Sherri297

Hi there, I'm on the other side of the state (Idaho Falls). My surgery is October 8th. I'm so looking forward to starting a healthier and happier life.

I wonder how many of us get triggered when we read someone's post that says they feel SHAME about gaining weight? That's what so many of us do--beat ourselves up. We have to find that strength to CHALLENGE ourselves to stop the shaming and be okay with giving ourselves a little more love. Our self-talk plays an important role in WLS--if you "feel like a failure" it's much easier for your brain to say you ARE a failure. It is SOOO okay to not be perfect at this! First and foremost, try to focus on your AMAZING accomplishment. Then, if you accept this tiny setback with excitement and determination and NOT FEAR, you can have fun with regaining the control that you know you can achieve. (Are you keeping this all in perspective--this IS a tiny setback in your 2 year WLS big picture, right?)
Changing our relationship with food for the rest of our lives is soooo complicated, right? But NOT impossible!
For me, it started before my surgery with the commitment that I MUST choose to totally let go of all my old, familiar, comfortable unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle that went with that, and be willing to open my mind to new ideas and learn how to eati whole, unprocessed quality foods. To start that process, I had to actually take pen and paper and write down, in much detail, the actual foods that I KNEW very much contributed every day to my obesity (we all know what they are, if we are totally honest with ourselves, but often that is HARD to admit). Until I learned my new eating habits and was totally confident with myself in them (for me that took 18 months), I elimated those identified foods from my life. I never felt "deprived" because I worked hard to find substitutes for them that were WLS-friendly (not store-bought processed foods, but home-made).
Another big impact for me was a head game that I began playing with myself, that still works for me today (at 4 years out). When I see (or smell) something that triggers a strong temptation, I simply say to myself, "I don't eat that anymore." (or variations like "I CHOOSE healthy foods now," etc). It sounds silly, but there is science that backs up that this repetition to the subconscious mind can be effective.
Lastly, I educated myself in anatomy and physiology (actually, I went back to college and achieved my degree in nutrition) to better ensure my WLS success. No, I'm not suggesting that nutrition degree=success, BY ANY MEANS! What I am suggesting is that I think generally it helps if we truly educate ourselves to understand and respect the miracle that our bodies are. We owe it to our bodies to CHOOSE to feed them the whole, natural, unprocessed foods that our body systems were meant to process and digest to keep us healthy. food is meant to be fuel and medicine for the body. Oh so sadly, donuts, chili cheese fries, and Cheetos don't make the cut. Sigh...
It has been (and continues to be) hard, hard work. I think almost everyone says that. But I feel at wonderful peace now that I have firmly changed my relationship with food. It's still hard to believe because it's been such a dysfunction my whole life. How do I define this change?
1) I control my food. It does not control me. I CHOOSE my power. Can't is not in my vocabulary.
2) I don't have to be interested in the latest "diet" that comes out ever again. There is no such thing as being on a
diet anymore.
3) Junk food does not live in my house. But, if I am out and want, for instance, an ice cream cone, or dessert at a
restaurant, or a "somewhat healthy" fast-food meal (that would not include french fries!), I never have to think of any
of these things in the term of
CHEATING or GUILT. These are OCCASIONAL indulgences (once or twice a month). It feels so liberating to
never again berate myself by self-labeling as a cheater or being guilt-ridden over FOOD!
4) I never again have to play the "I'll exercise off" the 1/2 gallon of ice cream I ate yesterday game by doing crazy
"dieting and exercising" the next day. Now I simply maintain my weight with 1/2 hour of consistent exercise every day.
Period.
5) The bathroom scale does not define my day or my mood or my life. There's no weighing every day to see what the
constant poor eating choices do to the number on the scale.
Most/many people's weights vary naturally within a 5-pound range week-to-week. So all I have to do is joyfully visit
my scale once a week to see that I am in my 5-pound range.
Also, just wanted to share--
There are several great self-help books/websites on changing relationship with food/mindful eating. Many have been mentioned here on BP. Here's a couple of my favorites:
>Book: 50 way to soothe yourself without food by Susan Albers, PsyD
Dr Albers is a licensed clinical psychologist; easy reading; short chapters; www.sootheyourselfwithoutfood.com
>Website/Newsletter: AmIHungry.com
by Michelle May, MD She addresses mindful eating, binge eating, etc.
>Book: Women, Food, & God by Geneen Roth Website: geneenroth.com
Well-respected author in the weight-loss field. Has written many books. Her works elicit deep soul-searching. Has online newsletter and periodically conducts free online webinars.

Hi Kathy,
You may want to do some research on a genetic disorder called hemochromatosis. There are several blood tests used to diagnose it, also a DNA test. I have it and so does most of my fathers family, our bodies accumulate excess Iron and don't release it as one would normally do. If not treated it causes a multitude of diseases such as liver cirrhosis, joint pain, heat disease and the list goes on. The good news is that it's very treatable, mainly by phlebotomy (blood donation).

Hello every one I am post 3 years out and I am really disappointed with myself. I have gained 30 + pound and I never reached my goal. But this is not a woe is me party but I need help starting over and I just don't know where to start...Please if anyone can anyone help or give me some advice. I am 46 years old if that matters

I am 16 months out. I never made goal I still need to lose 40 pounds . My lowest weight was 173 in August. I had gained weight and was at 187 at my dr. Visit last week. Needless to say my surgeon challenged me to lose 10 pounds in two months. Told him I thouj my sleeve was broken. Turns out I have been grazing. I kept saying few snack won't hurt me. They have killed me and Im so mad at myself. I'm going to Paris in June and want to look fab.
This week went back to basics and have lost 6 pounds since monday. I have gone back to basics as everyone on here suggested and it works. 1 Protein shake in morning , greek yogurt for lunch. Lean Protein for snack when get home from work. Additional lean protein around 7 pm. Also have gotten in all my Water something I never did before. Keeping my carbs at 20 grams and my protein at 90. I am so grateful. That I have this forum to see that I'm not alone on this journey

There is a company called "Unjury" on the internet. They have unflavored Protein. They also have a sample pack you can order that has individual servings. Great for taking to work. Also have chicken flavored protein broth that is wonderful.

In my opinion Dr.'s and their staff, still have somewhat of "The god complex".
They like educated patients but only on what that specific practice deems is their protocol. Pre-op and post-op instructions vary greatly. I'm a middle of the road person myself, and believe in reading everything I can get my hands on. Sorry your Dr.'s office is un supportive.

In my opinion Dr.'s and their staff, still have somewhat of "The god complex".
They like educated patients but only on what that specific practice deems is their protocol. Pre-op and post-op instructions vary greatly. I'm a middle of the road person myself, and believe in reading everything I can get my hands on. Sorry your Dr.'s office is un supportive.

In my opinion Dr.'s and their staff, still have somewhat of "The god complex".
They like educated patients but only on what that specific practice deems is their protocol. Pre-op and post-op instructions vary greatly. I'm a middle of the road person myself, and believe in reading everything I can get my hands on. Sorry your Dr.'s office is un supportive.

In my opinion Dr.'s and their staff, still have somewhat of "The god complex".
They like educated patients but only on what that specific practice deems is their protocol. Pre-op and post-op instructions vary greatly. I'm a middle of the road person myself, and believe in reading everything I can get my hands on. Sorry your Dr.'s office is un supportive.

In my opinion Dr.'s and their staff, still have somewhat of "The god complex".
They like educated patients but only on what that specific practice deems is their protocol. Pre-op and post-op instructions vary greatly. I'm a middle of the road person myself, and believe in reading everything I can get my hands on. Sorry your Dr.'s office is un supportive.

We're all mental lol. There's a smidgeon of masculine superiority to bein able to whoop the worlds ass when you weigh a lot. So in my warped psyche there was some rationalization taking place when i sat down to a meal. Of course I should eat the most. Of course I should have another helping of everything. Im John Stinkin Wayne down here and Im hungry!
Mr Melon and I are starting to argue too. It's been telling me that it misses gorging and I shouldnt be satisfied with small volumes. So I show it my scars and say "SHUT UP MELON! Where would I put all that food now? You'd kill us both if you could, jerk!" I hope he goes away soon.
But remember this, even though we got issues from the shoulders up, from the shoulders DOWN we're getting insanely HEALTHY. Our hearts are thanking us, our bones are thanking us, and all our organs are having an easier time. Our joints are thriving under a "normal" load. And our life expectancy and enjoyment factors are increasing greatly.

I don't get all of the secrecy AT ALL! I told everybody and their brother; neighbors, colleagues, especially my supervisors! I started talking about it from the very beginning of the process, and educated everyone over the months-long process. The result is that my entire community is informed, rooting for me, checking on me, and celebrating me!!
I think a burning need to keep it a secret is a throwback to feelings of shame about who you are. I'm done with that nonsense!

My DH is finally coming around to the idea of me traveling abroad for plastics. I want to be able to present different choices of plastic surgeon to him. Therefore, I was hoping we could put together a master list if you will of "trusted" "previously used by the community" drs.
It's so difficult going from thread to thread looking for a hint of a dr's name. I'm sure this will be so helpful for those looking for a dr.
Anybody agree?

I was sleeved 1 year ago today, and yes I have found it much harder to lose after the 6 month mark.....just my experience. My first 60 lbs basically fell off, but to be truthful I haven't been giving it my all, it's time to get with it and lose those last 30-40 lbs.

I can't answer for the vets further out, but I hit my 6 month 9/1. I have consistently lost 2-3 lbs a week. I have about 70 lbs more to lose before I'm content. I will also admit (keep you comments to yourself... you know who you are lol) that I have worked out a handful of times since surgery. I will also say that since my loss hasn't been so drastic all at once, that my body has adjusted quite nicely and I don't have a lot of sagging skin. I'm going to have to have my arms done but knew going into it I would. They were bad before, they really flap in the wind now haha. I've been very pleased to this point, and don't regret my decision to have the surgery at all. I am at the point where I'm not completely exhausted and drained, and plan on starting to exercise in Nov when the gym around the block opens. I think starting out with so much to lose, it really put my body into shock. For the first 4 months I would come home so exhausted I couldn't cat h my breath. Now that my Protein intake is great and I eat some carbs everyday (not many, whole grain only) it's really improved everything. By birthday is in two weeks, and losing 100 lbs is the best gift I could have ever given myself. Ok, the new SUV when I hit 50 lbs wasn't too shabby either

I've colored my hair every 6 weeks since my surgery. Yes, I lost some hair, but the coloring had nothing to do within. I did biotin.. (And still do because my nails are awesome now), and Vitamins and gobs of Protein and my hair stil came out. It's going to happen and no one truly knows why or how to prevent it.
Anyway.. Color to your hearts content.. I did and you can see on my before pic I have lots of hair... And I can say I still do

Cowgirl,
I wish you a speedy recovery with your plastic surgery and congratulations on reaching and maintaining your goal. I'd also just like to share with you that I really enjoy reading your posts. You always put such thought into every single post, and pose questions/thoughts that get me thinking...sometime from a different perspective. So, Thank You.

Stomlin, thank you so much for having the courage to bare your soul.
I am in the same boat as you, rapidly coming up on a year and disgusted with myself because I'm still 25-30 lbs. from goal and have found myself eating sliders, and stress eating. I've gained 3 pounds in the last month...luckily its not more. I think staying dedicated to exercising has kept the weight down.
I'll be joining those of you who are eating clean today. And thank you to all the wonderful supporting vets for your replies. I don't often post, but I lurk, read, and learn from all of you.

Stomlin, thank you so much for having the courage to bare your soul.
I am in the same boat as you, rapidly coming up on a year and disgusted with myself because I'm still 25-30 lbs. from goal and have found myself eating sliders, and stress eating. I've gained 3 pounds in the last month...luckily its not more. I think staying dedicated to exercising has kept the weight down.
I'll be joining those of you who are eating clean today. And thank you to all the wonderful supporting vets for your replies. I don't often post, but I lurk, read, and learn from all of you.

I haven't had any of the conditions you've spoken about but I do remember my diaphragm was not happy and it hurt like hell to take a deep breath. It did start getting better about day 5 or 6, Right now you need to concentrate on #1 getting you liquids down, #2 Walk for at least 5 minutes every couple of hours. (This helps with the gas pains) use a heating pad a little for your tummy and alot for your back. Try to relax, you've just had major surgery you need time to heal. This is not an easy path, but for most of us the few days of pain are way worth it in the long run.

I haven't had any of the conditions you've spoken about but I do remember my diaphragm was not happy and it hurt like hell to take a deep breath. It did start getting better about day 5 or 6, Right now you need to concentrate on #1 getting you liquids down, #2 Walk for at least 5 minutes every couple of hours. (This helps with the gas pains) use a heating pad a little for your tummy and alot for your back. Try to relax, you've just had major surgery you need time to heal. This is not an easy path, but for most of us the few days of pain are way worth it in the long run.

Stomlin, thank you so much for having the courage to bare your soul.
I am in the same boat as you, rapidly coming up on a year and disgusted with myself because I'm still 25-30 lbs. from goal and have found myself eating sliders, and stress eating. I've gained 3 pounds in the last month...luckily its not more. I think staying dedicated to exercising has kept the weight down.
I'll be joining those of you who are eating clean today. And thank you to all the wonderful supporting vets for your replies. I don't often post, but I lurk, read, and learn from all of you.

Stomlin, thank you so much for having the courage to bare your soul.
I am in the same boat as you, rapidly coming up on a year and disgusted with myself because I'm still 25-30 lbs. from goal and have found myself eating sliders, and stress eating. I've gained 3 pounds in the last month...luckily its not more. I think staying dedicated to exercising has kept the weight down.
I'll be joining those of you who are eating clean today. And thank you to all the wonderful supporting vets for your replies. I don't often post, but I lurk, read, and learn from all of you.

I'm 51 years old, had a heart attack at age 46 - at that time I weighed 213. Quit smoking and gained another 50 pounds. Found my self with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes and didn't think would live to see 60. Now post surgery, I'm off all diabetic meds, no more high blood pressure, was able to reduce the amounts of acid reflux med and cholesterol meds. I'm so much healthier, and feel so much better. I can even run for short spurts . Was the best decision for me, I know it has increased my quality of life and most likely longevity. Best wishes.