Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Allowing myself to restart



Recommended Posts

I was banded in late August of 2007. I worked my tail off to use it as a kickstart, a reboot. I was up every morning doing about 60 minutes of cardio, went to work, then back to the gym for weight training. I was a gym rat. I was married with one wonderful daughter and working in law enforcement. At my lowest weight, I had lost 135 lbs. I gained about 20 back and I was looking GOOD. ;)

I worked my way back onto my departments tactical team and was able to keep my weight regulated for about 4 years. I was literally the poster boy for the clinics bariatric surgery center. Really, they had a couple photoshoots with me and one with my family and did a comercial and had posters made and placed in all of their clinics.

Then, things went south. My marriage dissolved (I left her for various reasons I won't go into), she dragged the proceedings out for over a year, and fought me tooth and nail over custody of our daughter. I lost all my momentum, had no drive for the gym anymore. Knew I had to get there, but the old excuses for not getting out of bed came back. Old eating habits slipped back into my daily routine.

This past spring, I was waking back up to what I had allowed to happen to me, what I did to myself. I was getting back in the groove hitting the gym 9+ times a week between cardio and weight training. Then, it went south again. On an innocent play at 2B while playing softball, by foot stopped but everything else kept going. Torn ligaments in my ankle. Surgeon decided he would have to not only fix the 2 torn ligaments, but would need to tighten up all the ligaments and tendons around my right ankle.

Now, I am fully back in the groove again after 5 months. But, I gained most of the weight I had lost. I have my work cut out for me. But, I know I can do it. I did it before, I can do it again. My weight is not my master, I am the master of my weight.

I am still in law enforcement, and am now the Team Leader for our tactical team. I love my job and want to be the best I can be at it. I love my daughter and want to be around for her as long as possible. I will be back in the shape I was in.

I will have one little setback on the horizon. After my last check on my ankle, the surgeon is very concerned with the stability of my left ankle as I have had problems with both going back to childhood. He is talking about doing the same surgery on that ankle also. If that is the case, at least I know what to expect and what I can and cannot do. I will have a better gameplan for it. Only dilemma will be to wait for awhile to get my weight down. Or, do I just go back to back and work my way back all at one time.

Thanks for letting me share.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You've been through a lot. Remember how good you felt when you were losing weight and were in fit condition. You'll do this. Your tool is still there waiting to be used and adjusted properly. Never give up on yourself. I admire your determination and I know that by posting here you're already seeking out the support systems you'll need. Good job!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@Ceradad Your off to a good start because you have your head back in the game! That along with the tools you have already is a winning combination!

This is a great place to come for support, and sharing. Hope to see you posting often, and hearing how your doing on your journey!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Kudos to you for getting back at it, but you might want to ask yourself what behaviors keep getting you off track? Why are you resorting to the same habits of overeating?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You can do this again, and it might be beneficial to work on the mental part of recovering your health as well as the physical part. I spend a lot of time right now working the mental aspect of healthy habits and sense that it is this type of work that will allow me to get to goal and maintain my loss (along with my band, of course).

As a fellow ankle-injury sufferer (tri-malleor fracture with surgery and plates, rods and pins), I share your pain and concern. My activity includes more cycling, swimming, elliptical and upper body work and less full-impact workouts if I sense my ankle/leg is feeling wonky. Ligament injuries are horrible, as they speak to you forever.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Great post -- way to go showing up for yourself and for your daughter. I am so happy for you that you are choosing your health and not letting the past keep you down. Sending best wishes your way!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ok, so 2 weeks ago I went in for my annual check on my Lapband and I was heavier than even I thought I would be. Not by much, but heavier. So, I went ahead and had Stacey, my PA, give me a little bit of a fill. Now I am overfilled. I have never had this much trouble with eating. I am also experiencing acid reflux when I go to bed at night.

However, I am also losing weight due to eating mainly Soups and pretty soft foods. Of course, I'm also working out like I was when I first lost the weight which helps.

My dilemma is this: Do I wait until I'm supposed to go back and see her on Dec. 3 and tough it out? Or, do I go back in and have a little taken out? I am thinking I will tough it out for the next 4 weeks and take advantage of this fill to get a jump start on losing weight and then have her take some out next month. Of course, it could loosen a little on its own and make it a no decision for me then.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I would go back earlier due to the reflux. Also because new habits take three weeks to become routine, and a new habit of eating sliders for three or four weeks may not be a good idea psychologically. Good luck.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@Ceradad I would go back in and I would have Fluid removed. Sometimes even 1cc can make all the difference. I was having some of these issues very mild, and I went right to the Dr. at the first indication and I had a dilated pouch. I didn't just take their word for it either, I saw the x-ray's and the fluoroscope and the Fluid was just sitting in the pouch and not going past the band faster then a drip. . I had to have nearly all the fluid removed from my band and then be on a liquid diet again for 3 weeks!! That was ROUGH let me tell you. I am still not back at my fill level or even in the green zone and battling it every day so I don't gain back weight I have lost.

Don't hesitate you don't want to cause damage to your organs. You can lose the weight, keep working out and eating sensibly, sliders are not the answer eventually they will drift from shakes and bars to ice cream, Cookies, pastry or other soft high calorie foods. Don't risk it, have them take out a little fluid now and save yourself a large un-fill later if you have problems.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ok, so things have calmed down. I now able to eat more solid food and the acid reflux has gone away at night. I still have my appointment in 3 weeks and will re evaluate everything with her then.

Thanks for the posts and advice.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×