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Patty's WLS Blog
 

From: This is a Public Service Announcement concerning Stalls & Plateaus

GamerGirl writes some of the best stuff.....I didn't want to lose this, so I'm keeping it on my "blog".......the 2nd week after surgery I had 5 days where my weight stayed the same......was it a stall? I didn't know and didn't care.......with everything I've read about VSG, I knew there would be bumps on this journey and not to get discouraged......but for more information, GG has posted some great reads below.       Source: This is a Public Service Announcement concerning Stalls & Plateaus
PGee

PGee

0
LadyDiva618's Blog
 

I hate fake people!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wKyXA_nMVQ
This video explain what been going on with me in the past 2 weeks. I am such a young old head! I am going to warn you guys I am going to be venting! So why I do I hate fake people because they are stabbers and lairs. I know most of my flaws but I will say this I am not fake! The only thing that is fake about me is the hair weave that is in my hair!
So what happened? One on my good friend (coworker) had a house fire 2 weekends ago and lost everything. Last Monday I came into work and my fellow coworkers ask did I hear what happened to my friend? I thought he died or something but my coworkers filled me in on what happened. So I started calling our friends outside of work to see if he was okay. Then I called my boss to let him know what happened.
Finally my partner in crime (my friend) called me. I was so happy to hear from him! To give you a little background He supported me during my decision process of getting the lap band. He called me every day when I was out for my surgery to check on me. So I took this one to heart.
Later on that day I went up stair to talk to someone who I thought who was my friend. She asked me did I hear what happened to my friend. I close her office door and told her I was so upset that I had to take a Xanax and that he was okay. The only reason I closed her door was because I didn’t want her neighbors to know that I am on Xanax
When I got back to my office I received a phone call from one of her wannabe bosses. This girl went a told her wannabe boss that I told her what happen to my friend. So basically he didn’t know about it and I was accused telling a couple of people what happened to my friend. Well that is half true I only told people who I thought who heard from him or knew how to get ahold of them and the rest was all hearsay.
Anyway as soon as I got off the phone I started to cry I was so upset that I didn’t eat lunch. My mentor ended up calming me down and I proceeded on with my day. I am hurt because I thought those two people were team players but they are not. I have done nothing to them to get this type of treatment from them. So I prayed on this and forgave them but I will forgive them because this will take some time.
Moving forward….
Even though they upset me I didn’t go back to my old habit Instead of 2 big girl bottles of wine I only had two glasses. I ended up seeing my friend last Friday I brought him some comfort food and gave him a cooler full of his favorite beers. Also we raised $1415 in cash and over $280 worth gifts cards for him. That came from our group of friends. We all started crying when we finish counting the money. It was very emotional for us.
All about me…
I am slowly breaking out from my shell about me and buying new clothes. Since my last entry I was a size 16 but mentally I am still my old size 20. It took me a week to final wear the clothes I brought 2 weeks ago! Yesterday I decided to wear one of my outfits and I was getting so much attention… and it felt good!
I also started running (jogging) and I am averaging 3 miles in 30 mins. Starting next month I want to start working on my arms. My goal is to have arms like Michelle Obama! I am 59 pounds lighter and life is good!

Thanks for reading.
LadyDiva618

LadyDiva618

3
Melissa's Thoughts
 

Self Talk

"Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you greater than any obstacle." - Christian D. Larson...I have to constantly surround myself with positive thoughts and quotes, etc. I have been doing this for a long time, it has helped renew my mind, focusing on what is going to help and not hinder me. Sometimes my mind can be a frightening place, and it has been that for years of emotional eating, out of control habits where food is concerned and all to the detriment of my health. I developed Diabetes, and was on oral meds and 5 shots a day and my numbers were still not where they were supposed to be. So I realized, a while ago, I had to change my mindset first, and the rest will follow. It's so easy to listen to and believe the negative things you tell yourself. I honestly remember telling myself how much I hated me and what I had become, I could not look at myself in the mirror without disgust at what I saw. My kids would judge how much weight mom lost according to if they could connect their hands around me when they hugged me. So after a bad marriage, and a bad 5 year relationship, I decided to work on ME. In doing so, I found the person I lost, and surprisingly she was waiting to make an entrance. She sat in the background being emotionally battered for long enough and food was her only friend. I tried denying the Diabetes and it got worse, they had to change insulin doses all the time just to see what might work, and it caused me to feel sick more often than not. But I had to press through, and had to realize that I AM worth fighting for, I AM worth my time, and I don't want my kids to know life without me at this point, I'm still young. That's where the positive talk came in to play and I can honestly say that with all things this helps me the most. I feel better because I am working on me from the inside out. This surgery was just icing on the "virtual" cake!!! Now I am self motivating me for the start of the rest of my life, and it feels great!!! I try not to let the negative things get me down, because I've been down that depression/anxiety road before and I don't like that path in life at all. Some things I say over and over that really help are as follows: "There is nothing to great of accomplishment for one who knows the power of one's word and follows one's intuitive leads." - "The perfect plan includes health, wealth, love and perfect self-expression. this is the square of life, which brings perfect happiness." - "When you feel the world pushing against you...drop your head, lower your shoulder and dig in deep and push back." - and the best one so far, by Joel Osteen: "You need to associate with people that inspire you, people tat challenge you to rise higher, people that make you better. Don't waste your valuable time with people that are not adding to your growth. Your destiny is too important." Believe that...YOU are important, YOU are so worth the effort you put in to yourself and YOU will be the BEST YOU that you can possibly be. As the song says...."YOU are AMAZING, JUST the way YOU ARE!!!"
MWilliams42

MWilliams42

2
Gamergirl's Blog
 

Stalls: Just because I get it doesn't mean I have to like it

Just because I understand why we plateau from time to time doesn't mean I have to like it. Which is just as well, because I do not like it.   I thought I would be really blase and nonchalant during this time of stalling because intellectually, I was prepared for it. What I'm realizing is that intellectual is the least of my problems. Isn't it always emotions that give you the highs and lows in life? How do you prepare for that?   How do you prepare for the fact that your heart and your head will clash, and that you will start to wonder if you are a freak of nature? That you are doing something wrong, hence the stall? That you were so excited about the weight coming off, and now, you're not losing any for a little bit? How do you keep the faith, that this is the thing that's going to work when every other diet you've tried has failed?   It brings back emotions and memories of all the other times I've tried whole-heartedly to lose weight by following the "latest science" and failed. Every one of those diets had oodles of testimonials of people that had made that plan work, and had lost all kinds of weight from doing it. I was the only freak of nature that couldn't lose it--or so I thought. Of course, I see from this board that there were thousands of others, equally frustrated and equally unsuccessful. But nevertheless, what worked for the vocal majority, the others did not work for me, in those cases. It brings back feelings of failure, or lack of success, of fear that nothing was ever going to work.   I suppose it is possible that the sleeve is the same for me--but I know it is not probable.   Fortunately, both R and I are stalled. If one of us was losing and the other wasn't, there would all kinds of conversation and superstitious behavior about mimic'ing exactly what the other was doing to lose the weight. Fortunately we've been spared that madness. This time. Next time it may not work like that so how are we going to get ready for that next time?   Even though I told myself there would be no second guessing, I am of course, second guessing. It's hard for my scientist-mind to not immediately attribute the stall to the fact that we were told to increase our calories and our carbs. Never mind that we were barely functional at previous levels, and that I still have be able to function and make a living, my cause-and-effect wired brain wants to know what would happen if I went back to the old calorie and carb levels?   THIS. This is what I said I would NOT do. This constant second-guessing, this "what if" scenario planning, this emotional ditch. This is what I told myself I would stay away from because I knew the "facts".   So I guess time to "man up" and do that eh? Time to put my money where my mouth was, time to feel whatever I feel, but to not allow it to influence my actions. To keep to the plan, and let go out of the outcome, you big control-freak. To look at this time as a time of growth, where you learn to let go--and still succeed.   So today, my task is the same as it was yesterday. Eat my protein, drink my water, exercise--and try to have a good, productive, love-filled day.   Wish me luck.
gamergirl

gamergirl

5
My New Life
 

My foot went in the Jordan

Six months ago today marks the anniversary of a very important day. The day I put my foot in the Jordan River (metaphorically speaking, of course) and took a leap of faith. I decided to quit my extremely stressful, horrible, high-paying corporate job at a large wireless company, put my house on the market, had my last panic attack and jumped head first, heart open into my new life. Little did I know the changes that were in store for me, including the miracle of stumbling on to this surgery I'm about to undergo. I couldn't imagine then what I know now - happiness, serenity & peace. I don't know what the future holds but I do know this: I'm where I'm supposed to be and being guided by something greater and bigger than I could ever imagine. Don't get me wrong - it's not all roses, sunshine and butterflies, but I'm choosing to make the most of every day, despite the fact I'm selling my home, a business, a rental cabin, no full-time job (yet), a daughter that will be leaving the nest (most likely permanently) in a few weeks, a son who is starting his senior year of high school and no idea where I will land in a few months. What I DO have is faith - faith in me (after a very long time, tons of therapy, etc.), faith in my husband of 23+ years, faith in my weight loss (down 10 lbs. from high protein/low carbs in just a week!) and faith that a year from now I will be a completely different person. Just five more "sleeps" (as my kids used to say) until I check in the hospital. My husband asked me this morning if I was scared. I can honestly say I'm not. Just super excited to get rolling.
smryan

smryan

1
hockeyMa's Blog
 

Differences in Life

Well, first a few REALLY exciting things...this morning the scale dropped again to 177, meaning a total loss of 78 pounds, 63 pounds post op. The other day I put on AND ZIPPED UP a pair of size 8 jeans...I've never been in a size 8...I honestly can't remember being one anyway.... so that is all great exciting stuff for this week   The last two weeks it seems eating has become hard again, I realized as I sat with not really an upset stomach, but just feeling generally crappy after about 3 bites of dinner last night...I HATE EATING. I only do it to live now. It's weird to think of it that way. I used to really enjoy a really good meal, or a really yummy snack..and don't get me wrong- I'll still totally indulge in a brownie or something sweet and good like that- but generally speaking- I only eat to live. I never thought I'd see that day. It's a totally different world than the one I used to live in. I never really "crave" anything anymore- my husband hates that he asks me 'what do you want to eat?" and my genuine answer is "I don't care"....although I do care- b/c it can't be anything with too much bread, or anythig high in sugar, or carbs- lol- my stomach just doesn't tolerate those things anymore. To be honest though, I don't mind, I don't really miss it- I wasn't eating executive chef meals everynight- so if Taco Bell no longer sounds appetizing, I can handle that   The saying is true- nothing tastes as good as skinny feels
nygurl

nygurl

7
vsginkc's Blog
 

I can't believe surgery is tomorrow!

After all the obsessing, the second-guessing, the tears, the food funerals, the binges "pre the pre-op," the failures on the pre-op, the successes on the pre-op, the hours reading on this site. And now.... the surgery is tomorrow!   Some musings:   --As I've posted, as surgery gets closer, I get calmer. Or at least that has been true up until today. I am going to post tonight to see if I start freaking out again, but right now I am solid and confident that this will all go well and I'll be very happy with the results.   --As I look around my community at women and men who are as overweight or more overweight as I am, I feel such compassion. I know how that feels to be in this body and not believe I could ever get out. The feeling of a sugar binge, the out of control feeling, the horrible remorse and beating of self, then the starving myself to "make up for" the binge. And then the entire cycle starting again. So many people will remain stuck there because they don't know about the surgical option, cannot afford the surgical option, or are too scared to go with the surgical option. I feel so blessed today. Although I have no illusions about how tough this is going to be, at least I have hope of a real and lasting change.   --I keep remembering my surgeon telling me that this is the only real cure for obesity. A CURE - not a bandaid this time!   --The risks of this surgery are less than the risk of gallbladder surgery or hip replacement surgery. I have weighed the risks and benefits and I'm not going to start the mental mindf--ck of second guessing myself this late in the game. Now is not the time to start re-questioning my decision. I thought long and hard about this before I made my decision. Now is the time to trust.   --I'm feeling grateful for this forum. It has been such a blessing to be able to read about your experiences, share my experiences, ask for help, ask for advice, and receive inspiration and support. You guys are like an online family. Only a lot more understanding about the weight stuff LOL!   --Because I am so grateful for being able to learn about this process by reading your experiences, I am resolved to "give back" by blogging my own experience. I've blogged pre-op. I fully intend to blog as soon as I get home from surgery and for the time I am home from work so that others can get another perspective on "what it is really like."   Okay...that's it for me this morning.   I'll check in tonight.   P.S. I stayed on my pre-op diet again yesterday - put together 3 days plus today (assuming I stick to it). Also, 2 week anniversary of quitting smoking. I rarely have cravings and I love not always wondering "where are my cigarettes?" "do I have enough cigarettes?" "how much longer til my kids go to bed so that I can sneak outside and have a cigarette." Etc.   Love to all, Keep the faith, Angela
vsginkc

vsginkc

2
mylittletrips' Blog
 

Its almost two Months

So its almost two months. When I went to my two week post opp my surgeon told me my first fill will be at 6 weeks and that i might even gain weight. I gained two pounds and had some crazy hormone stuff going on . My period which I didn't have for almost a year came back with a vengeance. I swelled up and even had to go on hormones for two weeks. So I guess I didn't do to bad after all . I have my first fill this month and have noticed i have reduced my eating but' would like it reduced a little more. I go back next month and well see what he does. I went to my nutritionist this week and when she first weighed me I was 249.2 pounds this time I was 224 So not to shabby !!! Hope I get to my 150 in a years time Wish me luck and ill keep ya posted !!
mylittletrips

mylittletrips

0
My journey
 

Where is my restriction?? 6 weeks post op ... so sad

I just wish I had some restriction! This totally feels like a diet right now ... Have I failed? Why am I so hungry? Why don't I take smaller bites? Why don't I eat slower? Why can I still eat everything?   My biggest question .... why do I keep reading other people's awesomely amazing experiences on here and think the same thing will happen to me... even when my surgeon is telling me that is not always how it works?!?!?!   Here is an example: People on here who lose 40 pounds or more their first 6 weeks. My surgeon tells me: expect to lose less than 5 pounds in the first three months, then expect to lose 1 - 2 pounds a week after the three month mark (when proper restriction is reached).   Here is another example: People on here who have restriction at 4 cc in their 10 cc band and they have "stuck" episodes, and they can barely eat five bites before they are satisfied. Here is my reality: I can eat anything and everything I want, no exceptions.   Here is one more: People have restriction after one fill and live happily ever after. Here is what my surgeon tells me: I will need about three fills before I can feel restriction.   I know ... it's individual, other people's experiences won't be mine. I know. But ... in every area in my life I'm a huge pessimist ... but with my lapband, I'm an optimist and I keep getting let down.   I also know ... calm down, it's been 6 weeks and I've lost 14 pounds. That is better than 2 pounds a week. I need to keep repeating that to myself. Over and over and over and over and ....
colorado_chick

colorado_chick

4
Elliejmiller's Blog
 

would you like some cheese with that wine?

HEY there!   i am 3 weeks and 4 days out from surgery... and on a stall! i know to be positive and everything, but i just want to be like SERIOUSLY!!!!! i can see it in the tummy that its going down, i know the inches are because i put 3 pairs of jeans in the cant wear bag that needs to goto the donate pile...   i joined a slowpitch softball team that plays on sundays and this last sunday was the first game... wow its been 12 years since HS and i sure can tell... i needed a roll cart with air for sure!!!! i have been going to the gym.... DAMN   i was so excited to start tho... i get up to bat and totally nerves set in like **** what did i get myself into... i am going to kill myself, but licky me i have insurance lol... well its slow pitch so the ball is no faster than a third grader playing... YEAHHHH!!!! i slam the ball out in the left feild (or i think that is what it was i have forgotten how sad) i was like HELL YEAH the guy dropped it! haha sucker, so i hall off to 1st... as i am running, i start having the running farts like i seriously was farting going to first!!!!!! PRAYING no one heard me lol... pants are able to fall down i was just so excited to get to first! i made it!!!! but then got out at 2nd the next batter...   hahah hope you have had a good laugh now!!!!   but i am stalling scale has not moved in a week but that is okay... i keep plugging away and going to the gym... i wanted to cheat and not go yesterday but made myself go and was so glad i did!
Elliejmiller

Elliejmiller

4
Gamergirl's Blog
 

Try not to throw out the Old just because we're New now...

I feel like a different part of my brain has been activated over the last few weeks. Look at how much we all have to learn to prepare for this surgery. When was the last time you used the words "pyloric valve" in polite conversation, on a regular basis?   Eight weeks ago, I didn't realize I would be a "sleever", a "post-op" a "full liquids" stage. I was just me, loving life, my job, my husband, my kids, and reading Sci-Fi if I wanted to learn new words (China Mieville, anyone?)   Unfortunately, today I also know things like "sliders", "pre-op cheating", "slow loser", "stall", "head hunger", "weight re-gain", "falling off the wagon". And now, these words I've never used before have become imbued with emotions, with meaning--and another way to judge myself and others. Now these words are emotion-laden, and I have to work to make them rational. Now, if I'm not careful, I will categorize myself by these words and find another way in which I could be seen to have failed. For someone who is as motivated as am I by the fear of failure, now these can be new weapons.   Unless I refuse to let that happen.   Unless I say to myself and those around me, that everyday that I stick to the plan is a successful day. That everyday I veer off the plan is an opportunity presented to me to triumph the next day. That this is my new life, and I intend to live it, enjoy it, succeed at it, and let the Universe unfold the way it should.   So I will try not to throw out the old, happy life I had, and live instead by one where I can succeed or fail daily based on an outcome I may not be able to control--like when I stall, or what I lose. I can only control what I do, and that part, I know how to live by that.
gamergirl

gamergirl

6
Adrienne21's Blog
 

Day 1 all over again.

I didn't fall off of my diet but I have been feeling a little sad bc I have been stressed and I have been skipping meals. I also haven't worked out yet due to my crazy hours and then a couple excuses and I take full responsibility for that. I finally have my step dad and my sister on board with dieting and wanting to work out. So I have a small support system. The only thing is that they don't want to start until september or october. It would be nice if I knew someone who lived in the same area to have as a workout buddy and support system. I mean this site is pretty awesome, but to have someone in person who understands what it is like being banded and to share experiences.   on the other hand, I have lost another 2lbs. which is right on point with how many I am suppose to be loosing. so, I guess a yay is in order. idk my sister was looking at me and told me it looked like I had fake abs drawn on my stomach. lol I think by next year I am hoping to be 100lbs lighter. refocus and get on track. no more misbehaving(even though I haven't eaten anything bad).. This definitely not as easy as i thought it would be and my family isn't exactly being as supportive as I need them to be. So it makes it seem like I am all alone in this journey to weight loss. oh well, venting time is over and now it's time to go make my meals for the day.
Adrienne21

Adrienne21

3
Gamergirl's Blog
 

Post-Op Full Liquids Yummy Lobster Bisque 14 gms protein

Omg I just made the best lobster "bisque". I made it up as I went, hence the note below.   Half an onion sliced thin 3 cloves garlic smashed 1in ginger sliced thin and julienned 5 Campari tomatoes 1/2 head cauliflower 3 c chicken stock 2 tablespoons pesto 1 lb frozen langoustine or lobster (see note below) Salt Pepper   Sauté onions, garlic and ginger until browned (I used ghee, you can use fat of choice or spray w Pam). Pour in chicken broth and dump everything except frozen langoustine. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until veggies are tender. Put in langoustines and cook over slow heat until cooked through.   Purée soup until smooth and voila!   Note: We took out two cups of soup and puréed 6 oz of langoustines. That gives us 3 oz each or 14 gms of protein! I'm saving the rest to purée with shrimp tomorrow. If I had a recipe, I might not have so much soup left over but it's very good.   Rich, creamy, flavorful and maybe I won't have to do another protein shake tonight. I've had worse in pricey restaurants.
gamergirl

gamergirl

1
Gamergirl's Blog
 

Post-Op Full liquids Creamy Shrimp Bisque

I got this from the "Eating well after weight loss surgery" book. I've modified for my usual shortcuts   http://www.amazon.co...t loss surgery   Ingredients 1 cup cauliflower steamed in microwave for 5 minutes until very soft Cooking Spray 1/4 c onion chopped 1 tsp chopped garlic 1 oz low fat ham (I used a little bacon) 1/4 tsp lemon pepper 1 bottle clam juice 1 c evaporated fat free milk 1/2 Lb shrimp shelled, cleaned deveined salt Pepper ( I added paprika)   Directions 1. Spray large saucepan with cooking spray and cook onions, garlic & ham/bacon until soft and brown 2. Add lemon pepper, clam juice, evaporated milk, cauliflower and shrimp and let it come to a boil, stirring often. Cook until shrimp are pink. 3. Add salt, pepper, paprika. 4. Puree in vitamix or blender.   SOOO yummy! Tastes like a creamy bisque with potatoes, thanks to the cauliflower.   Serves 4   Calories: 130 Protein: 22 gms (!!) Fat: 1.3 gms Carbs: 11 gms
gamergirl

gamergirl

2
Gamergirl's Blog
 

Post-Op Soft Pureed Foods: Palak Paneer. Spinach with 10 gms Protein

I massively modified this recipe from http://www.amazon.co...ian slow cooker.   The original recipe calls for 2 lbs of spinach and makes so much a sleever would be eating it until they died. It's also waaaay too spicy in the original and hers is made in the crockpot. MUCH faster in pressure cooker.   Ingredients   1 lb fresh baby spinach Peel where necessary and roughly chop: -1 large yellow onion -2 medium tomatoes -5 cloves of garlic -1 2 inch piece of ginger -1 serrano or jalapeno chili   2 tablespoons ground cumin (grind in coffee grinder yourself or buy amongst mexican spices) 1 tsp or less cayenne pepper. Put less, you can add more later 2 tsp garam masala (can buy in most stores) 2 tsp turmeric 2 tsp Salt 1 packet fried or fresh paneer (indian grocery store, frozen section). I will also post recipe for homemade since this is good source of vegetarian high protein.   Directions   Pressure Cooker: If making in pressure cooker, dump all ingredients except paneer together and set to high pressure for 4 mins. Crockpot: Cook on high for 3 hours. Push the spinach down once so all gets moist.   When done, use as immersion blender and mush everything up into either a very smooth puree, or leave some bits unchopped, per your diet stage.   Gently add paneer until mixed in. Serves 6   Calories: 139 Fat: 9 Carbs: 9 Protein:10
gamergirl

gamergirl

0
Gamergirl's Blog
 

Post-Op Full Liquids: Chicken & Mushroom Soup, 11 gms protein

Made up this recipe tonight by simplifying a cookbook one. Very rich mushroom flavor. Enjoy!   1 onion sliced thin 3 gloves garlic crushed 4 c mixed fresh mushrooms 1 sweet potato peeled and diced 1lb boneless skinless chicken breast 3 c Chicken Stock Salt pepper Dried Oregano & thyme or Poultry Seasoning 2 c water or broth for pureeing   Simple Recipe: put all ingredients In a pot and boil until chicken is tender (medium low). Purée adding 2 additional c of broth or more.   Slightly more fidgety recipe: Sauté onions and garlic until soft and lightly caramelized. Caramelize sweet potato at the edges. Add remaining ingredients. Pressure cook for 7 mins (high) or cook on stove until chicken is tender (low-medium heat). Purée adding stock to thin as necessary. This is how I made it to get the sweetness and a richer depth of flavor from the veg, but it will taste good either way.   Makes 10 cups. Each c has 1.5 oz of chicken for 11 gms of protein.
gamergirl

gamergirl

2
HOLLY80's Blog
 

hair loss

For the past 3 weeks i have been loosing more hair then usual. I'm starting to really freak out. I have lost about half of my hair now I talked to my nutritionist twice about this topic before surgery and believe it or not i got two different answers. 1 answer was i will go through one major cycle of hair loss but it will grow back and she said there was no magical vitamin i could take to stop it. Story # 2 was the week of surgery she asked if i had anything that concerned me i told her hair loss and she said you wont have any hair loss due to the fact that your weight loss will be slow. I looked at her like she was crazy and told her what she told me the first time we spoke and she told my i must have spoken to one of her interns that she would never say that. (she was what i like to call crazy town) with all that being said what should i do. I take my daily vitamins, i make sure i get my protein in. Has this happen to any one else.
HOLLY80

HOLLY80

3
vsginkc's Blog
 

Liquid diet - You guys were right!

Okay...so.... I have been HORRIBLE about the pre-op diet. Was supposed to start 7 days in advance. Cheated my way through the first three days, including one of my "old" binges, i.e., eat carbs until stomach hurts then go sleep it off in a food coma. I got on the "real" diet 2 days ago and IT DOES GET EASIER just like you guys told me! I actually feel pretty darn good this morning. Now...the caveat is the usual caveat on my blog...I'm always better in the morning. Still....this is huge progress. Also, all smoking cravings are gone and I'm not using any nicotine replacement (didn't want to get addicted to the gum - lol)!   Another part of my experience that I thought I would share for those of you who are behind me in this process... As surgery gets closer, I actually am getting calmer. The 3 weeks prior to now, once I had my date, were pretty miserable. I truly went through a 3 week grieving period where I binged on foods and felt completely out of control -- all the worst parts of my food addiction. Spree, remorse, spree, remorse. I think it was a combination of two things: (1) the food funeral/electric chair eating effect; and (2) my nerves about the surgery (i.e., was I doing the right thing for the right reasons, was I really ready to change my entire life - quit smoking, quit soda, quit alcohol, and quit abusing food all at once??, would I be able to stick with my resolutions when in the past I never did, etc. etc. (these thoughts went on and on...). My pre-surgery craziness made me question again whether I was really ready for this. Now that I'm 2 days from surgery, it all feels bearable and I feel calm and confident.   I will re-post this so that I can hear it again... I am not doing this for cosmetic reasons. This is not a vanity surgery. This is a necessary surgery to allow me the chance at a long, full life with my children. Even though my BMI is "only" 35 and I'm "only" 40, I have significant co-morbidities: sleep apnea, high cholesterol, PCOS, orthopedic issues. These will only get worse with time. And...as important to me.... I am SO EXHAUSTED from the food insanity. I spent so much time planning what I was going to eat, eating what I was going to eat, hiding what I was going to eat, feeling guilty about what I ate, trying to "make up" for what I ate by starving myself -- which started the whole insane process all over again with another binge. Although I know that this surgery isn't a magic bullet and that my head is going to have to change along with my habits, but I also believe that this is the first step toward sanity.   Finally, for others who are Friends of Bill W., I will tell you that my program is really helping with this process. I remind myself that the 2nd step says that it is going to restore me to sanity. I keep repeating that. Take the action (the surgery), work the steps (my program), and be RESTORED TO SANITY. Now THAT is something to look forward to.... To me, this is even better than the 9th step promises!   Okay...scrambling to finish up projects at work so I can have a little peace during recovery.   Love to all, Angela
vsginkc

vsginkc

0
LifetimeLoser's Blog
 

How I get in my gym time

It seems there is always an excuse not to go to the gym. I'm tired, I don't have clothes, I forgot my shoes, I have to cook dinner, I have to go to the store etc.   I have been fairly successful at being consistent with my gym goings. I didn't plan all the things I do...I sort of just fell into it, but these are my tips for making sure the gym (exercise) is part of my day.   1. I practically live in gym clothes. I know it isn't feasible for everyone, but I can wear it to work. The gym I go to is across of my job. I live about a 20 minute drive from my job and gym. Every morning I wake up I put on my gym clothes that way I am ready! I sometimes go before work and sometimes after.   2. I plan my exercises for the morning time before I have anything going on. It leaves less excuses if I can do it and get it out of the way. I still have the "I'm tired" excuse, but I push through it.   3. My car is like a tank. I could survive in there! I have my workout shoes, extra pairs of socks, bottles of water, vitamins, protein bars, workout towels. I never "forget" anything because it is already stock piled in my car.   4. Goals! I am a very goal oriented individual. Each day I am at the gym I envision myself doing something faster, better, longer the next time I hit that machine.
LifetimeLoser

LifetimeLoser

1
Just Another Day in the Life of Bea
 

Hola my long lost friends...

Well.. yes.. once again I find myself being unfair to myself - and NOT exactly on the 'wagon' per se.. However - though it totally maybe stress I did happen to lose about 5-7 lbs... so that's something right? Needless to say - I finally made the big move to California.. and well.. I'm telling you.. its been a LOT harder than I imagined... finding a job has been a bit of a struggle.. who knew it was sooo competitive out here.. but then again.. I did say it was going to be all about the adventure huh?! Boy isn't it true.. be careful what you wish for?!   But aside from the stressors in my life - you know.. the no money.. no job.... no family... no friends... I'm still trying to smile.. its not easy to do.. but I'm trying.. I also do get on my scale at least once a week.. just to see where I am.. and its fluctuated up and down since I've been here.. but I've been trying to take in stride... and not allow THAT to stress me out.. because god only knows that finding a job and paying bills are sooo much more important that the number on the scale right?   I do have to report that my first two weeks out here in California - I did visit the beach.. and well leave it to me to go to the beach - um on an OVERCAST day.. yeah... no bueno.. talk about being burnt to a crisp... seriously.. I sooo learned my lesson.. heh heh... since then I've had the pleasure of enjoying the beach life a few weekends.. okay... like 5 out of the 8 weeks I've been here.. I may not have any money.. .but thanks to my family - they driven me to the beach.. (I'm thinking they have no appreciation for the beach.... they don't "get" my obsession with it.. lol)   I've also spent a lot of this "alone" time reflecting on just what I "gave" up.. and perhaps how much I DID NOT appreciate it ... interesting how I came here - on what was basically a "whim" only to be presented with struggles... but I think this whole experience has already taught me somethings.. has taught me that everything is a risk.. and sometimes even when I don't realize it.. I am already so blessed.. because thats one thing I've realized.. plain and simple.. anyway you want to cut it.. whether I'm here in California or in Arizona.. I. AM. BLESSED...   Until next time my friends.. stay blessed..   Just me - Bea
beabenitez1978

beabenitez1978

0
TJL's Blog
 

Why can't I Sleep?

Ok this is one problem that I never thought I would have- I have trouble staying asleep. I used to be a champion sleeper(ha-ha), once my head hit the pillow I was out like a light. I have had my CPAP adjusted down twice, the Doc told me I might be off it soon-Yeah! I have resorted to taking tylenol PM once or twice a week because I know that getting enough sleep is good for your weight loss. The funny thing is I should feel like a zombie- but I don't. Once in a while in the am I will feel tired but for the most part I feel pretty good. I get maybe 4 hours and then I'm awake. Hoping that when I go back to see the doc they will have some answers for me. Just call me Sleepless in NY.
TJL

TJL

4
Inspiredsmile's Blog
 

Surgery date is set!

Six months of waiting and today I was able to schedule my surgery. 28 days from now I will being heading to LGH for a procedure called the Sleeve Gasrectomy. I feel so excited! I have met with my nutritionist once a month for the last 6 months, and have really come a long way in the way that I think about food. I have attended cooking demos, support groups, met with a behavior Specialist and had one on one instruction on strength building. The results I have lost 45 pre surgery pounds. I am so ready for the next step.
Inspiredsmile

Inspiredsmile

1

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