HIJACK FROM WLS GRAD BOARD RE: CAN'T STOP EATING - PLEASE READ

Post Date: 12/3/07 10:16 am Almost 3 years out and still losing! I attribute this to many factors 1.) strictly adhering to what we know to be true for WLS patients and the diet they should stick to. 2.) exercise 3.) motivation in the form of a fellow WLS alumni I work with who has gained back 100 of the 200 lbs. she originally lost. 4.) Continued follow-up care and lastly 5.) staying on track with my vitamins. #1 DIET: We knew going into this sacrifices would be made in the form of what we could (should) and could not (should not) eat. My surgeon was brutally honest when he asked me if I was willing to give up breads, pasta, rice, potato's and sugar the rest of my life. If not, he was unwilling to take me on as a patient. An eating planned was designed for the success of his patients and noted that when one falls off the plan things will not progress as they are intended: a. restriction of simple carbohydrates and sugars; b. grazing strictly prohibited; c. feed and feed often with the caveat that this would be controlled portions and the prescribed foods i.e., lean proteins, fruits, vegetables. d. proteins, proteins, proteins always a better choice than chips. #2 EXERCISE: The benefits and gained are more than just weight loss. Weight training in any form promotes building of muscle which burns calories through-out the day with the extra added benefits of stronger bones and the release of endorphins that combat fatigue and depression. There are no excuses this is me time and I like me! #3 MOTIVATION: The one person who could set an example for me did so in the worst possible way. By observing her eating habits I was given a birds eye view of how not following (what should be a life long commitment) will be the brick wall hit by many. #4 FOLLOW-UP: Being accountable to my doctor helps me in my success to say nothing of monitoring my health. #5 VITAMINS: There is no excuse not to take them. Don't have time for the pesky iron pill the consequences are fatigue, anemia and in some cases the need for transfusions. Find it a pain in the ass to take your calcium? Just wait until you take a fall and something breaks. Need I say more? I once worried about being able to afford plastic surgery for the ugly bat wings and the inevitable loose skin on the belly. Some how they are not as important as I once thought. My energy and stamina are off the charts and a whole new world has evolved. Do I slip? On occasion. Do I worry about weight gain during the holidays? Not at all. These last 3 years has allowed me to change my eating habits, given me back my health and taught me that I can do this. Forever.

Thanks Cindy I found this REALLY helpful. I need to get back in line and follow the rules. I need to remember the attitude I had when I first had wls and I need to remember how I felt before I lost weight. Do I REALLY want to go back to that, because that's where I'm headed if I don't sort this out now...

Thanks Cindy - I found this very helpful as well. Puts things in proper perspective. I have gradually lost my focus, and I need to get it back on track. Thanks, Heather

I follow this pretty much myself, I am actually trying to not looses anymore, today I am 121 and 5 5" but if I eat things I'm not supposed to I will gain