Sorry to hear you are not doing well.  I have to watch my vitamins and protein intake.  If I do not get enough, I get shaky, dizzy and feel yucky.  You know, especially this time of year, I get sad that I cannot eat what I want sometimes.  Sugar cookies make me sick, and they are my absolute favoritist food in the world.  I have to remind myself that nothing tastes as good as thin feels, but it is rough.  I have actually been working to gain a lil bit of weight...I am  sitting at 127 now and feel like this is a good weight for me.  Before, I did not feel strong.  I felt weak.  Now, I think I am at a good place.  I am still healing from the tummy tuck.  I figure if I can stay at 130 or below, I am good.  I need to tone up now.  Saw the Dr. today and he said I can exercise (finally) but no ab area workouts.  Still I am going to work on my flabocious arms lol.  I understand what u mean about this surgery and missing the NORMAL days.  I have alot of bowel issues now that I did not have before, and I am struggling now to get that under control.  I guess we trade some good and some bad eh?  Have a wonderful weekend and we are all here to support you.  I am going to be better on checking in here with my dear friends.  Love to u all. 

I'm sure sorry to hear of your struggles.  Have you been to your surgeon or nurse to have bloodwork done?  There are obviously things out of whack.  I hope things turn around for you and you get to feeling better.  I know when my energy level was low I was low in iron and am now on a supplement and feel MUCH better. 

Please keep us updated on your condition ok?  I will keep you in my prayers! 

God bless you!

Brenda

Hi Tara, Kathleen, and Fran--and everyone else that takes a minute to read this!  I thank you, Tara for the compliment on being the "kick butt" accountable person on here.  And, no, lol I don't mind a bit sharin' my shoes (just PLEASE excuse the powdery residue in the bottom...I powder my shoes more than I powder my nose! hehehe)

I do often wonder if we are reaching the point of comfort in our journey that it's much easier to ignore being accountable.  Someone recently said to me "we tend to ignore what makes us uncomfortable" and dang if that's not true!  Not just in our post-op life but in other areas of life as well.  I do know that being accountable is probably the single most difficult part of this journey.  Eating? nahhh we all gotta eat.  Eating wrong?  yep...a bit harder to acknowledge the consumption of those things we should stay away from.  Head hunger vs. actual hunger?  Uhhhhh....what's physical hunger?  I haven't felt that sensation since before surgery.  But OHHHH MY GOSH the head hunger!  Sometimes it's all I can do to not rip open a bag of carbs and down it in a minute or less.  But, when I get that sensation I know I'm on the brink of disaster and I look at my "before" picture and grab a protein drink.  Most times anyway.  There are those times that I just HAVE to have a taste of something naughty.  Darn it that they didn't operate on our brain when they operated on our belly! 

Christmas is around the corner and we ALL know what that means!  Sugar, fats, carbs, junk, junk, and more junk!  I think it's always a struggle to get through the holidays without the desire to partake of the usual holiday treats.  One definition I've recently renewed my knowledge of is MODERATION.  Who says we can't enjoy a treat now and then?  It just doesn't have to be often and it certainly doesn't have to become a habit again.  All sounds good doesn't it?  Ok, all that logic is what my head says, but what my mouth says is EAT IT DANG IT!  That's when I pick up the phone and call one of the people in my support group or take a quick walk or grab a bottle of water.  I also read back on the posts we all made when we were early into this journey.  It's amazing how a year changes how we look at things huh?

I know I haven't posted as often as I used to and it's not ALL because I'm busy with school, work, family and daily life.  It's because I oftentimes just do NOT feel like typing or sitting at a computer after I've been in front of one most of the day.  Baaaaaad excuse, but true.  I think of each of you every single day and you're always in my prayers.  That will NEVER stop.

Here's to those of us who have remained fairly regular posters!  We are the ones who WILL be successful at keeping the weight off! 

One other thing I have done recently is I've visited the December surgery board and have offered words of encouragement to those just beginning their journies.  God bless 'em!  They're in for quite a ride huh?  They're also in for the best life possible!

Ok, I've rambled long enough and it's late, I'm pooped and need to get to bed.  I will see you all VERY soon!

I love you all! ((((((((Tara, Kathleen, Fran)))))))))

God bless you!

Brenda

Sounds like you are having some tough times lately.  I'm not sure what "red zone" or "pink zone"is.  Is it something to do with the band?  You are right not to listen to those who will bring you down.  I hope when you talked to your doctor you got some help and support.
Fran

I am still here!  Been super busy, but doing better.  Hubby comes in two months, so things are lookin up for me.  Trying to do all the holiday shopping now.  Hard for six kids lol.  My weight is stable at 122-125.  Go see the Dr. Sat. so that is a good thing.  I have noticed if I cut out carbs I can get off a pound or two pretty easy.  Always back to basics I guess.  Much love to all, and Happy Holidays