I was banded 3 1/2 years ago and at goal for more than two years. My younger son, who I am very close with, mistakenly believed that I can't overeat. I found out yesterday because we were talking about my possibly getting fat again and he said, well, you can't overeat so why would you get fat again? I had to let him know that it's easy to gain it back. Yes...even with surgery we can all get fat again.

What I have found in my experience, is that the band helps me to keep on track but that doesn't mean I haven't gone off track on occasion. Because I have. I'm not perfect...no one is.

So the message here is not so much how non surgical folks don't get our experience...I'm realizing there will always likely be a basic misunderstanding of WLS. And that's coming from family all the way to strangers. It still bothers me when they say that someone lost weight the natural way, or old fashioned way. People still and likely always will misunderstand this.

More importantly though...is my understanding that I will always till the day I die, have to make choices about what I put in my mouth. I think those of us with food issues don't always realize that most of the normal sized world makes these choices daily. For us though, it's not a normal way of looking at food...because we never saw or see food in a normal way. Especially if we are emotional eaters and the weight is a symptom of deeper issues.

Sorry that I'm sorta all over the place on this post but I really think that when I experience something and think about how I react to it, or how it impacts me, I figure I'm not alone and I post it. There's always someone out there who says, 'oh...me too'.

Thanks for the great reminder. I'm not sure which view is more destructive: that you can't overeat or that its inevitable that you will. I am pretty sure that my parents are just waiting for the latter to happen to me. Mostly because everyone they know who has had surgery has gained all the weight back and then some. (i.e. my uncle and a family friend). This is a great reminder that this isn't a quick fix. Its just a tool.

thanks,

pam

Thanks for the reminder!!

At times I feel like my normal eating falls into place.... Then, a weekend of treats or a tempting favorite meal or two makes me realize that vigilance is a must!

It happens to me so slowly and adds up a tiny bit at a time.

So today is Monday and I find I need to look forward to an on-track week to balance out this last couple of hedonistic days.

The positive part is I have a great tool to help me. I can do my part... Just gotta get in the right frame of mind, and I will substitute a protein drink here and there .

Just like quoted above...normal choices most people just don't have to think about...I know I do have to give thought to my individual food choices.

Have a wonderful week

... vigilance is a must!

Boy, you said a mouthful!

Huh? You can't drink calories? OK, I know I'm being a sleeve elitist, but the reality is the same.