Search the Community

Many of us will agree that recent advancements in technology are a double-edged sword: on the one hand, they’ve made our lives so much easier, making tasks that are already simple even more convenient; on the other, these added conveniences have made it so the amount of physical exercise we do is dramatically lessened, making it that much easier to put on a few extra pounds. But with global obesity rates continuing to climb higher, developers of smartphones and smart technology have finally begun developing features that not just help, but encourage weight loss in their users – and users haven’t been ones to be left behind. Kantar Media’s MARS OTC/DTC 2014 study showed that 34% of smartphone owners look for health-related information online using their phones, and 32% of smartphone owners have also used a health- or fitness-related app. More than just using apps, however, there are other ways use smart technology for fitness. The Hype of Google Glass for Fitness Last January, PCMag’s Jill Duffy talked about “The Internet of Fitness Things” – one of the biggest trends seen in fitness technology today. She wrote about how today’s fitness devices now need to be tightly integrated with an interface that lets users monitor their fitness and workout levels. This is where Google Glass comes in. When fitness devices are integrated with Google Glass, workouts become more interactive and streamlined – not to mention tailor-fit for the user’s fitness goals. This is seen in Race Yourself, a Glass app that tracks your time, distance, and calories while running. Unlike other fitness apps, however, this Google Glass-integrated app comes with different games such as Zombie Chase and Giant Boulder, for high-intensity workouts. Google’s partnership with Technogym also means that Google Glass can now control treadmills through voice prompts. The device can even scan barcodes on treadmills to determine the kind of workouts and settings that are optimal for the machine. Smartphones with Built-In Health Tracking Apps Jill Duffy also mentioned that another apparent trend in fitness devices was seen in how developers seemed to be closing in on one detail of fitness: heart health. This is apparent not just in the number of heart rate monitoring devices out in the market now, but also in how even smartphone developers have begun integrating health and heart-tracking apps into their latest models. • Samsung Galaxy S5 The revamped features of the S Health app include a Heart Rate Sensor, which is tasked to check the status of your heart at any time of the day. Samsung’s Exercise Mate was also enhanced with the addition of a Hiking option, allowing users to track their progress while walking, cycling, and running. Android and Me has also reported that Samsung’s update of the app allows the Heart Rate Sensor to monitor stress levels. • HTC One M8 Pocket-Lint reported that HTC had partnered with FitBit to provide the One M8 with fitness tracking software, and the results were rather impressive. With BlinkFeed, you can track information such as fitness goals, achievements, and calories burned. There’s even a Smart Alarm that can wake you up at the most optimal time. O2 reports that the HTC One has also been equipped with HTC Boomsound, which the Smart Alarm makes use of quite extensively. Video Games Making People More Active Most people will agree that video games may have been a factor in their weight gain, as playing these games meant sitting in front a TV or computer for hours at a time, munching on junk food. Today’s video games, however, can be a far cry from games of old. Ace Fitness cites a study by Primack in 2012 that showed that active video games can be used to increase a person’s energy levels. Players interact with images on their screen using body movements, playing games like tennis, gold, boxing, and football. Developers like Nintendo have been hard at work creating games that not only set the benchmark for interactive games, but also meet the industry guidelines for cardiorespiratory fitness – meaning playing their games is a sure-fire way to get some aerobic exercise in. Healthcare from the Perspective of Medical Professionals While there are tons of services to track your health on your own, there are also significant developments intended to enhance how medical professionals provide care services. Ellen Lee of Forbes reported that this year, the revenues of venture capitalists in healthcare IT have tripled to $955, from the $343 million invested three years ago. Here are ways Lee believes medical professionals will leverage technology: • “Watson” Lee said IBM is developing “Watson,” a supercomputer tasked to assist physicians in recommending treatments and making accurate diagnoses. It also tracks patient history, analyze treatment methods, and assists medical research. • Doximity Social media is also a product of technology, allowing doctors to connect together to provide better care to patients. The importance of Doximity, a social networking site exclusive to physicians, is that the platform allows physicians in the US to collaborate online. With these significant improvements, the notion that technology induces more harm to our health is put to rest. As it improves in a heartbeat, we transition to an era where securing our health becomes a walk in the park.

My instructions was no potatoes, paste, rice till I hit my goal weight an then after is questionable. Its carbs an raises insulin an can cause weight gain if u eat now during phases it will slow weight loss...

I am due to have my sleeve on 8/18. I am getting nervous. I was just on the veterans forum and I saw many people posting about weight gains, and struggling to maintain their weight using intermittent fasting. I used intermittent fasting, also a 500 calorie diet to lose 75 pounds several years ago....and it came back despite my struggling with excercise, sticking to a low carb, then moderate carb paleo diet. So, when I see people years post op talking about using weight loss techniques that I have tried and over time failed to stop regaining weight with....well it makes me wonder whether the surgery has lasting value. Will the sleeve help me lose weight? No doubt. Heck, I can lose weight on my own ( we all can) But what I am wondering if it will make it easier for me to maintain! I was hoping that after losing the weight, the sleeve would allow me to eat my normal healthy paleo way of eating ( Protein and vegetables and healthy fats) without always having to go hungry in order to keep from gaining weight. I am quite an easy gainer. Does the sleeve allow you to eat less food ( healthy food) and still feel full when you are greater than 1 year out? What benefits have you continued to notice after a year or more post op?

My skin due to age, genetics, weight gain, weight loss and pregnancies had totally stretched to the point where it was not going to "bounce" back. http://www.bariatricpal.com/gallery/member/116222-sweet-pee/ Some of us need a little more help with our skin after weigh loss, which for me was not time, but skin removal.

I had the Lap Band in 2011, lost about 50 lbs and had lots of the normal complications. food not going down, productive burps, vomiting, resorting to slider foods, weight gain, port site pain, etc. So after the birth of my son I decided to have my Lap Band removed in May (2014). I spoke to my doc about revision, he was ok with it but I had to do all the presurgery crap again due to staff not properly documenting. They were afraid my insurance would not cover revision if I didn't jump through the hoops again because ins wouldn't cover it for just having port pain. So I have one more family doc appt, my psych eval was good and she approved me for surgery, I got my date of Sept 16th last week, and I am finding myself going back and forth questioning whether or not I am ready for this. For me, it's now or never. I am 25 so am still under my mothers ins which pays 100% for surgery, however in Nov I will be 26 and I will carry insurance from the hospital I work at and the coverage sucks. My first thought is that I am terrified of complications. I am scared something will go wrong and I won't be here for my son(he's 4 months) and I get mad at myself thinking how selfish this is to want to risk all this just to be skinny? Am I crazy? I don't know if it's because its a more invasive surgery and it's permanent where as lap band wasn't, or if it's because I'm a mother now, but I am overcome by fear. Anyone else have this irrational fear almost stop you from going through with it? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Yep, just that simple. If they enrolled you in that group appointment you're already approved. When you go, they'll have you fill out a bunch of paperwork about your weight struggles, diets you've tried etc. Be honest. They'll measure your vitals, height, weight, and calculate your starting BMI; that will be your criteria. As long as you don't increase from that intial weight and BMI, you're good. You'll meet the Bariatric Team at this group session, including an individual appt with the surgeon who will spend a good bit of time talking to you and explaining everything and answer any questions you may have. If you smoke, quit. You'll get disenrolled / delayed if you continue to smoke. They offer smoking cessation classes as part of the program. They check compliance by doing a urine cotinine test. The majority of the program is simply going through the nutrition classes and you are required to keep a food log (on paper or something like My Fitness Pal). They meet once per month and you must attend each one. You will be weighed at every appt. and if you feel like you need additional help, you can go to the nutrition clinic at any point. Lab work gets ordered to check you for baseline things that may be causing weight gain (Vitamin D deficiency, low Cortisol levels, undiagnosed diabetes or pre-diabetes, anemia, low thyroid etc). If anything comes back abnormal, they'll offer you treatment and medications. Once you complete the group nutrition classes, you'll have an individual nutrition appt and that is who will clear you as a good surgery candidate. If the nutritionist feels you haven't done "the work" (food journaling, meeting daily Protein requirements, Water intake, exercising), you'll be considered "non-compliant" and not ready for surgery because you've demonstrated an inability to make changes. They'll work with you more until you get there. You have to attend one Weight Loss Support Group. They usually only meet once per month as well. Once the nutritionist clears you, the Bariatric Nurse will schedule your Psych evaluation. Most people get cleared with that first appt. If not, they'll have you go back for a follow-up. They are just evaluating you for readiness for such a life altering change; making sure you have a support system in place; that you don't think surgery is a magic bullet; and that you understand your risk for cross dependency. The surgery forces you to physically give up food as a crutch but does absolutely nothing for the emotional dependency you have with food. Plenty of times food addiction is traded for something else like alcohol. Once you are cleared from your Psych eval, the Bariatric Nurse will schedule your EGD. This is done to assess the health of your esophagus, stomach, gall bladder, biopsy stomach skin to check for H. Pylori, and to check for any hernias that may be present (like a hiatal hernia) - because they would remove an unhealthy gall bladder and repair the hernia when the sleeve surgery is done. H. Pylori (a common bacterial infection in the stomach) would have to be treated prior to surgery; this encompasses two weeks on 2 different antibiotics. Once cleared from the EGD, you'll be scheduled for a final appt with the surgeon. It's at that time you'll need medical clearance from any specialist you may see for pre-existing confitions (such as cardiology or pulmonology). Then your surgery gets scheduled. A two week liquid diet is required before surgery (in order to shrink your liver so the surgery is easier to perform), and two weeks after surgery. Your diet will be progressed from then on as you go back for follow-ups. Hope this helps!

I am struggling with weight gain and it's been almost 3 years ! I was considering a re sleeve but not sure how risky it is ! And hernia's can keep happening depending on where they are located and the pressure on she weakened muscle and tissue ! What have u figured out about the weight gain ??

For me the weight gain was a mix of medical and emotional. The medical prompted the emotional which prompted bad eating habits and it was a downhill effect from there. I just recently put all the peices of the puzzle together. I think KNOWING what caused my weight gain helps alot tho.

Hi there I have tried many, many, many weight loss methods since I was 19 years old (the first time I joined Weight Watchers, but not the first time I was 'fat'). That's 30 years of the weight loss insanity And while I had success on many of them (temporary success, obviously), the one thing that was never addressed was "Why am I overweight in the first place?" Weight loss programs focus on losing weight. Some of them have a 'keeping it off' element, but not many do. So, the focus is on reacting to the symptoms rather than causes (starting where it started with the weight gain). Why did the weight gain start? Is it ALL because of lack of willpower or self-control? Is it because of genetics? Is it emotions? Hormones? Why are some people predisposed to putting weight on when others face similar situations and are not so predisposed? Why is weight loss so hard to maintain? I doubt very much that I'm overweight because I'm lazy, don't try hard enough, can't control myself, etc. Which are easy judgements from people who have never had a weight issue. I look forward to your posts.

I'm in my 40s and have made the decision to end the weight loss/weight gain insanity! Yay me! I do not want to face the health conditions associated with aging AND being overweight: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetic risk, joint problems, etc. There were times when I felt I was getting too old for this option, but when I kept researching and found patients in their 60s, I thought it would be okay for me, too. I've never been at a 'normal' weight as an adult. And dare I believe I will now find out?

Here's my weekly update! My band was filled to 3 cc's on Monday Aug 4th. I left the doc's office feeling pretty good after keeping down 8 oz of Water before I left. An hour later........MASSIVE MONSTER HICCUPS!!! It was HORRIBLE. (kinda forgot what those were like! I was unable to keep anything down including liquids by that evening. Pain in my stomach was pretty bad that night and I had to sleep elevated. It brought back memories of having the band put in initially 10 yrs ago. ARGHHH!!! I don't think I was prepared for that! By Wednesday, all resolved it self, I'm keeping my liquids down. Protein shakes are agreeing with me and I was able to move to mushy foods by this past weekend. I have lost quite a bit of water weight and am a little dehydrated due to the restriction, but now moving in the right direction. (10 lbs gone.....I KNOW this is water weight!) Living in AZ, we drink water like crazy because it's so FREAKING hot!! LOL I have an appointment with the doc in 2 weeks. PB's have been helpful and I am encouraged once again to be moving in the right direction. The added 45 lbs has put a lot of stress on my hips (thanks mom for your bad hips.....appreciate it!) and my knees. I'm looking forward to walking around the block with my fur babies and not be in pain as much! As for AROSE, my doc stated we can remove the band and replace if the insurance will agree to pay. The newer bands are better than what we have (mine is also a 5 cc band). You have to be off band for 3 months before they will replace it though (at least with my doctor) and he stated he doesn't want to see weight gain during that time. SELF CONTROL!! lol It's all a matter of what you are looking to do. You've already lost 15 lbs. That's such a great start and it seems you are on the right path. Eat right, use small plates, drink fluids after eating! I think you'll find that you will lose those 15 lbs and probably a bit more now that you've found the right doctor. Good luck to you! Let me know how you do!

I used to diet in preparation for occasions: weddings, graduations, reunions, summer season. The eating plans would start after my January birthday and I would follow strictly for a set period of time. I always considered this way of eating to be 'temporary', and that meant my efforts, results, successes were also 'temporary'. I am a regular at the gym, 4-5 times a week. I have made friends there and have been supported and accountable to them, and them to me. Including instructors. Though, I am clearly the heaviest one in the group. These people have seen me lose weight, gain weight, continue to come to the gym regardless of my size. Recently, one of these people, who has had weight loss success herself, said to me, "I am concerned that we have not been seeing you lose weight even though you are here all the time. In fact, I think maybe you have gained some?" I know her intent was to help and support, and that is the spirit in which I took her comment. But having it out there, said aloud, is exactly like seeing a photograph of yourself. The reality is harsh. The comment was not the catalyst, though. Just one of several things I have taken notice of recently (in the last year). I have noticed that several exercises are uncomfortable or impossible for me to do because my belly is in the way. My ankles and knees and hips are less forgiving and are often exhausted after exercise (which is regular) and I find that I am in some pain (not the good pain) daily. And at my last annual physical exam with my doctor, I have been asked to regularly monitor my blood pressure. I have not yet been diagnosed or medicated for high blood pressure - but I sure do not want to. So, I decided that I am going to do something about my situation FOR ME. Forever. Not for an occasion, not for a while, not until I get bored with it. I'm 14 days away from the next chapter in my healthy life. Wish me luck.

I thought about tapering off but decided the pain meds would help curb any withdrawl headaches after surgery. So I drank diet pepsi like a fish up to surgery. lol It was the last thing I had the night before and I'm not gonna lie, I was a little sad to throw it down the sink when I hit my liquids cut off. I was easily a 2 liter bottle a day person. The plan worked = no withdrawl. And I havent had soda since surgery and havent really wanted it, which SHOCKS me. I love the crisp taste that is lost if its flat so flat soda isnt an option for me. They say tastes change and its true, maybe not right away but they do. After surgery I could drink power ade straight. As time goes things like Powerade zero has to be diluted 3x down. And some people (like my surgeons assistant, who was sleeved) don't like plain Water anymore. I like *some* plain water but im much pickier. Sometimes I kinda want a little before I eat, but as someone said, its not worth the money before you eat. You can't chug it, and you can't drink it after you eat. I thought not drinking and eating at the same time would be the death of me. Its gotten much easier and I barely think about it anymore. A few times I took a decent drink after eating and the results arne't plesant, so my body doesnt go for it anymore after I eat - and thats just water!! I can't imagine throwing carbination into the mix I plan to drink soda again but not for awhile. Doc suggested about 6 months after being at goal, so you can see if it has any effect on sleeve stretch or cravings or weight gain.

I too have the same feeling that you do at this time. My surgery was May 2013 and this month is the first month that I tracked a weight gain. I seem to bounce between 150 and 155. Today I am 152. I have tried the tips already mentioned (tracking food and Water, cutting out the "junk" and getting Protein first.) I find that I can get 50-60 gm of protein a day. I manage to take in about 72 oz of water. I have decided that 150-155 is an ok weight for now. I am wearing a size 8 (which is a size I have never worn as an adult) I am staying positive that the last 25 lbs will come off with time if I stay on track. If I stay this weight for a while, my body must need the break from weight loss. I am hoping that my skin will tighten up while I am working off the last few pounds. I do not look at this as a failed surgery because I am 115 lbs lighter than when I had the surgery.

Hey Nutty Buddy.... Personally I try to eat NO foods that say or imply sugar free or DIET and here's why....I've read a few studys that have stated that foods containing Aspertain or any of its derivatives can cause weight gain. I realized this prior to my sleeve surgery and cut out diet soda over 2yrs prior to, quit the sugar free foods about a year prior and went close to vegan diet, I just ate no red meat and rarely any milks or eggs, even soy....My intenstinal system was 100% better than it even had been in my life....So don't beat yourself up on an occassional treat...Check out the Protein amount and most important calories and sodium amounts....I have found some really good protein bars that taste just like candy bars and that way I'm killin 2 birds...Right now my sense of taste and smells has intensified and there are some things that are so overly sweat that I can't eat them....And smells, I can smell fires that are 40miles or so away, and I am serious...Another weird one, I liked HiddenValley Ranch salad dressing and now all I taste is garlic from it, I don't taste a ranch dressing anymore...So since surgery weird things have changed....Good Luck to you...Holla if ya wanna chat.... kim

Bariatric surgery is every bit as much "weight gain prevention surgery" as it is "weight loss surgery." If you can document a history of morbid obesity, there's absolutely no reason an insurance company would deny you because you suddenly lost a bunch of weight. Your history would prove conclusively that you WILL gain it all back. Conversely, if you don't have a history of morbid obesity, and you just put on a bunch of weight in the last year or so, no insurance company would approve you because it's still possible the weight gain is temporary and your dieting will be successful.

I started the whole process in Jan 2013. Finished all requirements that insurance and dr wanted so he turned the paper work in on July 3 on July 11 my insurance denied me because of weight gain during the 6 months of pcp diet. On wed July 16 Dr. Eibes of Iowa speciality Hospital called and did a peer to peer with the medical director of Aetna and convinced them that the sleeve is what I needed. Dr eibes said it was a long call and pretty tough but finally they approved my surgery. Got home and got a call from Medical coordinator and dietician and got my date. Went on my 1200 calorie diet on Thursday the 17th and dropped 11 pounds. Had to do liquid diet sat and sun and surgery was on Monday August the 4th. My surgery was done in Belmond, Iowa an amazing hospital with a staff that did everything to make you comfortable. I felt like every person working was part of my team. They encouraged me with every step I took. We live 4 hours away from Belmond so they let us come to the hospital and stay Sunday night. We walked into our room and it was a hospital suite, we had a kitchen with table and chairs. In the main room was a sofa bed and and recliner that turned into a bed and the hospital bed which was extremely comfortable. They showed use where everything was refreshments for my husband, Snacks and food vouchers so he could go done and eat for free in the cafeteria. We slept good and were up and ready by 6 and the nurse came in at 7 and took us down to the surgical unit. Once we were settled I got undressed (everything) and into my gown. Two nurses were in my room prepping me Iv, blood work, questions, anesthesia Dr came in asked questions and told me what he was going to do told me that at times he can give a fat lip ( he did but went away quickly). I asked him to just take care of me and make sure I wake up and he said he would. The or nurse came in and explained more the dr eibes came in and asked if I was ready I said yes gave brad a hug and walked into the surgical room. I said hi to everyone and then told me to lay on the bed they unsnapped my gown I layed down, they put 2 warmed blankets on me and strapped my arms down and they gave me the oxygen and something good cause the next thing I remember was being taken to my room. Surgery was at 9 and I was back in my room at 10:30. The have this hover blow up bed that transfers you from bed to bed got me into bed and vitals and all were taken then I just slept. I had a pain pump so I pressed the button whenever I needed it and just went back to sleep. My mouth was so dry they gave me ice chips to moisten my mouth. They were good but made my stomach seize a little. My new stomach was not crazy about cold. Likes room temp the best. I wanted to go to the bathroom at 12 got up it felt like I had done 100s of sit-ups but was fine. So decided to go for a walk so off we went and we went every hour. First time 4 laps 2nd time 10 then they told me 20 laps was a mile so I started to do a mile every time. I had no GAS PAIN AT ALL! And I give walking the credit. I could have stayed in bed and milked it but I wanted to be up and going. Night was not a sleeping night bp cuff kept going off it was no longer on my arm they kept forgetting to shut the machine off. Then my fluids ran out, then my pain meds ran out, then had to have vitals taken so was a short night. At 8 they came and got me for the leak test. Ok this was the most disgusting tasting stuff! They make you stand up and step up on this platform it was quite a step and drink this yellow stuff as the dr took photos. They lay you down and almost invert you to get all angles. I could have gagged but knew I had to do it so I got thru it. Back to my room and they brought me Isopure, beef broth, Jello, lemonade Needed to drink the isopure and could go home if I did. So I did. Brad took my prescriptions to the pharmacy to get filled lots of them. Pain, nausea, spasm, gallstone, acid, happy pill, and blood thinner I have to give myself two shots a day for two weeks. We took off on our 4 hour drive home. I had taken a pain pill just to take the edge off I held a pillow and slept for two hours stopped so brad could get supper. I just drank my Water. Then homeward. We got home and went thru everything and took a shower and went to bed. Woke up feeling like I could throw up but it passed in less than a min. So on wed brad went back to work and I just focused on drinking. Didn't quite get it all in 40 oz water and 60 gr of Protein. Thurs dr Jon called to check on me and said make your water a priority we will worry about protein later. Did better Thursday got 64 oz of water in and my 60 gr of protein also. Had 5 bites of cream of chicken Soup and 5 bites of applesauce. With a baby spoon. And I was done. Tummy told me enough. Friday has been good have been off all pain meds for 24 hours had been passing gas and had 2 bms. Walked outside and have this great app called waterlogged it rings every 15 minutes so that I drink I have consumed 60 oz so far and it's only 3:30. Will have another Protein shake tonight and more water. Stepped on the scale and in 2 weeks have lost 17.7 pounds. Love my sleeve so far.

I was denied for a net weight gain, But in my defense my 37 yr old husband has a heart attack and also needed a triple bypass. It was so hard on me and while he was in the hospital it was too hard to breathe let alone eat. Which I didn't. I'm asking them for an exception, I'm trying to get healthy with my husband and I can't keep up with him now...which is a great thing for him. I know what I did wrong, and I'm hoping they see that I've had a very difficult time the past 6 months. If not-I can do 3 more months of NUT visits. And I intend to continue. If the senator can't help- than so be it. But I at least put in the effort to continue to fight!!

So you have nearly lost 11 pounds in a month....chillax some.... This process will not happen overnight. Keep in mind, you are also still healing. Stick to the diet plan, continue to weigh yourself and try to remain positive....its soooo early on to have regrets. The weight gain did not happen overnight, so don't expect the weight loss to happen overnight. Patience! (Yes I got frustrated too...but its all in the process) wish u all the best, just don't give up!

I am most proud of being an athlete again after 35 years of steady weight gains. I peaked at 324 pounds and am now 176 pounds. I'm running, lifting weights, playing tennis and golf and running up stairs effortlessly. 8 months ago I was huffing and puffing after a short walk.

Please don't stop your cardio. It is vital to your health and fitness. Quitting your cardio will accomplish nothing other than decreasing your weight loss on increasing your weight gain. Do your research. It is a fact that you cannot target weight loss. You can target toning through certain weight training and resistance exercising, but that WILL NOT affect the fat in those areas. A quick Google search for "Spot Reduction" will turn up countless reliable results all explaining that it is just not possible. Here's a quick article: http://www.truestarhealth.com/members/cm_archives11ml3p1a2.html

I know that some psych meds make you gain weight. Would the sleeve help that? Is there any research on med related weight gain and surgery? Tia

Obviously I have no experience in this area but I'm responding to this to remove it from the no reply section so that it's exposed to people using apps and maybe responded to? But I've seen dozens of women respond to weight gain and how it correlates to TOM.

I was sleeved July 18th. Came home 12 pounds heavier. Took me 5 days to lose it. At my 10 day post op appt I had l Iost 4 pounds. My doctor tried to hide her disappointment. When I told her of the 12 pounds weight gain she admittedI was now putting out enough urine during the surgery so they just kept pumping fluids into me. I've lost a total of 15 pounds in the 19 days since my surgery.

I want to thank you for starting this thread. It is a reminder to stay vigilant. I am 18 months out and learning maintenance. Relatives whisper about me saying "when is she going to stop". They don't mean losing weight. They mean going to the gym and watching my intake. They don't understand that the answer to that is never. Exercise and mindful eating has to be a way of life or I won't keep the weight off. This is a chronic disease and the treatment is vigilance and there is no cure. In answer to another question about how strict to be from the beginning regarding carbs, exercise, etc, I think that will be very dependent on the individual. Some people need to be vey strict. One bad bite will trigger cravings. Other people need a splurge once in a while or are in danger of having a "blow up" For my part I decided that no food is off limits to me if I track it. I refuse to feel guilt. I have learned from tracking what my patterns are and what can trigger cravings or weight gain. Does that always keep me in line. Well no but it's a start. I also don't freak out if I don't get my four days a week in the gym. Life happens and I get there the next time I can. But I also do allow wimpy excuses like I used to. Again thanks for starting this thread. I am only 18 months out but I am hoping in 5 years I will still be within 10-15 pounds of this weight. Ideally the same weight but I am practical. In any case it will take work.