Questions.. Questions..

Hi everyone! Every day I learn something new, but it seems like every day I have just as many questions. I need to get to a support group soon, b/c I knew what to do with myself for those couple of months after surgery and now, I'm just unsure. I have no idea what I should be doing right now. I'm so afraid of failing. Everyone on here has been great.. and I haven't heard to many failure stories. Although, on another board, people that "know someone" that's had this done have nothing but horror stories about how this failed, or they failed, how they all gained weight back. I know this happens and it really freaks me out. I'm so afraid I've stretched my pouch.. even though I'm sure a lot of it is mental. Does anyone else ever have these concerns?? I also SEE a lot of people going from really big, like I was to super thin (like a few of you gorgeous ladies in here ), but then I HEAR of people not losing their weight and stopping maybe 50% through their journey. Also, how many of you eat pasta? How much of it do you eat a week? I still like to have angel hair once in a while, but I just wonder how much this is going to throw me off. That's about it for now. I can't say enough how great you all are!! I'd be TOTALLY lost if it weren't for all of you. Take care, Michelle

Hi Michelle, I would love to hear these answers as well. I have been so afraid lately that I am done losing weight. I have only lost several pounds in the last month or so. I am really nervous about gaining it back, and that maybe my window of opportunity to lose is already past for me, and that I will never get under 200 pounds. I get in all my protein, but I do eat carbs too - not much, a tablespoon of rice or potatoes, occasional pasta as well, but very little. Is this why I am not losing very much? Can that little bit of carbs be stopping/slowing my weight loss? Thanks for posting this, hopefully people will have some answers for us. See you Saturday! Anne

I know I am much newer at this than you are, but first I want to say you look great, your loss is wonderful and I hope you feel healthier which is the most importanat factor! I was looking through all my pre-op paperwork and came across some notes on "soft calorie syndrome". This accounts for somewhere around 80-90% of failures. Wow, that means as long as you follow the rules, you are almost guranteed to be successful! The basic rules are protein first, then veggies and carbs last. If you are sticking w/ mostly lean protein (like chicken and fish), eating some veggies and pasta 1-2 times a week, you should be fine! Avoid "soft foods" that move through your pouch quickly like pudding, ice cream or even crackers. These will not keep you full and add lots of calories! If you want to go to a support group, there is one at St Rapheal's Wednesday at 5:45pm in the auditorium. I think it is very helpful and I would love to see a familiar face there! You really are doing great! Hang in there. Carmen

Hi Michelle, YOU, my darling, are most certainly in the "gorgeous" category...don't sell yourself short! My Gosh! I told you that pre-op, and now add the additional health to the already pretty package and you are faboo!! I think it's normal (??) to be nervous about failing and regaining weight back. After all, we have all 'failed' a zillion times before, trying to lose weight, right? But this time is different. We have a tool to use to the best of our ability, and a few additional safety nets; support groups (GET TO ONE!!), this website, and the amazing friendships we have with each other. Its one thing to have support from friends and family, but it's another thing to know people who are in the same boat. As far as carbs/pasta, I follow the rules (these are not made to be broken) and eat protein first. I DO eat carbs, but just a little. I do not tolerate angel hair for some reason, isn't that odd? Hang in there, it sounds to me like you are doing great. BTW - How is your brother doing?? Peace -Deb