Almost 2 years out!

I can't belive that I am almost 2 years out! I have lost 200 pounds and have a completely different outlook on life! One problem, I can eat more then I used too and I have been cheating eating candy. I feel out of control and I never want to get where I was before. Any ideas, I feel like my will power is gone, why after 2 years am I loosing my self control?!

Hi d: Congratulations on a super weight loss! Remember, you have lost the equivalent of one rather large person there!! I, too have lost 200# and am 2 1/2 years out from RNY.  Yes, your appetite does indeed come back and you will be able to eat more.  The key is control.  It is much more difficult as you progress further from your original surgery date.  I, too, have found a rather almost addictive like quality to candy.  which I can say I never had prior to my surgery.  I don't really know why, but I know it's not a good thing.  The best advice I can give it avoid it all costs.  GIve it up.  Forget about it.  Act  and eat just like you just had surgery. (Easier said than done, I know) I think the sooner you withdraw from any type of sugar the better off you will be! Remember you only cheat yourself!!!
  Maybe also  try slowing down with your meals.  I mean chew really chew again.  Also, don't drink with your meals! (I am very guility of doing this and I truly believe part of my 8# weight gain comes from doing this!)
Or put a timer on your table when you start your meal.  Approach your mealtime like how you did when you first had your surgery.  Wait 3-4 or even 5 minutes between your bites.  I do not mean to sound preachy or like I have all the answers.  I have seen and tried to follow others advice from here on the forum.  Most have been there and have experienced this or know of someone who has gone through what you have.  . PM me any time you like -We can inspire/re-motivate each other!! Best of luck Mary

This is not unusual.  This is where the real challenge of surgery comes in -- past the 2 year mark things change significantly.  Long term maintenance is the real challenge.

.  Food addiction is a very real thing and you are no doubt an addict so like every other addict you might have to seek counselling or support (support group/overeaters anonymous), you might need to keep trigger foods out of your house, you might have to deal with regain and losing again, .....

After a few years, we an eat alot more, our focus dwindles, life is challenging again and many of us turn back to food in times of stress.  This is a natural process for most of us.  So you might need to plan, draw limits (say, if you gain lbs again, you get strict with yourself, give yourself leeway), you might have to deal with your roots of your eating disorder by support programs etc.  Many people deal with a little bounceback weight at this point.  Making a plan about how you will deal with it is important and not beating yourself up too much is important too. You will have your struggles, and it might be one day at a time like any addict. 

You are normal.  Don't beat yourself up too much.

Dawn

I have the Band, but perhaps adding a protein shake or two in a day will help curb the sweet tooth and appetite.

Congrats on the loss, that is AWESOME!!

If you really like candy and feel you can not do without it you should look at the sugar free candies. They are making a variety of them and they taste really good. They now make reese cups sugar free and they taste just like the regualar ones. My walmart has a pretty good selection of chocolate candies and hard candies. It might help you at least get away from some of that sugar.

No take out the candy.

Candy is candy whether it's full of sugar or full of sweeteners.  They still have calories and are still not what we should be eating. Once in a while maybe, but to be honest, if it is a trigger it is best to keep it far away for him.

Sweets made with fake sweeteners still have calories.  Fake sweeteners make the body want more sugar.  The fake sugars are even worse as they trip something in the brain - These substances still stimulate the sweet receptors of the tongue and may even cause an insulin response since the tongue is the first step in the digestive process. 

Dawn

WOW...time flies.  Glad you are doing so well.  It seems you were looking for a good protein shake early on.  Hope you found one.  One thing I will do is on weekends and holidays...I go ride my bike around CSU Stanislaus (I also ride my bike all around Turlock).  It's a real kick. 
Yeah, it isn't a problem for many to lose the weight...It's keeping it off years down the road that can be the problem.  I go to McDonalds and get a Grilled Bacon Ranch Salad with vinaigrette dressing...Then add my own vegetables.  I stuff myself full with the vegetables...Looking for that full feeling.  It becomes hard to stay away from carbs...They are the Devil!!  You're doing great.  Brian

hey, it's been a while! I did find lots of good ideas for shakes! You can eat salad? I haven't even tried it since the surgery, how do you get your protein in with salad, do you add chicken or something?

Yes, it comes with chicken...I add cheese to it also.  I just like that full feeling...I don't want to fill up with carbs.  I can eat anything...But certain things don't sit well with me so I just eat a little.  Things that don't sit well; chinese food, frozen soft serve ice cream, pork, deep fried anything, cream soups (too much butter).  I usually get my protein from things like, beef (cheeseburger), steak, crock pot beef stews, yogurt, milk, Healthy Choice Lemon Fish Dinner (avoid the apple crisp in it and add soy sauce to the fish), nuts (almonds, walnuts, roasted soy nuts), beef jerkey, peanutbutter, Wendy's Chili (with cheese), chicken, turkey, protein shakes.  My pouch has expanded so I can eat more.  I only dumped one time so I can eat almost anything.  Just me.

Thank you for all your suggestions, I have tried the sugar free candy and I think that is what got me started honestly. I think I will try to find a group, I moved this last summer and I just don't have the support and strength I used to have where I used to live. Time for me to move on and get back on track! Thanks everyone!