I was sleeved about 3 years ago. My starting weight was 255 and quickly dropped to 170. Unfortunately, I apparently developed a false sense of security and thought since I didn't really have to work too hard to get there that it was ok to start eating things I knew I shouldn't. "I can only eat half that cheeseburger so it can't be too bad for me." Or "I am only eating a quarter of that bbq chicken stuffed potato with bacon, cheese and sour cream so it is ok." I knew I was lying to myself but stayed in denial and refused to get on the scale. One day, I realized that things were out of control and decided to get my life back on track. I am here to confess that I have gained back 30 pounds in the last two years and I am truly ashamed, embarrassed and utterly disgusted with myself. I swore my weight would never again start with a 2 and here I am.

I am confessing my sins and making a vow to get my head back in the game. If someone is reading this who is thinking it will be easy to get thin after the surgery, please know that is not the case. This is an amazing tool but you must always use the tool wisely. I will never again let my guard down and think I can't possibly gain weight because I only had a chicken biscuit, a cheese Krystal and some nachos all day. NEVER AGAIN!

I am going to hold myself accountable, be aware of everything that enters my body and never waste what calories I can eat on those that are empty! I am still and will continue to be a success story!

Hey, @, thanks for your post! That's the main reason I joined BP nearly a year ago – to hear the war stories of those that have gone before us. Yours is a cautionary tale for those of us who are feeling successful about our journeys, to never, ever get complacent and take our sleeves/bands/pouches for granted. I'm 8 months out and below my goal weight, but can definitely feel my hunger increasing. And I'm finding myself nibbling between meals; especially at night. My saving grace, so far, is that I only allow myself protein-based Snacks. They may be high in fat and calories (cheese, nuts, jerky), but they don't kick-off a sugar/carb binge. So thanks again for sharing the wisdom of your experience, and good luck getting your program back on the straight and narrow! It sounds like you're in the right frame of mind to succeed.!!!

Edited March 19, 201511 yr by Rogofulm

Thanks for sharing this. I'm newly sleeved, less than a month out. I took your story to heart.

I feel like I have been "pushing" myself to be "normal." I need to learn my new normal and then accept it. Because I've had the thought, "it's just one regular pudding cup (husbands)..it's just like yogurt." I stopped myself. But that thought process has got to go.

again, thank you guys for the wisdom and the proof that getting off track and then getting back ON track is possible.

Keep us posted

Hi @@Grateful_Love,

If you're one month out and thinking of eating normally for a non-bariatric person, I'm worried that you still need to change your mind set. As you said, you have a new "normal". And it only includes Protein, veggies, lots of fluids, sugar-free and low-carb drinks/treats, and exercise. Once you reach your weight loss goal, you can expand that a bit, but you'll always have to focus on those foods and drinks. That's what we signed up for! The good news is that, if you manage these carefully, you won't have to worry about fat and calories; they'll take care of themselves. And the better news is that if you follow all the rules, you'll drop lots of weight, feel great, look great, and get healthier. Sound like a good deal?
It is – so go for it!!!

Edited March 23, 201511 yr by Rogofulm

@Rogofulum - WELL SAID! Thanks!