stalled for 5 months....how to prevent bad habits?

[linuxangel 3]

Had the sleeve June 6th 2015. I have previously lost and gained back 125+lbs through diet and exercise. So far, I have lost 78 lbs, but still need to loose 25-30 lbs from my current 197 (5'8"). Eating is a near-addiction and self-soother for me, so the psychological game is the hardest for me. I have been stopped at 197 for 5 months, basically since the affect of the surgery stopped and I took over.

I am joining this group and looking for help to reconnect to eating that makes sense for me. My good habits are: exercise, liquids intake, separating liquids and food, and Portion Control. I need to work on, food tracking, 3 meals a day, keeping sugar and wheat intake low. Bad habits are sneaking back such as eating jellybeans, and sliders. Also, I am obsessed with popcorn b/c I can eat a lot of it.

[KristenLe 5,979]

@ Congrats on your weight loss so far! The emotional eating aspect of this is so difficult. I would strongly encourage counseling/therapy with someone familiar with bariatric surgery. I have gone pre-op and it has really helped me to avoid mindless/emotional eating and the "bad habits". I would also suggest that you go back to basics - you need to remove the simple carbs from your diet - or they will continue to trigger additional cravings. Look at the 5 day pouch reset /test - it brings you back to the initial post-op stage to get you back on track. Log everything you eat - make sure you are sticking with Protein and produce - no Pasta, rice, bread, candy, etc.

Stay strong - you haven't gained so that's a plus!!!

[Christinamo7 4,041]

I believe you also need to find another way to soothe yourself. I am a stress cleaner, and also I like epsom salts baths, and gentle yoga.

when I eat things at inappropriate times just because I like the way food tastes I either spritz my mouth with a mouth spray or brush my teeth. really makes food not taste good for a while.

[linuxangel 3]

Thanks so much for the fast replies. Helpful!

[lealor 127]

@linuxangel I too am going back to bad habits and definitely eating some slider foods and late night eating....its amazing how fast the weight is coming slowly back. Also adding more carbs and slider foods have really made my mood low,,,,feeling discouraged.

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

You know what changes you need to make. But you're not making those changes.

Why? What's going on? What are the negative forces in your life right now that are stopping you? What motivated you to have WLS in the first place? Why aren't those things motivating you anymore?

[Dub 9,922]

Don't accept the stall.

Don't accept it one bit.

You gave a solid gameplan in your opening post. If you do those things....you will break through.

[linuxangel 3]

@ Congrats on your weight loss so far! The emotional eating aspect of this is so difficult. I would strongly encourage counseling/therapy with someone familiar with bariatric surgery. I have gone pre-op and it has really helped me to avoid mindless/emotional eating and the "bad habits". I would also suggest that you go back to basics - you need to remove the simple carbs from your diet - or they will continue to trigger additional cravings. Look at the 5 day pouch reset /test - it brings you back to the initial post-op stage to get you back on track. Log everything you eat - make sure you are sticking with Protein and produce - no Pasta, rice, bread, candy, etc.

Stay strong - you haven't gained so that's a plus!!!

Thanks!

[linuxangel 3]

@@lealor this forum is helpful. I have literally never posted to one before today. You have done so well so far! I am impressed. I do think sugar is a beast to deal with. I am trying to eat a bit more Protein, but of course "cravings' are about so much more satisfaction.