I had sleeve surgery July 2013. I lost 75 pounds the first year and then had gallbladder surgery May 2014. After this I stalled but I continued to follow my plan. I was discouraged but kept struggling along. I started seeing a therapist and continue to do so - as my self-esteem is almost non-existent.

I started running this past year and booked myself to run in the Disney race and come to the U.S. for a run and a vacation. I was so excited and encouraged by this goal. 6 weeks ago I was admitted into emergency with a brain aneurysm and had to have brain surgery to clip the aneurysm. The surgery was successful and I am still off work while I continue to heal. Disneyland and the run had to be cancelled, and a run I had signed up for here had to be cancelled. Everyone says there will be another run next year and I know that but I am having difficulties moving on.

I didn't worry about my diet at first I was focused on my healing from surgery - I did lose 4 pounds in the last six weeks. However, now I am starting to feel better and I have converted back to muffins, toast (basically carbs-comfort foods for me) and finding it hard to get back into a healthy program. Perhaps I am just feeling sorry for myself. I can't get back to running for at least another two or three weeks and then have to start slowly again. Now I am not even sure I want to do that - sort of like I have lost all my get up and go....

I know that people on here that have gone through so much and they seem to move through their difficulties. I am just wondering what kinds of things do you do to keep your head up and your focus high on getting to goal weight. I have about 40 pounds left to lose and certainly don't want to give up.

Thanks for reading and sending me your thoughts on getting going again!

Stop and smell the roses look at what you have accomplished already. You just went thru a major surgery so comfort is what your looking for at this time normal. But to lose ground on what you have started doesn't make sense so stop there are some things you can do not running. Help to encourage others who are starting this journey, prayer, and help yourself by giving to those who are going thru the pitfalls in the beginning. Keep posting and looking for answers it helps others too.

Trade your comfort carbs for Protein, and get yourself back on track. You can do it! Look what you've done already!

When my achy parts and sciatica get restless and act up, the first thing I want is homemade potato Soup, a grilled cheese sandwich or a cheese danish. None of theses are kept on hand, which makes it inconvenient enough to find a healthier alternative that is handy. For me, pain equals carbs and I have to be really strong to resist.

I have a daughter who is an occupational therapist and she is always reminding that it's ok to have a disability or condition that impedes recovery. She has shown me many ways to self-comfort without food, and one of those is music. I have post-stroke balance issues which make some exercises dangerous for me, but if I put on some rock music and crank it up loud, I can boogie the body parts that will move.

I probably never will run, but I turned my back yard into my personal fitness trail. The most important thing is to not become part of the couch. Open up the curtains. Go outside and get some fresh air and Vitamin D sunshine.

So......tomorrow there will be no sitting on the pity pot. Get up and get out and do what you can do. Your body can't function and heal properly on crap. If you have to do one thing, then make a covenant with yourself to not eat anything made in a factory. That will help.

Maybe you could allow yourself one of your favorite comfort foods per day....it would make you feel good and you could stay on target. Prayers for a speedy recovery.

Thanks for the suggestions and feedback. Today has been a better day - I think patience is the key!!! Slowly but surely my life will return to normal (or normal as can be) I DO NOT want to lose momentum on this weight loss journey so will perhaps even gather up the strength to go back to basics for a day or two.

I have good friends in my life, a lovely daughter and so much else to be grateful for!

Maybe just cut the toast/ muffin or carb of choice in half. Then eat the other 1/2 the Next day. For 1 week, then start 1/4-ing the carbs. Don't deprive. That is the worst thing I do to myself. Moderation. And timing. Drink a full glass of water before you eat that carb

"tomorrow there will be no sitting on the pity pot"

This is the best thing I've read in a long long time!