StephanieRR

I was was extremely prepared by my nutritionist. It took me 6 months to finish getting my financing together for the surgery. At first it was upsetting a little to have to wait so long. It ended up being a blessing in disguise!!! During those 6 months, my nutrtionist brought me in monthly, and made sure I was preparing myself mentally. She let me know it is not an easy fix. Every day will still have struggles between healthy lifestyle decisions or rather to fall back into old patterns. It was those 6 months that she was more like a psychologist.I firmly believe my mental changes prior to the surgery is what is making me a success. I strongly advise going to somewhere who specializes in these procedures rather than some doctor who just throws you into it. I believe it is the best tool I've ever had! ALONG with the mental preparation & encouragement. Your article was insightful since I always choose to try to keep things on a positive note. Next time I will think more about both sides of the coin.

Great Article!! I struggle with this myself since I have such an "all or nothing" personality. I am finding that I can occasionally enjoy a trigger food if I can get them in limited quantites. I never buy them to bring into my home now. However, if I am at my parents, I may have a tablespoon of peanutbutter. If I am out dining with my family or friends, I will eat Protein, order a dessert and offer to share it with someone at the table. Many times I can only handle 2 bites of it! It's a wonderful new feeling of control over my food that I have never had before. Moderation seems to be the key for me.

I loved this article! It gave me a chuckle and a sense that I am not alone. Do you know how many times I have asked myself "Why did I just do that?", knowing exactly what all I know??!! Every single diet I ever tried had one of those moments... I am only 3 months out so I am still on the more strict side. However it pleases me to see others out there are leading a life of somewhat "normal" eating behavior and getting right back on track. This is extra encouragement for me. Thank you!

Did I ever!!! I'd weigh twice a day! My nutritionist was not happy that I compared my weight loss to others and let's not mention that I told her I was upset when the scale stays the same for 3 days in a row!! She told me her concern is that I am not fully enjoying the benefits of my weight loss. I told her I look at the big picture..Loose clothing, healthier, walking better, etc... But she said if I truly was looking at the big picture, I wouldn't be emotional over the scale. She told me to only weigh once a week and once a week only! So I left her office 2/21/14 and did NOT weigh until my last appointment which was this past Friday, 3/28/14. I knew I had lost cause my clothes were baggy & people kept asking me how much have I lost...I almost cried when i saw the scale in her office. I was down 25 pounds!!! I must tell you, I DID FEEL REALLY GOOD NOT WEIGHING EVERYDAY. Just not knowing felt strange at first, but I was feeling so good that I was dwelling on my body and not a scale number. I have decided again to go this month without weighing till my next appointment on 4/28/14. I truly am getting the big picture now! Best wishes to you!! Remember, it's just a number. It doesn't measure the important things!

I thoroughly enjoyed this article. It helped me feel better about my eating choices during my first 2 months. I was recommended after post op to try to eat a little something every 3 hrs if possible to ensure I'm getting my nutrients. I just could NOT eat that often. Nor could I fit in all the portions of fruit, veggies, and Protein requirements with the small amount I was taking in each meal. After protein, I had no room for anything else. I do adhere to a high protein/low carb diet and I only eat when I'm hungry. It's nice to know I can have a carb once in a while in propotion to the protein if I desire. Thank you!!

It just seems so obvious to me that this is a site of support and helpful tips. I can't imagine why anyone would want to subject negativity to this community. I personally feel better hoping that something I may have posted or commented on may have helped encourage someone. I agree with PdxMan! People should read this first. It's a shame there's usually a bad apple in every basket. Thank you Alex for bringing such a diverse group who all share a common healthy goal together. I think it's a wonderful source of support and info!!

So sorry Nancy, but you are right..It is an old habit. An old habit that we had done for years to comfort ourselves. I am only just about 2 mos out so I have not went back to my old habits, nor do I ever hope to. However, I always did in the past, or I wouldn't have got into the shape I was in. It is human that we take comfort in old habits sometimes.,Forgive yourself and move on. Wishing you peace and happiness today. Keep holding your head high and dwell on your accomplishments, not your downfalls. You will be fine I have no doubt.

Alex, Thank you so much for posting this article. I had my surgery 3 weeks ago and I have only told the closest of my family, friends, and co-workers. The better I feel, the more I have been wanting to come out and tell people. Now people are starting to notice and I don't want to lie. Slowly I have been telling people when they ask what I am doing. I also have that fear that people will think it's the easy way out, when in reality it's been one of the hardest, but most rewarding things I have ever done. This article may just have been the extra boost I was looking for! Afterall, everyone I have told has been super excited and supportive of me! Plus,if some people are just deprived of info on WLS and think it's an easy fix, I may just be the one to educate them!