I Can and I Will

I'm almost 3 years out my dear...you are mourning the relationship you had with food;-). I discovered (and still struggle) that I can turn to food and instantly escape from what ever I'm feeling at the time. Most of it for me is a distraction...acknowledge your feelings for sure and try to use it as a tool to identify "why" you turn to food. I fell off the wagon...you'll absolutely find ways to re-establish the relationship and before you know it, you are putting weight back on. Please don't be offended or scared by what I'm sharing...I'm back on these boards because I stepped away. We'll concern the unhealthy relationship and replace it with something much more meaningful....

Well...like everything else, moderation;-). I've been sleeved since August 2010 and have been putting on weight due to solid food eating habits. I hate the protein shakes so started to juice today. Amazing how you identify bad habits...wasn't hungry at all today; however, miss the eating...so, behavior modification starts over again on how to use my sleeve as a tool. Good luck everyone and stay focused...

Hey Ladies...work with your docs:-). You maybe deficient in some Vitamins. From my perspective some of the mood swings and emotions are normal; however can be compounded if you are low in vitamins B, D and one called DHEA. It took me going and getting blood workmtomidentify. I'm going on 3 years and not as good as I should from nutritional value of foods. I'm on Vitamin supplements and can definitely tell when. Be patient as the surgery....I'm an emotional eater and when I got my surgery the transition was really a challenge because I couldn't go to my old friend food which absolutely made me moody and depressed. IT WILL GET BETTER;-)

Thanks Coop! Lesson learned for today.... Hungry or not hungry...that is the question? Today was my first day of really being focused about what I'm putting in my body. Very interesting as I had a "feeling" in my stomach that one could possibly mistake for hunger; HOWEVER! I drank liquids all day and did not suffer at all...as a matter of fact, I am trying focus on "being in the moment" and truly assessing if it's hunger, thurst or JUST MY IMAGINATION RUNNING AWAY WITH ME! I can absolutely tell you that I'm an emotional eater...happy, sad, borded.... So, accomplishments for the day: - walked one mile this morning - drank all my Water - at all my Protein - didn't get on my pity pot! Thanks for a good day God! Good night folks and may all of you continue in your own successful personal journeys...difficulties and all! Caro

Well I'm a total of 12lbs. up...in the past week God has put some little "reminders" in front of me. I'm realizing I do a lot of "mindless" eating or grazing. In addition, I'm eating like a use to. Since coming out of the Holidays have had additional challenges over the past 6 months and my husband of all people finally confronted me about "not taking care of myself". I can ABSOLUTELY tell you that I am spiraling back into old habits and now the real work is getting ready to take place. I haven't been on this site because of fear and not reading a lot about the "challenges". How many people have stopped coming because they are back in that dark place. Any and all moral support is graciously appreciated...I'm going to go back on liquids and start the pre and post op diet to see if I can gradually get back in the game. Thanks everyone....just needed to be accountable to people who understand versus people who are watching everything I do... Caro

Need some moral support and feedback from some of the older slivers:-). I'm 18 months out and have put on five lbs (coming out of the holidays). Trying to get my head back in the game; however this is bribing up old junk!!! How many calories a day are folks eating and what is the Quality of food? Alcohol? Just need some reality checks so I can refocus...Thanks

Glad you are okay! Congratulations on the loss:tongue_smilie:

Obesity is another area of diversity and discrimination as well folks:tongue_smilie: It's obvious for some when it comes to relationships...pay attention to professional relationships as well. It may be me; however, I'm still the same professional fat or thin and I've noticed differences in how people approach me and include me in work related decisions. End result, people are people and we all have biases...it's funny how I have to be careful about not becoming "frustrated" with people who make fat jokes or disrespectful comments...what do they know, they've never walked in my shoes yet, I've never walked in theirs either. Enjoy the change and don't over think it:blushing: Let people notice the person you are both inside and out...don't be mad or upset about the past, you are moving forward so don't let our old "stinkin thinkin' and hurt feelings" take us back when we've worked so hard to move forward. I'm still in discovery mode and hope to be until I die...makes the ride a beautiful thing you know:biggrin0:

Well folks, today was officially my one year anniversary! I went for my one year check up today and I can not believe how fast this past year has gone by! There have been many changes in my life (generally, life happening) and I can't tell you that it hasn't been without some sorrow because I couldn't rely on my "good friend" food; HOWEVER, I will tell you it is a journey and YOU ALL CAN DO IT! I am amazed at how long it took me to make the decision compared to how long it has taken to get down. I still have about 15 lbs to go; however, the journey is not over...it's a bench mark and celebration for success! Now the remaining 15 is exercise and diet (according to my doctor). You all continue to be in my prayers and please be good to yourself and HAVE NO FEAR! LET GO AND JUST DO IT! It will be scarey for a small period of time; however, you will survive and adjust. :thumbup1::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Work with your doctors:scared0: I had challenges with the vitiamins and like a silly person, stopped taking them. Four months later...not thinking it has anything to do with my WLS & diet (thought it was stress from work and life in general) was feeling depressed and not sleeping. Got some additional blood work and I was low in Vit. D, B and another called DHEA all resulting in mood/depression and potential bone issues! It's been two weeks taking suppliments and I'm feeling WAY WAY WAY better. Each of us has a different reaction/chemistry and because of our diet behaviors I bodies react differently....please work with your doctors so you aren't doing any hidden long-term damage. okay...I'm off my little rant Ladies...just want everyone to be successful and healthy:001_smile:

You are all feeling NORMAL:tongue_smilie: The key is chewing your food really good and slowing down! I continually think...how slow can you eat 5 bites! Yes, 4-5 bites:001_rolleyes: I had my surgery in August of 2009 and continually hit new types of adjustments...however, for the first time in a long time, I'm feeling better. Please my dear friends...remember this is a tool...we still have to deal with the behaviors we need to change:blushing: One thing to try that may help is take your food and cut it up into the size that you would give a child who is being introduced to solid foods. It makes it easier to chew (actually making sure it's chewed enough). We still take "normal bites" and "chew it normal" and then "swallow normal" into a stomach that is now much much smaller. Silly way to think of it; however, break it down. For the first time in my life I'm having to eat CONSCIOUSLY all the time...I have to think of every bite and this is a MAJOR change for me because when I don't eat consciously, I always take that 5th or 6th bite and it's to late. I miss eating unconsciously; however, I remember how big I got and the trade off... You all are in my thoughts and prayers...it will get better as time goes on:thumbup:

I'm there with you:-) I had surgery in August 2009...down 90lbs and haven't lost any weight in the last two months...old behaviors are creeping back just in smaller portions:crying:. Kind of scarey...stress related I"m sure. I just bought a book called Women, God and food in an attempt to try and learn more about what's going on;-) The good part of the situation is you are aware of the behavior so now make a plan. Bottom line is don't loose faith. This is a tool to help in our journey...it doesn't solve what got us here in the first place;-) We'll get there friend...:thumbup:

Hey Bernadette, Had my surgery on August 5 and my position was eliminated 2 weeks after...I work in Human Resources...LOL. I loved my job, wasn't looking and was blessed to find one that was "better for me". During my month out...what a test...couldn't eat my stress and had to deal with life on "life's terms"....all that to say my love...YOU define what is going to be good. You will survive because you are resilient....you have 50 wonderful years under your belt...as best as possible, begin to visualize the blessings ahead! The blessings you will be more ready to see because you are not so focused on the day to day grind. During my time down...I started losing weight, negative behaviors, stress, anxiety and started gaining a healthy perspective about food, my capabilities, confidence and desire of what life I need versus want...simplicity. I would absolutley say GO BACK TO SCHOOL! There are government monies to go do what you want to do;-) I'll concentrate on sending to vibes to you and all of us because we are resilient:-)

I don't particulary watch "carbs"; however, I'll have some type of bread or steel cut oatmeal in the AM and try and focus on putting "healthy" things in my body (protien, Fiber, non-processed foods). One caution I'd like to throw out is...watch your thinking about carbs...learn about the balanced approach because something that has carbs can also be high in fiber and protien which are good for you and kinda counter each other (Beans or legumes as an example). There is a balance...in ALL MY DIET books, TAPES, VIDEOS :lol0:(I'm laughing as I type that)...the 2 books I found to be helpful about nutrition were Dr. Phil's book (the book makes sense, it just has his name on it...not really a fan) and YOU on a diet by Memet Oz (Dr. OZ).:thumbup1: Balance, portion control and excersize are key....balance all three:-):lol0:

Hey another suggestion for humus...we have a store here called Publix and they sell miniture sweet peppers (red,yellow and orange) by Pero Family Farms (Parallels H-Sphere) THEY ARE DELICIOUS WITH HUMAS or if you want to get creative, create some type of dip with greek yogurt....they are really really good. I also end up dicing them, some onion and saute them, then add a can of black beans or black bean soup...yummy for those still on mushies....Keep up all the good work ladies and gentlemen....you all are doing GREAT!

Hey Everyone...just wanted to give you all an update...had emergency GALLBLADDER surgery this past Wednesday:blushing:...All is well. Remember to check with your doctors...love this discussion board; however, forgot to discuss this issue with my doctor because it only happened once or twice...LOL...my poor staff at work had to drive me to the emergency room on Tuesday and Wednesday had surgery, Thursday went back in because there was "something" in my bile duct. All went well...I go for a follow-up next week and will ask if there was anything I could have done differently... During my hospital stay this time I had some of the same nurses that I had for my surgery and many of them remembered me and were so sweet;-)...it's amazing what people remember:001_wub: by the way...HAPPY VALENTINES DAY FOLKS!

I was just thinking about resolutions in the past few days and the "i'm gonna lose weight" automatically popped in...since getting sleeved, I said I wanted to be down to 200lb by December 31...I"m three pounds over and you know what...I DON'T CARE! It has made me realize that the goals/resolutions I have set have always focused on things that have been challenges in my life...weight, money etc....:blush:SO this year...it's simply to keep a loving positive attitude towards myself and in my day to day...keep it simple and focus on adding new things to my life versus getting rid of things in my life...does that make sense? HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! Thanks for continuing to share your thoughts, dreams and aspirations...:thumbup:..just imagine all of us on this road, arm in arm singing "we're off to see the wizard!".....on the mend in 2010!

Congratulations! What an awesome way to start the new year!!!! Truly, think about all the "new year's resolutions" we've all made and in 2010...you have a tool to help you be successful. I was just sitting here reflecting on "how I didn't hit 200 lbs" by the end of the year...by 3 lbs mind you and it hit me..."WAIT A MINUTE SISTER! WHO CARES...I am on a steady stream of losing weight and getting healthy...quit putting the stinking thinking pressure on your self"....SO AGAIN, CONGRATULATIONS ON THE ROAD TO A NEW VERSION OF YOU;-) Please continue to share your journey and welcome to ours!

DeeDee...you look great! I just looked and posted my before and current pictures...it's amazing we carry all this weight and truly have NO IDEA how we look because we stopped taking pictures. Thanks for sharing with us...I'm looking forward to seeing all the other transformations...I so appreciate this board....many many many beautiful people inside and out!

Shontel, Haven't had the experience my friend; however, I'm glad you caught it early and you'll be in my thoughts and prayers...

we were eating small scallops (about the size of a dime) and I had about 8-10 with about 5 strands of spagetti... drmedhat...thank you so much for sharing your info...makes more sense...when you put the word "spasm" to the pain...thanks!

Thanks Tiff...I was freaking out because I hadn't read anything like that....Merry Christmas!

I'm 4 months out and last night had to be one of the scariest nights. Went to a friends for dinner...ate a bit to much (Pasta and scallops) very very small portion; :confused1:however, my stomach started hurting so bad I couldn't stay still, couldn't throw up...was in tears...it really ached and hurt for about 20 minutes... I'm assuming I ate to much; however, I have never had such pain and emotion... Caro

Our issue is called mindless eating:tongue_smilie: I struggle almost every day...I'm trying to be PRESENT before, during and after I eat. I'm finding that I can only eat 4-5 bites and depending on what it is..5 is one bite to many. :drool: I'm still trying to get on some type of rhythm of drinking and eating seperately because I'm not getting my Water in or when I do, I'm not eating... I've noticed over the past month I have stopped taking my B12, Calcium and Vitamin...need to get back on the deal! I'm struggling for sure....:thumbup: