Why is goal so hard

I can actually answer that; because I don't follow the rules.  I know I am not the only person out here with this issue.  I go on this site and look at before and after photos and realize that most people are like me and lose quite a bit but still we are not "skinny".  I also know I am not skinny because I again don't follow the rules.  I am a candy and diet coke aholic.  I try to eat pretty healthy although I have gained 5-7 lbs since I leveled out.  Sad that I am saying this only 2 1/2 yrs out from surgery.  I am 155 lbs but my original goal was 130 until I upped it to 140 (my Drs goal) because 130 seems sooo unattainable.

HELP--don't be afraid to be harsh (I might need it).  I eat sweets that end up making me sick but then I do it again 2 days later.  Does anyone do support groups at this time out and how does that help?  I stay so busy with work and a brand new grand baby that lives with me (just excuses I know) that I don't take time to go to the gym (even though we pay for it every month) 

I also want to have plastics but keep putting off going to see a Dr because shouldn't I lose that last 15 lbs before I go??!!!

I'm four years out and participate in a weekly support group.  I find it very helpful.

when you are an "aholic" of any sort the answer is don't temp yourself... get rid of the candy...ask people not to bring it in the house.  If its in the office move the bowl somewhere else.  diet coke is probably harder... but perhaps just start by cutting back... have a glass of water or crystal light (or whatever) between your diet cokes....

You know what to do, you just have to do it... :) 

Hugs!

Juls

Well what to say other than if you want it bad enough then only you can make the decision to work harder to reach your goal.  I will mention that you are at the point right now that many start regaining weight (malabsorption decreases) because they aren't following the rules.  You don't have to be perfect but every imperfection should be offset with a healthy choice to stay in balance.

To answer you question, I don't attend support groups I've moved since surgery and there is only one surgeon/support group in this area with most people having lapband or VSG.  My support is OH and other WLS support boards.

Plastics are recommended once you get to a comfortable weight that you have maintained for 12-18 months.  Gaining or losing after (even 10-15 lbs) will change the outcome of what your plastics look like. 

As for sweets, I to really enjoy sweets and have them fairly often in small quantities.  When I see the upper end of my weight range I change up what I do to stay here. 

You've answered your own question.  You need to cut out (or down) the sweets and do some exercise.

How do you go about doing that?  I don't know what will work for you; that's something you will need to figure out.  Maybe a support group or some kind of therapy?  

For me, I just don't eat sweets.  I won't do that to myself because I've suffered through the pain/expense of the surgery, I've worked too hard to get where I am, and I really want to get down to a sensible weight and have a healthy lifestyle.  I really mean it when I say "I won't do that to myself."  I'm the only person who is in control of what I put into my mouth.  I'm the only person who can motivate me to get off my butt and get moving.  I'm no big fan of exercise.  There are hundreds of things I'd rather do than go to the gym and bust my ass.  But, I do it because I know I have to do it if I want results and want to be healthy now and as I get older.

It sounds trite to say, "just do it."  But, if it's what you want, it's what you have to do.  And, if you need help to "just do it," there are support resources available.

I wish you all the luck in the world.

Thank you to each of you. Hearing what each of you said helps. Accountability is huge in the continuing journey. Time to holds self accountable more.
Overall I eat healthy and am active but worry

Although I have not had the surgery yet (scheduled for it on Wed) my doctor told me that sometimes that "last 15lbs" is lose skin.  Maybe seeing a plastics doctor will help you.  Maybe he'll be able to tell how much lose skin you have.  Maybe you really are at your goal :)

I like your thinking. My belly does hang. Haha

Because there is no goal.

It's lifelong..a day at a time.

Deb T.