Does anyone feel normal?

Hi. My 1 year surgiversary is Nov 29th. I have lost 98 lbs to date, only 2 more to go to 100! I want to lose a total of 119 lbs, so I am not far from my goal! Some days I feel normal and I try to eat like a normal person. Other days I feel bad no matter what I eat. Some days I struggle with cravings and head hunger, and other days I can eat my protein and veggies and feel great! Is all of this normal? How is everyone else handling this balancing act? Any advice would be appreciated. I am so scared to mess up. Thanks, Carla

Carla: Thanks for posting your thoughts...what is "normal" Well, I too stuggle some days (I think we all do). I have talked to some of my friends that have always been a "normal" weight and they say the same thing! I couldn't believe that they have FAT DAYS I think I'm just beginning to find a sense of normalcy in this new life of mine. To date I've lost 127 pounds going from 329 to 202 (so far but it's not over). My surgery date was November 17. It's weird I think I eat a lot now but last week I went out to lunch with some coworkers (something I rarely do) and they all said "well dang you make us look like pigs because you eat so little". Hmm...I guess my life is just different now. I finally feel like I can blend in a crowd of people and NOT be the heaviest one in the crowd. I finally feel like I eat to live and not live to eat. Some days are good and other days I still stuggle...but for the most part I really like who I am on the outside just as much as I've always liked who I was in the inside. Finding your inner happiness is the key in my opinion. The daily struggles, and stress will be there no matter what...it's how we deal with them that makes the difference. By the way...I'm DYING to be under 200 and that's my struggle for now. Congrats on your weight loss! Tanya 329/202 healthy & happy

Hi Carla My surgiversary will be on 11/21. To date i have lost 107lbs. I have been this weight for the last month. I am not sure if I will loose any more or not. I am happy with the way I am now, even if I don't loose another pound. I have the same struggles as you. some days I can eat three fairly balanced meals and then other days I can barely eat anything. The only craving I get is french fries and if I eat too many then I don't feel good.(dumping I guess). I fid times that I might be doing some emotional eating but I choose to pick healthy things to much on such as fruit, sugar and fat free pudding or a protein bar. I know i have come along way since a year ago. I am determined for this WLS to work long term. I have my head set that I will not gain any weight back. I just hope this determination stays with me for the long run. I am sure things will become easier in the next few months. You will not mess up. Our pouches tell us when we have had enough to eat. Be happy with all you have accomplished in less than a year. You are also not far from your goal weeight. Keep your chin up and it seems you are right on track. Janet

Hi Carla my anniversary date is nov. 15th and have lost 115 lbs. and yes some days I can eat normal and some days not. Some days I just don't have a taste for anything. I do try to eat mostly protien tho. I eat alot of chees that is for sure. there are those days where I just feel I can eat and eat and eat tho. I try not to graze as they call it but it is so hard because I work in a bakery / deli and I have alot of food available to me but I do good and not eating if I do say so myself. So to answer your question I do think you a pretty much on the normal side of all of us. Take care Betty

Carla; I think the word normal may be our enemy. This is one of my more recent hypotheses, so let me know what you think. We all have this idea that once we've shed our excess weight we're going to be "normal." For me, I thought I would be happier and the things that brought me down about my life pre-op would resolve themselves. But they haven't...yes, I'm skinnier, but I still have all the same real life problems...bills to pay, house to clean, husband that can get on my last nerve, job stress, etc. So I started asking those around me that have never had a weight struggle and guess what? They have all the same problems. They may not have to count protein grams, but they worry about if their pants are getting a little snug and if they are, they make an adjustment until they fit right again. I've really tried to learn to listen to my body in the last year. Feed it when it's hungry, don't when it's not. If I'm craving salty foods, I eat them because there's likely a reason my body wants salt. I don't worry about the days I eat more because they seem to balance out with the days I eat less. And, I try to let my clothes be my guide. I don't step on the scale nearly as much as I used to. As a matter of fact, the only reason I've been on the scale all week is my one year follow-up is today and I wanted to see where I was before getting on the scale at my surgeon's office. And right now, the scale isn't moving, but my clothes are getting to big, so I don't really get that, but whatever. Blessings, Jennifer

Hi Carla, Good for you being so close to goal! I will be a year out next Tuesday and there are so many days where my eating is just a mess. Hungry as a horse one day, and barely eating the next. I guess it's just how it works for me right now. Have you talked to your nut. or dr about this? It wouldn't hurt to ask if you are very worried about it. I had my year postop today and my dr was pleased, so I figure I'm doing ok. As for feeling normal...this past weekend was the first time in a long time I felt remotely close to normal (aside from leaving tons of food on my plate in restaurants). I was in A.C. for the weekend and all those darn casino mirrors forced me to see myself for what I TRULY look like at all times. This wasn't a bad thing...I actually am glad because everyone was starting to get mad at me for not being able to "see" me...they just don't get it. Good luck! Christine