Watching what I eat is becoming increasingly difficult. I do not get the dumping syndrome that a lot of people who have this surgery talk about. Let me rephrase, I do not get it as severely as others. I am able to eat chocolate and some fried foods, which I have deemed a curse.
I am now responsible for the rest of the weight I have to lose. The surgery has helped me this far and my appetite is not what it used to be but from here forward I really have to watch what I eat and make the best choices for myself. It is becoming more difficult.
I have found that when extreme stress takes over, I still have to watch for my old bad habits. I crave the wrong foods and on occasion have a "who cares" attitude. I know I can't do that. I've come too far. I do have to say, in my own defense, that compared to what I used to do, I am able to catch this type of behavior immediately. If I have acted on a bad habit or craving, I am able to turn it around quickly by making healthier choices for the next meal or snack. It has been easier to "forgive myself" during these times as well. My cravings aren't leading to an entire pizza or 3 scoop ice cream sundaes with the works. For example, today, the family wanted Burger King for dinner. I feel like I "blew it," because I had 3/4 of a $1 Spicy Sandwich with just cheese and 1/2 of a small fry. That wouldn't have been so bad if I didn't add one of their cookies and eat it later when I got home. I used to get the Double Burger with cheese and bacon with a Large fry and Super huge Diet Coke. That only held me for a couple of hours.
On the other hand, I have started losing again. I don't think I eat enough yet to make a 1200 calorie diet most days, so my weight loss stalls on occasion, sometimes for a month or so. My body acts as if it is in starvation mode. My total loss since June is 143 pounds, 113 of that being since the surgery in August 2009.
I wanted to make this post because I know some of you are considering the surgery. I don't want you to think that Gastric Bypass is a quick fix. You will still have struggles. Even naturally thin people struggle with food choices. It's natural. And keep in mind that not everyone gets severe dumping syndrome. I had it in the beginning but I am now able to have a piece of pizza, 1/2 of a small cheeseburger, a small dose of chocolate on occasion without getting sick. If I go outside of my small portion range though, it's all over. My body rebels.
This mission I'm on to lose weight, keep it off and make healthy choices from here forward will be a lifetime struggle. I feel that I am up for the challenge but may need help on occasion. One of the most important things I have learned to do is strategize. If I am at the table and I know I have eaten enough food, but also feel the urge to pick, I ask for my family to remove the food from the table. I realize that if I do it, I will steal another bite, lick or taste. If it is out of the way and someone else removes it, the temptation is gone. Another thing I've done is remind people that I cannot eat certain things. People seem to forget after a while for whatever reason and they start offering sweets to you. If you feel you are vulnerable, remind people that you would rather that they didn't offer those types of foods. You can simply explain that you'd rather not be aware they are even around. Simply removing the temptation can be very helpful. "Out of site, out of mind."
The above can help whether you have had surgery or not. The struggle will always be there but you can make it easier on yourself. Removing temptation or removing yourself from it's vicinity is the best option for success. Drink plenty of water and limit the carbs.
Something to thing about is that Easter is right around the corner. Most people who celebrate Easter do so with a basket of candy. If candy is a major downfall for you and your children, why not change things up a bit and fill the basket with 1 chocolate Easter Bunny and the rest with toys. My boys are older and absolutely love finding gift cards to buy a new video game or Xbox points. Think of how much happier they would be. You would be happier too. They wouldn't be loaded with sugar for a week and have to deal with the misbehaving that goes along with that. For yourself, what about a gift certificate to a spa, a new outfit, or if funds are tight, how about treating you and a friend to a movie? The possibilities are endless. In my house, we have even resorted to fruit baskets. That's always a great treat too.
I raise my glass of water to yours as a toast to our continued success.
Happy Easter and Best Wishes,
Missy Cantlin Bell
Showing posts with label struggles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label struggles. Show all posts
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Old Habits Die Hard
I can relate to this saying. When I think things are going very well, along comes the major stress and I completely fall apart.
I have done well so far since the Gastric Bypass surgery, with a total weight loss of about 120 pounds since June. My clothes fit better, I have more energy and the mere thought of walking somewhere, even from my car into a store, does not consume my every emotion. This holiday season I found that I was walking everywhere and for long periods of time and would not even realize I was doing it until I returned to the car.
The holidays arrived and I was feeling very good about the way I was able to handle the stress to food ratio. Then the major stress hit. I lost an old friend in a tragic event and when one of my relatives came home for Christmas, he made plans for his life that did not include his family. These events took over my thoughts and I found myself heading for the closest comfort foods I could find. My hand was dipping into the bag of chocolates left over from a New Year's celebration. What was I doing? This went on for a full 48 hours. I feel like my stomach has expanded, my mood is taking a ride in the back, whipping car of a roller coaster and my self esteem has plummeted. This is all, no doubt due mostly to the high amount of carbohydrates I've loaded into my system in search of comfort and to the thoughts that so negatively affected my weight in the past.
Fortunately, I have recognized my old behaviors quickly and resolved to change them. I cannot let stress and the actions of others affect my goals. The food I am "using" is not comforting me. It is hindering my progress and sending me into a downward spiral. This is the same unconscious eating that brought me to my pre-surgical weight.
I still want to lose another 115 pounds. I am well aware that this is not the way to achieve that goal. Nor do I want to become a statistic-the girl people refer to when they discuss failed Gastric Bypass Surgeries. I am determined to do this for ME.
I am back to the positive thinking and I will be taking action from here forward to get back on track. I bought a blender today and will be getting back to basics by making the Whey Protein shakes that I started on. I also bought yogurt to add to the protein balance.
I will be installing my exercise equipment I received as a gift for Christmas and I will start with that as well.
I will continue to watch for these habits and in the future, all trigger food will be removed from the home when stress begins.
Old habits die hard, but I must be stronger than they are if I wish to banish them for good.
Do you have struggles you want to discuss? Please post below and I will respond. Also, please become a "follower" of my blog to receive updates.
I have done well so far since the Gastric Bypass surgery, with a total weight loss of about 120 pounds since June. My clothes fit better, I have more energy and the mere thought of walking somewhere, even from my car into a store, does not consume my every emotion. This holiday season I found that I was walking everywhere and for long periods of time and would not even realize I was doing it until I returned to the car.
The holidays arrived and I was feeling very good about the way I was able to handle the stress to food ratio. Then the major stress hit. I lost an old friend in a tragic event and when one of my relatives came home for Christmas, he made plans for his life that did not include his family. These events took over my thoughts and I found myself heading for the closest comfort foods I could find. My hand was dipping into the bag of chocolates left over from a New Year's celebration. What was I doing? This went on for a full 48 hours. I feel like my stomach has expanded, my mood is taking a ride in the back, whipping car of a roller coaster and my self esteem has plummeted. This is all, no doubt due mostly to the high amount of carbohydrates I've loaded into my system in search of comfort and to the thoughts that so negatively affected my weight in the past.
Fortunately, I have recognized my old behaviors quickly and resolved to change them. I cannot let stress and the actions of others affect my goals. The food I am "using" is not comforting me. It is hindering my progress and sending me into a downward spiral. This is the same unconscious eating that brought me to my pre-surgical weight.
I still want to lose another 115 pounds. I am well aware that this is not the way to achieve that goal. Nor do I want to become a statistic-the girl people refer to when they discuss failed Gastric Bypass Surgeries. I am determined to do this for ME.
I am back to the positive thinking and I will be taking action from here forward to get back on track. I bought a blender today and will be getting back to basics by making the Whey Protein shakes that I started on. I also bought yogurt to add to the protein balance.
I will be installing my exercise equipment I received as a gift for Christmas and I will start with that as well.
I will continue to watch for these habits and in the future, all trigger food will be removed from the home when stress begins.
Old habits die hard, but I must be stronger than they are if I wish to banish them for good.
Do you have struggles you want to discuss? Please post below and I will respond. Also, please become a "follower" of my blog to receive updates.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
2 Weeks After Surgery
Last night marked two weeks after surgery. Today I weighed in 30 pounds less than I did 2 weeks ago.
I had my doctor's appointment today. Actually, I saw the Nurse Practitioner. She removed my staples, thank God. She went over a few questions about how I was feeling and stated that everything was looking good. My one concern, infection in the largest incision, did not occur. It was still open, by that, I mean, the incision was very deep and that was still evident by the gap between my skin. It is not fully closed. She put some steri tape on it, which should stay on there for 1 week and that should help close it. She advised that if I used cream on the other scars it would help to soften the skin and clear up the scar tissue.
I have been cleared to go to the beach and in the water for short periods, but I cannot swim in pools for another week until that one incision is closed completely. The reason for that is the high concentration of bacteria in pools is too high. The ocean is fine because the water is moving and dissipating the bacteria and is not in such a high concentration in one area. The heat wave is over now and there is a hurricane coming up the coast this weekend so the beach is out. Next week will be in the high 70's only so we may have to forget that for this year unfortunately.
I am looking forward to a great night sleep tonight without the staples in. I am currently lying on my side as I type this. I feel much more comfortable.
I visited work today. I originally had 4-6 weeks approved for recovery. The nurse said I was doing well and as long as I can increase my protein grams per day from 30 up to 40 I shouldn't be as tired and can go back to work as early as next week. My mother thinks I'm crazy because I have all that time approved, but I'm not doing anything with my time at home. At least if I start out early with half days it won't be such a shock to my system when I go back full time. I'm just lucky I like my job. I wouldn't recommend that everyone do this. If your job is a very stressful one, take the time to take care of yourself and get used to the diet before going back. Some jobs are just too stressful to do both. I am able to drink and have food at my desk so if I need to, I am still able to take care of myself there. Starting off with half days will give me the ability to see where my body is at as well. I am still VERY tired and need to take a nap during the day. This way I will know how much my body can handle as time goes on but still get the rest I need in the beginning.
DON'T OVERDO IT!
I made the mistake of overdoing it yesterday and was worn out by 12. I had run many errands and spent too long registering my son in an overheated high school. By noonish I was drained and my incision was burning. I had spent too much time in the car as well. Sitting in this position had my incision folded into itself and the staples were rubbing against the skin, irritating the area around it. I was exhausted but couldn't sleep, and I didn't feel like drinking anything. It was 96 degrees outside and that was not a good way to be feeling. I knew I needed all the liquid I could get. As a result of this 4 day heat wave, I drank more water than protein, trying to not get dehydrated. This just exhausted my body. It was nice to be able to visit my parent's during this time. They have a fabulous A/C. It was a savior. So was the company. Try not to spend a lot of time alone. Not only is it important to be able to talk with others, but you can also have them remind you to drink if you're struggling with it.
Listen to your body if you have had the surgery. Even if you haven't for that matter. You have to be aware of what you need or you could find yourself in a dangerous situation.
FOOD CRAVINGS
A few days ago I had a food issue. I wanted it. I was near a Subway and they were baking fresh bread. The smell was intoxicating. Of course, after that, I noticed EVERY fast food place for the rest of the day. But what I really wanted was a piece of buttered toast. I have also wanted the end triangle, the first bite of a piece of pizza. No more than that, just that bite. Even though the desire is there, the temptation is not. I am very secure in the fact that after this long, if I tried to eat anything like that, I will become violently ill. No thank you. Nothing is worth that at this point. I had a Tic Tac Bold yesterday and as soon as the taste of peppermint hit my stomach I had to spit it out. It was too powerful and my stomach didn't approve.
I have noticed my bad food habits as well. I have this voice inside that tells me when to stop, or what would be good at a given moment. I didn't realize how many times a day this voice kicks in and how often I had listened to it in the past. If I don't give in to it, it keeps going with the next suggestion like a sabotaging enemy. I just acknowledge it now for what it is and keep going. It's nice to recognize what it is with the tool of the surgery behind me so that I can't give in.
I have one week left before I start eating foods besides the liquid. I'm very nervous about it but I think I will be fine because I am very mindful of what my body can handle. I'm hoping it will be easier to get all the protein in then. A bite or two of chicken sounds like something I could really look forward to.
I had my doctor's appointment today. Actually, I saw the Nurse Practitioner. She removed my staples, thank God. She went over a few questions about how I was feeling and stated that everything was looking good. My one concern, infection in the largest incision, did not occur. It was still open, by that, I mean, the incision was very deep and that was still evident by the gap between my skin. It is not fully closed. She put some steri tape on it, which should stay on there for 1 week and that should help close it. She advised that if I used cream on the other scars it would help to soften the skin and clear up the scar tissue.
I have been cleared to go to the beach and in the water for short periods, but I cannot swim in pools for another week until that one incision is closed completely. The reason for that is the high concentration of bacteria in pools is too high. The ocean is fine because the water is moving and dissipating the bacteria and is not in such a high concentration in one area. The heat wave is over now and there is a hurricane coming up the coast this weekend so the beach is out. Next week will be in the high 70's only so we may have to forget that for this year unfortunately.
I am looking forward to a great night sleep tonight without the staples in. I am currently lying on my side as I type this. I feel much more comfortable.
I visited work today. I originally had 4-6 weeks approved for recovery. The nurse said I was doing well and as long as I can increase my protein grams per day from 30 up to 40 I shouldn't be as tired and can go back to work as early as next week. My mother thinks I'm crazy because I have all that time approved, but I'm not doing anything with my time at home. At least if I start out early with half days it won't be such a shock to my system when I go back full time. I'm just lucky I like my job. I wouldn't recommend that everyone do this. If your job is a very stressful one, take the time to take care of yourself and get used to the diet before going back. Some jobs are just too stressful to do both. I am able to drink and have food at my desk so if I need to, I am still able to take care of myself there. Starting off with half days will give me the ability to see where my body is at as well. I am still VERY tired and need to take a nap during the day. This way I will know how much my body can handle as time goes on but still get the rest I need in the beginning.
DON'T OVERDO IT!
I made the mistake of overdoing it yesterday and was worn out by 12. I had run many errands and spent too long registering my son in an overheated high school. By noonish I was drained and my incision was burning. I had spent too much time in the car as well. Sitting in this position had my incision folded into itself and the staples were rubbing against the skin, irritating the area around it. I was exhausted but couldn't sleep, and I didn't feel like drinking anything. It was 96 degrees outside and that was not a good way to be feeling. I knew I needed all the liquid I could get. As a result of this 4 day heat wave, I drank more water than protein, trying to not get dehydrated. This just exhausted my body. It was nice to be able to visit my parent's during this time. They have a fabulous A/C. It was a savior. So was the company. Try not to spend a lot of time alone. Not only is it important to be able to talk with others, but you can also have them remind you to drink if you're struggling with it.
Listen to your body if you have had the surgery. Even if you haven't for that matter. You have to be aware of what you need or you could find yourself in a dangerous situation.
FOOD CRAVINGS
A few days ago I had a food issue. I wanted it. I was near a Subway and they were baking fresh bread. The smell was intoxicating. Of course, after that, I noticed EVERY fast food place for the rest of the day. But what I really wanted was a piece of buttered toast. I have also wanted the end triangle, the first bite of a piece of pizza. No more than that, just that bite. Even though the desire is there, the temptation is not. I am very secure in the fact that after this long, if I tried to eat anything like that, I will become violently ill. No thank you. Nothing is worth that at this point. I had a Tic Tac Bold yesterday and as soon as the taste of peppermint hit my stomach I had to spit it out. It was too powerful and my stomach didn't approve.
I have noticed my bad food habits as well. I have this voice inside that tells me when to stop, or what would be good at a given moment. I didn't realize how many times a day this voice kicks in and how often I had listened to it in the past. If I don't give in to it, it keeps going with the next suggestion like a sabotaging enemy. I just acknowledge it now for what it is and keep going. It's nice to recognize what it is with the tool of the surgery behind me so that I can't give in.
I have one week left before I start eating foods besides the liquid. I'm very nervous about it but I think I will be fine because I am very mindful of what my body can handle. I'm hoping it will be easier to get all the protein in then. A bite or two of chicken sounds like something I could really look forward to.
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