My surgery was in December 2013 and I am 3 lbs away from losing 100 lbs...approx 35 to 40 pounds from goal weight. I have done really well balancing temptations and incorporating some foods into diet very carefully and cautiously. I just returned from a week long vacation where I allowed myself some freedom. It wasn't mindless but my defenses were definitely down. Overall, it made more good choices than bad but I saw a glimpse into my old habits and I don't like it at all. I could see just how easy it would be to let that spiral into something damaging. The good news is I recognize the pattern. In the past, weight loss attempts have been sabotaged by these types of situations and I am determined to break this NOW. Here is my plan: 1. Get back to involvement in online support groups 2. Had husband remove (hide) scale. No good will come out of weighing right now. If I stayed the same ( or even lost), it will give me "permission" or " justification" to stray again. If I gained, I will be discouraged and beat myself up, fell guilty...and all those things that don't serve me well. 3. Protein and clear fluids only this week...just to get back to true hunger awareness 4. No weigh in until next Sunday - one week from today. Thanks for listening....just needed a place to be accountable and any suggestions or feedback anyone has would be welcomed.

I think getting back to the basics is a good approach when we feel "off track", especially after a vacation. I know you don't want the scale to loom over you but you are trying to reset what you have been doing.

I would also suggest to drink plenty of fluids, it helps immensely with proper weight loss. And some sort of increased activity or exercise has always worked for mw.

You can do this!

Congrats Stacey on your loss! We have similar stats, I had my surgery in December 2013 and have 7 lbs to go to hit 100 lbs lost. We have accomplished a great deal! I can really identify with what you're saying. I have a hard time on the weekends. I am definitely more aware now and it's scary seeing a glimpse of old habits. I too, could slide right back into old patterns. Sweets cravings seem to be my kryptonite. I wouldn't wait to get on the scale, I'd just get it over with so you know exactly where you are.

I find myself already thinking (and worrying)about maintenance. I am pretty low carb right now and wonder if I'll have to stay that way and wonder how realistic that is.

Congrats on your fantastic success! We can do this!

Staceyp, what you are proposing sounds magnificently appropriate. Very best wishes to you this coming week.

And hoping I don't derail this thread, I will offer this from my last 24 hours.

Right now, I'm voluntarily (pre-surgery) working to get healthier and stronger for my surgery (next month). Nothing drastic -- 1,000 to 1,500 calories (including 75 grams of Protein a day) and walking as much as I can. No biggie.

Yesterday afternoon -- for the first time in 5 weeks -- I had a small ice cream cone. It made me RAVENOUS! And last night for dinner I had a takeout grilled chicken salad that My Fitness Pal says contained more sodium than an entire day's sodium allotment.

And you know what else? Last night I felt significant anxiety and wanted more food to soothe that anxiety. I resisted and did not eat after dinner. But for an hour, I was mentally running through everything in the refrigerator that could soothe my anxiety. It was really an eye-opener. That sugar and sodium seemed to wipe out a good portion of my ability to feel in control.

Does anyone know what the hell is going on, nutritionally / biochemically, to cause a reaction like that?

Thanks in advance.

VSGAnn

What you have experienced is a classic example of why we get over weight in the first place. When we don't think about what is in the food we are eating it has consequences. When you ate carbs and sugar, you wanted more carbs and sugar! In my experience it is a battle that we will fight throughout. We have to stay in a place where we feel we have control about what we are eating. That is a major premise of WLS. Hi protein/low carbs and healthy fats.

For me planning and tracking have helped immensely. When I can plan meals ahead of time, I feel that I have more control. I also track everything I eat in My Fitness Pal. Frequently I will make adjustments based on food intake, or protein/carb/fat content, on a daily basis