Chimera

Globe you are in good company there. Sometimes I can be okay with junk in the house and nit devour it and other days I struggle alot. I know there is a physical component because when I am in a carb bender anything will do...I don't even have to particularly love it.
I forget who moderates the vet forum...but there is another preop "ask a vet" post called Any Regrets?
I restrained myself from answering the way I feel this morning. "Yeah I at times regret I can't eat junk food and stay at goal" oh wait, that wasn't the question was it.
I am a little pissed off and alot tired since coming home. I don't want to belabor the negatives because I have a great life but damn life can be hard at times. I know the solution...healthy routine (food and exercise), talk to my friends, have a productive work day,love on my animals. Those are the key things for me to feel good. Then just fix the pressing problems because I know it's on me to do that. I can, I just need the emotional strength to do it.
I promised myself that 2014 is the year of stability. I have had so much change the last few years..which appeals to the Gemini heart immensely...and which at times makes me feel like I could do anything....but also leaves me feeling like the ground under my feet isn't quite reliable. My Gemini heart also often changes what it wants so I know it is better to take a breath before leaping...it has always served me well. So nothing new and big in 2014 but I feel more and more like I need less stuff, less house and fewer daily responsibilities. 2014 is a year of stability AND of getting my life in a more comfortable place. I am seriously considering selling my home in 2015 as I am overwhelmed by taking care of everything. I decided that spring is nearly here and I will be better able to cope once the weather is better. I played alot last summer and this year I want to finish projects and get ready for whatever is next.

My relationship with junk food is reminiscent of the alcoholic/drug user to their drug. If I slip, then I use it as an excuse to fall over the cliff, I can't even watch tv shows or read books where there is food being eaten or described, it instigates the desire. There were times when I would rather be eating than having sex (in my defense the sex was not that good). I cannot keep food in my living quarters because it will get eaten, all at once, not a little at a time. I cannot have one fried mozzarella stick, I want 10. I have successfully fasted the past 2 days and will do so again today, rebooting the system after last weeks carb madness. The first few days without sugar and white carbs - you really do feel like a junkie with the DTs but after about 3 days it goes away and so does your appetite. But if I could, honestly, I could eat 10 grilled cheese sandwiches, 20, all day long.

I am back but scared to step on scale...retaining Water and carb cravings. It's ok had a great great trip. I wore a freaking swimsuit in PUBLIC and nobody fainted.
I came home to a mountain of problems that I don't even want to talk about yet. Sorry to read of all your woes too...
I wish to share an epiphany. I could retire in central America or Mexico soon. Very soon. And maintain a very acceptable lifestyle. You know what I would have to give up? My ability to support and bail out other people (kids, men, other family etc) like I have done my whole life. The idea frightens me...which I find an interesting self awareness observation. I am not taking any actions on any of this....just sayin.

Weekend wedding is a done deal! Went beautifully. I'm trying to get some rest this afternoon and de stress. Shingles are "manageable" today and I'm praying that I've turned the corner so to speak. Since meds are over.
Here are a couple pics of my beautiful girl and her family!
That's my boy, Corey, and my Grand, Drew, also!
God is good!

I THINK I like him. Problem is I don't know him well enough. He lives in Dallas. She lives AR. Introduced by mutual lifelong friend who I trust. They have been dating about 4 months but as said, they know what they want. They are both 37 years old and just know ( according to them) this is good. Want permanence. He is good with girls but.. Like I said, who knows anyone til they KNOW them. Lol. It's just such an abrupt thing and her Dad is fit to be tied about it ( more stress on me) since we have been killing ourselves to get her thorough nursing school at mostly our expense and raising practically two grands. Willingly. But the focus should be right now on getting this year finished and the girls stability. Oh well. It is what it is. I am praying this is a GOD THING and all is good!!!! Thanks, M2G

So sad to hear about your friends sisters suicide and happy to hear that the little pup is better!
We still rent - I still dream about owning something of our own someday, and we did have a few attempts at buying a few years ago - didn't seem like we were fast enough, lots of homes that are reasonable (if you can say reasonable for Seattle - prices are high) are snapped up by corporations that fix them up then build another house on the large lot - very strange.
I do like the freedom of being able to move when I want to - there is something to be said for that freedom. Wishing you guys the best of luck in your home search Cathy.
I went to see one of the providers at my surgeon's office and got a Phentermine refill - it is something that I have taken here and there prior to surgery, and after as well - seems to be working well to get this crazy carb monster under control. Also picked up sugar free Fiber gummies which are a bona fide miracle lol.
Woo your first clients! Congrats I bet it will go great
Hope Sheryl is having a blast in Mexico - talk to you guys soon!

Hello ladies...so sorry for going MIA again for 2 weeks. Ugh. I've just been slammed with homework and freelance work and was on a committee at school to pick our new principal (3 days of interviews and deliberation) plus I'm a parent group organizer for one of the school programs... AND of course THE NEW (THANKFULLY ALIVE) PUPPY!
Piper the pup is doing well, it was very rough for the first week after we got her home from the hospital because she still wasn't just a "normal" puppy but a very sick puppy. I'm happy to say she is finally doing well and is settling into life with us nicely. She is a gem and a doll and we shudder to think what might have happened if she had been adopted by someone who could NOT afford to pay for treatment of the parvovirus for her. Just make me think even more that she was meant to find her forever home with us.
So I apologize because I basically just skimmed through the last 2 weeks of stuff here. And I want to say I think of each of you even when I'm not checking in. I'm sorry that some of you are hurting physically, emotionally or otherwise.
A very very very good friend of my husband (they were childhood friends and remain good friends today) just found out yesterday that his sister committed suicide. The friend (Rob is his name) was one of 4 siblings, Rob had 3 sisters. The second oldest sister was found dead yesterday. I don't know any of the details (how she was found or what method she used etc.) but it's just so tragic. She was skinny and pretty and had a husband and two grown children (like early 20's). She was always a bit of a drama queen and seemed like she was always struggling with things, but I just wish someone had been able to reach out to her and help her find her way out of whatever darkness she was in. So sad. And tragic and makes me realize how much people are often hurting on the inside even when they look great on the outside.
So hugs to you my 5:2 friends. Thinking of you all!!

We both got up positive today, looked over the floor plan etc for the 3 bed house, talked about why we rejected it over the apartment etc and came to the conclusion that it is a house we could make a home so we put in an offer. The estate agent said it would more than likely be tomorrow before he gets back to us as he was off to the races! This is the most important 4 days in the life of my town as it is Cheltenham Races, thousands of people come to the event, paupers and royalty and it brings in lots of £££s to the local economy. So I have to wait patiently.
5:2 paid off yesterday, I fasted and today down a lb so I am only 1lb above my lowest weight now.
I will keep you posted but in the meantime everyone just cross your fingers for me.

Good point with the snoring and the Cpap - both myself and my husband were terrible, terrible snorers prior to the prep for surgery. I always felt terrible because he would feel so sad, and also feel guilty when I would sneak out to sleep on the sofa because the windows were rattling lol. He always seemed to take it personally - that I was leaving him all alone when I was just trying to get some shut eye.
 
We both got new Cpap machines that were pretty much silent - and then snoring went away instantly - now that so much of the excess weight is gone, all of his and then some and most of mine - it isn't an issue any longer. He and I both have snorts here and there when sleeping on our backs but the change has been dramatic.
 
It is sad that he is reacting to the issue the way he is - hopefully his understanding will grow, and you will be able to get some sound sleep.
 
I can sooo relate to esteem/job issues - as one who teaches at both the undergrad and graduate level I am well aware of how my title and status make me feel (great most of the time - not so great lately with my main institution being gutted financially) of how wonderful it can make you feel to be shown that what you do has really helped to change peoples lives for the better. Now that this all seems to be coming to an end, and I do not wish to continue dealing with the political stresses of a life in academia - I will reinvent myself once again
 
Next week is spring break and I am very much looking forward to a respite from work.
 
Sheryl - I feel like we have so much in common - Irish. both 49, and I even drive a mini cooper clubman lol.

Hi ladies!
Just got back from the dermatologist and had a suspicious mole shaved off - find out next week if its something, or nothing.
 
Still hanging in there with the crazy insanity that is work right now - on top of the madness they have taken away our parking lot - although I pay for the privilege of a possibility of a parking spot - had to pay 20 extra bucks on Monday and that made me quite crabby! going to try and stop wasting my precious energy on stuff I have no control over
 
Interesting - the thought that wild mood swings could be linked with blood sugar - guess I have been so overfed most of my life I would not recognize this if it happened to me - but I think I am going through this too right now. Hormones, stress, auto-immune junk flaring (eyes, skin, arthritis bah!)
 
I have been really working on maintaining positivity and nipping the poor me stuff in the bad as fast as I can - so so hard to do. Please let the sun come out and shine for us!
 
Love you guys and am thinking of you all!

Along with my surgery a year ago, I decided to remove the word "can't" from my exercise vocabulary and replace it with "why not".
I am 48 yrs old and have a bad knee and several autoimmune disorders. My doc has diagnosed me with fibromyalgia. I had every excuse to say I can't. Instead, I decided to persevere and to always try.
I started the couch to 5K training program one year ago this week. When I started I could barely run for 45 sec walk 90 sec repeat 5 times. I finally finished the program in August. This weekend I am part of a team that is running from Miami to Key West (200 miles). Three weeks ago I ran my first half marathon. None of this happened overnight and none of it would have happened if I continued to say I can't.
I never planned or dreamed that I could do these things a year ago.
For veterans, what are some things that you're doing that you never planned on or thought you could accomplish?
For those of you just starting out, what are your fitness dreams?

It's such a great workout! I did 2-3 hours of work out in the garden (I lose track of time) pulling blackberries, digging new beds and transplanting trees. I'm sore in all the areas I want to work- my legs, core (obliques especially), and arms- triceps on fire! Another bonus- gardening helps you live a long life- did you know that an amazing percentage of those to live to over 100 have one thing in common? That's right- gardening! And some are still going at it. . This is my public service announcement for the benefits of gardening....that is all.

You Choose: How Easy Do You Want Losing Weight to Be?

Weight loss surgery is a substantial step in the battle to control your weight. It is proof of your long-term commitment to eating better and becoming healthier. Research clearly shows that weight loss surgery can be far more effective for significant long-term weight loss than diet and exercise, so why don’t all weight loss surgery patients achieve their goal weights after weight loss surgery? Why do some people find the journey easier than others, even though both sets of individuals are motivated to follow the weight loss surgery diet?


The big losers do not necessarily have more willpower or desire. The important difference between the big losers and the re-gainers may be how easy they find the journey to be. Surprisingly, you can control a large part of how easy or hard it is to lose weight. The weight loss journey is not just about changing your digestive system through surgery. It is also about changing your entire lifestyle to facilitate weight loss.

Weight Loss Surgery is a Weight Loss Tool, Not a Cure

Weight loss surgery is a tool. It can make you less hungry by reducing the size of your stomach by inserting a band around your stomach (Lap-band), removing the majority of your stomach pouch (vertical sleeve gastrectomy) or folding or stapling away the majority of your stomach pouch (gastric bypass, duodenal switch, and sleeve plication). The vertical sleeve gastrectomy reduces hunger by reducing the amount of ghrelin, a hunger hormone, that your stomach produces. The gastric bypass and duodenal switch reduce nutrient absorption.

All of these surgeries can help you eat less and lose weight, but none of these surgeries are fail-proof. You can “cheat” by eating high-calorie foods, drinking high-calorie beverages, drinking beverages while you eat solid foods, and eating without measuring your portions. Successful weight loss requires good choices on your part, and making good choices is easier if you focus on your entire lifestyle, not just the part of your digestive system that was changed with surgery.

The Influence of Your Surroundings on Your Weight

Think about this scenario. You leave home without Breakfast and order a muffin and ice coffee at the drive-through on your way to work. You grab a doughnut at your morning meeting, and go out for lunch with your friends. You order the lunch special with a salad, breadstick, fettuccine alfredo and cheesecake. You nibble on some chocolates from your secretary’s desk as you make your way to the vending machine for a soda in the afternoon. You pick up a pizza on your way home because you know that there is nothing else for dinner.< /span>

Now compare it to this second scenario. You wake up early to meet your friend for a walk before you get home for a breakfast of scrambled egg whites and spinach. You drive to work and have yogurt and some fruit at your morning meeting. Lunch with your coworkers consists of a green salad with canned tuna, and you have a hard-boiled egg for your afternoon snack. You are able to get dinner on the table quickly when you get home because you only need to defrost the meals that you prepared earlier in the week.

Which scenario do you think you can help you lose weight? The second one, of course. So why not make it a reality?

Do Your Surroundings Encourage Weight Loss or Weight Gain?

You have battled your weight for years, if not for your entire life before weight loss surgery. In all likelihood, your environment was set up for you to eat. Take a good, hard look at your environment. Is it more like the first scenario or the second one described above? You have the ability to make it more like the second one. Notice the following items from the two scenarios.
Exercise was automatic in the second one because you planned to meet a friend – so you couldn’t back out.
Preparing your dinners ahead of time meant that you could eat quickly without going to a fast food restaurant.
Packing your own Snacks meant that you did not have to eat a doughnut in your morning meeting or chocolates in the afternoon.

Make the “Right” Choice Automatic

The fewer tough choices you have, the less likely you are to make poor decisions. Set up your environment so that the healthier actions are easier.

To make healthy eating easier:
Prepare plenty of meals ahead of time so that you always have a ready-to-eat, healthy option to prevent you from opting for take-out.
Throw away the take-out menus that you used to store in the kitchen. The extra time it takes you to look up the phone numbers and menus online may be enough to let you come to your sense and realize that you don’t want fast food.
Keep your kitchen stocked with all kinds of healthy foods, so that no matter your craving, you have a healthy answer.
Do not keep unhealthy foods at home. If they are not there, you cannot eat them.
Make sure that the healthy option is the default option. For example, measure your cheese and cut and wash fruits and vegetables ahead of time so that it is easier to snack on them than on Cookies.< /span>

Also consider these ideas:
Meet your friends for walks or shopping trips instead of for meals at restaurants.
Park your car a few blocks away from work so that you have no choice but to walk those few blocks again at the end of the day as you leave work.
Do not drive past drive-thrus if they are too tempting. Also, do not keep money in the car, and consider removing your car’s cup holders so that eating in the car is no longer an option.

All weight loss surgery patients have their own struggles. Far from being wimpy, removing these obstacles rather than fighting them is the best way to overcome them. The weight loss journey path will always have speed bumps and potholes, but it will be a lot smoother if you set up your lifestyle to promote better choices all day.

Great Post Denise! I live in Sacramento, maybe if we have some time we can hook up for coffee or something while you are here?
 
BariatricPal Hosts at the very bottom of the Gastric Sleeve forums page.
 
 
Sounds like a hell of a day Florinda! Those oreos are the devil to me as well.. The last mini binge I had I at least took the "stuff" out of the middle first.... There are very few things I just can't have in the house, but those are one of them! 7 pounds must be at least 6.5 of water... drink lots of Water, chop the salt for a few days and that might help. Do you think the hip is an injury? Run for your dreams girl! The sooner you head for them the sooner you will be living in them! Almost any situation contains a blessing. Even the hellish ones! The list you gave of "loser" traits you fear will make you up, all can be fixed, learned from, or used for something good. You are a creative person... dont forget to look at the possibel up side of any situation, and go there!
I want one!!!
 
My weight has been farting around the high end of my bounce range for weeks. I did a fast yesterday and bam... down to the low end. I have to say that made my day. I don't like to let these things push me around, but I still like to see that number!

Good point with the snoring and the Cpap - both myself and my husband were terrible, terrible snorers prior to the prep for surgery. I always felt terrible because he would feel so sad, and also feel guilty when I would sneak out to sleep on the sofa because the windows were rattling lol. He always seemed to take it personally - that I was leaving him all alone when I was just trying to get some shut eye.
 
We both got new Cpap machines that were pretty much silent - and then snoring went away instantly - now that so much of the excess weight is gone, all of his and then some and most of mine - it isn't an issue any longer. He and I both have snorts here and there when sleeping on our backs but the change has been dramatic.
 
It is sad that he is reacting to the issue the way he is - hopefully his understanding will grow, and you will be able to get some sound sleep.
 
I can sooo relate to esteem/job issues - as one who teaches at both the undergrad and graduate level I am well aware of how my title and status make me feel (great most of the time - not so great lately with my main institution being gutted financially) of how wonderful it can make you feel to be shown that what you do has really helped to change peoples lives for the better. Now that this all seems to be coming to an end, and I do not wish to continue dealing with the political stresses of a life in academia - I will reinvent myself once again
 
Next week is spring break and I am very much looking forward to a respite from work.
 
Sheryl - I feel like we have so much in common - Irish. both 49, and I even drive a mini cooper clubman lol.

Hi ladies!
Just got back from the dermatologist and had a suspicious mole shaved off - find out next week if its something, or nothing.
 
Still hanging in there with the crazy insanity that is work right now - on top of the madness they have taken away our parking lot - although I pay for the privilege of a possibility of a parking spot - had to pay 20 extra bucks on Monday and that made me quite crabby! going to try and stop wasting my precious energy on stuff I have no control over
 
Interesting - the thought that wild mood swings could be linked with blood sugar - guess I have been so overfed most of my life I would not recognize this if it happened to me - but I think I am going through this too right now. Hormones, stress, auto-immune junk flaring (eyes, skin, arthritis bah!)
 
I have been really working on maintaining positivity and nipping the poor me stuff in the bad as fast as I can - so so hard to do. Please let the sun come out and shine for us!
 
Love you guys and am thinking of you all!

Maybe we should get together for St Pattys day...haha!
Well, I think I will be just back from Mexico then, but, another day would be fun. My mini coop really is mini.. the little S Coupe hardtop. White Silver with black racing stripes and black wheels. Love it. I think I need to get a photo of me with my mini..teehee.
I am sorry your work situation is deteriorating - bit life lesson for me - work is just work. It's important, but it isn't your life and it surely does not define who we are!

Hi ladies!
Just got back from the dermatologist and had a suspicious mole shaved off - find out next week if its something, or nothing.
 
Still hanging in there with the crazy insanity that is work right now - on top of the madness they have taken away our parking lot - although I pay for the privilege of a possibility of a parking spot - had to pay 20 extra bucks on Monday and that made me quite crabby! going to try and stop wasting my precious energy on stuff I have no control over
 
Interesting - the thought that wild mood swings could be linked with blood sugar - guess I have been so overfed most of my life I would not recognize this if it happened to me - but I think I am going through this too right now. Hormones, stress, auto-immune junk flaring (eyes, skin, arthritis bah!)
 
I have been really working on maintaining positivity and nipping the poor me stuff in the bad as fast as I can - so so hard to do. Please let the sun come out and shine for us!
 
Love you guys and am thinking of you all!

I got this private message today and it is representative of what I get a few times a week:
"I was told you had plastics don't in Mexico? What all did you have done and how much did everything cost?"
Okay, it is a PITA to type from your phone so that probably explains the lack of an intro or a please or thank you - but I am getting sort of burned out on these kind of messages. I have always answered them in some detail but a part of me wonders... does this person even read on the plastics forum? I am also sure that if people are only shopping on price, they can likely find someone cheaper then Dr Sauceda.< /p>
So, did I just wake up on the wrong side of the bed or is it annoying to get a "hand me all your info on a silver platter" request a couple of times a week? LOL
2 more sleeps till Mexico!

Been sitting quietly at the back of the room again, taking it all in. I have managed to lose 2/3 of the weight I put on during my little holiday. I'm pleased with that but it is so much harder to take off than it is to put it on. I have managed to pick up my exercise again so again feeling better.

Sheryl are you going to Mexico for vacay? It sounds so wonderful...
Florinda if you can eat 600 cals and not be hungry, my hats off to you.
This weight thing is so frustrating at times....weight goes up, weight goes down.......I do know that sugar=inflammation..........
Sarah you and I are on the same boat in detoxying from sugar......I am focusing on making my own foods from scratch and staying away from the Protein Bars. I will continue with Protein Shakes because they help with no constipation.... LOL But foods with only a few ingredients is what I'm striving for.
Went to Coco's yesturday and was surprised to see that they have gluten free stuff, eggs hormone free and cage free, and 1 more change I can't remember.. They are becoming a bit more health consious....
Sheila how is you puppy doing? This is like one of our children being sick. My family has recently lost a cat and we are devastated.
Tomorrow is my official fast day.
Has anyone heard from Laura or Cheri?
Happy Monday to all....

Good morning my darling friend from across the pond! Sit down and listen up.
YOU must ALWAYS be STRONGER than YOUR WEAKNESSES.
You are explaining a lot of things I've gone through in the last few years. Sometimes there comes a time when we need help. Not from an online community but from someone who we can sit down with, face to face and get some mental issues out and as they do they float up into space. Like a balloon and once it gets to the edge of the atmosphere, what happens? Yes, they pop.
You're a lovely, courageous, determined, supportive, incredible, strong, enduring, and VICTIMLESS woman. What I mean by victimless is no matter what happens to you either it be changeable or not you move forward and always do what you have to do to be healthy. For no other reason that just. To. Be. Healthy. Life billions of moments are rarely ever perfect or well going, but us as the human species must always do what we have to do to survive and ensure the survival of our loved ones. Am I right? If we have no choice in the matter of our loved ones then we are only left with our strength of character and doll you have a lot of it.
I seen somethings on Facebook and I'm attaching it so you can see them. They are great and really quite brilliant... just like you... just like me... just like every soul on this Planet past, present and future.
  
Take care!

One thing I keep in mind when I feel my plate is fuller than I can handle is The Serenity Prayer. I do not believe in the conventional God of my childhood, but rather focus on a power greater than myself:
I have to right-size my expectations of others and of myself. Take deep breaths and tackle one issue at a time. Down deep, I know what the next right move is. I just need to take the time to reflect and let the answer come to me.
The bottom line is you are a good person with good intentions for yourself and others. You know what the next right move is. Don't feel guilty if that move appears to be selfish. It is what you need. Don't feel guilty if it is self-sacrificing. It is what your soul needs.
Breathe, meditate and listen to your inner voice. You are wiser than you think.

Hi Coops,
Well, here is what I would try if you are interested, and remember, it's never too late and I believe you can do it. Let us know how you do. Good luck!
Kickstart yourself with 2 or 3 days of just liquid Protein shakes. I found this sort of "reactivates" my sleeve and gets my head back on. It's hard to do after eating somewhat normally, but it does get the restriction fired up again (at least for me). Start writing everything down again - MFP or other Measure your food. I have started eyeballing things, not a great habit to get into... Get that Water in! 64 oz minimum, you know the drill. The same old routine: firm Protein first, then vegs, then carbs. Plan out your exercise regime. Maybe split your time between cardio and strength training. Cardio will burn fat, strength training will build muscle, which will raise your metabolic rate over time.