chad2rad

This was really helpful.

I just had my revision to DS last month. Sleeved in 2012

I came across this article at our local support group this week.
Found it to me a good list for personal evaluation and focus when I am off track. Wanted to share...
http://www.nawls.com/
In a November 2005 poll conducted by NAWLS, the following were identified as the top 10 mistakes WLS patients make:
1st Mistake: Not Taking Vitamins, supplements, or Minerals
Every WLS patient has specific nutritional needs depending on the type of surgery you have had. Not only is it a good idea to ask your surgeon for guidelines, but also consult with an experienced WLS nutritionist. Understand there is not a standard practice that all surgeons and nutritionists follow in guiding WLS patients. So, it is important to do your own research, get your lab tests done regularly, and learn how to read the results.
Some conditions and symptoms that can occur when you are deficient in Vitamins, supplements, or minerals include:
Osteoporosis; pernicious anemia; muscle spasms; high blood pressure; burning tongue; fatigue; loss of appetite; weakness; Constipation and diarrhea; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; being tired, lethargic, or dizzy; forgetfulness, and lowered immune functioning.
Keep in mind, too, that some conditions caused by not taking your vitamins, supplements, or minerals are irreversible.
2nd Mistake: Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity
A “pink cloud” or honeymoon experience is common following WLS. When you are feeling better than you have in years, and the weight is coming off easily, it’s hard to imagine you will ever struggle again. But unfortunately, it is very common for WLS patients to not lose to their goal weight or to regain some of their weight back.
A small weight regain may be normal, but huge gains usually can be avoided with support, education, effort, and careful attention to living a healthy WLS lifestyle. For most WLSers, if you don’t change what you’ve always done, you’re going to keep getting what you’ve always gotten — even after weight loss surgery.
3rd Mistake: Drinking with Meals
Yes, it’s hard for some people to avoid drinking with meals, but the tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long-term success. If you drink while you eat, your food washes out of your stomach much more quickly, you can eat more, you get hungry sooner, and you are at more risk for snacking. Being too hungry is much more likely to lead to poor food choices and/or overeating.
4th Mistake: Not Eating Right
Of course everyone should eat right, but in this society eating right is a challenge. You have to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Eat all your meals–don’t skip. Don’t keep unhealthy food in sight where it will call to you all the time. Try to feed yourself at regular intervals so that you aren’t as tempted to make a poor choice.
And consider having a couple of absolutes: for example, avoid fried foods completely, avoid sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once a week. Choose your “absolutes” based on your trigger foods and your self knowledge about what foods and/or situations are problematic for you.
5th Mistake: Not Drinking Enough Water
Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of Water per day will help you avoid this risk. Adequate water intake will also help you flush out your system as you lose weight and avoid kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps with your weight loss, too.
6th Mistake: Grazing
Many people who have had WLS regret that they ever started grazing, which is nibbling small amounts here and there over the course of the day. It’s one thing to eat the three to five small meals you and your doctor agree you need. It’s something else altogether when you start to graze, eating any number of unplanned Snacks. Grazing can easily make your weight creep up. Eating enough at meal time, and eating planned Snacks when necessary, will help you resist grazing.
Make a plan for what you will do when you crave food, but are not truly hungry. For example, take up a hobby to keep your hands busy or call on someone in your support group for encouragement.
7th Mistake: Not Exercising Regularly
Exercise is one of the best weapons a WLS patient has to fight weight regain. Not only does exercise boost your spirits, it is a great way to keep your metabolism running strong. When you exercise, you build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn, even at rest!
8th Mistake: Eating the Wrong Carbs (or Eating Too Much)
Let’s face it, refined carbohydrates are addictive. If you eat refined carbohydrates they will make you crave more refined carbohydrates. There are plenty of complex carbohydrates to choose from, which have beneficial vitamins. For example, if you can handle pastas, try whole grain Kamut pasta–in moderation, of course. (Kamut Pasta doesn’t have the flavor some people find unpleasant in the whole wheat pastas.) Try using your complex carbohydrates as “condiments,” rather than as the center point of your meal. Try sprinkling a tablespoon of brown rice on your stir-fried meat and veggies.
9th Mistake: Going Back to Drinking Soda
Drinking soda is controversial in WLS circles. Some people claim soda stretches your stomach or pouch. What we know it does is keep you from getting the hydration your body requires after WLS–because when you’re drinking soda, you’re not drinking water! In addition, diet soda has been connected to weight gain in the general population. The best thing you can do is find other, healthier drinks to fall in love with. They are out there.
10th Mistake: Drinking Alcohol
If you drank alcohol before surgery, you are likely to want to resume drinking alcohol following surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting one year after surgery. And it is in your best interest to understand the consequences of drinking alcohol before you do it.
Alcohol is connected with weight regain, because alcohol has 7 calories per gram, while Protein and vegetables have 4 calories per gram. Also, some people develop an addiction to alcohol after WLS, so be very cautious. Depending on your type of WLS, you may get drunker, quicker after surgery, which can cause health problems and put you in dangerous situations.
If you think you have a drinking problem, get help right away. Putting off stopping drinking doesn’t make it any easier, and could make you a lot sicker.

Got this from an email list I am on. Thought is was great before the holidays to read. Peace!
What to Do When You Overdo It
You hear a lot about preventing overeating during the holidays - but what do you do when you’ve overeaten anyway?
Everybody overeats at times; that’s normal. The difference is that for some, an episode of overeating sets off a chain reaction: “I already blew it; I might as well keep eating and restart my diet tomorrow (or on January 1st). That's your eat-repent-repeat cycle.
People who don’t struggle with food overeat occasionally too. The difference is that although they may feel regretful, they don’t feel guilty and they don’t punish themselves. They just feel uncomfortable so they may skip their next snack, postpone their next meal, feel like eating less, and/or want to take a walk. They aren’t punishing themselves; they’re just listening to their body wisdom so they naturally compensate for occasional overeating. Mindful eating can help you return to this natural state too.
How Mindfulness Helps
Mindfulness is simply awareness of the present moment. Mindful eating allows you to focus on the immediate effects of eating more than you needed, rather than beating yourself up over the potential long term consequences. That allows you to make adjustments and learn from the experience. Here’s how:
Notice how you feel. Sit quietly for a few moments and become completely aware of your body. Focus on the sensations so you’ll remember them the next time you’re tempted to overeat. Does your stomach feel full, stretched, or bloated? Is there any discomfort or pain? Do your clothes feel tight? Is there any nausea or heart burn? Do you feel short of breath? How is your energy level? Do you feel sleepy, sluggish, tired, or lethargic? You may be less likely to repeat the mistake if you remind yourself how it feels to overeat (kind of takes the fun out of it, doesn’t it!).
Don’t feel beat yourself up. Overeating is simply eating more than your body needs at that time. Overeating doesn’t mean you were “bad.” It just means that you made a mistake—so don’t miss the lesson!
Turn your mistake into a learning experience. There are a lot of reasons people eat past the point of satisfaction: habits, learned behaviors, past dieting, and mindless eating. Ask yourself, “Why did it happen?” and “What could I do differently next time?” Here's just one example of how to do this from chapter 7 of Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat: How to Break Your Eat-Repent-Repeat Cycle:
“It was a special occasion.” You’re more likely to overeat if you only give yourself permission to eat enjoyable foods on special occasions. You don't need an excuse to have a wonderful meal—so why use a special occasion as an excuse to overeat?
Wait to see when you feel physically hungry again. Rather than continuing to eat by the clock or because you feel like you’ve already blown it, listen to your body. You may not be hungry for your usual snack or even your next meal.
When you get hungry again, notice what you feel like eating. You might notice that you’re hungry for something small or something light—maybe a bowl of Soup or Cereal, a piece of fruit, or a salad. Gradually learn to trust and respect what your body tells you; as you become more mindful, you’ll naturally seek balance, variety, and moderation.
Last, don’t use exercise to punish yourself for overeating. Instead, be physically active consistently and use the fuel you consume to live a full and satisfying life.
Eat Mindfully, Live Vibrantly!
Michelle May, M.D.

I just need my wife to stop yelling the doctors name and thanking him.

They will do it. But they may give you a Man-O-lantern so be careful.

Guess where you are going to "fit-in" soon? Airline seats, theater seats, amusement park rides, kayaks, regular clothes...the list goes on and on!
Which is better? That, or being able to down a crapload of food?
You are going to be just fine!!!

Whatever I decide to do with my food and activity choices has to be substainable over the long run. The first year, six months is a gift.
I don't want to be injured and then be unable to workout.
I hope to choose well each day, and quick to forgive if I mess up.
I think one month out now I am feeling better and time to kick it up a notch. Thanks for the reminder.

Down 5 lbs since my last check in here! Sleeved 10/08!
Make 2013 your year!
80 down and 60 to go!
Chad

Down 5 lbs since my last check in here! Sleeved 10/08!
Make 2013 your year!
80 down and 60 to go!
Chad

Stuck in several week stall. 167lbs
Maybe next time I'll weigh nekkid.. Or if I get real desperate donate an organ and claim that weight loss

"HetKF" posted this a while back, and I found it tonight.... Some great info here.
Also:
Looking for resources on food addiction. books, there are so many, which ones stand out?
I know this sleeve will only be a tool.
Never want to gain this weight back!
OA and Celebrate Recovery... Know they have helped many ppl. Others?
Thx
Living to Eat: Do You Have a Food Addiction?
By Meghan Vivo
Jane sneaks out of the house at midnight and drives six miles to the local 7-Eleven to get a chocolate bar. This has become a nightly ritual. She's gaining weight and feels profoundly ashamed of her lack of self-control. Though she vows to stop this behavior, she can't seem to shake the craving night after night.
Jane is a food addict.
In many ways, food can closely resemble a drug - caffeine and sugar offer a quick pick-me-up while carbohydrates and comfort foods can help soothe and relax the mind. Some people use food, like drugs, to feel at ease in social situations or to unwind after a long day. If you think about food constantly throughout the day, have compulsive cravings for certain types of foods, or waste more than half of your daily calories binging on unhealthy Snacks, you may be one of the 18 million Americans who suffer from food addiction.
What Is Food Addiction?
Food addiction, like any other addiction, is a loss of control. Food addicts are preoccupied with thoughts of food, body weight, and body image, and compulsively consume abnormally large amounts of food. Even though they understand the harm caused by their behavior, they just can't stop. Food addicts tend to crave and eat foods that are harmful to their bodies. For example, people with food allergies may crave the foods they are allergic to, while diabetics may crave and overindulge in sugar, despite the adverse effects.
Food-aholics generally gorge on fat, salt, and sugar in the form of junk food and sweets. If they are feeling depressed, lonely, or disappointed, they consume large amounts of chips, chocolate, or other comfort foods for a "high." As with most addictions, the high wears off, leaving the person feeling sick, guilty, and even more depressed. Because the addict is out of control, she will repeat the same eating patterns over and over again in an effort to feel better.
Compulsive overeaters often eat much more rapidly than normal and hide their shame by eating in secret. Most overeaters are moderately to severely obese, with an average binge eater being 60% overweight. Individuals with binge eating disorders often find that their eating or weight interferes with their relationships, their work, and their self-esteem. Although compulsive overeaters or binge dieters often struggle with food addiction, eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia are also considered types of food addictions.
Unlike drug and alcohol addiction, which have been recognized by the medical profession for years, addiction specialists still question whether food can be genuinely addictive. Is the obsession with eating a true addiction, or just a bad habit?
Some experts are quite skeptical of putting food in the same category as drugs or alcohol. They argue that people like junk food because it tastes good, not because they are physically incapable of controlling their behavior. Others contend that individuals who abuse substances in excess of need, despite the harm it can cause, are addicts, whether the substance is alcohol, drugs, or food.
In some cases, food addicts trying to break the habit claim to experience both physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, mood changes, tremors, cramps, and depression. In an animal study at Princeton University, researchers found that after rats binged on sugar, they showed classic signs of withdrawal when the sweets were removed from their diet, which suggests foods like sugar can be addictive.
Brain imaging studies conducted by scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory have found that food affects the brain's dopamine systems in much the same way as drugs and alcohol. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and reward. When psychiatrist Nora D. Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and her colleagues compared brain images of methamphetamine users with obese people, they found both groups had significantly fewer dopamine receptors than healthy people. Moreover, the higher the body mass index, the fewer the dopamine receptors, which may explain why it is so difficult for some people to lose weight and keep it off.
Are You a Food Addict?
Whether the obsession with food is a true addiction or simply a bad habit, one thing is clear: Your health is on the line. Obesity, psychological disorders, and diabetes are just a few of the health risks associated with compulsive eating.
If you're worried that you may have a food addiction, FoodAddicts.org recommends that you answer the following questions:
[*]Have you ever wanted to stop eating and found you just couldn't?[*]Do you think about food or your weight constantly?[*]Do you find yourself attempting one diet or food plan after another, with no lasting success?[*]Do you binge and then "get rid of the binge" through vomiting, exercise, laxatives, or other forms of purging?[*]Do you eat differently in private than you do in front of other people?[*]Has a doctor or family member ever approached you with concern about your eating habits or weight?[*]Do you eat large quantities of food at one time?[*]Is your weight problem due to your "nibbling" all day long?[*]Do you eat to escape from your feelings?[*]Do you eat when you're not hungry?[*]Have you ever discarded food, only to retrieve it and eat it later?[*]Do you eat in secret?[*]Do you fast or severely restrict your food intake?[*]Have you ever stolen other people's food?[*]Have you ever hidden food to make sure you have "enough?"[*]Do you feel driven to exercise excessively to control your weight?[*]Do you obsessively calculate the calories you've burned against the calories you've eaten?[*]Do you frequently feel guilty or ashamed about what you've eaten?[*]Are you waiting for your life to begin "when you lose the weight?"[*]Do you feel hopeless about your relationship with food?If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may have, or be in danger of developing, a food addiction or eating disorder. Although food addiction is not nearly as intense as alcohol and drug addictions, you may need help regaining control of your life.
Treating Food Addiction
Change is never easy, and overcoming food addiction is no exception. It will require a combination of discipline, healthy eating habits, and exercise. In many ways, treatment of food addiction is similar to drug and alcohol addiction. The first step to recovery is recognizing and accepting the problem, and identifying which foods cause allergic symptoms and cravings. However, unlike drug and alcohol addiction, food addicts can't quit cold turkey. Everyone has to eat. Instead of taking drastic measures, make the following changes gradually, one small step at a time.
Reprogram your taste buds. If you eat tons of sugar-laden foods, your taste buds get used to the flavor and you will start craving sweeter and sweeter foods. When buying foods that aren't supposed to be sweet, like Pasta Sauce, bread, and crackers, make sure they don't have added sweeteners like fructose, dextrose, and corn Syrup. Slowly try to limit sweet or salty foods in favor of fruits and vegetables to restore the sensitivity in your taste buds.
Plan your meals. Food addicts often hide food or binge when they are alone. One way around this is to avoid hiding a stash of food in your car, desk, or nightstand. Also, plan out healthy meals in advance, portion out single servings on smaller plates, and eat scheduled meals at the dinner table. If you eat in front of the TV or while talking on the phone, you're more likely to eat large amounts of food without realizing it. Though it may take a few weeks to change your eating patterns, your brain will eventually get used to smaller portions of healthy foods and generate fewer snack-food cravings.
Moderate your hunger. People with food addiction tend to take an all-or-nothing approach to dieting, bouncing from ravenous to overstuffed. A useful tool to moderate food consumption is to rate your hunger on a scale of zero to ten, zero being starving and ten being overstuffed, then try to stay between three and five. If you wait until you hit zero, you may not stop eating until you reach ten.
Know your weaknesses. Everyone has a list of foods that are hard to turn down. If you can't resist a fine loaf of bread at a restaurant, ask the waiter not to bring the bread basket to your table. If you can't walk past an ice cream parlor without stopping for a scoop or two, take a different route. If you have a habit of eating Cookies or popcorn while watching TV at night, read a book or walk the dog instead. If these tricks don't work, stop buying unhealthy foods at the grocery store. If it's in your kitchen, you're probably going to eat it.
Deal with the real issues. Typically a food addict will numb unpleasant feelings with food. If you stop relying on food, you can learn to tackle problems head-on and let yourself feel the sadness, anger, or boredom without using food as a crutch.
Find healthy ways to cope. For food addicts, the next salt or sugar fix becomes the dominating force in their life. The best treatment is to find other ways to fill the void, like working out, hiking, going out with friends, or talking to a therapist. Exercise sparks the same pleasure centers of the brain as food, and offers a similar high without the guilt. If you're not physically hungry but you're struggling to resist a craving, brush your teeth, drink Water, leave the house for a few minutes, or choose a healthy substitute like yogurt instead of ice cream or baked chips instead of potato chips.
Give yourself a break. The guilt people feel after overeating perpetuates the addiction. They're sad because they ate too much, so they turn to food for solace. Learn to forgive yourself and don't get discouraged by minor setbacks.
Food addiction can be a serious problem. Just ask the people who habitually visit the drive-thru at midnight or load up on candy bars on a daily basis. To beat the addiction, sometimes all you need is motivation to change and a few lifestyle modifications. In more severe cases, you may need to seek help from a food addiction group like Overeaters Anonymous, a mental health professional, or an addiction treatment center. In either case, a shift in outlook must occur: Eat to live, don't live to eat.

Oh dear. Lol the women have gone wild lol

The hardest part is toughening up your backside to the seat. It's gets more conditioned to it after a few rides.

I think everyone has a different view of what 'normal' will be for them at goal.
For some, camp A, they see 'normal' poeple / friends who give into cravings, maybe fairly frequently, having them in small abouts and stay at a health weight.
For others, camp B, they might want what they percieve as a heathier diet. They see 'normal' people / friends stick to, with a very occasional treat, and are hoping that the sleeve will be a tool to live that lifestyle.
I don't think generally people are talking about complete abstinence from 'treats' for good.
I don't see why either 'camp' has to think it's their way or the highway. There are lots of 'right ways' to lose weight and keep it off. I'm sure there are some VSG veterans who execise regularly and those that never do. I'm sure they're all happy with how they're doing it.
Cheers,
Deano

Just a thought in general:
Assertiveness and aggression are two different animals. .
One can be assertive but still keep an open line of communication going with respect.
Aggression is one sided and hostile.
I am very passionate about my sleeve and recovery.
Want to do well, choose well and finish well.
Wish that for everyone here.

Just a thought in general:
Assertiveness and aggression are two different animals. .
One can be assertive but still keep an open line of communication going with respect.
Aggression is one sided and hostile.
I am very passionate about my sleeve and recovery.
Want to do well, choose well and finish well.
Wish that for everyone here.

Hummus Rocks!

I love lean ground beef, steak, seafood, chicken, some turkey. Hard for me make a good turkey burger taste as good as a juicy beef one.
I know people who can make good turkey burgers, but since I eat so much less its got to be good. No cardboard!
Gotta have my beef. I'll skip the bun tho most of the time.

I love lean ground beef, steak, seafood, chicken, some turkey. Hard for me make a good turkey burger taste as good as a juicy beef one.
I know people who can make good turkey burgers, but since I eat so much less its got to be good. No cardboard!
Gotta have my beef. I'll skip the bun tho most of the time.

I love lean ground beef, steak, seafood, chicken, some turkey. Hard for me make a good turkey burger taste as good as a juicy beef one.
I know people who can make good turkey burgers, but since I eat so much less its got to be good. No cardboard!
Gotta have my beef. I'll skip the bun tho most of the time.

In terms of your typical fast food places, like McDonald's, I cannot eat there anymore. It tastes like pure grease to me, and I usually end up racing to the bathroom as a joyful side effect from it. Yes, I know, way too much information, Susan, sorry.
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