Katcloudshepherd

Hello everyone, Haven't been here in a while. Oh man can I relate to the hunger coming back! I sure hope that Grehlin monster isn't back!!!! That slimy SOB caused me years and years of misery. Some is head hunger but some is genuine hunger. I have to ask myself every time--OK are you physically hungry? Or-do you just want to stuff food in your mouth because your brain thinks you should? I do feel rather proud of myself when I resist temptation and God knows it's EVERYWHERE. I've gained some of my weight back but I realize it's a daily battle I must engage in to keep the majority of the weight off. I am a compulsive over-eater--sleeve or no sleeve. One Day At A Time, (ODAAT) is how I will have to live my life. I remember from Over-eater's Anonymous, (OA) meetings. The compulsive over-eater monster is outside doing push-ups to battle you while you are successful at keeping it at bay. It just waits for the chance to pounce on you. The program works when I WORK IT--and I AM WORTH IT! It whispers seductively in your ear--"You deserve to eat that" , "One little bite" , "You know you want it" . All those phrases it whispered in your ear before the sleeve and even more so now. I just have to keep up the fight--no different than any other addict. Blessings, Kathleen

I cannot echo enough about taking one day at a time. Sometimes, all you can do is take one meal at a time, one hour at a time. Do not worry about tomorrow. LIVE in the moment. I went to Over-eaters Anonymous for several years before surgery. Maintenance is to me, the more difficult part of this. I have to remind myself of just what a slippery slope it is to fall back into old BAD habits. Thinking I can have this or that when in fact--I can only rarely but not every day. That is the part I've always struggled with. Not eating certain trigger foods every day. Foods that trigger that all consuming, I cannot eat enough. I see a counselor, I have been working on my head for so long. Man I wish I had a reset button for my brain! It's not easy as I have to work every day at it--One Day At A Time, (ODAAT). Blessings, Kathleen

Thank you for the article. It's so easy to listen to the siren call of food. Ignoring those sweet and dulcet tones saying: "I was ALWAYS there for you." "Come back to me". "You miss me don't you". "Just one bite". The hard work for me is in my head! So many days I leave work and want to go home and skip working out. I keep going to the gym because #1--I'm paying that monthly membership and not going is throwing money away. Secondly, I know I'll feel so much better after I work out. It amazes me how improved I feel and how much better I sleep at night. The better I sleep the easier it is to deal with my brain thinking I can eat whatever I want. Blessings, Kathleen

I surely hope this will correct the problems. I hope the surgery goes well and you heal quickly. Thank you so much for sharing this since you never know who will be helped with the information. Blessings, Kathleen

Hello, You are not kidding about old habits being hard to break! That being said, you have to replace old habits with healthier ones. I am forced to admit however that I am no paragon of virtue in that arena. I still sometimes eat things I shouldn't BUT not on a daily basis, multiple times a day, as I did prior to surgery. My problem is if I drink alcohol--I want to smoke cigarettes. Smoking is a terrible, detrimental unhealthy thing to do. Especially since I had approximately 85% of my stomach removed to become HEALTHIER. Change is a difficult thing but without changing our habits--we can so easily slide back towards the reason we had the surgery to begin with. I started looking up sugar free/alcohol free Mojito recipes. Love the flavor of a Mojito just not all the sugar in it and I don't need the empty alcohol calories either. If Mojitos aren't your drink of choice, maybe you could find or come up with a sugar free/alcohol free recipe that is close to your drink of choice. Here's a recipe I got off of the internet: 1 oz. (2 tablespoons) lime juice or lime wedges from about a third of a lime 8 mint leaves 1 heaping tablespoon erythritol or other sugar substitute equaling a tablespoon or sugar Club soda I have not tried it. I understand the sugar in Mojitos helps the mint release it's flavor so I don't know how well a sugar substitute will work. Good luck, Kathleen

Sorry y'all, I meant to say ulcers are caused by bacteria instead of a virus. I edited my original response. I wish you luck with your surgery. Blessings, Kathleen

I thought it was proven that ulcers were caused by a virus bacteria? The man who proved it GAVE himself an ulcer to do so. He treated it with an antibiotic. I wrote a paper about this for one of my college courses. I switched to decaff prior to my surgery and was allowed caffeinated coffee after 3 months. Coffee is highly acidic but I still have several cups in the morning. Can't do it after noon as it will keep me awake. I know we are all different in the way our bodies work but why so many differences in approaches after surgery? Blessings, Kathleen

Thank you. I feel the tug of temptation but now that is what it is--a tug not a pull of a chain hooked to a semi-truck rig. It takes effort to keep doing the things I need to do but I can never go back. It takes effort to go to the gym when my mind is screaming "Take the day off!" To anyone that thinks the surgery makes it easy--they are so incredibly mistaken. Blessings, Kathleen

Congratulations, So very happy for you . I had the same experience as far as weight. When puberty hit--I was overweight but not morbidly obese. I joined the Army at the age of 21 and kept the weight off by smoking and drinking. Quit smoking, drinking and left the Army and the weight came on with a vengeance. Tried every diet, even took prescription drugs and nothing lasted long term. I almost had a lap band in 2009. Backed out and tried AGAIN to do it through calorie restriction and exercise. Didn't work long term--AGAIN. On December 11, 2013 I had the sleeve surgery. I am so VERY blessed that my appetite is nothing like it was before surgery. I hope to God it stays this way. Even if you loose slowly the key point is you are losing the weight. Since you were so disciplined with the lap band--I'll bet you'll be very successful with the sleeve. Take it one day at a time. Blessings, Kathleen

Hello, I feel your pain--literally. What used to be my rear end seems to have fallen to the top of my legs I've been "draggin butt" for months . I'd like to develop an energy drink that would help when you are "draggin butt"--meaning tired. I could use a dragon logo, cute-huh? I'm not worried about what it looks like as I am fully clothed in public. The people at the pool may get a shock however when they see me working out. Thankfully, I've reached an age where I don't give a rat's rear end about that. I'm sorry I have no suggestions to help. I make use of pillows and what ever other aides I can when I MUST sit on a hard surface. I AM NOT COMPLAINING. I'd much rather have a pain in my "high-knee" than everywhere else because of carrying the extra weight. Blessings, Kathleen

This doctor can pound sand as far as I'm concerned. My knees and back are so bad there is no way in Hades I could physcially execise that hard. The surgery gave me my life back. I want to see those contestants several YEARS away from the show! Without the restriction of surgery, how well did they keep the weight "lost" off? If you loose something you sure can find it again! I "released" my excess weight through the tool of surgery and the work AFTER surgery. Only through continuing to use the tool and do what I'm supposed to can I keep the fat released---otherwise it sure will find me!

Y'all are so funny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for the pictures and humor. Have a GREAT Easter. Blessings, Kathleen

Kathy, You ALMOST had me. I confirmed when I opened your post that it was indeed and April Fool's joke. Of course I had to look up the origin of April Foods Day: "The history of April Fool's Day or All Fool's Day is uncertain, but the current thinking is that it began around 1582 in France with the reform of the calendar under Charles IX. The Gregorian Calendar was introduced, and New Year's Day was moved from March 25 - April 1 (new year's week) to January 1. Send invitations to nonexistent parties and have other practical jokes played upon them. Communication traveled slowly in those days and some people were only informed of the change several years later. Still others, who were more rebellious refused to acknowledge the change and continued to Celebrate on the last day of the former celebration, April 1. These people were labeled "fools" by the general populace, were subject to ridicule and sent on "fool errands," sent invitations to nonexistent parties and had other practical jokes played upon them. The butts of these pranks became known as a "poisson d'avril" or "April fish" because a young naive fish is easily caught. In addition, one common practice was to hook a paper fish on the back of someone as a joke. This harassment evolved over time and a custom of prank-playing continue on the first day of April. This tradition eventually spread elsewhere like to Britain and Scotland in the 18th century and was introduced to the American colonies by the English and the French. Because of this spread to other countries, April Fool's Day has taken on an international flavor with each country celebrating the holiday in its own way. In Scotland, for instance, April Fool's Day is devoted to spoofs involving the buttocks and as such is called Taily Day. The butts of these jokes are known as April 'Gowk', another name for cuckoo bird. The origins of the "Kick Me" sign can be traced back to the Scottish observance. In England, jokes are played only in the morning. Fools are called 'gobs' or 'gobby' and the victim of a joke is called a 'noodle.' It was considered back luck to play a practical joke on someone after noon. In Rome, the holiday is known as Festival of Hilaria, celebrating the resurrection of the god Attis, is on March 25 and is also referred to as "Roman Laughing Day." In Portugal, April Fool's Day falls on the Sunday and Monday before lent. In this celebration, many people throw flour at their friends. The Huli Festival is celebrated on March 31 in India. People play jokes on one another and smear colors on one another celebrating the arrival of Spring. No matter how you cut it (with Ginsu knives or butter knives) learning about the history of April Fool's Day is a hoot. And, no matter where you happen to be in the world on April 1, don't be surprised if April fools fall playfully upon you." Blessings, Kathleen

What's so special about me? I don't know how to properly respond to the question. Lets see: Served 7 years and a few months in the US Army. Met my husband and married him in Texas. Therefore, I am a "naturalized" Texan. I was in Korea when we got married. Husband had to arrange entire wedding ceremony. He sent me an invitation to my own wedding. He said: "I wanted to make sure you would show up" Finally got my Bachelors degree in business after years of working full time and taking only one class a semester. My husband is disabled and has had health problems since 2001. I have changed wet/dry dressings, helped seal wound vac dressings, given injections and have taken care of my husband. I have learned a great deal, unfortunately by experience of things dealing with wound care. I had WLS on December 11, 2013 and began the challenge of changing the way I live life every day. My husband had attempted to have WLS but one of the best surgeons in the country was not able to do it and I was BEYOND devastated. I saw all my dreams of our new life together go up in smoke and it took me quite some time to come to grips with it. I have four "fur-babies" who love me and are so excited when I come home--OK at least the dogs. The cats barely notice. I've rambled on long enough. Blessings to all, Kathleen

Great Video!!!! I work out in the pool as I have severe joint problems and can't work out on land. I feel so much better after a good workout. I went to water aerobics for years and now do it on my own. I do water aerobics and mix in swimming laps. Works for me!!! I dont' give a rat's patootie how people view me in a swimsuit. I think that attitude comes with getting older. Fabulous at fifty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Katheen

In the words of the Billy Crystal charector--can't remember his name: "YOU LOOK FAB-UUUU-LL-OOOUUSSSS" Congratulations!

Yes they're all over the place. I'm from Michigan and people in the Upper Pennisula, (UP) or "U-pers" in local parliance, call people who live in the lower pennisula, (like I did)--"trolls". I don't know if they still refer to lower pennisula residents as "trolls" since it now has such a perjorative connotation. Kathleen

Thanks for posting it. I just requested my free ones. I virtually live on them since I was cleared to eat regular food. Yes they are all the same consistency. I guess my tastes aren't that sophisticated that it bothers me. I especially rely on them if I'm going to be running around all day. They're much better to have on hand then buying something on the run. I'll be taking a trip at the end of the month for training and I'm taking a whole bunch so I don't have to eat out. Have a good one, Kathleen

My husband has serious health issues and is on oxygen and cannot move around well. The surgeon attempted the surgery on him on 1/12/15. Couldn't do it because his abdomen is such a mess. He has a hernia on the upper abdomen and his lower abdomen is a jumbled mess of intestines covered only with a layer of skin. To say I was devastated when the surgeon came out and told me he couldn't do it was an understatement. I had visions of us being able to travel again. I had thought I would be able to dance with him again. He is trying to do it without the surgery. I am not saying a word to him but I know how it is virtually impossible without the surgical tool. You have to BURN 3,500 calories that you DON'T consume in order to loose 1 pound!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is a challenge with a body WITHOUT health problems such as severe osteoarthritis. Even if he did loose a significant amount of weight the sugeon says he still can't do the surgery. With all that said. Think about your life if you don't have the surgery. You have to make the final decision. I KNOW I had to have the surgery because I sure as he!! couldn't have kept it off otherwise. Good luck, Kathleen

LipstickLady, You have such a flair for writing. Thank you for stating what should be obvious. Kathleen

BitterSweet*, absolutely excellent answers!! mami2two Good luck on your decision and wishing you the the very best. Kathleen

I did my "food funeral" but it's really not a necessity. Once I started my pre-op--I was DEADly serious about it. Yes the pun is intended. I decided to take my pre-op diet seriously, my weight loss surgery seriously as well. I had been on so many "diets" that resulted in weight loss but not long term weight loss. I made up my mind that dammit I was going to go into this with an attitude of "This is IT!" I am done with half measures and by God I am going to make this work! Yes, I ate things that I thought I wouldn't be able to eat after surgery. Turns out I can eat anything I ate before surgery but now I feel like WHY? My sleeve is small and I now refuse to put junk in it. I'm not perfect. I still eat small amounts of things that are not good for me. I don't stay on program ALL the time BUT I can eat very little and say enough--don't need that stuff. I didn't go through the surgery to eat those things in quantities which caused me to be morbidly obese and need the surgery. Besides, eating food that's not healthy seems to make me feel crappy and frankly, I like feeling good! Best of luck to you. Like AlwaysVegas said. Use this time to start to change your habits. Remember it takes time and practice to change any habit. The longer you practice it--the more ingrained it becomes and the more of a habit it becomes. Good luck and I hope your surgery goes well. Blessings, Kathleen