Struggling at 2+ years out

I too had my surgery out of town. I went to a support group here where I live and they welcomed me with open arms. I go every month and love it. These people understand what you are going through. You need to give them a try. I too am 2 years out. Please start on your protein shakes at least two a day and go to a support group. You will be happy once again.

Normally steroid injections do not cause the increased hunger that oral steroids do, and en oral steroids don't just magically cause weight to appear.  They DO cause an increase in appetite, though (and MAY cause a temporary drop in metabolism).  I say that only because the bottom line, even with steroids, is what and how much you are eating.  It sounds as if you already realize that, but I mention it specifically for the benefit of others who may be reading this.

I know that, given your background, you know the importance of dealing with the psychological aspects.  One thing to consider is whether your time with your current counselor would be better spent -- for a while -- focusing on the eating issues instead of the other things.  Depending on what the other things are, it may or may not.  Another thing to consider is whether, as much as you may like your current therapist and as comfortable as you may be with him/her, you are really seeing the results that you would like to, or if you might be better off working with someone else.  Finally, have you considered either additional counseling with an addictions specialist or something like Overeaters Anonymous?

I would also suggest tracking every nit of your food intake (and doing it 100% honestly, even (ESPECIALLY!) when you are making poor choices and overeating.  Sometimes seeing the reality in black and white can be a good catalyst for change.

Finally, please don't be embarrassed to go see your surgeon.  I definitely do understand the reluctance, but you are certainly NOT the first person to go back in because you are struggling with your eating and weight.  Your surgeon may be able to suggest psychological and nutritional resources that will help you.  

The "head" part is so much more important, and often much more difficult, than the physical part.  You may feel lost, but reaching out for help (just by posting here) is a first step towards finding your way.  I'm sorry you are struggling, but I truly believe that you can emerge "victorious"!

Lora

Hi Lora,

Thank you for a thoughtful reply.  I am considering whether my work with my current therapist is focused enough on the eating and addictive behaviors that I have.  I plan to talk with her about this at the next session.  I'm also looking into OA, but it will probably be internet or phone based, simply because of my time limitations.

Yes, I know that steroids didn't just magically increase my weight, but do think it was an important variable and won't ever allow anyone to give to me again for the condition I have.  I know that my eating is what put on the pounds, but the further out I get from the injections, the easier it gets to make reasonable choices.  I know I should log everything and do so for several days then stop. I will be working on making logging my food consistent.  I'm always honest about my eating, in fact, I seem to feel the "need" to confess my poor eating choices to someone.  

Getting to see my surgeon will be a challenge as I am working two jobs, but...I know I need to do it. 

I agree that the head part is so important.  I can help others set achievable goals and support them in their efforts, but "physician heal thyself" seems to be fitting here.  I would encourage others to start working on the head stuff before surgery and continue afterwards. 

Thanks again for your reply!

Yeah, I know that YOU know that the steroids alone didn't cause the weight gain, but we do periodically have people come here and do blame it on medication alone.  I do understand that medications definitely CAN/DO contribute to weight gain.  I just wanted to be sure that others also recognize --as you already do -- the behavioral component of it.

i hope that was clear in my original response. 

Hang in there.

Lora

I know our group is open to anybody.  I would think many others are as well.  Reach out to the bariatric coordinators in the facilities near you.  They can help you.  

Also as others say, please do not hesitate to go back to your surgeon. 

Lora, I had steroids injections - epidural - for my back problem in 2003. They made my blood sugar all over the place and mess me up. my sugar was up and down.. I would get so hungry... I know the food I ate made me put on weight, but it felt as if I was not in control of hunger and appetite... I put on over 50 lbs that I could not lose... I had later on steroids injections in shoulders - rotator - but they did not affect me the same way the epidurals did. Not sure if it was the qty or place they did it.

You cannot change the past. you can only move on from here. The honeymoon is over. LOTS of people gain at the 2-3 year mark. That plus the steroids make your gain quite common. Forgive yourself and start fresh. Log your food, measure your portions, and make better choices. You can do this!!

Thanks!

Hey Joyce!  Nice to see you back here.

I think attending a support group and seeing your surgeon are both important things.  I think many people feel embarrassed to go back to their surgeon if they've gained, but I promise you, your surgeon has had other patients that didn't reach goal or that regained.  In fact, I'm sure he's had patients that have regained a lot more than 25 pounds.  It's his job to help you figure out why you're gaining and what you can do about it, but he can't do his job if you don't see him.  Plus, you need to be getting your labs done and stuff.

How about coming back to the phone group on Tuesdays?  Or else contact some local surgeons and see if their groups are open to people other than their patients - many are, but not all.

I think it might help for your counseling to focus on the eating and on addiction.  We know a fair amount about how to successfully treat addictions.  One thing that seems to be pretty important for most people with addictions is having a lot of support.  That's why many people that want to stop drinking go to AA meetings every day for the first few months, at least.  It seems like they  need to really made getting and staying sober the priority in their lives and need to surround themselves with support.  I wonder if that would be helpful for you to do.

There is an online version of overeaters anonymous at www.therecoverygroup.org.