I've only been sleeved for a month and my old habits are creeping back in and scaring me. I decided to buy some Pirates Booty to take a small bag with me to the theater so I wouldn't be craving popcorn. That worked, but now that I have it in the house, it calls me when I sit down to watch TV. Pre-sleeve - TV and food were a required combination. So I know I'm eating more than I should. I was full last night, but made myself a smoothie, drank it down and was sick as a dog for 2 hours. That's a good reminder of what not to do, but I find myself with a short memory. Need some words of encouragement.

Hi Sue,

I'm not quite 3 months out, but I've had some old habits creep up and swallow me whole. I just experienced one while at work. I work overnights, and I work with some food-lovin' gals, so it is especially hard. Tonight I had chinese...pepper steak. Two hours later, some hot and sour Soup, an hour after that, teriyaki chicken on a stick. Chinese food is my downfall. Could I have done worse? Definitely. I don't want to think about sodium levels, and I'm not quite sure about the carb count in pepper steak. Not only that..but I do believe you could call the above grazing.

My weight loss has been phenomenal so far, so when I make mistakes like this, I have to examine why and how I let it happen, but I have to DO something about it. I hate on myself, I feel sorry for myself, I mean, I have already given up so much (smoking, drinking, pastas, and breads), that it shouldn't FEEL like a crime to enjoy some Chinese food, or even some popcorn. Yet it does. SO...what to do about it....

Tomorrow (or today, after a nap) I'll be going out for a long walk, and I'll also slip back into liquids and puree's for three days, so I can get myself back on track. I think as 'early' sleevers, we are bound to experience these moments when old habits need to be addressed one way or the other... and that's okay, but you also need to think of all the reasons you had your surgery and the things you want to do; or even things you may have already gained. (Er...not weight...or the medical bill) I've definitely failed today, but I won't tomorrow. We can only do the best we can, and only we can decide what our best is. (I hope that makes sense.)

You have accomplished the first key step to getting back on track - you have recognized the bad habits. Now, make a plan to help yourself not continue those behaviors. I had a problem this past weekend with eating too much popcorn. So, this morning, I threw the rest of the popcorn (a decorative holiday can full of it) in the trash. And, I am going to write down everything I am eating. And, I am going to hang my goal pants where I can see them.

Don't beat yourself up for not being perfect. Love yourself for recongnizing what you are doing wrong, and praise yourself for doing the good behaviors.

Good Luck.

Hopefully when you fall off and that off habit takes hold you can eat something that is good for you....like a protein shake, or some cold meat or cheese. When I fall off and feel that I have to eat I usually try to eat protein versus carbs or sugars. I know that this has saved me a couple of times as I know that I only have 100 - 200 calories versus 700- 1000. Each and every calories counts. Best of luck

I try to not keep foods in the house that are too tempting for me. I'm with SKCunningham: throw it out! It's better to waste it in the garbage than waste it in yourself. Next time you want Pirate's Booty for a special occasion, buy a small bag. If it doesn't come in a small bag, then divy out your portion and give the rest away.

Some foods I don't bring in or limit the portion size: mixed nuts, chocolate, chips, cakes and Cookies. Hubby likes sweets but we get his individual portion sized. A cake slice instead of the 8" cake. A couple of cookies from the bakery instead of the boxed dozen at costco. A piece of Sees or a candy bar instead of the bag of Hershey's miniatures. I can enjoy a bite of his cake or cookie without adding too many calories. And he likes ice cream, which I didn't like much to start with and can't have after surgery cuz' I'm now lactose intolerant.

I have found other ways to satisfy my need for crunch and sweet. I like a cup of heated soy milk with sugar free caramel syrup in the evenings. Sometimes, I have just hot Water with the syrup. Tastes good to me! And I like whole wheat crackers and dry toasted bread for crunch. I've found beef Jerky to be a good snack. It's low in calories, loaded with Protein, and salty and chewy.

For habit eating, like in front of the TV, I try to find something new to do. I spend more time on the computer in the evenings. Keeps my hands busier. I also like to light a candle, apply hand lotion, or put on lip gloss when I feel the need for a treat. No calories! I also brush and floss right after dinner. That doesn't always work, but it helps and my teeth are thanking me!

Look at your habits and find substitutes that work for you. Just saying no is a lot harder than saying, I'm gonna try this instead.

And SKCunningham, big shout out for dumping that popcorn! I'm proud of you!!

Lynda

Thanks all! The encouragement was just what I needed. I went for a 1 mile walk today.

I'm a bad tv snacker- so to combat that and lose some weight preop I got a little set of 3lb hand weights from target for super cheap. Lifting those while I'm lazing around on the couch gives me the comfort up and down movement of eating with none of the caloric consequences!