struggling!!

Im at my 2.5 yrs mark, moved in with my boyfriend a year ago and my eating habits have gone to hell! We keep food in the house that I never kept in mine since I knew I had no self control, I know its not his fault , especially since I do most of the cooking. I've always played with about 8 lbs .. either up or down. But now I'm up 20 lbs!! I rejoined my gym but my bad eating habits are back in full force! Im shocked by how much I can eat and nothing effects me, sugar, carbs nothing! No dumping , nada , zip!  I've tried to go back to my protien shakes but then a few hours later I'm reaching for chips or candy 😭😭 has anyone had the struggle and manged to pull themselves out? Any tips? 

Nix the protein shakes in exchange for dense protein - liquid is not going to satisfy you now,but a hunk of chicken breast or thigh will ...

Dense protein, vegetables and dairy until you drop those 20lbs.  Absolutely no need to be hungry!

Do not drink protein shakes.  They do not keep you full and you don't need them to get in enough calories.

The only method that works for me is counting calories.  I eat 1400 calories a day to maintain 136 pounds.  I eat 900 calories a day to lose a pound a week.  It would take me 12 weeks to drop 12 pounds.

Use the calculators on the site If It Fits Your Macros to calculate your protein, fat, calories and carbohydrates for your weight loss needs.

Track everything in My Fitness Pal.  Also be sure you have plenty of your own "legal" treats on hand.  You can buy Quest Bars and Quest Protein chips at Quest Nutition.  You can also find incredible recipes on their site.

Your surgery was your chance to live life at your ideal weight.  Don't throw that gift away.  Invest the time and money needed to get you back to your ideal weight and to stay there.  Nothing compares to the feeling of being slim and healthy.

I find the IIFYM site very interesting! What do you plug in? For "aggressive" (20%) fat loss on low-carb mode, it's telling me to aim for 97g carbs, 156 protein, 61 fat, and 34-43 fiber for a total of 1556 calories a day. I know I eat more than a lot of people this far our (usually 1100-1200 calories; sometimes up to 1400 on workout days), but I don't know if I could still lose on 1556!

A slightly different take... I don't think the type of protein you are consuming is ultimately the issue (yes, it's not as dense, may not keep you a satisfied for as long as chicken, though I find they do fill me up.) I think that you might want to address this through therapy... if you ate chicken, my guess is you still may be reaching for the chips or candy, the "no self control" issue, Something to think about. 

Meal planning... highly recommend knowing what you are going to eat at least a day in advance... helps the on the fly eating if you know what is coming up next.

If you haven't already... I'd share your struggle/thoughts with your man. Having a good support system in place is important... if your surgeon has one for long termers get involved in that. Ask him/her to start one if not. It only benefits them if long term "success rates" are good. Highly recommend attending an OAC convention www.ywmconvention.com great education for long termers.

Best to you, 

I am 14 years post op and in the last two years have experienced weight gain after losing both of my parents within 15 months.    So, it does happen to all of us, at some point.  How we deal with it is the key!   What you have done is the first step, acknowledging.  Secondly, I agree with one poster, that planning your meals is a good idea.  I find that it keeps me in line when I am not having to choose from fast food places or other non WLS friendly options.    Lastly, your protein intake should be increased to make you satisfied.  If you are grazing or eating foods that are empty calories, you gain.   I myself use protein shakes in the morning and for the times I want something sweet.  I make a protein pudding with sugar free pudding mix and 1 1/2 containers of pre mixed whey protein.  It helps me during those times I need sweet, but keeps my protein up, so I am satisfied.  Mind you, it is not a meal replacement, but a sugar free treat mixed with protein that I like to enjoy from time to time.   I do tend to eat meat all other times for my protein intake.  I now stick with white meat choices and if I am making something that needs a little fat I blend pork and turkey together.  And, for those times I just want something to crunch on, I pick up the Harvest Snap Peas which have literally replaced chips.  They are flavorful and crunchy and satisfy that one thing we tend to crave at some point, salty and crunchy.    Cut the carbs out, increase your protein however you find is satisfying and keep going to the gym!   I myself have to exercise more and I applaud you for doing that off the bat!   Best of luck to you.  Be sure to keep us updated!!!!!!   

Keep vegetables around and eat them!  Sometimes to you could be lacking in vitamins craving foods you should not eat!  My go to food is celery and lettuce!