elvislover

Some of you may have run across one or more of my posts where I refer to “life style changes” as the Prime Directive. We’ve all heard it – “Bariatric surgery is just a tool. Long term success depends on life style changes.” But I wonder how many of us have given serious thought to what “life style changes” really means. What are the implications? How do we incorporate the Prime Directive into the myriad of decisions that we will make as we travel the path toward achieving our goal? What criteria must be met that will ensure that the decisions we make are consistent with the Prime Directive?

· Sustainability – “life style changes” are, by definition, long term. I cringe every time I read a post where someone says “I’m three months out and eating about 500 to 600 calories a day.” That is not healthy. It’s not a life style change. And it’s not sustainable.

· Compatibility - Success is not synonymous with suffering. I recently commented in a post “Five years of moderate exercise is much more valuable than five weeks of trying to be a hero.” Most of us have the ability (and the temptation) to take diet or exercise to the extreme – bad idea. If we hate doing that five mile walk, or following that 600 calorie a day diet, or failing to participate in that holiday meal – we simply will not continue that in the long run. Life is supposed to be fun. You deserve to be happy. Successful life style changes means giving ourselves permission to Celebrate a moderate exercise routine, to eat a healthy number of calories every day, and to enjoy a special occasion with family and friends. Thoughtful restraint is always a success – mindless denial or pursuing an exercise goal that is beyond your personal limits will fail every time.

· Realistic expectations - At the heart of every life style change is a realistic expectation. Again and again and again I see folks agonizing over their failure to lose “X” pounds a week, or going a whole week without losing any weight, or frustrated because they don’t see an immediate response to a change they have made in their diet or exercise. Unrealistic expectations are unquestionably a major source of stress for many and may well be the single biggest contributing factor that causes some to fail. We’re all individuals and we’re all different. There are no absolutes. Do your part in following the protocol your doctor gave you and then allow your body to find its own way, in its own time. Expect there to be bumps in the road and above all else remember that patience is not only a virtue, it’s a necessity.

There is no “one size fits all” answer to the question of how we go about identifying and then incorporating life style changes. But if we remember that they must be sustainable, compatible with our strengths and capabilities, and based on realistic expectations, we have a solid foundation for the Prime Directive.

Well I'm still on liquids myself. At least until Thursday. I never thought I would look forward to puréed foods so much in my life

I'm still in the process of getting my surgery hw:230

This is from my wedding in 2007. I was about 220. Before I had surgery I was up to 280. I'm now about 240. I have not taken any pics since surgery. The other pics are from about 2 years ago. One is from NYC and the other is from my niece 16th birthday party. I was about the same size I am now 235 - 240.

This is me right when I started my journey November 2011 328 pounds

These are my favorite pics of myself. I felt beautiful in them but my feet were killing me in the heels and my girdles were suffocating me each and every time I sat down lol



I was about 315 and my surgery should be in August.

First pic before-293
Second pic bout 5 days post op-267
I'm so excited for my future healthy living! This has been tough but we all need to stay on track and focused!

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This is me.....in Feb.....I was 235 current weight: 248. Surgery: October 2012 Goal weight: 140

Ham egg cups:
To assemble, grab a cupcake/muffin pan and place a thin slice of ham or turkey in each space.
Sprinkle finely chopped red and green peppers at the bottom. Crack an egg into each ham "cup". Season with salt and pepper. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 mins. Remove it and serve.
This is my mom incorporating ideas for when I'm able to eat. Nom! Nom! Nom!

Just hanging out in holding weeee

You look soo pretty ! I love your hair btw !

Beautiful

This is me right when I started my journey November 2011 328 pounds

I am on day 13 no cheating, i think the dr would be mad if he cut me open and found pizza or chicken in me. Not having food is helping me build a different realionship with food. Eat to live, not live to eat. That's what i keep telling myself.

Wow it really does seem like yesterday I started this whole process and now it's here. Thanks everyone for the kind words and the support along the way. I drive down to Bismarck in about 5 hours and check into the hotel. Almost there....

One of my friends said that lemon juice helps when meat is stuck...maybe that will help?!

Other than being dehydrated for one day, I had no complications or incision pain. I had gas pain for only three days. I have not thrown up or had any nausea. I have not had any problems keeping food down at all. My experience couldn't have gone any better so far. I'm currently on pureed but I can eat certain solids with no issues. I still battle getting all my Protein in, but I'm getting better. I'm not bragging, but before my surgery I was worried about complications, as well. However, I went in hoping for the best but prepared for the worst. Just stay positive and you will be fine. This forum helped me get over a lot of fears. It's always good to hear from people who have good and bad experiences with this surgery. Just remember, your journey won't be like the next persons.

its been 3 1/2 months since surgery and i have lost 56lbs and im now 199! finally into the 100s. I hope to never see the 200s again! it feels amazing! with the lapband it took me a year to loose that much. feels so good to reach my first goal in such a short time! this is the best thing i ever did
rny 4/6/12 <br />hw 255/cw 201/ gw 137

Had my RnY 4 weeks ago today. As of this morning I have lost 40.5 lbs!!!! Going to a movie with my husband to Celebrate. No popcorn though! Maybe I'll sneak in a Jello

My surgery was on the 11th and I feel the same way as you I'm afraid of not losing enough for my follow up, but lets keep walking as much as we can.
Best of luck

Lol mine sounds like whales talking to each other. It's so loud and rumbly!

Ditto! I hope all of you are doing well and walking around the room! I am sending my thoughts your way!
I hope the hoops are close together and small for you!!

I was just reading through the threads and it seems so many had surgery this week, Praying for each of you
and feeling joy for you cause i know how hard you have worked to get to this poing.
Just wishing everyone the best
Vicki
waiting for approval of revision from lap band (2005) to RNY
jumping through all the hoops

So This weekend I have conquered 2 huge hurdles!! Friday night a spread of good ok southern food at a family et together at my moms . Today a pig picking' family reunion. I'm on day 4 of liquids and so ready to taste something lol. But I survived and next year I'll be thinner, healthier, and able to eat the right portion sizes instead of enough for 10 people! Thank you Lord for willpower today!