tonya99@comcast.net

Hi -- I'm a year out (down 70 lbs) and I have struggled with motivation. At the advice of my therapist I started practicing some cognitive therapy techniques. In short, you start becoming aware of the negative messages going through your head (there are probably lots, just grab a few). After you've identified the messages, first say to yourself (or out loud) STOP. The next step is refuting the message. I thought this was absolute crap at first. WHile I'm doing it, especially if I'm in a tizzy over something, I refute a negative message and I feel stupid -- kind of like, yeah, like that is going to work. But I'm telling you, from a hard core skeptic, that it works. Just do it no matter how stupid you feel. And yes, small changes at a time. I was on a chocolate kick and I started saying to myself "yay for me" when I ate LESS chocolate. I kept doing it and now I just have it once in a while. You can do it! We can do it. I hope this helps in some small way. Tonya

Hi there! My therapist has me working on this also. It's hard work but I can make myself feel better pretty often doing it. Some days, not so much, lol! There's a great book that has Negative Thinking in the title -- it's from several years ago, but I think it's excellent. If you search for negative thinking, look for a book with a burgundy or black cover. It's a little expensive, $23 or so. Good luck to you and thanks for the reminder that I have to keep at it! Tonya

Right on! I liked the Curves Smart 'cause it kicked my behind too!

I've heard pineapple juice does the trick

That is one of the big symptoms of a slip. I'd call your doc immediately (not trying to scare you)

I gained a ton of weight on Lexapro. I was never full! My boyfriend at the time had the same experience.

I track on MyFoodDiary.com. It does cost ($9 per month), but their database of foods is HUGE. It's helped me lose more weight.

I went to Curves for about two years and loved it. You have to work to build a sweat as you get fitter though. I just joined a "regular" gym and am working out harder now. I think Curves is a great place to start! My club was super friendly and also had these "personal trainer" type trackers on each machine that prodded you to work out harder. Good luck deciding!

Hi, I'm Tonya and I will probably be having my surgery within 3 months. Look forward to getting a head start on knowledge here. Cheers!