I've gained

 finally broke down and went and saw my family dr today. I'd been putting it off and putting it off but these dizzy, funny feeling spells have been driving me nuts. I've fought sinus infections all summer long. My dr says that I should stay on the augmentin and meclizine and he put me on one claritin once a day for allergys. My inner or middle ear is inflamed from all the sinus, allergy issues. I've had alot of sinus pressure, headaches, dizzyness, wooziness. I just plain feel weird and its scary. Also I've got sort of a huge confession to make. I've gained 30 pounds. I've been grazing, eating sugars, I know what I'm doing and I keep telling myself I need to get back on track but its taken a scare like this (that my diabetes is more than likely back or flamed up again) to shake me up. I have to have a physical next week. I skipped out on my 2 yr appt with Dr Shina because I'd gained and he's been so good to me, him and Holly, I didn't want them to be disappointed in me. I haven't failed and if someone wants to flame me and say I have, well its a free world. I got off track and honey, let me tell u, u gain a heck of a lot faster than u lose. Its taken this to get my eyes open and now that they are and I see 190 on the scales instead of 160 I AM GOING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT and I appreciate a few pointers on how to do that. The dizziness scares me but my dr assures me its nothing major. He says when the inner or middle (can't remember which) is inflamed from sinus infections, allergys it can cause the whole body to feel messed up.  Ok, now every one knows my secret. The one reason I haven't been on OH alot lately, the reason I skipped my appt with Dr Shina, the reason that instead of going to my family dr when I got sick I went to the ER. Theres not alot of way around it, I gained. Sugars don't make me sick. At first I'd tell myself well, it won't hurt to eat one sweet thing. But then I nibble and nibble. I've noticed my old habits of snacking in the middle of the night are back. How do u get back to basics? I know, first thing I need to do is schedule a physical of course, then call Dr Shinas office and go see him. People are always telling me that I inspire them, or that my weight loss success has. Well, I'm not worth being an inspiration. I've been to scared to tell anyone about this because I am ashamed and I know the surgery hasn't failed, if I don't nip this in the bud NOW I will have failed. I'm not up to alot of flaming but if anyone has any words of encouragement as to how to get back on track I'd appreciate it. Ange

Best wishes to you in getting back on track.  You know what you need to do and that is great.  I have to admit -- when I'm sick, especially dizzy and queasy, I have a tendency to eat bad things.  Soda crackers (the height of refined carbs) are what I always seem to want.  I'm sure that is a big part of why you have gained.  Get well and get back on track.  You know you can lose the weight.  We have faith in you. Linda

Cheese crackers, those Twisterz get me. I was always a nervous eater and the habits come back alot faster and easier than u would think.

You certainly have flamed yourself enough for everyone. Besides, I am pre-op so I know nothing. I just wanted to applaud your courage in being open about your gain. It's out there for you and everyone else to see. It is no longer a big dark secret. Now you can deal with it. Good luck. I know you can do it.

Thank u. I know what I gotta do and I will do it. One day at a time.

Don't be ashamed, you are not a failure. Getting off track is easy, you know what you need to do to get back on track. I really encourage seeing your surgeon. He should not tell you that you are a failure, what he should do is help you get back on track. Thats one of the reasons why you are supposed to go back for check-ups with him. My surgeon has said from the beginning, "don't be afraid to come back if you gain weight. It does not make you a failure, you should not be ashamed." I know that if this happens to me, he is the first person I call. I know that everything will work out for you and you will get back on track. Good luck.

He wouldn't tell me I'm a failure. I just feel like I've failed myself and him but I haven't. I know I can get back on track. I also know that I need support and help to do it. He has seminars tomorrow and patients Weds but I'm going to call his nurse/office manager/wife Thurs and talk to her.

I am proud of you! How awesome you are to catch this weight gain early and have the determination to work it out. My only advice would be to begin an exercise program again if you have let up on it. You know it really helps you and helps to curb the cravings for sweets. I'm already guilty of grazing too much and I am only 5 months out, so don't feel bad, sister! I'll be thinking of you as you embark on your weight loss! hugs, Karen

Thank u so much. I was so afraid that ppl would flame me or talk down to me for gaining.

You CAN get back on track!  You CAN lose that weight.  I stopped the upward drift at 13# but it was still hard, and I have only 2 more to lose.   I don't recommend going back to the basics.  I do't believe our bodies are going to respond the same way after all this time as they did as new post-ops.  But I do recommend this, which worked for me: 1.   A healthy, well balanced plan that includes a huge variety of food. 2.  Planned treats (yes, I like sugary treats too). 3.  Weight resistance exercise for 30-60 minutes, 3-4 times a week and daily easy exercise like walking or bike riding. Yes it takes a long time--and we are worth it. 4.  Water, water, water but no drinking with meals 5.  Rather than trying to substitute lower flavor sugar and fat substitutes, use the real things but in measured, smaller quantity--it'll taste better and be more memorable. 6.  Sleep, precious, restorative, necessary sleep (see my profile).  In fact, I was doing well with all of the above and the scale stopped moving upward but didn't move downward until I added this sweet little element. Make small, consistent changes while you aren't feeling well.  Obviously, the exercise element is going to be the hardest while you are sick. And don't expect overnight miracles.  It took a long time to get there, it'll take a long time to get back, and you aren't racing anyone. I wish you well.  Get healthy.  Don't punish yourself by missing any medical appointments; you aren't going to disappoint the doctor, just yourself, and put your health at further risk. You can DO THIS!   Ann