yes - it has had consequences but I am happy with the new person I am still in the process of becoming... transforming. [/quote']t

Thank you, you're exactly right. I've become comfortable. I'm 1-2 sizes smaller than what I wanted for my goal, I look alright and can do whatever I physically want. I have recently really kicked up my plan. I'm starting the C25K program again. I also am going to focus on building muscle, I am defiantly not as strong as I was before.

I thank you guys for accepting me with open arms, I've been reading the vets forum for awhile but hesitate to join in.

I wouldn't say I use my Cuisanart Ice a lot' date=' but I do like it when I do. I know the rate of loss is different for everyone, but 5 a month at 8 months seems pretty good to me as long as you can keep it up for the long haul! Are you doing what you need to do? Protein first, Water, exercise? My weight loss slowed around 8 months as well. Not uncommon. I will not have lost 100% EWL until around the 3 year mark, and I only had 90 pounds to lose. Figure the math on that one! (2.5 pounds a month) I am very happy with it though... 100% is 100% whenever it happens. I know I must seem kind of lax on all this, I might have been able to power my weight loss faster, but after many earlier attempts, I just know I needed to find a way that I could continue into the far future and not just dump it because I hated it. I eat everything in moderation, and now follow the 5:2, which is working for me.[/quote']

One of the things I've always liked about your posts are how dedicates you are to long term success. I find that highly motivating. You've been doing amazing on this journey.

Thanx Stomlin.. I am in the same boat right now and soo embarassed since I am only almost 7 months out ..I am 60 lbs down its just been slow and i got back to bad habits. I wanna get on the band wagon with you and get back to basics .. We can do it and i gonna try my best to knock this carb addiction out ..Thank you all for your advice i will have to keep up with the site as well since i slacked off because you guys are great support ... Much love