I've really been struggling lately and have gone off what I should be eating. Sweets have crept back in and I'm just not eating healthy. I feel out of control again. Anyone have any advice for getting it back together. I could use some support. Thanks

just start right now. think of the reasons you wanted the band and to lose the weight.

pick a plan that works for you. low carb works well for me, but not others. i find when i am low carbing it, my cravings die down a bit.

log your food, get some form of exercise.

you can do it!

when I see carbs starting to creep back in too often, I know it's time to detox from the carbs. I either do all liquids for a day, like high Protein, low carb shakes or I do solid food but Atkins type (high protein and I combine with low carb green veggies) for two days.

I think most of us are carb addicts and once too many sneak in, it's time to remind our bodies of what we are supposed to eat.

I can relate to the carbs. After swimming and water aerobics, I am ravenous.... what do I crave? CARBS!! I've been hitting the crackers and cheese and the chips. Sugar hasn't been a problem yet, but I figure it's coming. I'm not sure what to do. I get home from exercising after work around 7:30. THEN I start dinner. We usually eat around 8:30. I simply can't hang on that long. Water doesn't help. It just makes me nauseous at that point. That's when I grab the chips and crackers. It seems to fend off overeating my dinner, but I'd rather overdo it on the healthy stuff than the chips, right? I haven't gained anything, but have stayed static at the same weight for over 3 weeks now. This is right after a fill. I thought I would have lost a few pounds by now. SO FRUSTRATING!!!

I find journalling everything I eat is really helpful, since then I need to actually acknowledge what I am eating and not just mindlessly sticking it in my mouth (which is a huge problem for me in the evenings even despite the band).

By being more mindful, I find that I am actually making a decision to eat or not to eat and what to eat and I find it easier to make better choices (not sure why it works, but it does - for me)!

Also, if you know you are giving into sweets and don't want to go low carb, try to find some healthier alternatives that you can have on hand. For example a sugar free pudding (60-70 calories), sugar free candy (0-10 calories per piece), 100 calorie packs. I go by the philosophy that nothing is against the rules, the only rule is moderation.

You are doing great. Acknowledging and understanding your issue is a giant step in the right direction

What everyone else said with the addition of:

1) Do you need a fill?

and

2) If you are still struggling a week or two from now, I highly recommend seeing a counselor who specializes in helping people lose weight. Or at least a meeting with a doc or nurse at your surgery center if they have good aftercare.

My own personal experience: I started struggling last summer. Gained 10 lbs over the summer. Tried to kick start myself in the fall, lost a few lbs, then gained it back and another 10 lbs crept on over the holidays / new year.

Now, with a fill and working through The Beck Diet Solution, I'm back on track and losing again. But I feel like I lost a year of my time! My weight could be so much lower now had I sought help last summer when I first started struggling. If I start struggling again now, I'm heading straight for a counselor. I already have her number from another bandster who recommends her.

Thanks for the support it really helped. I made a menu for the next week and packed some lunches and feel like I'm back on the path. Its just nice to know you guys are struggling with the same stuff. :thumbup: