Struggling at 2+ years out

I haven't been on here for a long while.  I'm over 2 years out, never reached my goal and now have gained 25 pounds in less than 2 months.  I had epidural (steroid) injections for pain and from the time of the first injection to the third injection I had gained that much.  I didn't realize that these injections were almost totally steroids until after I had taken them.  Now, I'm not totally blaming the injections, I also made poor food choices and ate compulsively. 

I truly believe that I'm a food addict and compulsive eater.  But realizing that hasn't helped me deal with the addiction and compulsiveness.  I'm in counseling, but have made minimal inroads on the eating issues.  Have made progress on other issues.

I know what I need to do, but haven't been able to do it consistently.  I also haven't been to see my surgeon, I'm too embarrassed to do so.

I just feel lost!  Please don't respond with judgment, I already judge myself more harshly than anyone else can.

Sorry to hear you are struggling. While I struggle, too, I don't understand your situation because I am pre-op, but here is what i think:

Go see your surgeon! Suck it up before things get worse.

You made the tough decision to get surgery at all, and made a huge difference in your life by losing a lot of weight. Don't let yourself  fall back to old habits. You know you can do it because you have before because you are awesome! :)

No judgement here. Steroid injection may mess up you metabolism, sugar levels and emotions. All of that - so with 3 injection gaining 25 lbs is horrible but unfortunately very normal.

Now - that part is over. It is time to get back on track. Not sure when your last time injection was - but steroids can mess up your system for long time. Specially appetite and sugar issue.

What worked for me in the past was very low carb diet - and eating every 2 hours - even a small snack - hungry or not. After I decarbed and was no longer very hungry - (app 1 -2 weeks) I could concentrate on counting the calories and limit how much I ate.

Thank you for your reply.  I had my last injection in late May, my desire for sweets seems to have calmed down some, but I still want to eat frequently, which would make your suggestions for a low carb eating plan and eating every two hours, a good one for me.  I had no idea these injections would result in the weight gain and changes in my eating.  I am working on this and haven't give up, although at times I have felt like giving up.  I have kind of isolated myself from all of my weight loss supports out of shame and fear of more judgment.  I know I need to change that.

I'm sorry to hear that the impact of these injections could be so far reaching, had I known I would never have had them.  The really sad part is that they did little to help the pain.

Thanks for your suggestions and support!

There is Back On Track Together group. Good people, good support.

Steroid injections do not cause weight gain.  Orals, yes but not injections.  Injections are localized.

I had 3 spinals for herniated disk in 2003. Before RNY. I gained weight and could not lose it. Finally I had RNY in 2008. They can mess up person metabolism and sugar balance. Trust me. I had localized injection in a shoulder and that did not affect as much. But epidural for herniated disks messed me up big time.

Also the delivery of the steroids are not important - how much, type and how long they stay in the system. I am now on oral steroids, and I will be on therm most likely for the rest of my life. So far I have not gain weight, and I believe they will help me lose, so I can fit comfortably in my size 4-6 clothes ...

Is there a support group in your area?  You may find it helpful to start attending. I feel like it helps me keep motivated to make good choices. 

I had a my surgery in another city that is too far for me to commute to a support group.  We do have surgeons where I live now, but I'm not sure they would let me join their groups.  I am thinking about joining Overeaters Anonymous though, probably an internet or phone based group as I work two jobs and time is tight.