is the Grass always Greener

First, this is a tough time of year for people in general.  It's not uncommon to be down-in-the-dumps during the holidays, generally.  It's also tough to look around at all the goodies, etc, and deny yourself .  This is my 2nd holiday season -- i was on my pre-op diet last year, sleeved of course this year, and it's easier.    Also, After  about 6 months EVERYTHING gets old. That's why it's important to build good habits early on so you don't have to think about it.   I'm at 11 months, and I'd really like to be 'done already' but I have that last 13lbs still to come off.  Things like how I eat and going to the gym are so ingrained at this point, i don't know how not to 'do it right.'

Finally, you're not starting off in as deep a hole as a lot of folks in terms of weight.  You're not going to lose as quickly, and that's not only ok, it's to be expected.  Every body loses differently, and if you're confident you're eating and moving appropriately (i.e., on plan), then you're doing your best and there's no failure in doing your best no-matter how fast or how slow you lose. 

What keeps my head in the game are the simple things that remind me how much easier it is to be 137lbs than 291, or 259, or 237, or 200, or even 185.   It's little things you notice like how much easier it to get on and off my husband's motorcycle and how much more comfortable it is for us to ride together, or packing a suitcase and being able to take as much as you want because the clothes are so much smaller and lighter.  I know those aren't 'conventional' NSV's per se, but they're the little things that keep me going. 

I know people talk about being depressed during the holidays because they can't eat as much, but that is exactly why I planned my surgery during the holidays.  Every year I start off planning to be at goal by the end.  What usually happens is I diet all the time, feel deprived and overdo it, and end up the same or a little higher at the end.  Then, during the holidays I put on 10-15 pounds more.  The next year...REPEAT.  I had my sleeve done on the 19th on purpose so that I would not be repeating my past mistakes.  I exxpect to enjoy the holidays immensely without food, and maybe enjoy some treats next year.  By then, I'll be a year out and have learned what is permissible for me to continue to succeed.  I am very excited to be here and enjoy learning from all of you.  Merry Christmas to all.

To answer your question, the grass is ALWAYS greener! I feel the same way when I read on this board too and I just came to the conclusion that our bodies will do what they want and it is up to us to just eat healthy and let nature take its course.

Some people lose fast, some are slower. It does suck if you put so much energy is exercising, measuring your food and staying on track and you still don't lose as fast as you think you should, but at least now we lose.

Therefore, lets continue to rock our sleeve and striving and eventually we will get the results we want even if it does take more time.  :o)