Cindi_Augustine

http://www.ohniww.org/effects-of-weight-gain-loss-voice-singing/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24954040 Some well-credited sources on this subject. :-)

Last week I forgot to take my bra off when I got home from work. 3 hours later I realized it. All my adult life the bra had to be ditched the moment I got home because it would be digging in and causing red marks and was so uncomfy. Now, I don't even feel it! Still ditch it the moment I'm home. Bras suck!

Studies show that losing weight is far more complicated than we ever thought. I tried for 40 years to lose the extra weight, but only got heavier. WLS was the re-set I needed to have a fresh start at a healthy lifestyle. Poor food choices IS the main cause of obesity, and yes, if you don't address it you'll undo all the good work the surgery did. My recommendation is to see the surgery as part of the strategy. Education, nutrition, therapy, and setting lifestyle goals are equally important. Without the surgery you might be able to lose the weight if you employ those other factors but it'll be harder and take longer, meaning there is a better chance you'll give up and fail. You've probably experienced that already. I can't tell you if it's right for you but I can tell you that surgery succeeded for me (and several of my friends) where 40 years of going it alone failed. It's okay to have second thoughts. It's also okay to talk to a certified person to help you through this. Best of luck!

Vancouver, Canada

Developed it after. Some days it can be bad, sometimes it disappears for days. I thought spicy foods might be the culprit but for me it's fatty foods and sugar. Serves me right when I indulge. LOL I don't regret the surgery however. I take an antacid and make better choices.

There is an updated version of: Weight Loss Surgery Cookbook For Dummies (2016). I believe it's one of the most well-known.

I'm 4 years post-op so I do allow myself treats, but have to monitor myself carefully. My hubby is very supportive of my nutritional needs so no chocolate for me. naturegirl, I do recall that avalanche of chocolate from years as a special care assistant. I used to eat it all!!! Can't image that now.

Congrats! I still use shakes occasionally but one thing I noticed is they can contribute to ::hushed voice:: constipation! I try to limit them to when I'm going somewhere whereI know I may not have a chance to get healthy choices.

I think this is far more common than uncommon. We made a decision to alter our bodies and we think maybe unlike other surgeries this one is not mandatory. I do see it as mandatory. I spent 40 years trying to lose weight and just got heavier. Obesity is a disease that kills. No surgery should be taken lightly and there are pro's and cons. The pros far surpassed the cons for me, and that's what I kept remembering when I was scared. You're doing great. Hang in there. it gets easier.

I've been having success with my crockpot. I cook a whole chicken with carrots, turnips and onions, for example. Then I have chicken later for salads, etc. I'm not a huge chicken fan but it's so moist it falls apart. And it's no work at all. I also make beef stew, without potatoes but with plenty of carrots onions and turnips again, and blend up some of the veggies to thicken the "gravy". Taco pulled chicken, Soups... I'm so glad I pulled the crockpot out of the cupboard! Hot healthy meals when I come home has helped me avoid bad choices from being too tired to cook.

I think carbonated drinks are just trouble, wls or not. They almost always contain sodium, sugar, etc. I use Ener-C or Emergen-C Vitamin packets in my Water and can use as little or as much as I need to flavour it for my preferences. That way I drink more water and get electrolytes. Easy to have on hand, and dump into bottled water on the go. I make iced cubes with them to keep my water cold. So convenient! Sent from my SM-T280 using the BariatricPal App

Such wonderful news!! You should be so proud of yourself! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm very open about having WLS, and don't hesitate to share my story. I think dispelling the myths and the shame that surrounds surgery can't help but allow others to seek help. Not everyone feels they can share but since I can I feel it's my responsibility to help spread the message. It's gratifying how open and supportive people can be when I tell them, and it makes me more determined than ever to keep the weight off. Obesity is seen as a self-control problem and so much shame has been attached, it makes me angry since the food industry is very much part of the problem. Conditioned hypereating is a social issue not a personal one and every bit as damaging as alcoholism. No one can heal alone. We all need help to move forward to happy healthier lives. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

At 4'9" there isn't even a category on the BMI charts that fits me. Technically they consider that height adolescent and tell me I should be about 110!! I'm 143 right now and have been within 5 lbs of that for about 18 months. Last visit with my doctor she made an off-hand comment about my not being overweight anymore, so I took that as a positive sign. I mostly wear medium or occasionally large at this weight and feel great so whenever I'm tempted to struggle to lose more - which never works and makes me obsessive - I remind myself that numbers are not the most important thing. If I can remain here with relative ease and emotional comfort then that seems right for me. I think we're all different so the right number for one person may not be the same for another. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

There's such a crazy discretion in clothing sizes. I have everything from a small to a large in my closet, sizes 10 - 14, as well. I no longer worry about those "markers". But, even 4 - 5 lbs either way seems to make quite a difference in how things fit. It's quite bizarre! LOL Sent from my SM-T280 using the BariatricPal App

Yes, it IS a small gain but a HUGE slippery slope. I've been battling it, too. It's pretty normal, but now we have the tools and a choice. I agree that a small bounce weight is perfectly fine, as long as you're ready to jump back into serious control when it reaches the high point. Easier to drop 5 lbs than 50! Enjoy the occasional treat, but follow a healthy routine 90% of the time and you'll do okay. Sent from my SM-T280 using the BariatricPal App

Correction: Dr. K's book is called The End of Overeating. Sorry! Sent from my SM-T280 using the BariatricPal App

Willpower and moderation does not work for everyone. When you're brain is addicted to sugar, then it can be as hard to kick as cocaine. I found David Kessler's book, The End Of Overeating helped me a lot. We are conditioned to use sugar, fat and salt as a reward, and we must break that. I've been blogging about the tools I've learned, hoping to help others kick the addiction. The important thing to remember is that you are NOT weak, or alone. You can read more on my blog or check out his book. You CAN do this!

Just to be a devil's advocate: I don't have any issue with telling people. I've embraced any opportunities to dispel some of those myths, and to educate people. I've even been able to help others get the surgery by telling them about the program here in Vancouver. While I do respect everyone's right to keep their medical history private as a life coach I lean towards the view that bringing these things out into the open benefits everyone. I've yet to have anyone respond negatively when I tell them. If you wish to keep it private then the above answers are great. "I'm eating less, making better choices, and exercising," is the absolute truth.

I always keep Protein bars, and/or nuts like almonds or walnuts. Not many other choices that are quick, easy, and live well in a purse. lol At home I like frozen berries. Slow to eat and satisfying. Sent from my SM-T280 using the BariatricPal App

I've been reading a great book to help me control post-op re-gain. I've been sharing my opinions and some helpful tips on my website. I hope it's okay to post a link here: https://cindiaugustine.wordpress.com. I'm hoping to get a conversation started here on dealing with overeating. Even though we have reduced our stomachs it's still possible to over-eat. I know I forgot that for a short while; being human has its challenges. LOL

Very in-depth article, thanks for sharing. Grazing is a huge issue, and it can sneak up on you. I never used to eat at work - my shifts are 4 hours long - I would drink my Protein shake. But for a while I started grazing out of boredom on slow days. Had to nip that fast! I'm tiny so my calorie range is only 1,000 - 1,200. No room for mistakes. Sent from my SM-T280 using the BariatricPal App

Nights are my downfall too. Movies and Snacks just seem to go together. Veggies and dip don't really substitute for chips or popcorn. LOL Frozen berries seem to help, I can't eat them fast, and the fibre is good. Sent from my SM-T280 using the BariatricPal App

I had the same issue with sugar and I want you to understand that it's NOT about willpower. Sugar has been proven to be as addictive as cocaine or tobacco. Don't feel like a failure if you're having trouble kicking it. I have just had to do a sugar cleanse in order to get control of my increasing sugar intake. You have to get it out of your system using behavioural and mental techniques. Reading David Kessler's book Sugar, Salt and Fat helped me a lot. The number one thing I learned is that you have a very small moment to in time to stop the urge from becoming overwhelming. The second you have the thought: I want a cookie, you MUST address it by following up with: "BUT I won't have one because it will make me want more, and I will feel horrible later. I would rather keep my weight down, and feel good..." Kicking sugar can take up to 10 days before it becomes easier. I'm not going to lie. I was cranky and miserable. But now I'm back on track, feel great, and love that my clothes fit better. I've also stopped feeling constantly hungry. Yay! Have a buddy to help you stay accountable. Shame and silence only makes it worse. You can do it! Sent from my SM-T280 using the BariatricPal App

I was a bit surprised to find that I was gaining weight if I ate over 1200 cals a day. But, I'm not an excerciser, and I'm only 4'10, so I guess it's not surprising. More important to my maintenance seems to be keeping a strict eye on salt and sugar. I tried working out but became very lightheaded, due to seizure and heart meds. So, I try to be as active as I can without actually working out. I think weighing myself almost every day is necessary, and I'm not consistent with tracking meals unless I'm gaining, or feeling tired or lightheaded. That usually means I'm eating too much or too little. I'm trying to walk a line between coming obsessed with it all, and feeling healthy. It'll be a lifetime thing, but I accepted that when I signed the papers for surgery. LOL Sent from my SM-T280 using the BariatricPal App