LivingFree!

I have read most of her books and some of her online workshops; follow her newsletters. She is considered among the best of the best in compulsive eating professionals. I believe that Geneen Roth offers very sound advice on healing lifelong relationships with food. However, I personally believe that her advice and methods are extremely deep and soul-searching and requires the reader to be totally committed, especially time-wise, to do the extensive work to achieve desired results. Most of us do not have the luxury of time to go as deeply as (it seems) she encourages people to work. I suppose it's really all relative, depending on how "broken" any of us feel we are! I definitely can say that her works played an important role in healing my relationship with food, but probably only 20%--the other percentages coming from other mindful eating professionals, bariatric therapists, and my own personal accountability to forever lifestyle change.

Yep, it was awhile ago,but there were a lot of them, maybe 12 packets. Enjoy sampling them when they arrive! Chike Nutrition offers a similar deal. Have you tried them? They have an orange creme flavor that's really good.

I think one of the biggest decisions we have to make as forever WLS patients is how we choose to handle the processed, refined carbs for the REST of our lives. We have the disease of obesity and will have it for the rest of our lives. WLS surgery did not cure us of that. Some people can have the occasional starchy carb and be done with it. I cannot. I do not have an "off switch." The more I eat of that stuff, the more I continue to want. I have chosen to find good, satisfying, healthy substitutes for my old "nutty buddy" type Snacks so I don't feel deprived, and I don't send my body into those crazy carb-craving episodes. That takes months and months (even years) of practice and head work to change those old habits, but for me, was soooo worth it. Also, I found that when I began to really look at my relationship with food--why I HAD to have that nutty buddy, for instance, and began to look at other ways to satisfy that emotional need I was looking for at the time I reached for that food, my obsession and addiction to the refined carby stuff began to lose its grip on me, and slowly but surely, I began to take POWER over it for the first time in my life, instead of it having the power over me. But, like I said, this is a long process. Attitude and choices don't change over night. We are not perfect, but we can choose to change our old habits bit by bit, one day, sometimes one hour, at a time. GUILT does not need to be part of our lives any more when we choose to be good to ourselves by using food as medicine and fuel for our bodies. You are still in the stage of mourning the loss of your old familiar starchy carby friends. It doesn't give us permission to go crazy and eat what we want, but it helps us understand that eating that nutty buddy isn't a reason to feel bad about ourselves. Just make a better decision next time knowing that you have some hard work to do in changing your old habits. YOU CAN DO THIS! P.S. When the nutty buddies are not in the house, you can't choose them. Set yourself up ahead of time with go-to healthy craving snacks when you just 'HAVE TO HAVE' something sweet. Say goodbye to nutty buddies. You'll be so proud of yourself!

It's taken me three years to get to this point, and I've had to say it to myself it seems like about a million times, but when I see stuff sitting out like that my mantra is simply to say to myself "I don't eat that any more." For me, it's taken that power away from those dang donuts. . .

Congratulations on your new healthy rest-of-your-life!

Hope you like nectar. They have such a great variety of flavors. Fuzzy Navel is one of my favorites, especially in the summer months. I always keep a tub or two handy in addition to the ready-to-drink Premier Protein shakes. Good luck!

Welcome to our SIXTIES forum! Hope you get the info you need at your seminar to start on your WLS adventure to improved health. Come back here often and let us know how we can help you!

Alcohol is a huge choice/decision for us WLS patients. But at just 4 weeks, you really haven't arrived at the point yet where it is your "choice." You're still under your surgeon's care. Wouldn't you feel better asking him/her that question? But, some food for thought in your future choices about alcohol. As you've read here from other posters, many docs have many different opinions. The nation's largest HMO that does extensive research on bariatric surgery patients recommends NO ALCOHOL FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. Besides the obvious safety reasons of getting drunk very easily and causing death or bodily harm behind the wheel, the major concern is WLS patients' vulnerability toward what they call TRANSFER ADDICTIONS--alcohol being the most common one. We've already had a major addiction with food our whole lives, and are ripe for replacing our food addiction with something else--like alcohol. But, like every step of the way on our new WLS lifestyle, everything we do, every bite we take is a CHOICE, and we have been taught that every choice is subject to consequences that we have to be ready to accept if we choose the behavior.

As long as you are keeping in touch with your medical team and you are not deficient in any labs results, etc. you may just be one of those people who this hits harder than others. It took me about 3 months to get my full energy back again. Just continue doing your best, but try not to push yourself beyond your limits. Sometimes we kind of "forget" that we just had MAJOR SURGERY and it is going to take time for our bodies' "innerds" to fully rejuvenate. You'll be feeling back to your old self (and MUCH BETTER) soon! The recommended 64 oz/day doesn't have to be ALL Water (check w/your doc--some say it has to be ALL WATER, some say as long as it's 64 oz of LIQUIDS--and that would include your Protein shakes, you're good). You might feel a lot better if you can find ways to get more other liquids in you if you just absolutely cannot drink any more than 32 oz of WATER a day. I know what you mean--sometimes plain water just gives me a nauseous feeling, and I'm 3 years out! Can you add to your day stuff like: drinking broth, decaf green tea, SF Jello, making slushies out of frozen Crystal Lite ice cubes, etc?

THANKS TO ALL WHO CAME TO SATURDAY'S FIRST OFFICIAL ONTARIO/CHINO CHAPTER GROUP MEETING! It was great to meet everyone! I hope you felt comfortable, and enjoyed being among 10 others traveling this WLS path. Most importantly, I want you to know that this Group belongs to ALL OF US and I welcome your feedback and suggestions any time. SAVE THE DATE: First Saturday of Every Month September 6, 9:30-11:00a.m. (Same location-see Post #25) And, to all the other Ontario/Chino & Nearby BariatricPal Pals out there--PLEASE COME JOIN US!

As many have said here, we are all different and our surgeons all have different requirements, but nutrition is nutrition. Whether or not you supplement with Protein shakes after you are beyond your "safe" period (back on regular foods, for instance), the QUALITY of the protein we eat is important too. Is it complete protein containing the 9 essential amino acids (obtained mostly from animal protein)? If we're eating mostly plant-based protein, our nutritional needs are different too. If we choose to drop the Protein Shakes, we just have to be smart about it and not compromise our health long-term. I'm 3 years post-op and choose to still use one shake a day because it's just my insurance (and my laziness) that I've had 30 gm of high quality protein in my day.

Are you on a tablet or Kindle? I get that often on my Kindle.

Always remember--there are no DUMB questions!!! I agree with fenzik23. Count protein oz. you're eating after it's cooked.

You are so right, Tisa. Eating is VERY much a social issue. And, like you say, very often a cultural issue. Since you are only 5 days post op, this feels much more overwhelming to you than it will actually really be once you are all healed and back to eating regular foods again. You'll certainly be eating more than "2 bites." When you're ewith friends, sure your portions will be smaller, but after awhile no one will pay attention and you'll learn little tricks to draw attention away from yourself. Eat slowly so food on your plate lasts longer, push it around on the plate, TALK A LOT instead of eating, and when everyone's done and it's time to go, if there's still food left on your plate--oh well, you're full--let's go. No big deal. But at first, especially in maybe the first 6 months or so, to take pressure off yourself, you might want to keep eating out to a minimum as much as you can. That's a hard sacrifice to make, but if you can find things to do with friends that aren't food related, it just makes your life so much easier. The cultural part is a lot harder. Hopefully, if you are talking about family members, you can just be totally honest with them that you had this procedure because it was necessary to protect your health and that you are not going to be able to eat the amounts of food that they expect you to eat. Maybe talking gently and keeping open communication will work? Just a suggestion. . . Hang in there. You are not alone in your thoughts and feeling about this. You feel very different right now, but you will find a comfortable routine that will become your new and forever lifestyle and you'll be fine. Congratulations on your surgery. Heal well and fast!

Sorry we won't see you at this one. Now that we have our spot, I'll be sending out a reminder at least 10 days in advance from now on. Just so you know--we will ALWAYS meet THE FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH so it's a little easier to remember and try to save the date in our crazy busy lives. If dentist would happen to cancel, you're certainly welcome to come--we have plenty of room. Hope to see you next month--9/6.

Congrats on grandbaby, Marci!!! Looking forward to seeing you on Sat!

CA-ONTARIO, CHINO & Nearby: FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH, 9:30-11:00AM ***THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 9:30-11:00am -- Our First OFFICIAL Meeting!*** ****HERE IS THE FINALIZED INFO FOR SATURDAY'S GROUP**** Hi again BariatricPal Pals! Our Ontario/Chino Chapter meeting location is: KAISER PERMANENTE ONTARIO/VINEYARD MEDICAL CENTER BUILDING A, 3rd FLOOR 2295 S. Vineyard Ave Ontario 91761 From the 60 Fwy, take the Vineyard Ave exit. The Medical Center is on Vineyard Ave, just north of the 60 Fwy (NE corner Vineyard Exit & 60 Fwy). When you enter the short driveway from Vineyard Ave, you'll see a tall building just to your left. That is Building A. There will be ample parking in the lot in front of the building. Enter the building's double doors and you will see a large receptionist area. The elevators are just to your right of the receptionist area. (DO NOT CHECK IN at the reception desk; proceed directly to 3rd floor.) As I mentioned, I think everyone will feel very comfortable here, and we'll enjoy complete privacy. Hope you can come--you DESERVE this time for YOU! And let's make our special raffle(s) happen! All it takes is at least 10 of us to come. Spread the word among your bari friends. And of course the more people, the merrier the give-aways. . . May I ask that you please RSVP here if you WILL BE coming, (so I don't waste money [and trees] on unnecessary copying materials), or email to our Chapter address: OntChinoChapter@aol.com. Thanks, Everyone! See you Saturday. . .

CA-ONTARIO, CHINO & Nearby: FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH, 9:30-11:00AM ***THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 9:30-11:00am -- Our First OFFICIAL Meeting!*** Hi BariatricPal Pals! Summer's such a busy time for all of us. Sorry many of you were unable to attend our first meet-up on 7/19, but hope you can sneak in a couple hours for JUST YOU this Saturday and come to support group! Great News: We finally have a wonderful meeting location--comfortable seating, pleasant environment, air-conditioning, convenient rest rooms--beyond my wildest dreams for us! Looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday. Special raffle for bari-related products will be held IF we have attendance of at least 10 people. More people, more give-aways. . . Exact group location with directions will be posted this afternoon or no later than tomorrow morning. Please check back.

If you are not back to the "regular diet" stage yet, that could explain your feeling of hunger. Once you starting eating solid lean Protein foods and veggies that give you that bulk (fiber), you will feel fuller longer. Meanwhile, if you still at liquids or puree/mushies, getting the required liquid Protein AND the full amount of recommend liquids (your Water, etc) is, as you know, most important. If ok'd by your plan/surgeon, spread it out so you are having something in your stomach at least every 2-3 hrs to keep hunger at bay. If you ARE eating solids, check yourself to be sure you are eating s-l-o-w-l-y and chewing each bite well. The longer it takes to eat a meal, the better signal your brain receives that it is satisfied. That head hunger is a tough one for many of us, especially at the beginning. Also, we often confuse hunger for thirst. Suggest when that first twinge of hunger strikes, try drinking water (or decaf green tea, or fruit-infused water or whatever works for you) and see if that calms down the hunger. Watch out for artificial sweeteners though--they can actually INCREASE appetite in some people. I know doing that has worked for me a lot, especially in the early afternoon (3-4pm) and in the evening after dinner. All this experiementing with what works for you can get tiring and frustrating sometimes--but hang in there. You'll get into the routine.

Out of control cravings as I knew them in my "past life" don't exist for me any more. I had to do A LOT of headwork to get to this point though. Those processed, unhealthy simple carbs just don't have that POWER over me and my eating decisions any more. Ice cream was one of my hugest triggers (wasn't uncommon to wolf down a gallon or more a week). I made the painful decision pre-surgery that I could not allow ice cream to live in my house ever again. I learned to make healthy substitutes for ice cream into recipes that I control the contents, and that took away the feeling of being deprived or being "different" from everyone else. My favs are frozen banana rounds covered with a light coating of crunchy Peanut Butter and a dab of Smuckers SF Hot Fudge Topping. I also make Fage 0% plain Greek yogurt & Protein (powder) drops that I freeze. I flavor them with all different kinds of things--peanut butter, pumpkin, pistachio SF pudding mix, mashed banana, peaches, strawberries, blueberries, Torani SF syrup, the new Milksplash liquid milk enhancer (like MIO liquid drops--check 'em out at Target or WalMart in Hot Cocoa section) etc, etc. At about 2-1/2 years out from surgery, I started allowing myself to have ice cream (if I wanted it) but no more than twice a month, and only OUT SOMEWHERE. Most months, I don't even get any. NEVER did I think I would EVER make a statement like that!!! The CRAZIEST thing that works for me when I see something that LOOKS really good (like all that stuff in the fresh bakery dept) and triggers those old habits in my brain that says EAT THAT UNHEALTHY THING---I simply pause a second and visualize a big red stop sign and then say to myself "I don't eat that any more." I don't know WHY it works--I only know that I have been doing it for over 2-1/2 years and the more I say it to myself, the stronger I am feeling when faced with temptation. Go figure--the mind works in mysterious ways. . .

Hi smithpy--so sorry you are struggling. Those major life stressors can (and do) derail us big time. BUT, you are NOT IN DENIAL of the reasons for your weight gain, and that is something to pat yourself on the back for!!! You are taking ACTION!!!You have gotten great words of wisdom here so far from the above posters (as we all always do!). Please remember too, though, that you first have to get your responses to all the STRESS in your life under control before you can recommit to your WLS healthy eating habits and lifestyle. (You know-- Are you paying attention to how important it is to be GOOD TO YOURSELF EVERY DAY? Moms tend to put ourselves last, and that usually means zero time for US. Do you meditate? Do you do deep breathing? Do you take a fun short-term class/workshop? Do you meet a friend? Do find a self-help book of interest? Do you enjoy nature? Do you sing a motivational song, even if you can't sing? Do you journal? Do you buy some dumb little special thing for yourself once a week? Can you have just 4 hours a week that can be JUST YOU time that someone cares for the kids? etc etc? ). Only you know the answer to this, and of course it is not expected that you respond in any way to this here. Please do not take offense--you mentioned alcohol, and I'm sure you are aware of the potential of transfer addictions with WLS patients. Just wanted to offer a caution. You don't say how old your kid(s) are, but get them on the bandwagon with you, and create some FUN stuff to do together--both in healthy meal prep AND with fun exercise activity. Don't go this alone. This is a TEMPORARY setback, and you will clean up your habits and move on to your healthy lifestyle again! You go girl. . .

CGJ and feedyoureye, The two of you have no idea what an inspiration you have been to me in my WLS adventure these past three years--and for that I send a very special thank you. Please accept my heartfelt thoughts and condolences for the trying times you are facing in your lives right now. Wishing you strength and peaceful healing.

So glad you could make it to our FIRST MEET-UP today! It was great to meet you, and thank you for coming. Stay tuned for further updates and I hope Ont/Chino Chapter will become a helpful resource for you.

R E M I N D E R ! THE GROUP IS ON! HOPE TO SEE YOU THIS SATURDAY, 7/19 AT 9:30! (see Post # 15 above).

It really is one of our toughest challlenges at the beginning. WE are the ones who have to learn to change our old eating habits in a world where we are CONSTANTLY surrounded by junk food and the people who are constantly eating it. And that includes right inside our own homes. Maybe they can compromise and be more aware of not leaving it out all over the place and not eating it all the time right in front of you. And you can be starting to find substitutions for the junk food that are healthier choices that you can eat while the family is having the "traditional" junk food. It took me well over a year to not be bothered by seeing the junk food and others eating it. Now I can see people eating it, or I can just see it sitting there and I say things to myself like, "I don't eat that anymore," or "I choose to eat healthfully now." If you work hard on changing your habits in that first year, the junk food loses its power over you, or better yet--YOU gain YOUR POWER over it! You can start making these changes little by little, because the rewards will be for the rest of your life!