I need help!
I am falling into my old bad habit of closing myself in. I dont read the board, I dont get on the scale( if I dont see the gain I can just ignore it), and I am eating things that I shouldnt. Nothing makes me sick(although I havent tried sugar yet--dont want to know) I know that I am eating too much at each meal, and grazing the rest of the day. I'm really feeling like a failure again. I dont post on my local board or go to the support meeting cause I'm so ashamed. I'm still struggling to hit the 50 pound mark. Before my surgery, I knew this was only a tool and I was ready to commit to a lifetime change but now I see that I was only fooling myself. I'm sorry this is such a downer but I dont know what to do.
Ok before I respond do you want the tough love response or the gentle caring response ;)
Jackie - You went through a life alternating procedure. You made a commitment to yourself and your surgeon that you would do your part. Now you MUST do it. /swift kick in your tush!! Failure is not an option. You were NOT fooling yourself. Get that negative thinking out of your head right now. You are ready and you can do this. Say that out loud. I CAN DO THIS... no better yet.. I WILL DO THIS!!! You took the first step by admitting you are having some trouble here. Now take the next step and try the following:
1. Write down your goals and reasons for having the surgery
2. Get to support groups and come to OH DAILY for encouragement
Support Groups are for SUPPORT. Not to be ashamed. People will not judge you. People are there to help you through the good and the hard times. Others might be going through what you are going through as well.
You can help others and help yourself by sharing your challenges.
3. Consider seeking out a therapist for some one on one sessions. Even if it is just a few to do some here and now type therapy to get you back on track.
4. Review the pouch rules once again. Go back to basics. Review them everyday until you get them down.
5. Log your food intake at fitday.com or in a notepad and hold yourself accountable for what you eat. If you do find yourself overeating still right it down and figure out why. Are you drinking with food? STOP. Are you eating protein first and filling up on quality calories? Try calling your nutritionist and make an appointment to bring her your logs after a few weeks for a refresher and review.
6. Recommit yourself daily and have a daily plan for meals and exercise. Don't look at just the numbers but rather have the goal of becoming a healthier and happier you with a better quality of life. Take it one day at a time.
7. Close your eyes and visualize yourself at your goal. How do you feel, look, what are you doing, what are you wearing?
Are you eating because you are physically hungry or is it emotional? I have an article that can help you identify the difference if you want me to email it to you. It takes practice following the pouch rules and getting use to our life. Nobody is perfect and many people don't get them down for a few months. The emotional/behavioral part of this journey is the hardest part! You can start right now. Seize this "window of opportunity!"
Good Luck!!
Thanks Stayce--I needed that! I reread what I wrote last night and I have to say that I dont really feel as depressed as I sounded. I know I am making progress but it's slow going and I'm really struggling with this right now. I have used fitday and I will start it again. I started walking in the morning with some women from my street to keep the exercize motivation going. I think the emotional head stuff is what i****ting me really hard lately. I get weepy a lot. Probably the hormones!!! Thanks for listening to me. I know when I start hitting bottom I only have to turn here to get that "kick in the tush" that I need (LOL). It's just hard for me to admit my weaknesses and I know that is part of what got me here in the first place. This board has helped me in the past and I know it will be there for me always. Thank you again.
Hey Stayce, since you helped Jackie so thoroughly, can you post the pouch rules? I need to follow them more carefully and want to print them out and carry them with me and I can't seem to get my hands on them.
I use fitday religiously but need help in the emotional area too! I can't use food as a coping mechanism anymore and I'm still adjusting to that.
Thanks,
L*