Question:
I can't get my eating under control!

I am 2 years post op, have lost about 100 lbs. and have just recently gained about 10 lbs. I have a bad sweet tooth and find myself wanting to snack all the time. I have recently started taking the diet pill Phentermine which hasn't helped much, but I'm desperate and scared. I don't want to gain the weight back but I can't seem to get things back under control. I have a hernia so I can't lift weights right now, and because of that have lost all motivation to even go to the gym. I was a coffee drinker before the surgery but now I can't drink coffee because it upsets my stomach, although I really miss the energy that it gave me so I've been taking a caffiene pill every morning and am worried that it will hurt my pouch. Does anyone have any words of wisdom or motivation that they could pass along. I hate being in this slump, it reminds me of the old days before I had my surgery. I am in Montana and had my surgery in Salt Lake, so I don't have a support group where I am at and I've really missed that part of it. So, I appreciate any support I can get. Thanks.    — JEANNETTE C. (posted on February 28, 2003)

February 28, 2003
I a still pre-op, but fear exactly what you are talking about will happen to me a year from now. What about seeing a behaviorist/therapist? He/she could help you figure out why you are doing this to yourself and come up with coping skills. Maybe check the peer list on this site to see if there are any other posties near you, and get together for walks and support. Look at pics of yourself before and now to remind you what you've done all this for. Above all, be kind to yourself.
   — [Deactivated Member]

February 28, 2003
hi :) u didnt say what kinda snacks u have been having..i too have a bad sweet tooth but i only snack on sugarfree stuff or no sugar added..i also when snacking try to stick to things like cottage cheese, beef jerky and pork rinds which are high in protein..
   — christine S.

February 28, 2003
My tendency is to think that if you "can't get eating under control" that perhaps there is a slight nutritional hole in your system. Do you use protein supplements? How much of what kind made up how? Every time you get a little sugar, your body wants more, more, more. So, even messing with natural sugars can light that off like a rocket.
   — vitalady

February 28, 2003
You need to contact your surgeon and have your labs done and your mechanics checked. Once you rule out the physical aspects, then you are ready to try other things. There is a graduate groups on Yahoo, [email protected], where there is so much info for this problem.
   — faybay

March 1, 2003
Hi Jeannette- I'm sorry you don't have a support group to go to, they can definately help- but we can be your support! Don't give up, you have done great so far! 10lbs. can be easily lost again, just don't let it get up to 20, 30 or 50 lbs. then you will be in more trouble. I totally understand the snacking and sugar issues. I have some problems with that, too. I make sure I write down all my calories though, and although maybe I shouldn't have the sugar or snacks, I allow myself to after I've had my protein and other impt. calories. I usually don't go over what I allow myself everyday- this way I am not completely depriving myself- but I don't let myself get out of hand b/c I count the calories. I'm sorry about your hernia, so that has inhibited your ability to work out. What about going for walks? Do you have a spouse or family member, friend or neighbor that would take walks with you? They can be so relaxing, and are great exercise! Even if yocould just do 20 minute walk 3 times a week, you would feel better and see some results. <p> As for the pills you are taking, I strongly advise against anything like that, whether diet pill or caffeine, etc. They contain ephedra and speed up your body and can make your heart rate jump. The FDA recently announced they are going to try and put warning labels on diet pills and things containing ephedra saying "can cause heart problems, even death, etc." These are very dangerous, I hope you don't think I'm lecturing, I would just hate to see someone get sick b/c of pills. We have a tool now, let it work for you. You got a little of track, but you can get back on. Increase your protein and water intake, and limit the snacks (you don't have to completely eliminate them) and you will see results. Goodluck to you Jeannette- I know you can do it- keep the confidence!!
   — Lezlie Y.

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