There's no crying in Baseball

I've been reading a lot about people not being able to get their head in the game and not being motivatred to do what needs to be done.  It reminded me of something I read as a newbie that has stuck with me for 3 years.  I thought I'd repost it and see if it stikes a chord with anyone else....swometimes we have to JUST DO IT.

THERE'S NO CRYING IN BASEBALL!!!

By:  Leilani

[Original draft written June 2004 - - Revised: April 2006]

That's the sentiment (scenario) that comes to mind sometimes when I hear some of the comments from people who've already had the surgery.   In case you haven't made the connection, that's a line Tom Hanks made famous in the movie "A League Of Their Own."  Resorting to tears or just giving up every time the going gets tough.  Or your sick of taking vitamins, getting in protein is hard, water doesn't taste good, etc.  That kinda' thinking is NOT going to make you successful or keep you healthy.  ENOUGH already!  It's time to LOVE yourself enough to get "TOUGH" wtih your aftercare.  Your longterm health is worth it!!

Success comes with a backbone, NOT a wishbone!

First and foremost, you have to keep it POSITIVE.  As with everything in life, if you think you can't - you WON'T!  Simple enough?

I have to wonder when "we" (as adults) finally take ownershipfor our actions, our life and our health?  We have been given a gift, a second chance to actually LIVE life again instead of merely existing on the sidelines.   It's up to each of us to do that as healthy and productively as possible.

We're ALL statistics waiting to happen and the insurance companies are chomping at the bit.  The bean counters are eager to drop Weight Loss Surgery ("WLS") from the policies; some already have.  Don't you know that any negative feedback thrown into the mix only strengthens their cause?  I may not be able to control every thing that happens to my body after WLS, but most things I can.  I CHOOSE to take control and I will be a positive statistic when the numbers get counted.  

We live in a spoiled society, expecting everything in life to come with a buncha really cool choices.  Well, guess what?  When it comes to your health, you're not always going to get a choice.  You either DO IT and stay healthy, or you DON'T and your body pays the price.

The way I saw it, I had a 90 day healing and adjusting period after surgery.  My 'super morbidly obese' body had more than enough stores to survive the learning curve.  In turn, it gave me plenty of time to heal, adjust and learn.  For those of you OVER 90 days Post-Op, the probation period is over - its time to get serious and LIVE what you've learned.  

*  You say you can't get in enough liquids throughout the day, don't like the taste of water, or just keep forgetting? -- TOUGH!  It's not an option anymore.   Find a way to do it, get suggestions and tips from others in support groups, message boards, etc.  Read, learn and JUST DO IT!!  Why do you think there is a choice here?

*  You say you don't like the big horse pill type vitamins, or the tart chalky chewables? ... it's just too many to bother with?  Or maybe you just can't remember to take them? --  TOUGH!  You gave up the option NOT to take vitamins when you agreed to have your insides rerouted.  FIND a way to get them in; crushed, minced, chopped, liquified, in a shake, etc.  No exceptions, your health depends on it.

*  Protein is a must.  So you can't get it all in via foods and you don't like the way the shakes taste?   -- TOUGH!  Either get it through your meals (and there are a gazillion food choices out there) or supplement it with protein shakes and bars.

Trust me, I don't drink my protein shake every morning because I think it tastes like a chocolate blizzard from Dairy Queen.  I've tried many varieties over the last 2 years.  I'd even venture to say 25 of the top sellers/flavors have crossed my lips.  For the record?  I've yet to find one that is as 'delicious' as boasted by the distributor.  So what.  I still drink one every morning.  My HEALTH dictates that I need "X" grams of protein per day.  If I'm not getting enough from my meals then I supplement a shake.  'Nuff said.

This surgery is a gift, I owe it to me and everyone else fighting the approval process, to do it right!  I will continue to choke down my vitamins, my water and my protein every single day, for the REST OF MY LIFE.  Some days will be easier than others, regardless, no days will be missed.

It's all about discipline.  Create a routine, set a timer, develop a pattern, tie a string around your finger, glue a note on your forehead, whatever it takes.

You're an adult - take responsibility!  If this surgery doesn't slap a back bone into you, not much will.

You're so funny.  I'd forgotten this, but that's kind of been my mentality all week.  Although mentally I'm not really there, I'm making the right choices.  They just aren't exciting and I don't have the fire of a new resolution or a new challenge/goal lighting my rear end.  But you know, thinking about it maybe that's a good thing.  If there is no fire, nothing can burn out.  Right?  Instead I'm performing out of habit which means I should be able (cough, and willing) to do what it takes every single day.  Hmmmm....thought provoking.  Of course that was probably your intention all along.  :)

so I think what I'm hearing from you Steph is:  Karla...go brush your teeth and get in bed...do NOT go get the container of cream cheese frosting out of the freezer and take a few bites.  correct?

Karla

thanks Steph! I needed this! I met Leilani a few years ago. Definatly 'our' kinda people!
Thanks again!!!

STEPH-I had forgotten about this article-will print and SAVE it this time. I do now, and have always, taken full blame for everything I've ever done/not done to myself...funny how I'm slow to take CREDIT, but quick to take BLAME...I don't CRY over my screw ups, but I do get really ANGRY at myself, and sometimes feel WORTHLESS...but TOO often.

A smart lady, who used to attend the Ft Worth group, had a saying:

"Work as hard AT your surgery as you did to GET your surgery"

I really should tattoo that on the back of my hand..or on my lips...

This is a classic! I have met Lei in person, and she is great!! It's a good idea to keep this around as a reminder.

Morning Steph!! Thanks for the gentle kick in the arse this morning.  I've been telling myself this for a few months now but didn't get back on the wagon (or train as the case may be, lol) till this week. 

Taking complete responsibility!!  I have regained 20 pounds from my lowest mostly due to laziness.  Grazing, instead of meals.  Snacking on junk food.  Drinking with my meals.  It was my choice and I knew it when I did it.  I'd think "it's just this ONCE"  but once turned into twice and just kept multiplying till I was back in old bad habits instead of my good WLS habits.  Tight size 8s, needing 10s and the scale woke me up around Christmas. 

So, to take responsibility for myself, my choices and my health, I am back on the TMB and joined a group at my church that is focusing on our total bodies (spiritual, emotional and physical).  It's going to be a great accountability group to meet with each week.  The leaders are both in the healthcare field (one is an RN, the other is sports medicine) and they are really focusing on lifestyle changes, diet and exercise.  It should be a good class. 

Anyway...thanks again for this article. It was just what I needed to see this morning!! 

Thanks Steph.....I've book  marked this.............title:  "Gentle kick in the A????!!! lol

I know thats not funny.......but each day (alot of them lately)  I need to re-read this and just GET TO IT......NO EXCUSES. 

I put on my flame resistant panties and posted this over on the Main Board.... but so far all I've gotten is a lot of mostly positive posts and thank you-s.....

I love Leilani and miss seeing her regular posts on Tek's site since it went belly up.....

Thank you, I needed to hear this :)