After--God knows--endless attempts to lose weight on my own or using Weight Watchers or eDiets and other programs, I started looking into weight loss surgery even though the idea of surgical mutilation of my stomach and intestines is not something I truly want to do. Desperation and clinical depression motivated me to attend a lecture about surgical weight loss at the local hospital. It was there that I learned the Bariatric program also offered medically-supervised weight loss programs.

I started the process of attempting to qualify and after three months, finally saw the doctor for the first time three weeks ago. She has me on a high-protein, low-carb, low-fat program using Nutrimed protein bars mixed with food I make myself. I am in Ketosis for two weeks now and finally appear to be losing some fat. Since the program is prescribed and requires weekly check-ins with the doctor, I've been able to stay on track food-wise. The difficulty I'm facing is dealing with the mental and emotional issues that drive me to binge eat in the first place.

Honestly, there's no point to this post beyond finding a place to just express my thoughts where there are no repercussions.

You're not alone, it looks like you're off on a safe yet understandably scary journey. There's plenty of support here so reach out to us when you need it. There is also a bariatric surgery thread around here somewhere you may want to visit.

I went to a meeting about bariatric surgery in May 2012. That's the day I decided that surgery was too terrifying for me, and I realized it was my only option if I couldn't get control of the weight in another way. I lost 70 pounds, but then began to backslide, gaining back about 30. And I thought about the surgery again. And now I seem to be doing much better. Seems the thought of surgery is sufficient to "scare me straight."

And my point, FWIW, is this -- It doesn't seem like there is an "easy way" for anyone. (Duh, right?) I admire people who take the step to go through with a dangerous and difficult surgery. I admire people who recognize the need for a medically supervised diet. I admire people who are taking control with the aid of Nutrisystem or Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig or whatever. I admire people who establish and follow their own programs. Most of all, I respect people who just continue to try, regardless of results.

Congratulations on finding something that is working for you! I am hopeful that my newfound resolve will bring good results for me as well.
So - yay for you for finding what works for you! I am hoping my current regiment will be the one that sticks for life. And if it isn't, I know where I can find lots of suggestions and support as I try something new.

I have a similar story, several years ago I looked into weight loss surgery but my insurance would not cover it. I started a Bariatric program that got me started and I lost over 100 pounds. Like you, I did not address my mental and emotional issues that drive me to binge eat in the first place either and gained some back.

I worked on those mental issues and am readdressing weight loss. I am involved in a program that sounds just like yours. I am just given a different brand protein bar. It is working very well for me and I have relost all the weight I gained.

I think that, in order to make permanent changes, we have to address our mental and emotional issues that drive us to binge eat. I wish you the best with that!

I did Medifast for 2 years. By taking away so many food choices, it made me realize just how MENTAL losing weight is. THAT'S the hard part.

Good luck to you! Stick with the program and do your best to figure out why you overeat, so you can change it.

It's so wonderful that you have found a successful way to lose weight! But it sounds like it's not just your body that needs attention. You were willing to go to a medical professional to address your weight. Are you willing to go to one to address your emotions? If you aren't already seeing a therapist, I would like to suggest you consider seeing one. It helps so much to be able to talk to someone who will just listen and won't judge, to get everything out. It can work wonders! I wish you the best!

I lost most of my weight on a medically supervised program that sounds a lot like yours, but it used protein shakes. They also offered weekly nutrition education classes and the opportunity to see a counselor and a dietitian every week.

The counselor was CRUCIAL to my success in the program. I had always joked that I needed a shrink, but I really did! She helped me see that my thinking about food was flawed in so many ways. She let me talk through my feelings and gave just enough feedback to keep me thinking throughout the week until I saw her again.

I second the suggestion of finding a counselor. It was a great experience for me.