You know.... I never realized how much a good support system helps

I had surgery 2 years ago.    And I admit, I have fallen back into some of my old ways.   I thankfully have kept the gain under control and have gained back very little( about 5-10 lbs) of what I lost, but I dont want to gain back ANY of it.  So I have started to go to support groups again.   And while I mostly lurk in here, I have been watching the boards in here a little more too.   But it is amazing the difference in my focus when you have the support structure there.   I think it makes me feel like someone is holding me accountable other than my self.    And I am learning SO much.     

Thank you everyone on here for being there for others.    You have no idea how much I appreciate it.   

I completely agree with you and am so thankful to everyone for the ideas, suggestions, and accountability!

Support is essential for me- right up there with air and water and food and all the good stuff of life! Thanks to all of you!!!

Support groups are probably the best "helping hand" in your wt loss journey. You learn a lot about post op life from members who had surgery years before.  You'll hear of how bad habits have caused a host of issues. Like not taking vitamins, eating too fast, how to deal with challenges, tips on cooking, new products available, etc.  If you haven't had surgery yet, these groups will give you insight in how to deal with issues post op.  If you've had surgery, GO to these meetings--the meetings are there for help on your wt loss journey or for maintenance support.  I go every month. DAVE

 

I came to realize a few years out that no one cares about the 10lbs I lose or gain or even sees it. To me its the world, to the world it is nothing, so to keep myself where I want to be takes lots of hand holding in the form of accountability, of making sure I don't fail.  I have all sorts of tricks to keep myself on track and to keep caring otherwise its easy to wake up one day with tight clothes and feeling miserable.  Staying connected to OH and where I was is my first line of defense.

 I have noticed that the post-ops who continually hang in here and participate for support seem to do better with regain and complications. We all need that community spirit. Drifiting away and losing focus has been the demise for may a post-ops!