The New Kel

Sounds like a nice get together. It's inspiring to hear others go out and can "indulge" without actually going off the cart completely. You were very in-line and did great!

I don't have many things on my list because my husband and I are saving for Ireland. However, I have my eye on a pair of high top shoes that are colorful...something very whimsical and I would have NEVER wanted before. But having lost weight I new don't feel self conscious wearing things that will bring attention. I always wanted a pair of Vans as well, but never thought of myself worthy of them being so heavy. This year, I'm getting the Vans.

I just went to my companies office party Friday night. There was food everywhere! But luckily for me, there were some heathy options. So I ended up having a little plate of appetizers: Shrimp, roasted red bell pepper, cheese, and even a sliced of grilled portabella! I splurged and had a glass of dry white wine, and sipped it all night.

Great post, Little Bill. I'm glad it all "came together" lol. I asked my husband to go retrieve the big box of Christmas stuff from the garage today. He did, and now he's wondering why because it's still sitting on the dining room table untouched. I'm feeling exceptionally lazy today!

Before I chose surgery I asked to be led toward an avenue that would be positive and the best overall thing to do and good for myself and those I love. Soon I was pursuing this path. I'm thankful for it everyday I wake up feeling so much better than pre surg. Best of luck to you and prayers for a speedy recovery!!

I found this bariatric friendly Chinese page online because I was a huge (quite literally) Chinese foodie. These recipes I found look good- I havent tried them yet! WOKtheWOKSEPT29.pdf

Congratulations on your decision! Wednesday will come before you know it. Be sure and take good care of yourself post op. Give your daddy a big ol hug post op and tell him you love him for his concern. And have a Merry Christmas with mom!

Haha my surgeon thinks he is God. That guy cracks me up. 180s.jpg I dunno. He seems to have a nice enough smile. My surgeon hardly ever smiles. So serious all the time. Like most surgeons, actually. My surgeon is hot. Just sayin'.

Regain my lost confidence Not have to fear being photographed Hike with my husband Be able to run a mile, or two Feel happy in public and not shame Shopping in those stores I have always cursed for not carrying sizes over 14 Learning Pilates Riding horses again Making my 30 year HS reunion classmates jealous next year (lol) Less fatigue, more energy!

Woo hoo! Happy dance!

Wow, amazing job! You look terrific! What do you do for your arms? They look very toned, something I am striving for. And, what sort do you play?

The Trader Joe's lemon bars sound like a good alternative! I should look for them to keep on hand for those rare occasions. You posted some great ideas on how to stay distracted.

I can really relate. Food (bad food anyway) was the one "friend" that I ran to on any occasion. That companion is gone now, in the form it took before. its good that you are already considering the anxiety, because the emotional aspect is real, and it is much like losing a friend. A dysfunctional friend, but a friend none the less.

I've thought about therapy, just haven't taken the initiative yet. Food doesn't give me the same pleasure anymore either. Which is really a good thing, for this weight loss process. But my mind misses the pleasure. thanks for your post!

Great post, thank you. I think you are right that my emotional tie is closely linked to pleasure. So its time for me to start looking for things that make me feel that good. I love your ideas.

Thanks for sharing @@Malin It's hard to fight the holiday triggers. I think you have great ideas though! I love the idea of channeling my emotions into church, charity and volunteer. maybe I can still bake, but wrap them up and give to charities in town. Love your ideas!

What???? You look smokin' hot!! GREAT job. (insert cat call whistle) )

When you go to Macy's and the sales girl in lingerie doesn't pretend you don't exist. Instead she eagerly greets you and treats you like a real customer.

Wow, great job! I think you could wear at least a size smaller. Flamin' hot, man!

@@simpsongrad My mom too! I associate a lot of emotional eating triggers with my mom. Sharing good times, baking, cooking, shopping. I think that is part of the foundation of my emotional issues with food. I associate food with her comfort. We just need to find emotional replacements, right? I'm working on it. One day at a time! Thanks for sharing your experience with me.

Oh yes, I sure did! I think I wrote a post on my 6th day pre-op diet. I was angry at everything!! My poor husband and kids. I was sooo snappy. This is when the realization that I was a mental food addict started to come into focus. I really was in denial until that point. At two weeks post-op I was in full awareness, as every emotion was amplified by my loss of my best and most dysfunctional friend: food. What I can say to you is hang in there. It will get better and your emotions will steady as you learn a new way of thinking about food. For me this was at about 4 weeks post op. I still struggle and get emotional, especially during this season where I used to eat the most for comfort. You're almost to the surgery finish line! Congrats, and keep going. You got this! Look forward to the time when the food will no longer control you and your thoughts. It will happen.

@@LittleBill LOL! Loved your story, the way you told it. You should be a writer!

This guy gets all my leftovers. Which I have a lot of. He's probably gaining the weight I'm losing.

I'm in, thanks!

I agree with this statement. Friends and family with great intentions often don't understand the mental, psychological element that we suffer. It's why we became morbidly obese. WLS gives us a tool that insists that we face these addictions and behaviors. It might be hard for the average person of "average" weight to really understand the metal aspect, and that WLS isn't just a whim, it's often our only option.