Some advice from someone 2 years out who slacked off...

Write down what you eat (that means everything) and get in your exercise.  Over the past year or so, I began getting back into my old bad habits.  Now, I still can't eat a lot of sugar, but boy can I graze.  Thankfully, I decided to jump on the scale a couple of months ago to face the music.  I had gained back 9 pounds from my original 81 pounds lost.  That did it for me!  Thankfully, my company has a Weigh****chers At Work program (which happens to be in my building).  I signed up and yesterday I found that I had successfully lost those 9 pounds plus an additional one.  I never did make it to my surgeons goal weight, but I have found my motivation again.  I'm going for those additional 8 pounds and then the 12 additional pounds to get to my own goal weight. Please don't get me wrong.  Having my surgery was the best decision I have ever made in my life!!!!!  I love my surgeon and now love my life.  I could tell the old depression and sluggishness creaping in with those 9 pounds, but thanks to my surgery, I was in a much better position to take control once again.  For the past two months, I have written down everything (except for maybe 3 days) and adding back the much needed exercise. BTW...it is great to see familiar faces still on the board.  I've been MIA for over a year now.  The Virginia Board is truly one of the best Julie

Hi Julie.  Welcome back.  I'm Theresa, a newbie who's surgery is April 30.  Just wanted to welcome you back to the board and to say congratulations for getting those 9 lbs + off.  Great going in recognizing what was going on and taking actions to make sure that you didn't find yourself where you used to be.  You should be proud!  Again, welcome back and make yourself at home! Hugs, Theresa

Hi, Julie:  Your story is such a great one....it brings to the forefront that once we have met our goal, it isn't the end of the process -- this is a lifestyle change that will be with us for the rest of our days!  Right now, for me, my focus is getting the rest of the weight off, but luckily, thanks to you and others like you, I have a full understanding of the process beyond my goal.  Thanks for sharing and welcome back!

Hi Julie & Welcome Back.  Thanks so much for the advice.  Glad to know the tool still works.  Keep on working it, hopefully those lbs will drop right off.

Good am Julie, Welcome back! Yes, the tool still works. I'm 5 years post-op and I've met with struggles but things are working out well focusing on the basics and doing things the best ways with eating, drinking, excercise and vits. You'll get to your goals have faith for sure! Please pop in more often. All best!

Hi Julie - I think grazing is our worst emeny and thank you for sharing your stroy of success - because you are a success - you got to goal - you gained but you got back again! This will be a lifelong battle for us but one we have to meet head on and not ignore it. Thank you for being inspirational and giving us all such great advise - I hope you will come here more often! Jackie

Thank you Julie for posting this. I think as someone who is waiting to have surgery this is very important.  This is a life changing event not a quick fix.  And once you get to where you want to be, you still have to work just as hard to maintain being healthy!  Thank you so much!