Was doing so well...now stuck in weight hell!

[dreamhappy07]

Hey all,

I was so happy with my weight loss and now I am creeping back up and down and up and down. What the heck is wrong with me? I know I have restriction because today for lunch at work I decided to have a little indian food. Took 4 bites and it got stuck. Then later after it settled, I ate a couple of cookies...BAD BAD BAD girl! I know I know! I think I was so hungry at lunchtime, that I ate too fast or didn't chew enough(which I am normally VERY good at), and I felt like I got gipped when I couldn't eat a decent meal, so I resorted to the nearest sweet. Now I feel awful because I have been in this bad habit(cookies) too much lately.

HELP ME! What can I eat or drink or whatever that will make me stay away from sweets??? I want to look like CLynn and others with awesome bods! No really, I do. I had my last fill on 2/9/08 and like I said I have restriction, but never get to test it because of the "eating around the band syndrome". I AM SO DANG DISGUSTED AND FRUSTRATED WITH MYSELF!! I know the band is my tool and friend, but I am trying to overpower it in bad ways. ugh!

Someone once said if you think you are hungry and know you shouldn't be, drink as much as you can and the head hunger should subside. Well, that has been hard too because I am usually not thirsty. If it wasn't for that darn knee surgery that is taking forever to heal, I would exercise ALOT more, but can't!

Ok, can't go on and on about my problems, so maybe some super successful bandsters out there can help me.

Peace,

Judy

[Mackenzie]

well, im not a super successful bandster YET, but i will be! I just wanted to say, if you can go thru the pre op diet, AND the post op diet, then you can stop eating the cookies!!!! That is my weakness, sweets...so i know how you feel! I havent even started eating FOOD yet, but maybe for lunch tomorrw you could try shredded chicken on a salad? i hear that lettuce goes down well, and when you shred chicken youve got a head start on it breaking it down...or what about ground turkey?? i hope that you get through it! im sure some other expierenced bandsters will come thru for you soon enough! good luck!

[cindyterry]

Hey Judy;

Girl I wish I knew what to say to you, but I don't.. I am sorry. I do wish and hope for you that you come to a solution that will satisfy your sweet tooth and your weight loss begins to drop again. Good luck and one more thing... look back at your sucess so far... wow- just keep going maybe not one day at a time, but one meal at a time.

[God4me]

Dream happy....stay happy!

You just have to decide that the cookies STOP HERE AND MEAN IT. Take a deep breath......and tell your self. Cookies were good, now I have to move from this spot and move on. :-h Ok so I blew it, I have to get down the road and just don't look back. The best cure for sugar craving is protien. Eat your meats and other protiens and no sugars and within hours you should stop craving the cookies!

Hope that helps!

And say a pray will ya!

Monet <' />

[Clynn]

This may be stuff you already know but here it goes anyway . . .

First take a deep breath and try to stop being so hard on yourself. I find that when I'm frustrated, angry, or stressed I'm most likely to make poor food choices. You can't do much about yesterday, but tomorrow morning you can wake up with a clean slate. Try to stay away from anything with high fructose corn syrup or sugars since they will stimulate your appetite and make it much harder to eat properly. Keeping your blood sugar stable will go a long ways. Eat plenty of meats, fruits, and vegetables and count your chews to 30 for each bite so everything is thoroughly mushy. Also, try to up your exercise routine so you can burn more calories.

Hopefully I was able to give you some new advice, or at least reaffirm what you already know. Also, you've lost 83 pounds in 10 months! Remember to be proud of this amazing thing you've accomplished.

[God4me]

That's right you loss 83 lbs in 10 minth !!!!!! =D> =D> =D>

Your the bomb!!!!!!!!!!!! For your example of bandster sucess!

Girl God is with you! >

[dreamhappy07]

WOW! Thank you all so very much! Every day I tell myself I lost 83lbs. and think good on me!, but the next time I get on the scale, it's up and down and that bugs me. I waited too long for my second fill so I fell into some of my bad habits again. It has been really hard to say no to my fave cookies and chocolate, but I know I can do it and I WILL! I want to exercise like walk so badly, but my stupid healing knee keeps me from going too far.

I have been going through alot of stress and emotions lately I know it can play a big role on craving carbs and such. The protein advice was a big time help because I know that but don't drink or get enough of it.

Thanks again to everyone! I knew I could find super support here even from the newbies! LOL I haven't been a very good example of a bandster lately, but I am only human and have weaknesses too.

Love, peace, and (((((((((HUGS))))))))))

Judy

[Pat in Washington]

Hey Judy;

Girl I wish I knew what to say to you, but I don't.. I am sorry. I do wish and hope for you that you come to a solution that will satisfy your sweet tooth and your weight loss begins to drop again. Good luck and one more thing... look back at your sucess so far... wow- just keep going maybe not one day at a time, but one meal at a time.

Cindy,

Tomorrow is our big day. Real food finally. There were days I didn't think I would make but I did. Taking one day at a time worked for me. Enjoy that chewing!

Pat

[mona-camille]

I haven't been banded yet, but I have to lose 20 pounds before I can be. I am scheduled for the 24th. Anyway, I started with the Atkins diet. Then went to combined Atkins with the twice daily shakes and the weight IS coming off. However, the VERY BEST thing I noticed being on Atkins - which is getting carbs out of your life, is the best thing I ever did. Eliminating carbs has made my sweet and chocolate cravings disappear completely. And I mean, I have no cravings at all for it. In fact, I crave meat! A first for me! Plus, I feel great. I have tons of energy, I am not tired and sluggish, I feel wonderful! Everyone should get off of carbs. I know your body needs some, but you will get what you need by following Atkins and eliminated all pasta, bread, rice, potatoes etc. Once about 2 weeks or so pass, you will no longer crave those carbs. Give it a try. It isn't so hard. Only the beginning is.

[kym828]

i have a sweet tooth and i have switched to sugar free or low calorie ice cream bars.. they are usually between 50 and 100 calories and i have one at night after dinner - sometimes two if i have not hit my calorie total for the day. they really do work to take the edge off and make you not feel deprived. fruit has always made me crave more food - i think its the high carb thing or something but that one ice cream bar makes me feel wonderful... it might be worth a try..

[cindyterry]

Cindy,

Tomorrow is our big day. Real food finally. There were days I didn't think I would make but I did. Taking one day at a time worked for me. Enjoy that chewing!

Pat

Hey Pat;

I know I can't wait for tomorrow. I have been so hungry lately. Good luck, let me know how you do.

[Tatts]

Hey all,

I was so happy with my weight loss and now I am creeping back up and down and up and down. What the heck is wrong with me? I know I have restriction because today for lunch at work I decided to have a little indian food. Took 4 bites and it got stuck. Then later after it settled, I ate a couple of cookies...BAD BAD BAD girl! I know I know! I think I was so hungry at lunchtime, that I ate too fast or didn't chew enough(which I am normally VERY good at), and I felt like I got gipped when I couldn't eat a decent meal, so I resorted to the nearest sweet. Now I feel awful because I have been in this bad habit(cookies) too much lately.

HELP ME! What can I eat or drink or whatever that will make me stay away from sweets??? I want to look like CLynn and others with awesome bods! No really, I do. I had my last fill on 2/9/08 and like I said I have restriction, but never get to test it because of the "eating around the band syndrome". I AM SO DANG DISGUSTED AND FRUSTRATED WITH MYSELF!! I know the band is my tool and friend, but I am trying to overpower it in bad ways. ugh!

Someone once said if you think you are hungry and know you shouldn't be, drink as much as you can and the head hunger should subside. Well, that has been hard too because I am usually not thirsty. If it wasn't for that darn knee surgery that is taking forever to heal, I would exercise ALOT more, but can't!

Ok, can't go on and on about my problems, so maybe some super successful bandsters out there can help me.

Peace,

Judy

Hey Judy,

I have a thought for you........most of the time when people think they are hungry they are actually thristy!!! So just make sure that you are drinking enough water I am not sure what the limit is since you are banded ( iam going to be banded on the 11th of april yeahhhhh) but regularly it is 8-10 glasses of water a day! i mean that is alot so just making sure you are gettng enough water. About the excercise you said that you had knee surgery? what about the stationary bike or the ellipitical, instead of walking? Just some thought!!

and just keep telling yourself I LOST 83 LBS AND I AM FIERCE!!!! YOU GO GURL!!!

Talk to you soon

Tatts > > > >

[MamaMichelle]

Hey Judy,

It's been about a month since you posted about your struggles, how are things going for you now??

Hopefully you were able to kick out the cookies and get your head back in the bandster mindset!

Let us know!!

[dreamhappy07]

Hey Judy,

It's been about a month since you posted about your struggles, how are things going for you now??

Hopefully you were able to kick out the cookies and get your head back in the bandster mindset!

Let us know!!

Hi Michelle,

You are so sweet to check up on me. I am still struggling but ok. My weight keeps fluctuating(different times of day), but staying pretty much at 85lbs. down. I am seriously considering going back on the pre-op diet with the protein shakes and lean cuisines to try and kick start my metabolism again or whatever. I try to drink more, but not water...Vitamin water is my drink of choice and when I get really thirsty, I chug that. Guess water would be better. The VW has some sugar in it, and that doesn't help quench thirst but make it worse sometimes. I have stayed away from the cookies mostly.

I have very good restriction and my band has reminded me big time several times, but it's usually in the mornings and only once has it been in the afternoon. It depends on what I try to eat. Sometimes I wait too long to eat, that I get so hungry, I eat too fast or don't chew well enough. Need to stop that. I am such a poor example to the newbies out there, but it is JUST ME who has to straighten up and fly right!

Thanks for caring and way to go on your great success so far! =D> I had that when I was first banded too. I will get there again.

Peace,

Judy

[Paula Bee]

Hi Michelle,

You are so sweet to check up on me. I am still struggling but ok. My weight keeps fluctuating(different times of day), but staying pretty much at 85lbs. down. I am seriously considering going back on the pre-op diet with the protein shakes and lean cuisines to try and kick start my metabolism again or whatever. I try to drink more, but not water...Vitamin water is my drink of choice and when I get really thirsty, I chug that. Guess water would be better. The VW has some sugar in it, and that doesn't help quench thirst but make it worse sometimes. I have stayed away from the cookies mostly.

I have very good restriction and my band has reminded me big time several times, but it's usually in the mornings and only once has it been in the afternoon. It depends on what I try to eat. Sometimes I wait too long to eat, that I get so hungry, I eat too fast or don't chew well enough. Need to stop that. I am such a poor example to the newbies out there, but it is JUST ME who has to straighten up and fly right!

Thanks for caring and way to go on your great success so far! =D> I had that when I was first banded too. I will get there again.

Peace,

Judy

I have to tell you that as a person who has lost a hundred pounds 3 different times that the scale becomes addictive. Your goal is to get healthy first and get thin second. Weighing once a week is more than enough. I had to have my husband hide the scale when I reached the point that I was weighing 5 or more times a day. Just something to consider.

Also, it is horrible for the scale to be in your bathroom or utility room. The humidity affects the way your scale weighs you. You also need to make sure it is on a hard floor and is "zeroed" out before you weigh. I keep mine on the lowest shelf in my dining nook, and put it all on one tile so that all the "feet" are even. I have the weight watcher's scale, and it is wonderful

[MamaMichelle]

So glad you are doing better, I remember when I was reading and researching on this board a few members (both with successes and struggles) stuck out to me and you were one of them.

I know there are so many posts from soon to be banded and recently banded members but at some point there is a drop off- I'm sure there were people posting every day when you were getting banded that you never see around anymore.

But advice from you and Clynn and Snowbird and Pammie and many others is so motivating to me, and I'm sure others as well!

As far as the idea of returning to the pre-op diet to get yourself kick started I think that is a great idea a friend from the boards who was banded the same day (2/28) is doing that to prevent weight gain during as we wait for our first fill date!! I personally have been doing a shake for breakfast and for lunch to keep my protein levels high since I am not usually starving at that time of the day anyway!

I posted this in a few fills thread but to me it is such great common sense advice about working with the band that I put it on my fridge to help motivate and refocus myself:

Adjustments

How to Tell When You Are Perfectly Adjusted

You are losing 1-2 pounds per week.

If you are not losing 1-2 pounds per week:

A. You may need an eating adjustment

1. Are you eating 60 grams of protein a day

2. Are you eating 25 grams of fiber

3. Are you avoiding all liquid calories

a. Soup can be sign of “soft calorie syndrome”

b. Alcohol contains a lot of calories – 7 calories per gram

(1) It’s also a stomach irritant

c. Fruit juice is just sugar water

4. Are you making healthy food choices from a wide variety of foods?

a. Are you avoiding soft foods

b. You can’t just eat what's easy

c. Cheese is glorified fat

5. Are you drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day between meals

6. Are you eating too much junk

a. Chips, chocolate, nuts, ice cream, cookies and other highly

processed junk foods are too calorically dense to be regular parts of a

healthy diet. But don’t avoid them completely to the point where you

feel deprived.

b. Stay out of fast food places

7. Are you getting in two servings of calcium daily

8. Do you always eat the protein first

9. Then the vegetables or fruits

a. Five servings a day

b. Potatoes are NOT a vegetable

10. Is your portion size appropriate?

a. Meat or fish

(1) 3 ounces – the size of a deck of cards

b. Vegetables

(1) ½ cup – the size of your fist

c. Starch

(1) If you eat the protein and the vegetables first you don’t need much

(2) Avoid: rice, potatoes, pasta

11. You might try avoiding artificial sweeteners

a. Some people think that artificial sweeteners stimulate the appetite

b. They are HUNDREDS of times sweeter than sugar

c. They teach you to like things too sweet

d. There is no evidence that people who use them are any thinner

than people who don’t

12. Avoid most diet foods

a. Real food usually tastes better

b. Real food is more satisfying than low calorie substitutes

c. When you are only eating a tiny bit the caloric savings is not

that great

(1) Use a teaspoon of real butter instead of a tablespoon of diet margarine

(2) The body has no way to break down artificial fats

a. They may go into permanent storage

b. Some people think liposuction is the only way to remove hydrolyzed fats from the body

B. You may need a behavior adjustment

1. Are you eating only when you are hungry?

a. If you’re not sure drink 8 ounces of water and wait.

2. Are you eating three meals a day?

a. With maybe 1 or 2 small snacks

3. Are you sitting down to eat?

4. Are you eating consciously?

a. No distractions, turn off the TV, put the book or newspaper

away, pay attention to your food and your companions

5. Are you eating slowly?

a. Put the fork down between bites

b. Take 20 to 30 minutes to finish a meal

c. Taking longer might cause the pouch to begin emptying

6. Are you taking small bites?

a. Tiny spoon, chopsticks, cocktail fork

7. Are you chewing well?

8. Are you drinking with your meals or too soon after your meals?

a. Practice water loading between meals

b. You won’t be thirsty if you are well hydrated before the meal

9. Are you stopping at the first sign of fullness?

a. Sometimes it’s a whisper: not hungry, had enough

b. Hard stop versus soft stop

10. Do not eat between meals. Stop grazing.

11. Do not eat when you are not hungry

C. You may need an activity adjustment

1. Are you getting in 30 minutes of physical activity at least 3 times a week?

a. Over and above what you would do in the usual course of your day

b. Could you make it 4 or 5 times a week?

c. Could you make it 45 or 60 minutes?

2. Are you taking advantage of opportunities to increase your physical activity?

a. Taking the stairs instead of the elevators or escalators

b. Walking on the escalators instead of riding

c. Parking your car further away from the entrance

d. Getting out of the car instead of using the drive through

e. Getting off the bus one stop before your destination

f. Washing you car by hand instead of the car wash

g. Playing with your kids

D. You may need an attitude adjustment

1. Are you committed to your weight loss journey?

2. Are you totally honest with yourself about how much you are eating and exercising?

a. Log your food and activity on ww.fitday.com for 3 days

3. Are you using food inappropriately to deal with emotional issues?

a. Have you identified what the emotions are that drive your eating?

b. Can you think of more appropriate ways to deal with those

emotions?

c. Are you willing to seek help from a qualified counselor?

4. Are you attending and participating in support group meetings?

5. Have you drummed up some support from your family and friends?

6. Have you dealt with saboteurs realistically?

7. Do you have realistic expectations about the weight loss journey?

8. Are you still obsessing about food, weight, dieting, eating?

a. Obsessive – compulsive thoughts

(1) Obsess about something else

b. Perfectionism

(1) All or none, black and white thinking

c. Patience with the pace of healthy weight loss

9. Are you acknowledging your successes with non-food rewards?

10. Have you learned how to take a compliment?

11. Are you giving up diet mentality?

a. Stop weighing yourself several times a day or every day

b. Stop dieting

c. Stop depriving yourself

d. Stop defining food as “good” and “bad”

e. Stop rewarding and punishing yourself with food

12. How do you feel about all the changes taking place?

E. You may need a band adjustment

1. You feel like you are making healthy food choices in appropriate portion sizes but getting hungry between meals?

2. You can still eat white bread, fibrous vegetables and large portions.

3. You are having to struggle to lose

4. You are gaining weight in spite of eating right, exercising and having a good mind set.

F. You may need your band loosened

1. There are times when you can’t get fluids down

2. You are vomiting too much

a. How much is too much?

3. Do you have frequent reflux or heartburn at night?

a. Do not lie flat or bend over soon after eating

b. Do not eat late at night or just before bedtime

c. Rinse your pouch with a glass or water an hour before bedtime

d. Certain foods or drinks are more likely to cause reflux:

(1) Rich, spicy, fatty and fried foods

(2) Chocolate

(3) Caffeine/Alcohol

(4) Some fruits and vegetables such as; oranges, lemons, tomatoes, peppers

(5) Peppermint

a. Baking soda toothpaste

e. Eat slowly and do not eat big meals

f. If you smoke, quit smoking

g. Reduce stress

h. Exercise promotes digestion

i. Raise the head of your bed

j. Wear loose fitting clothing around your waist

k. Stress increases reflux

l. Take estrogen containing medications in the morning

m. Avoid aspirin, Aleve and ibuprofen at bedtime

(1) Tylenol is OK

n. Take an antacid (Pepcid complete) before retiring

o. Try other over-the-counter heartburn medications

p. See your health care provider

4. See your health care provider immediately (or call 911) if

a. You have a squeezing, tightness or heaviness in your chest,

especially if the discomfort spreads to your shoulder, arm or jaw or is

accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, irregular or fast

heartbeat or nausea. These could be symptoms of a heart attack.

b. If your symptoms are triggered by exercise.

c. If your pain localizes to your right side, especially if you also have nausea or fever

d. If you throw up vomit that looks like black sand or coffee

grounds. Or if your stool is black, deep red or looks like it has tar

in it. These are symptoms of bleeding and need immediate attention.

e. If your pain is severe

(Note: Pepto-Bismol or other medications with bismuth will turn your

stool black. Iron supplements can also make the stool tarry.)

This was written by

Jessie H. Ahroni, Ph.D., A.R.N.P., C.D.E., B.C.-A.D.M.

Keep up the good work and don't be a stranger!!!

[dreamhappy07]

I have to tell you that as a person who has lost a hundred pounds 3 different times that the scale becomes addictive. Your goal is to get healthy first and get thin second. Weighing once a week is more than enough. I had to have my husband hide the scale when I reached the point that I was weighing 5 or more times a day. Just something to consider.

Also, it is horrible for the scale to be in your bathroom or utility room. The humidity affects the way your scale weighs you. You also need to make sure it is on a hard floor and is "zeroed" out before you weigh. I keep mine on the lowest shelf in my dining nook, and put it all on one tile so that all the "feet" are even. I have the weight watcher's scale, and it is wonderful

Thanks for the tip Paula! I have my scale on my hardwood bedroom floor and it never sees me more than maybe once a week or two. I only get on it if I feel lighter, which usually shows I am just at the same weight. And, yes, it is always zeroed out...LOL

[jena]

I have to tell you that as a person who has lost a hundred pounds 3 different times that the scale becomes addictive. Your goal is to get healthy first and get thin second. Weighing once a week is more than enough. I had to have my husband hide the scale when I reached the point that I was weighing 5 or more times a day. Just something to consider.

Also, it is horrible for the scale to be in your bathroom or utility room. The humidity affects the way your scale weighs you. You also need to make sure it is on a hard floor and is "zeroed" out before you weigh. I keep mine on the lowest shelf in my dining nook, and put it all on one tile so that all the "feet" are even. I have the weight watcher's scale, and it is wonderful

Paula is SO right about the scale. You shouldn't weigh more than once a week. concentrate on what you are eating, not some number.

I say go a little further than Paula suggested...put your scales in your car, or better yet, your husbands car (if you have one)

I's a pain to have to go out to the car and get the scales and bring them in and weigh yourself. So do it!

Honestly, does the number matter? A better judge of weight loss is your own clothes. Buy yourself something like a pair of jeans in the next smaller size. Rate your weight loss on how your current jeans fit and how the smaller jeans fit. The number on the scale is just a number

[calicat]

Clynn - I noticed you've had 5 fills - where do you go - TJ or somewhere in WA state? How much are they?

This may be stuff you already know but here it goes anyway . . .

First take a deep breath and try to stop being so hard on yourself. I find that when I'm frustrated, angry, or stressed I'm most likely to make poor food choices. You can't do much about yesterday, but tomorrow morning you can wake up with a clean slate. Try to stay away from anything with high fructose corn syrup or sugars since they will stimulate your appetite and make it much harder to eat properly. Keeping your blood sugar stable will go a long ways. Eat plenty of meats, fruits, and vegetables and count your chews to 30 for each bite so everything is thoroughly mushy. Also, try to up your exercise routine so you can burn more calories.

Hopefully I was able to give you some new advice, or at least reaffirm what you already know. Also, you've lost 83 pounds in 10 months! Remember to be proud of this amazing thing you've accomplished.