David_L

I've worked briefly with a therapist and I'm currently looking for another as well. The program I was part of no longer "saw the benefit" of using the therapy folks they were using so it was going to be all out of pocket. I know for sure I could use some help navigating the real reasons behind my addictive behavior.

I walked away from cigarettes November of 2016 then booze a few months later. I was already over 300 lbs and I knew I had to start somewhere. I've been reading up on addiction transfer and it's real. This is not specific to the subject but might help get you started: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19033853-the-emotional-first-aid-kit?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=Ubhhurkvj4&rank=2 I'm also still fighting with what I call the "munchie monster" and I'm still working through my childhood traumas. I'm also re-reading Atomic Habits by James Clear and trying to incorporate little changes in my daily routine to ensure these habits and/or rituals become second nature. Alcohol destroyed my dad as it has many others. I hope you can find away to address what's really going on and start walking down a healthier path. I'm here to vent to or talk to if you need .

I just turned 52 and I still haven't grown up. I have also been kicked in the head several times by life as most of us had and as you, didn't care how I looked. At least that's what I've told myself. I'm now 13 months post op and I'm in a much better place physically and mentally but the battle is still being fought. I think now it's time to embrace the battle itself and the process and table any per-conceived notions of a "destination". I've walked away from alcohol and tobacco a few years before deciding to go on the path I'm on now. I also struggle with the stress/boredom/habitual eating monsters. What I try to do now is acknowledge these things and try my best to see them as they come and hopefully do something that moves me in a healthier direction. Life will continue to kick us but this is when we can decide what we're going to do about it. Remember, our kids are watching us... and my hope is they get strength and love from watching us get back up. I hope your wife improves her health, as do you. Much love, -D After thinking about my reply for the last couple days.... I did not mean to come off as cold or indifferent so I apologize if that's how my typed words came across. Regardless of what I or anyone else says, you are a bada$$ for doing what you are doing. Getting healthy for your self and your family shows how much of a rock star you really are.

I just turned 52 and I still haven't grown up. I have also been kicked in the head several times by life as most of us had and as you, didn't care how I looked. At least that's what I've told myself. I'm now 13 months post op and I'm in a much better place physically and mentally but the battle is still being fought. I think now it's time to embrace the battle itself and the process and table any per-conceived notions of a "destination". I've walked away from alcohol and tobacco a few years before deciding to go on the path I'm on now. I also struggle with the stress/boredom/habitual eating monsters. What I try to do now is acknowledge these things and try my best to see them as they come and hopefully do something that moves me in a healthier direction. Life will continue to kick us but this is when we can decide what we're going to do about it. Remember, our kids are watching us... and my hope is they get strength and love from watching us get back up. I hope your wife improves her health, as do you. Much love, -D

I'm about the same as you guys. My goal is/was around 220 and I've been hovering around 230 for quite some time now and have to say I'm quite happy with it. I've posted this on other sub forums but my fat percentage went from 28 to 25% in my last visit, even though my weight stayed the same in the 3 month period.

I seem to have the opposite problem but it's my own doing. I started regular exercise quite soon after my surgery... I'd say about 2 months post op. I'm now one year in and I go 6x a week. I drink at least 3 protein shakes a day in addition to a normal-ish diet and too many not_very_health_snacks if I'm being honest. I had my one year check up and the one good thing is ... even though the number on the scale did not move in the last 3 months, my muscle mass went up and overall body fat went down. I'm having a hard time with the mental aspect now and I'm trying my hardest to stop the old habits from creeping back. I'm around 106kgs and 182cm (i had to google convert, not going to lie)

I'm just 13 months post op and I already see old habits creeping back. I'm very active and I hit the gym 6 days a week and get plenty of rest. It's the late night munchy monster and sweet tooth that gets me into trouble. I did therapy for a couple months but insurance put the squash on that. I've read several books and used various trackers. It comes down to doing the hard work and looking yourself in the mirror every day and telling yourself you never want to go back to that prison. At least that's what my mind is telling me now.

My goal was 220 and I've been hovering in the mid 220's for a while now. I also struggle with the sweet tooth. Talking to a counselor is an excellent idea. We have to explore the questions that got us to this point in the first place. It seems the better option is to replace the habit of eating a half pan of brownies with something a bit healthier. Too funny you said that because that is a huge weakness for me! I also have been indulging in the sweets and I'm personally scared of letting the old habits take back control.

Checking in with others here. I can't believe it's been 8 months... I'm doing well, still think I can drop a bit more weight but very pleased all in all.

I read somewhere on this forum that your "goal weight" picks you. I believe (or hope) that some of that is true. My original goal is 220 and now that I'm closing in on that, I'm definitely approaching this open minded. I've spoke about this with others and I firmly believe that if I were to stay where I'm at now, I'd be very grateful. I feel better than I did when I was 30 and I'm 51 now. The one thing that does bother me is the "charts" say that I'm still obese even though my labs and overall health stipulate otherwise.

Not to discourage you but the surgery does not fix all things and especially not our heads. I find myself having new funks. My surgeon actually prescribed some very mild anti-anxiety stuff and said some funk was expected. The hormonal and other biological changes are quite extreme and it's something all of us have to work with. For what it's worth... 6 months after I find my self with higher highs and even some lows I can't quite wrap my head around. It seems that some if not a lot of long term successful folks have approached this both mentally and physically. None of us want to go back to a life and the prison of obesity. That being said.... I feel like I need to work on my head at this time.

Cutting toenails no longer feels like an Olympic event. Also, not eyeballing your parking job wondering if you can get into your car... that's a big one for me.

I'm right behind you!! I can't believe it's already been 6 months since we did this. Had you asked me a couple years ago if I could ever feel this good, I would call you a liar. I recall very clearly how much it hurt just to get out of bed. I also recall having to be hospitalized twice after the procedure and wondering if I made a mistake. Those "bumps" are all part of the process. I hope to come back to this forum and keep in touch with folks even a year from now to share our success stories.

I see some loose stuff in the front of my neck but otherwise am doing pretty good. I'm over 100lbs lost and that seems to be the most visible. I exercise quite a bit and don't have a large flap around my abdomen just yet.

Coming up on 3 months after my initial post on this topic. I just went through my closet and drawers a third time. With the exception of one shirt, everything is gone. It's almost to the point where my newer smaller clothes are getting too big. This is crazy fun but also scary. I don't know if this makes sense to anyone else but either way, I'm grateful to have this "problem"