Good to remember

KuuipoCloud
on 11/22/06 12:10 pm - Oak Harbor, WA

I get an e-mail every week or so from the Bariatric Support something-or-other and it usually has some really good information in it. This paragraph I found especially good and helpful so I wanted to share. However, if you've had the surgery, thought everything was going great because you weren't hungry, didn't think about food, and lost weight "effortlessly", then all of a sudden you realize that you are hungry, you are eating even when you are not hungry, and you have gained weight: don't panic! It is never too late to reclaim your power over food!! Stop and take a deep breath. Monitor your self talk. This is not a time for self degradation; rather it is a time for self compassion and understanding (much like you would offer to a best friend). Reach out for help. Go to a support group meeting. Start writing down everything you eat (not as a way to judge but rather to increase awareness). Before you eat anything ask yourself if you are physically hungry. If the answer is no, ask yourself what you would be doing if you weren't thinking about food/body/weight. What is this stopping you from being present to? Would you be upset, anxious, or bored if you were not thinking about food? Remember feelings are just energy in your body and all feelings eventually pass. You need not be afraid of them, rather I encourage you to breathe into and embrace them. Remember as well that food is not good or bad or right or wrong, it just has consequences in your body namely to decrease or increase your energy. If you are having a difficult time with food choices or portion sizes don't hesitate to consult with your nutritionist, and if you are experiencing significant feelings of depression or anxiety seek out the help of a qualified therapist. Please know: you are worth the effort! Love you guys! Michelle