1.7 years out and resuming bad eating habits

[Twinmom07 63]

Hi all! I am about 4 months away from my 2 year anniversary of my surgery. I have lost over 90 lbs which is great. The problem I am having is that I have stayed at the same weight for easily 6 months, although there has been some difference in how clothing fits, showing that I have still lost a bit but not much. I have gotten back into a very bad sugar/carb habit and am able to eat more food more easily. I have some health conditions that makes it hard for me to do much exercise and causes a lot of fatigue. I need a re-set button or something. I have come too far. I don't really know what I need, except maybe an overhaul of my diet again. Having said that, I KNOW what I need to do, but seem to lack motivation to take charge of it and starting to get that helpless feeling over my sugar urges that I had pre-surgery and was so proud that I had overcome it. Anyone else going or have gone through this and have some advice? I would really like to lose another 15 lbs as my dr. says we will often gain about 10% of our loss back in year 3 and want to be in a better position to make sure I don't gain back. Any advice appreciated!

[lindsayAK 100]

I am only just over 3 weeks post so I can’t really help however I did see a reset diet to follow if you need to get back to how you were eating post op. Do you have Pinterest?

[KatFight 207]

Hi. What an achievement 90 lbs.! Great job. I can't speak as someone with long-term experience as my sleeve surgery was 12/28/17; however, I do have sugar cravings at times.

I notice the cravings tend to strike when I haven't eaten yet (when I should have already eaten) and when I'm not getting my Protein in bc I'm not eating on a regular basis. So focusing on reaching 80-90 grams of protein daily may help you if you are not already doing that and eating meals every 3-4 hours. I also find if I busy my mind with an activity like a jigsaw puzzle, my cravings subside. Brushing my teeth after meals and following that an hour later with drinking Water helps me too.

About exercise being a challenge bc of pain and fatigue issues: I really relate to that. I often think I'd be losing significantly more if I didn't have these "issues." It's tough too bc these are invisible disabilities and are often misunderstood. The pain and fatigue issues I have existed before I was overweight and I'm sure the excess weight hasn't helped. If you'd ever like to message about it, I'm here.

You know what you need to do. You've got this! [emoji259]

[mylighthouse 782]

I am sorry that I can't really give advice on this issue, but I want to say that I can definitely identify with you, although I am not quite as far out as you are. I am 15 months post sleeve. Other than the 9 pounds I lost last week (I was in hospital and couldn't keep down any food), I have stayed and bounced from 190-200 lbs for the last 4 months. My surgeon's goal weight for me is 175. Sitting at 190 as of today.

Like you, I have current health conditoons that I am working on with my surgeon and gastro doctor. Because of multiple open abdominal surgeries, I deal with chronic pain, and even though I have lost over 140 lbs, I haven't been able to get to the point where I am able to exercise much.

Also, like you, I am letting the carbs sneak in. The main culprits for me are yogurt and cream of mushroom Soup. Not wanting to go on about my health issues, but I am very limited right now as to what I am able to consume without getting sick. Protein Shakes I do fine, cream Soups and broths with my Isopure unflavored Protein Powder. I am going way over 50 grams a day in carbs....this has really brought my weight loss to a screeching halt.

@Twinmom07 I don't mean to take over your thread, I hope someone out there has some suggestions for both of us. I really want to get to my doctor's goal weight and I'm only 15 pounds away from it.

[DaleCruse 756]

You are not alone. I'm more than three years past sleeve surgery. I've regained a bit too. One possible problem I'm ready is you're trying to do this all by yourself & lacking motivation. It sounds to me like you need a weight-loss partner. Someone who shares you enthusiasm to restart your efforts & keep yourself accountable. Give it a try! Good luck!

[White Sale 339]

What helps me is to take out my phone and start running the stopwatch. I wait at least one full minute from the time I swallow one bite until I have the next. I give myself a max of 15 minutes to eat whatever it is.

Every single time I am full before those 15 minutes are up.

I still weigh/measure my portions and watch my calories.