To gracelyn, it's time to love yourself. Sounds like you are trying to please all the wronge people. Take one day at a time and trust in yourself. Losing weight is a reason for change. Often we lose those we love when their stronghold is gone. Your weight was their stronghold; now, you hang in their and keep up the good work. "Drop it like it's hot and forget all the other BS. Be thankful for them at this moment. I don't know you but am proud of you. Smile

Hi Gracelyn!

I had gastric bypass 3 yrs ago, also, and have lost a lot of weight.  Like you, I struggle every day.  Somehow I thought that if I lost weight, all of the other problems in my life would go away.  Sadly, they didn't.  So, I need to learn to deal with those problems, anyway.  I think you are realizing this, too.  I wish I had an answer for you.  I have been meditating more, trying to take some time out for myself, and not trying to please others as much.  You've got to take care of yourself, too!

Hi Gracelyn

I too had gastric bypass - just had my 4 year check up.  I've lost 140 lbs, but have about 50 more I'd like to get rid of.  Like you, the last 1/3 - 1/4 is the hardest to get rid of.  After doing bypasses for about 20 yrs, my surgeon also had the bypass - he went south to have the surgeon who was his bypass teacher do his surgery, so he speaks from personal experience - not just book knowledge and what others have told him.  He forwarns his patients that the last bit is the most difficult.  I was on a plateau for about 2 1/2 yrs - still not loosing the rest quickly - but in the past year, I've lost another 8 lbs.  I had to start making some eating changes - and begin exercising differently.  For one thing, I had begun to eat more than I should be, and again, started eating some of the wrong foods - not a lot at first, but my stomach gradually tolerated a little more.  I too was in a stressful job last year - and ate too much of the wrong foods, and could tell that I was not losing - in fact, i think I had gained a bit - but since that job ended, I've been more careful on my eating and exercising habits.  It takes getting back to the basics of what we learned at the beginning....eating slowly, taking very small bites, and maybe changing the exercise routine.  And, as one of the other posts said, take time for yourself, spiritually, everyday.  Even if it's while showering before work or on your drive to work - meditate with your higher power - and ask for His help each and every day - sometimes its each and every hour - or each time you want to take a bite to eat.  I was an emotional eater, and I continue to struggle with emotional eating.   The gastric bypass is not the answer to all our problems, but it's a beginning to a physically healthier self.  I applaud your efforts - its not an easy surgery - and not a miracle cure to our problems.  You've done well.  I am a grief support group coordinator and facilitator, and as I tell all the 'groupies' "Take care of you first, and the rest will fall into place."   Do you have a bypass support group in your area?  I've not attended one myself b/c they are about 75 miles away and I can't financially to drive that far weekly to attend, but if you can find one, or find some others surgery patients nearby to be each others support, that would be wonderful.  I'm lucky to have a wonderfully supportive group of friends and my surgeon's office is awesome also.  Good luck - God bless - and I'll keep your in my prayers.

mazee52@yahoo.com if you'd like to correspond.

Taylor

10/23/08 8:25pm

Hi Mary,

Thanks for your comments for Gracelyn. She is so frustrate I need some REAL friends to help and support group. 

 

Gracelyn,

All I can say to you is... me too.  I am, still, and will always be an emotional eater.  That is the bad news, and you will always have this problem. Here's good news you can control it.  I will only speak about your mouth control.  Put disciple in your life, by God, your friends or other activities.  Keep and be busy, and then take one day to dump everything. From your man to your children -  It is a daily commitment, a DAILY COMMITMENT.  Then when that has been done, make a decision to stay that way the same way you make the decision to have a surgery that could kill you. Lastly, it will become YOUR disciple like bathing, or brushing your teeth.  Once these two are achieved they will become your strength.   Gracelyn, decide to take your power back.

POWER= STRENGTH /TIME