Expectations vs. Reality

z3rusty
on 4/4/04 2:04 pm - Tarpon Springs, FL
I'm developing a theory! WLS works a while & then it works when you work it. I'm 9-4-2003 RNY, 5'2" & have lost 38 pounds in nearly 7 months. Nov.=4 lbs.; Dec.=4 lbs.; Jan.=-0-; Feb.=+1 LB. GAIN; Mar.=2 lbs. This with me doing everything possible right. I wear 14-16 and need to lose 55 lbs. for 25% BMI. On the other hand, my health is FINE compared to before WLS. I expect to stop BP pills before much longer. I took 9 RXs & 2 over-the-counter pills daily & lived in a mental fog & in physical bowel incontinence/TIAs. This is ended. Yes, I'm embarrassed at support meetings when others with surgery after mine have lost over 100 lbs. AND ARE NOW SLIM - but what good does that do? If they'd gained 100 lbs., it wouldn't help me lose one ounce - so what's the point of comparing myself with others? I just suck it up & hope to hear a helpful tip when I go. Now you'd think I'd be exercising like an athlete, but I need more encouragement and wisdom and discipline here! HELP!
Jennifer ..
on 4/5/04 6:33 am - Washington, DC
Your perspective on comparing yourself to others is refreshing and inspiring -- especially since I know this is a very real challenge for many of us (whether we perceive ourselves as successful, "slow losers," or right on target). Exercising like an athlete might be a bit lofty a goal, for what it's worth. If you can work in a couple bouts of cardio a week, if you're not doing that already, you'd be on the right track. (Sure, the ideal is more exercise, but the ideal also can be very hard to achieve; personally, I'm searching for a way to make the doable approach the ideal). My surgeon always tells his patients at support group meetings that everybody's weight loss is different. We didn't gain weight in the same way and the same time frame; we're not going to lose it at the same speed either. And, of course, we all rationally understand that. And, we all see that represented at support groups and online too; there is great variance among all of us as to how quickly we are losing. That you've been able to recognize this emotionally as well as rationally is really impressive. Jen.
Khaki W.
on 4/10/04 9:46 am - Plano, TX
If anything, at least park your car out further when you go to the grocery store and maybe take the stairs at the mall instead of an elevator or walk up the escalator rather than coasting on up. Take baby steps. I've never posted here because I don't get out to the OH boards much but I'm 7 months out today and have lost 124 lbs. I workout 5 times a week. I also lead the support groups in my area and I see people like you, Rusty, come in and hope to get something and leave. I want to tell you that you haven't failed in the least and don't quit. This surgery is a tool not a cure. The only reason I go to the gym 5 days a week is because 1) I found a wonderful gym that makes you want to go, very nice facility (clean, big, almost luxurious, but not too pricey). 2) I have a fellow gastric bypass lady to workout with me (and hold me accountable) 3) the more I lose, the more I want to grab a hold of life and run with it. As far as doing everything right...double check with your doctor to make sure you do not have anything wrong. Also, you can always start over. I don't know what you initial plan was, soft foods for two weeks, etc, but you can always jump start the loss that way. My surgeon and doctor tell me when I think I'm on a plateau to change what I'm doing. Back off my workout a bit or vamp it up a notch. Back off the food or vamp it up, esp. my protein and vitamins. Make a change to kind of jump start your body back in gear. My personal opinion, being afforded the opportunity to have this surgery is motivation enough for me. I don't get another "redo" after this. I have to make sure this works. Also, you are not on a true plateau until you stop losing pounds AND inches. Hang in there! Force yourself to do baby steps. Park further away from the door each trip, then maybe walk around the building before going in. If you need to go to Sear's. Park at JCPenney's or something. Try to get in 15 minutes of walking before lunch then 15 minutes in the evening. Find a friend or relative to help you and hold you accountable. Also, reward yourself. Set goals and reward yourself. For me, it's a new shirt, a carwash, a pair of flip flops, new jewelry, pillowcases, WHATEVER. Never food!!! Cheer up! Hang in there, you can do this!!! You deserve it. Khaki
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