NewLife'sGr8

I try to stick with good quality dark chocolate with high cacao (coco) percentage & eat just a couple/ few squares.
Best to stay away from all those fruity things in them. Sometimes, it's not real fruit, it's "lab-created" fruit look alike with a little fruit juice in it. Blech! (Keep telling yourself THAT when you feel like the "fruity" chocolates.
Dark chocolate has some health benefits and is usually lower in sugars.
If you eat 1oz of the good dark chocolate before a meal, it reduces your hunger. If you eat the kind with hot chili peppers in it, it increases your metabolism too
when I do eat it, I keep in mind "It's for my health" while eating it (mindful eating). It's a once in awhile thing for me. Not a daily regimen.
The tricky part is not eating the whole thing or going on a choco-binge. That's just self control.
I found it's helpful to allow myself the dark choco once in awhile- without any guilt. Yes, I CAN have that! Re-framing my mind has reduced my cravings

I try to stick with good quality dark chocolate with high cacao (coco) percentage & eat just a couple/ few squares.
Best to stay away from all those fruity things in them. Sometimes, it's not real fruit, it's "lab-created" fruit look alike with a little fruit juice in it. Blech! (Keep telling yourself THAT when you feel like the "fruity" chocolates.
Dark chocolate has some health benefits and is usually lower in sugars.
If you eat 1oz of the good dark chocolate before a meal, it reduces your hunger. If you eat the kind with hot chili peppers in it, it increases your metabolism too
when I do eat it, I keep in mind "It's for my health" while eating it (mindful eating). It's a once in awhile thing for me. Not a daily regimen.
The tricky part is not eating the whole thing or going on a choco-binge. That's just self control.
I found it's helpful to allow myself the dark choco once in awhile- without any guilt. Yes, I CAN have that! Re-framing my mind has reduced my cravings

My bedroom has been commandeered.
Getting out of the shower, I realized I forgot to grab a fresh pair of undies.
Put on my 'skinny jeans' commando
no camel toe! None. Zip.
So I just went with it
TMI- I know
Still, a personal NSV

I Didn't see this thread until later...
Otherwise, I Would've posted my thread: NSV A Waist in here, instead creating a new nsv thread
oops

I found my waist.

My bedroom has been commandeered.
Getting out of the shower, I realized I forgot to grab a fresh pair of undies.
Put on my 'skinny jeans' commando
no camel toe! None. Zip.
So I just went with it
TMI- I know
Still, a personal NSV

@ FineDiva
Yep. My former Jay-Lo butt deflated.
Bad timing. My butt was high & round, in the 1980's - 1990's when pencil straight was media-marketed as "desirable".
In the mid-late 2000's, way over-inflated.
Now that big round butts are in, mine went flat. Go figure.
*heads-up:
Partially my fault. I didn't keep squatting.
Good news: I'm told it's repairable- just get squatting again.
That, and a little plastic surgery.

I try to stick with good quality dark chocolate with high cacao (coco) percentage & eat just a couple/ few squares.
Best to stay away from all those fruity things in them. Sometimes, it's not real fruit, it's "lab-created" fruit look alike with a little fruit juice in it. Blech! (Keep telling yourself THAT when you feel like the "fruity" chocolates.
Dark chocolate has some health benefits and is usually lower in sugars.
If you eat 1oz of the good dark chocolate before a meal, it reduces your hunger. If you eat the kind with hot chili peppers in it, it increases your metabolism too
when I do eat it, I keep in mind "It's for my health" while eating it (mindful eating). It's a once in awhile thing for me. Not a daily regimen.
The tricky part is not eating the whole thing or going on a choco-binge. That's just self control.
I found it's helpful to allow myself the dark choco once in awhile- without any guilt. Yes, I CAN have that! Re-framing my mind has reduced my cravings

Bio oil is good too
It's important to exfoliate first & regularly.
I have so many scars now, I told my adult daughters they can now call me Scaaarrrrr (in my best pirate impersonation). They were not amused.
But hey, I was pretty amused at myself & my newish lightheartedness about all my imperfections.
I used to think I had to be as perfect as possible. All that did was dump upon myself, unnecessary stress.
Re-framing my mind to accept and love myself as is has been pivotal to my growth as a human being.
I still want to have PS- so I can be the best me possible, without the saggy skin. I know, it sounds contradictory. It's not. I just want to enjoy living again without spanks & such- too many layers, too long to get ready, & hiking myself back up into the garments throughout the day, especially in summer

@ FineDiva
Yep. My former Jay-Lo butt deflated.
Bad timing. My butt was high & round, in the 1980's - 1990's when pencil straight was media-marketed as "desirable".
In the mid-late 2000's, way over-inflated.
Now that big round butts are in, mine went flat. Go figure.
*heads-up:
Partially my fault. I didn't keep squatting.
Good news: I'm told it's repairable- just get squatting again.
That, and a little plastic surgery.

Is it possible to find Plastic Surgeons of Excellence around the US and Mexico, who are willing to offer group-rate pricing (Perhaps deep discounts?) for Bariatric Pal's members, just like you've done with WL Surgeons?
IMHO, the Plastic Surgery component is just as important as WLS for becoming (psychologically) healthy to prevent body dysmorphia and obesity "relapse".

You've made that first BIG step! Congrats!
The hunger's going to last a few more weeks until you get a good fill that also restricts, and wha-la! You're suddenly not feeling hungry all the time, you eat to satisfaction, and you can focus all that freed-up mental energy on something new & cool- like painting or something.

Gurgling is the 'secret handshake' for bandsters
Embrace it

@@Bandista You hit the nail on the head- for me:
"Worthy".
My worthiness over the course of my life has been like Hamlet's Wheel; That 26,000yr cycle of the Cosmos, that goes from positive trends to negative trends, round and round. The trick with Hamlet's Wheel is to stay centered, otherwise that darn wheel will swing you around- barely able to hang on. I've done both. It's hard to remain centered though, especially when the unexpected hits you.
I started my ride on the wheel at a young age (like 3yo I remember things) feeling happily confident in myself, then whap! something major happened that sunk me into the dredges.
Of course, "Major" is different when you're 3yo, adolescent, teens, 20's, 30's, etc.. The more 'major' things I experience, the less major a lot of those other things seem.
"Major" is different for everyone- all valid.
So round and round I went, and round and round I go - squished like a "toon", then spring back up, pull up my proverbial boot-straps, get myself back to: Yes! I AM worthy of all good things life offers, succeed like a banshee, then BAM! Another Major life-thing.
I'm not bi-polar btw.
By major, I'm talking about out-of-the-norm, really hard-hard things, for example: my sister's murder (she was 16yo - I, 14yo). Still unsolved.
Without a doubt, that certainly had something to do with all my yo-yo-ing; , fat/thin, fat/thin, round and round.... centered/barely hanging on, repeat.
Other things too.
I'm glad I've had all the counseling I have & thankfully, no longer suffer survivor's guilt. At least I got rid of all the self-destructive behavior associated with that. Good riddance! But there's still a cavernous pit that will probably always be there- it's part of me now. I'm grateful I can live with that pit now, regardless of where I am on the wheel.
So in this moment, I'm on another down-swing with another WTF? - out of left-field-thing. Feeling pretty exhausted. I'm glad I'm no longer dealing with my 'head-hunger' bottomless pit anymore- my former go-to when life got whack. Such a relief! I have plenty of pits to deal with and am so happy to finally let that one go.
On the up-swing, I see the light ahead of me. It's right around that next switch-back (thank goodness!), nice and bright and calling my name. YAY!
Over the years, I've had lots of counseling. I agree Bandista. IMO, It doesn't do much good for me anymore. When I found myself counseling the counselor, I knew it was time to jump that train.
That's why I'm SO happy I discovered BP! It's my 'group therapy' which I've also done a lot of over the years.
Right now, It's refreshing to re-direct my focus & energy on my band, the semantics of weight loss, head-hunger, body image, getting answers to help the inflammation, etc & with a wonderful group of people who post so openly & honestly- from way, deep down. I'm blessed!
I haven't had the presence of mind in some time, to really think on that level, much less share my inner most self with 'strangers'. This site has been pivotal in guiding me around these last couple switch-backs, where I can finally get a glimpse of that oncoming light, beaconing me.
For all those people who either haven't had any counseling, or not much counseling, I think it's a good 1st step towards self-awareness. A must in the WLS experience.
Groups are a great component too. Hearing other's similar stories and sharing your own in a safe, trusting environment is truly liberating. Finding answers to long sought-after questions- even better!
Soooo in conclusion (sorry so long), IMHO, Each person has their own path to take- but, where to begin? Counseling, groups, spiritual guidance, or online- it's ALL good, all beneficial.
Of course, EXERCISE really does help a LOT!
Very therapeutic, plus all those other physical-health benefits too.
(Def. need to do more of that, myself)
I've done, and recommend, all the above.
Whatever it takes to make you feel whole
and WORTHY!
THAT's where it's at!
Good luck!
And Thanks for reminding me @"Bandista"!

Is it possible to find Plastic Surgeons of Excellence around the US and Mexico, who are willing to offer group-rate pricing (Perhaps deep discounts?) for Bariatric Pal's members, just like you've done with WL Surgeons?
IMHO, the Plastic Surgery component is just as important as WLS for becoming (psychologically) healthy to prevent body dysmorphia and obesity "relapse".

@ FineDiva
Yep. My former Jay-Lo butt deflated.
Bad timing. My butt was high & round, in the 1980's - 1990's when pencil straight was media-marketed as "desirable".
In the mid-late 2000's, way over-inflated.
Now that big round butts are in, mine went flat. Go figure.
*heads-up:
Partially my fault. I didn't keep squatting.
Good news: I'm told it's repairable- just get squatting again.
That, and a little plastic surgery.

Awesome and keep going! I hosted a Thanksgiving party being on 800 cal diet. It was tough! I might have had too much protein/turkey :/
To get rid of food smell, try eucalyptus oil, it really overpowers all other smells and is calming. And every time I thought of food I always had a bottle or glass of Water and kept sipping on it. For headache try just tiny piece of darkest chocolate to open up your veins.
Good luck!

Well, it's Day 3 of my pre-surgery diet (Protein shakes and no more than 250 calories of greens per day) and I am feeling pretty darn good, considering I have had nothing substantial to eat since Wednesday, December 3rd.
The amazing thing - I'm not 'that' hungry. I love that SWLC lets me eat low G.I. veggies as well as the Protein Shakes. This is helping me get through these long days. I'm not prone to headaches, but Deez416 warned me I might get one once I start the pre-op diet, and boy was she right. I've had a constant low grade headache for 2 days. Having Tylenol on hand has helped!

The hardest part of this whole thing is late afternoon each day. As soon as it starts to get dark and the dinner hour approaches, I start thinking about food and having my nightly glass of wine. This is tough. Last night I roasted chicken thighs (my favourite thing in the world), made mashed potatoes and green Beans for my family for dinner.

I was so overwhelmed with temptation, I had to leave the table and sit in the fireplace room with the door shut. My daughter was adorable, and apologized to me for enjoying dinner!

I'm in ketosis, too - that started on Day 2. There is no better motivator for me than to see that dark pink/purple colour on the strip! Yesssss! Burning fat? Yes please. Pass me another low carb Protein shake, willya?

Whole grain mustard is pretty amazing in itself -- I cut up an onion or two, add lots of mustard (got to get the good stuff, no additives!) and chicken. Bakes or grills beautifully. Also French style cooking with stock (broth) is very easy. Sauté the chicken or meat on both sides, add veggies and stock, simmer a long time to cook the stock down. Makes a lovely sauce and the Protein is very tender.

@@Bandista You hit the nail on the head- for me:
"Worthy".
My worthiness over the course of my life has been like Hamlet's Wheel; That 26,000yr cycle of the Cosmos, that goes from positive trends to negative trends, round and round. The trick with Hamlet's Wheel is to stay centered, otherwise that darn wheel will swing you around- barely able to hang on. I've done both. It's hard to remain centered though, especially when the unexpected hits you.
I started my ride on the wheel at a young age (like 3yo I remember things) feeling happily confident in myself, then whap! something major happened that sunk me into the dredges.
Of course, "Major" is different when you're 3yo, adolescent, teens, 20's, 30's, etc.. The more 'major' things I experience, the less major a lot of those other things seem.
"Major" is different for everyone- all valid.
So round and round I went, and round and round I go - squished like a "toon", then spring back up, pull up my proverbial boot-straps, get myself back to: Yes! I AM worthy of all good things life offers, succeed like a banshee, then BAM! Another Major life-thing.
I'm not bi-polar btw.
By major, I'm talking about out-of-the-norm, really hard-hard things, for example: my sister's murder (she was 16yo - I, 14yo). Still unsolved.
Without a doubt, that certainly had something to do with all my yo-yo-ing; , fat/thin, fat/thin, round and round.... centered/barely hanging on, repeat.
Other things too.
I'm glad I've had all the counseling I have & thankfully, no longer suffer survivor's guilt. At least I got rid of all the self-destructive behavior associated with that. Good riddance! But there's still a cavernous pit that will probably always be there- it's part of me now. I'm grateful I can live with that pit now, regardless of where I am on the wheel.
So in this moment, I'm on another down-swing with another WTF? - out of left-field-thing. Feeling pretty exhausted. I'm glad I'm no longer dealing with my 'head-hunger' bottomless pit anymore- my former go-to when life got whack. Such a relief! I have plenty of pits to deal with and am so happy to finally let that one go.
On the up-swing, I see the light ahead of me. It's right around that next switch-back (thank goodness!), nice and bright and calling my name. YAY!
Over the years, I've had lots of counseling. I agree Bandista. IMO, It doesn't do much good for me anymore. When I found myself counseling the counselor, I knew it was time to jump that train.
That's why I'm SO happy I discovered BP! It's my 'group therapy' which I've also done a lot of over the years.
Right now, It's refreshing to re-direct my focus & energy on my band, the semantics of weight loss, head-hunger, body image, getting answers to help the inflammation, etc & with a wonderful group of people who post so openly & honestly- from way, deep down. I'm blessed!
I haven't had the presence of mind in some time, to really think on that level, much less share my inner most self with 'strangers'. This site has been pivotal in guiding me around these last couple switch-backs, where I can finally get a glimpse of that oncoming light, beaconing me.
For all those people who either haven't had any counseling, or not much counseling, I think it's a good 1st step towards self-awareness. A must in the WLS experience.
Groups are a great component too. Hearing other's similar stories and sharing your own in a safe, trusting environment is truly liberating. Finding answers to long sought-after questions- even better!
Soooo in conclusion (sorry so long), IMHO, Each person has their own path to take- but, where to begin? Counseling, groups, spiritual guidance, or online- it's ALL good, all beneficial.
Of course, EXERCISE really does help a LOT!
Very therapeutic, plus all those other physical-health benefits too.
(Def. need to do more of that, myself)
I've done, and recommend, all the above.
Whatever it takes to make you feel whole
and WORTHY!
THAT's where it's at!
Good luck!
And Thanks for reminding me @"Bandista"!

@@Bandista You hit the nail on the head- for me:
"Worthy".
My worthiness over the course of my life has been like Hamlet's Wheel; That 26,000yr cycle of the Cosmos, that goes from positive trends to negative trends, round and round. The trick with Hamlet's Wheel is to stay centered, otherwise that darn wheel will swing you around- barely able to hang on. I've done both. It's hard to remain centered though, especially when the unexpected hits you.
I started my ride on the wheel at a young age (like 3yo I remember things) feeling happily confident in myself, then whap! something major happened that sunk me into the dredges.
Of course, "Major" is different when you're 3yo, adolescent, teens, 20's, 30's, etc.. The more 'major' things I experience, the less major a lot of those other things seem.
"Major" is different for everyone- all valid.
So round and round I went, and round and round I go - squished like a "toon", then spring back up, pull up my proverbial boot-straps, get myself back to: Yes! I AM worthy of all good things life offers, succeed like a banshee, then BAM! Another Major life-thing.
I'm not bi-polar btw.
By major, I'm talking about out-of-the-norm, really hard-hard things, for example: my sister's murder (she was 16yo - I, 14yo). Still unsolved.
Without a doubt, that certainly had something to do with all my yo-yo-ing; , fat/thin, fat/thin, round and round.... centered/barely hanging on, repeat.
Other things too.
I'm glad I've had all the counseling I have & thankfully, no longer suffer survivor's guilt. At least I got rid of all the self-destructive behavior associated with that. Good riddance! But there's still a cavernous pit that will probably always be there- it's part of me now. I'm grateful I can live with that pit now, regardless of where I am on the wheel.
So in this moment, I'm on another down-swing with another WTF? - out of left-field-thing. Feeling pretty exhausted. I'm glad I'm no longer dealing with my 'head-hunger' bottomless pit anymore- my former go-to when life got whack. Such a relief! I have plenty of pits to deal with and am so happy to finally let that one go.
On the up-swing, I see the light ahead of me. It's right around that next switch-back (thank goodness!), nice and bright and calling my name. YAY!
Over the years, I've had lots of counseling. I agree Bandista. IMO, It doesn't do much good for me anymore. When I found myself counseling the counselor, I knew it was time to jump that train.
That's why I'm SO happy I discovered BP! It's my 'group therapy' which I've also done a lot of over the years.
Right now, It's refreshing to re-direct my focus & energy on my band, the semantics of weight loss, head-hunger, body image, getting answers to help the inflammation, etc & with a wonderful group of people who post so openly & honestly- from way, deep down. I'm blessed!
I haven't had the presence of mind in some time, to really think on that level, much less share my inner most self with 'strangers'. This site has been pivotal in guiding me around these last couple switch-backs, where I can finally get a glimpse of that oncoming light, beaconing me.
For all those people who either haven't had any counseling, or not much counseling, I think it's a good 1st step towards self-awareness. A must in the WLS experience.
Groups are a great component too. Hearing other's similar stories and sharing your own in a safe, trusting environment is truly liberating. Finding answers to long sought-after questions- even better!
Soooo in conclusion (sorry so long), IMHO, Each person has their own path to take- but, where to begin? Counseling, groups, spiritual guidance, or online- it's ALL good, all beneficial.
Of course, EXERCISE really does help a LOT!
Very therapeutic, plus all those other physical-health benefits too.
(Def. need to do more of that, myself)
I've done, and recommend, all the above.
Whatever it takes to make you feel whole
and WORTHY!
THAT's where it's at!
Good luck!
And Thanks for reminding me @"Bandista"!

I'm where you are now.
No motivation after a really harsh set-back.
Weak & tired, can't get off the couch.
Thank you for this post!
Lets me know I'm not alone & is helping me find ways to get myself back on track.
Thanks you posters!!!!
<3

When I roast meat, instead of making gravy, I make au jus.
I add to the roaster before popping in the meat -chicken, beef, or veggie stock- skim the fat off, season, and YUM!
It's low cal, flavorful & those 'sticky' meats go down so much better.
And with none of those additives that are hard to pronounce.

@@Bandista You hit the nail on the head- for me:
"Worthy".
My worthiness over the course of my life has been like Hamlet's Wheel; That 26,000yr cycle of the Cosmos, that goes from positive trends to negative trends, round and round. The trick with Hamlet's Wheel is to stay centered, otherwise that darn wheel will swing you around- barely able to hang on. I've done both. It's hard to remain centered though, especially when the unexpected hits you.
I started my ride on the wheel at a young age (like 3yo I remember things) feeling happily confident in myself, then whap! something major happened that sunk me into the dredges.
Of course, "Major" is different when you're 3yo, adolescent, teens, 20's, 30's, etc.. The more 'major' things I experience, the less major a lot of those other things seem.
"Major" is different for everyone- all valid.
So round and round I went, and round and round I go - squished like a "toon", then spring back up, pull up my proverbial boot-straps, get myself back to: Yes! I AM worthy of all good things life offers, succeed like a banshee, then BAM! Another Major life-thing.
I'm not bi-polar btw.
By major, I'm talking about out-of-the-norm, really hard-hard things, for example: my sister's murder (she was 16yo - I, 14yo). Still unsolved.
Without a doubt, that certainly had something to do with all my yo-yo-ing; , fat/thin, fat/thin, round and round.... centered/barely hanging on, repeat.
Other things too.
I'm glad I've had all the counseling I have & thankfully, no longer suffer survivor's guilt. At least I got rid of all the self-destructive behavior associated with that. Good riddance! But there's still a cavernous pit that will probably always be there- it's part of me now. I'm grateful I can live with that pit now, regardless of where I am on the wheel.
So in this moment, I'm on another down-swing with another WTF? - out of left-field-thing. Feeling pretty exhausted. I'm glad I'm no longer dealing with my 'head-hunger' bottomless pit anymore- my former go-to when life got whack. Such a relief! I have plenty of pits to deal with and am so happy to finally let that one go.
On the up-swing, I see the light ahead of me. It's right around that next switch-back (thank goodness!), nice and bright and calling my name. YAY!
Over the years, I've had lots of counseling. I agree Bandista. IMO, It doesn't do much good for me anymore. When I found myself counseling the counselor, I knew it was time to jump that train.
That's why I'm SO happy I discovered BP! It's my 'group therapy' which I've also done a lot of over the years.
Right now, It's refreshing to re-direct my focus & energy on my band, the semantics of weight loss, head-hunger, body image, getting answers to help the inflammation, etc & with a wonderful group of people who post so openly & honestly- from way, deep down. I'm blessed!
I haven't had the presence of mind in some time, to really think on that level, much less share my inner most self with 'strangers'. This site has been pivotal in guiding me around these last couple switch-backs, where I can finally get a glimpse of that oncoming light, beaconing me.
For all those people who either haven't had any counseling, or not much counseling, I think it's a good 1st step towards self-awareness. A must in the WLS experience.
Groups are a great component too. Hearing other's similar stories and sharing your own in a safe, trusting environment is truly liberating. Finding answers to long sought-after questions- even better!
Soooo in conclusion (sorry so long), IMHO, Each person has their own path to take- but, where to begin? Counseling, groups, spiritual guidance, or online- it's ALL good, all beneficial.
Of course, EXERCISE really does help a LOT!
Very therapeutic, plus all those other physical-health benefits too.
(Def. need to do more of that, myself)
I've done, and recommend, all the above.
Whatever it takes to make you feel whole
and WORTHY!
THAT's where it's at!
Good luck!
And Thanks for reminding me @"Bandista"!

When I roast meat, instead of making gravy, I make au jus.
I add to the roaster before popping in the meat -chicken, beef, or veggie stock- skim the fat off, season, and YUM!
It's low cal, flavorful & those 'sticky' meats go down so much better.
And with none of those additives that are hard to pronounce.