Have you tried the proteing drink Nectar? It comes in fruit flavors and isn't so bad. I am also struggling - I have gained back half of what I lost 5 years ago. My problem is chocolate - I no longer dump after eating it and I am addicted.

I am still pre-op so I cannot yet relate, however, maybe it would benefit you to check back in with your doctor and your nut and get some support for getting back on track. I hear a lot of people say, "go back to the beginning!"

There are several ways to get in more protein besides the shakes and meat. I'm not sure if you consider yourself a vegetarian or not, but here is a link of high protein plant-based foods:

http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/protein.htm

Somehow, you're going to have to figure out a way to get those vitamins in you. And I'm sure I don't have to tell you how important exercise is. Just start again, one foot in front of the other.

You have the tool, you just have to use it and let it work for you. Hike up your drawers and get back in the saddle again. As Patricia pointed out, there are other ways of getting your protein in, you just have to find something that works for you.

Get your head right, and tell yourself what you know you need to do, and then apply it. You can do it.

Krista

Doctorsuiess: Can I buy that drink Nectar anywhere? Target? Whole foods? Thanks for the response, It sounds like I need to exchange info with you. I REALLY need to find people that have been out 4 years or more and are struggling. Most of the people on here are starting out. A few are long-terms but it sounds like they have it under control. I just feel like a failure. And I keep beating myself up. I keep trying to "pull myself up by the bootstraps" "go back to the beginning", but it is not working. It is like my biochemistry is screwed up. I mean I have so many other issues in my life to contend with - I cannot make this a every second of the day topic, ya know. I have financial issues that drain me, its hard to allot all my time to making my body do something that it is constantly fighting against. Its hard to deny your body food when it is constantly screaming out that it is hungry! And then when I eat, Oh the GUILT AND THE DREAD! But I FEEL better. I can think, I can focus, I can live. I feel healthy. Anyways do you know where there is ANY KIND OF WEBSITE OR SUPPORT BOARD where there are people that are struggling with the surgery after 3-4 years. I feel the TOOL no longer exists. I feel the SAME STRUGGLES as if I were back to 240 lbs. I need to talk to people that feel similarly to this. I know they are out there, because I googled Carnie Wilsons weight regain, and there were a BUNCH of people blogging how they all gained their weight back, which scares me, but I also know how it can happen. I feel like I am going to fit into the category of being one of those who are gong to regain the weight. Maybe I need to get "my head right" but it is so hard, when I have more pressing problems in my life that I have to deal with. Like unemployment. Anyways sorry about the long drawn out diatribe, but it at least helps me to put it out there in cyberspace. Thanks alot, I will try Nectar. Gag! LOL

Forget diets. Remember, diets don't work. Just get back with the program. You know what to do....

Apart from the protein shakes, you can add unflavored protein to soups. If you have a chocolate addiction, I recommend Calcet Citrate in the chocolate flavor. Get your fix while getting your calcium in. As for other proteins: tofu, tempeh, textured vegetable protein (aka TVP), tuna, salmon, shrimp, scallops, eggs. These are the basics to follow:

portion control
protein first
veggies
complex carbs
fruits

Avoid sugar and simple carbs such as white flour.

Lastly, I have to comment that you say your are addicted to chocolate as if there is nothing that you can do about it. You always have a choice. See a therapist if need be. But understand that YOU are in control. You are not a victim of your body. Your body doesn't make the choices, you do. Take responsibility for your actions and choices, and begin to make good ones. You can do it. You obviously want to do it, or you wouldn't be reaching out to us. Now. Take a deep breath. Be calm and decisive. Make your choices.

Thank you farm girl, for the link. I'm gonna try something new. I am desparate to get control. My whole world can be falling apart around me, can potentally end up homeless, but damn it I wanna be SKINNY! I need to TRY, even though I am afraid of failing, at least I can honestly say I tried.

I just am post op and am having troubler with the super- sweet protein drinks already. I do like the Sytrax(sp.) Nectar though in the fuzzy navel. I got it on-line. Hope you can get yourself turned back around!