Need to get back on track. Advise appreciated.

[VDLT 244]

Hello all. After 14 years with the band, numerous problems, a final unfill and subsequent regain, I had the band removed and the sleeve done in one operation in October of 2015. I worked diligently for the first 5 months or so and was able to lose a staggering (for me!) 40+ pounds.

The last couple of months have been very difficult for me emotionally and I loosened the reins. Mea culpa. I am looking to get back on track but finding it really difficult as I have way less restriction than I expected. I am trying not to rely on restriction alone but as a volume and anxious eater, I was really hoping for more restriction.

I still have a Protein Shake every morning for Breakfast and try and concentrate on Protein. Some carbs and sweets have crept back in so I am working on cutting those out again. I am thinking of adding an afternoon shake to increase the protein and hopefully remind myself of my goals while having it, as well as keeping snacking at bay.

The evenings are the most difficult as that is when I want to graze. I am eliminating bad foods from my pantry and thought of getting opaque bins for my husband's food. Nothing terrible but bread and tortillas etc that I am trying to avoid.

I am working with an endocrinologist to reach a good level with my thyroid medications as I have also been diagnosed with Hashimoto.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I really feel like the sleeve has done its part and now its up to me, specially since I am not feeling the restriction I expected...

[KristenLe 5,980]

You could try the pouch reset. Good luck!

[maxcimax 220]

I'm having the same issue - grazing. Once you "fall off the wagon" it's difficult to get back on & keep going. Good luck in your struggle.

[Valentina 2,642]

You've done the most important step---you've acknowledged and you're standing "at the station"--just waiting for the push to "get back on track".

You know what you're doing. You know what you have to do. You're almost there!

I had a terrible problem with "night grazing". I actually moved my bedroom upstairs--away from the kitchen. I also made up my mind that anything I ate after dinner was to be liquid. I take a "smoothie" made of Protein powder, calorie free liquid, frozen fruit and ice cubes to bed every night. It has really helped me stay on track.

You can do this. I know you can, because I can see it in your posting.

Hop on the train and continue your WL journey! Make it joyful. Stress less and participate more.

Keep posting. We care about your progress (and your stumbles).

Prayers going up for you, Friend.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Hello all. After 14 years with the band, numerous problems, a final unfill and subsequent regain, I had the band removed and the sleeve done in one operation in October of 2015. I worked diligently for the first 5 months or so and was able to lose a staggering (for me!) 40+ pounds.

The last couple of months have been very difficult for me emotionally and I loosened the reins. Mea culpa. I am looking to get back on track but finding it really difficult as I have way less restriction than I expected. I am trying not to rely on restriction alone but as a volume and anxious eater, I was really hoping for more restriction.

I still have a Protein shake every morning for breakfast and try and concentrate on Protein. Some carbs and sweets have crept back in so I am working on cutting those out again. I am thinking of adding an afternoon shake to increase the protein and hopefully remind myself of my goals while having it, as well as keeping snacking at bay.

The evenings are the most difficult as that is when I want to graze. I am eliminating bad foods from my pantry and thought of getting opaque bins for my husband's food. Nothing terrible but bread and tortillas etc that I am trying to avoid.

I am working with an endocrinologist to reach a good level with my thyroid medications as I have also been diagnosed with Hashimoto.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I really feel like the sleeve has done its part and now its up to me, specially since I am not feeling the restriction I expected...

Congratulations on your weight loss.

Have you talked to your NUT about your challenges and goals? What does he or she advise?

Are you tracking your food?

What is your protein target? Are you eating protein first and reaching your protein target every day?

Are you drinking at least 64 oz of Fluid a day?

Are you taking your Vitamins and supplements as directed?

Are you avoiding starches, added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), and fried food?

Are you practicing mindful eating? Eating slowly, taking small bites, and chewing thoroughly?

Are you exercising?

[VDLT 244]

You've done the most important step---you've acknowledged and you're standing "at the station"--just waiting for the push to "get back on track".

You know what you're doing. You know what you have to do. You're almost there!

I had a terrible problem with "night grazing". I actually moved my bedroom upstairs--away from the kitchen. I also made up my mind that anything I ate after dinner was to be liquid. I take a "smoothie" made of Protein powder, calorie free liquid, frozen fruit and ice cubes to bed every night. It has really helped me stay on track.

You can do this. I know you can, because I can see it in your posting.

Hop on the train and continue your WL journey! Make it joyful. Stress less and participate more.

Keep posting. We care about your progress (and your stumbles).

Prayers going up for you, Friend.

Thank you Valentina for your kind words. I am ready to get back on track and need to do so. Thankfully I didn't stray far from the station but really need to get on board. I appreciate your support.

[VDLT 244]

Hello all. After 14 years with the band, numerous problems, a final unfill and subsequent regain, I had the band removed and the sleeve done in one operation in October of 2015. I worked diligently for the first 5 months or so and was able to lose a staggering (for me!) 40+ pounds.

The last couple of months have been very difficult for me emotionally and I loosened the reins. Mea culpa. I am looking to get back on track but finding it really difficult as I have way less restriction than I expected. I am trying not to rely on restriction alone but as a volume and anxious eater, I was really hoping for more restriction.

I still have a Protein shake every morning for breakfast and try and concentrate on Protein. Some carbs and sweets have crept back in so I am working on cutting those out again. I am thinking of adding an afternoon shake to increase the protein and hopefully remind myself of my goals while having it, as well as keeping snacking at bay.

The evenings are the most difficult as that is when I want to graze. I am eliminating bad foods from my pantry and thought of getting opaque bins for my husband's food. Nothing terrible but bread and tortillas etc that I am trying to avoid.

I am working with an endocrinologist to reach a good level with my thyroid medications as I have also been diagnosed with Hashimoto.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I really feel like the sleeve has done its part and now its up to me, specially since I am not feeling the restriction I expected...

Congratulations on your weight loss.

Have you talked to your NUT about your challenges and goals? What does he or she advise?

Are you tracking your food?

What is your protein target? Are you eating protein first and reaching your protein target every day?

Are you drinking at least 64 oz of Fluid a day?

Are you taking your Vitamins and supplements as directed?

Are you avoiding starches, added sugars (especially high fructose corn syrup), and fried food?

Are you practicing mindful eating? Eating slowly, taking small bites, and chewing thoroughly?

Are you exercising?

Thank you for your thoughtful response. I have contacted my nut previously and while she is lovely her advice is fairly run of the mill and I don't find it helpful. I have honestly learned more from the board than from my program.

I am not tracking my food and never have because I become easily obsessed with charts and numbers and think it might actually be detrimental. I make sure to eat mostly protein and have a shake daily but maybe I am not having enough that is why the second shake might be a good idea.

I do take my Vitamins religiously but admit I have not been as diligent with my Water intake. Will make sure I am mindful about that. Thanks for posting!

[Christinamo7 4,042]

I don't like to track either, and I don't want my life to be about that.

however. I do eat similar things a lot of the time so about 3 times a month I spend a day tracking - and measuring.

the only thing I weigh all the time are the almonds in my biweekly snack. nuts are healthy and good - but I need to make sure I am having the amount I need.

I wonder if this kind of approach might be helpful for you?

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

I hated tracking my food. Most of it going back to the trauma of starting Weight Watchers as an adolescent and having to keep my food tracker on the refrigerator.

Now, I couldn't do this without my MyFitnessPal app. I can tell at a glance how I am doing in getting in all of my Protein. As I get older my short term memory isn't what it used to be and days tend to run together, so recording my food is a must for me.

I don't agonize over it. I mostly only really pay attention to the Protein. The rest of the information on macros, calories, etc. is just nice to know.

[VDLT 244]

Thanks @@Christinamo7 @@Inner Surfer Girl

I am really conflicted about the tracking. I worry I will obsess and play games if I see I have some calories left etc, and that I am going to drive myself crazy.

Maybe "loose" tracking will do the trick. My main issue is that I eat stuff I make in batches (turkey chili for example) and the math to figure out the macros on it would be challenging but I could figure it out. And I guess I can do a rough measurement of it and save it as a common food....

[Christinamo7 4,042]

if you find you are obsessing you can just stop doing it altogether again, and we will be here to try to find a different way to help you figure out what's going on.

[VDLT 244]

if you find you are obsessing you can just stop doing it altogether again, and we will be here to try to find a different way to help you figure out what's going on.

Thank you! I will give it a try and will definitely take you up on that!

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

Short tracking testimonial coming at you ....

I don't think I could have been successful with WLS without My Fitness Pal. It's the second most valuable tool I have -- the first being my sleeve.

Good luck. You can do this.

Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App