I'm my BIGGEST ENEMY!

Hi Ginger,

I'm so sorry that you are going through a rough time.  Believe me when I tell you that it's not only the band that restricts the amount of food that you eat but not what you choose to eat.  I don't dump, so it's very easy for me to eat things I shouldn't be eating.  It's a constant battle every day.  Fortunately, so far, as soon as I see that scale move in the upward direction, I quickly go back to what I should be eating.  It's never easy.  I'm also more disciplined in my exercise routine, now that I've pretty much entered the maintenance phase.  

Use this board as much as you can for support.  Even if we're not all physically in the same location, the wonders of technology allow to be so virtually.  

Have you thought about seeing a counselor that specializes in these types of things?

Unfortunately I don't get the channel that airs Ruby and I wish I did...she seems like such a sweetheart and remains so positive through much of her struggles!

Heather
 

Ginger, I'm so sorry you're struggling - but we're here for you!!  I just popped in during lunch and saw your post so I wanted to respond as well.  And I agree with my fellow losers bench buddies!  You've done well, and I think of all the WLS the lapband is the hardest. 

Obviously it's difficult with hunger and ability to graze and emotional eating issues. Maybe if you told your husband how you're feeling and struggling, he'd be considerate enough to not complain and eat the bad foods away from home or at least hide them and eat when you're not around!! 

My husband was recently diagnosed with Diabetes, so he's watching what he eats more now as well and he's been very supportive and willing to cook special dinners for me.  He's occaisionally has something though I that I used to crave (pizza! And he snacks on peanuts...) but he buys a pizza with toppings I won't eat!  Still smellls good but at least I know I'd hate it.  The peanuts, I'll say give me some and he says "No, you're not allowed any yet, you know that!"  URGH!!!  But he's right... and I relent.

Is there a couselor or a 12 step program or Over Eaters Anonymous meetings near you?  Maybe you can join and get some face to face support from that? And  I wonder if you spoke with local church or hospital if they knew of other WLS patients and would give them your contact info?  Or would let you post and hold a group meeting so you start your own???  Just a few thoughts to try and help you through this.

You can do this... you can go back to 'basics' the eating plan you first started with post-op and go from there!  You've always been so sweet and supportive for us... just know we're here for you too!

Thank you Mitzi, and everyone else!  Maybe the weather has something to do with it!  Just NOT a good day!  Haven't been to the pool, Clarion won't let anyone use the indoor pool, anymore, unless they're staying there, no more outside spa memberships, so waiting till the outdoor pools open. Still afraid to try getting back on the bike, afraid of falling!  I feel like my grandmother did, yrs. ago!  Boy, getting old SUCKS!  Oh they'll probably delete that like they deleted the kind of dog I once said I had! (a certain kind of spaniel) LOL!   

Ginger,

I'm not too sure if you can do the 5 day pouch test with a Lap Band, but can you go back to basics?  I guess what I'm saying is can you go on liquids/protein drinks for a few days and detox from the sugar and carbs?  Maybe that will help get you back on track.  Once that nasty bad stuff is out of your system, then slowly add back in healthy things.  I guess the rules for the band are close to what RNY'ers do, protein first, etc., etc.

((((Hugs and much support))))

Debbie

Ginger I am so sorry. I am so glad I had the pleasure of meeting you while I was at the beach. I can tell you are a very kind and dear woman. If I can help you in any way just call me. I wish I was close to you because I need help and support to as all of us do. I would love to have a friend to go to the pool with. It makes exercise so much eaiser. Hoping to see you again. Hang in there. Hugs and love coming to you.

                                                                                                              Julie

Hi Ginger, I like the rest are here to help however we can. I had a bad two months because I was eating pretty much what I wanted and then wondering why I wasn't losing. I honestly thought I wasn't eating that much!! LOL that is so not true.  Now I have gone back to measuring everything and not going over and I have lost a whopping 10lbs in about 2 weeks.  Make sure you go back to the basics! I still eat the foods that I like mostly, just the right portions of protein, veggie/fruit then carb or starch if room! So far it's working.  I'm sending hugs your way!! 

Kelly

I can't begin to tell all of you, how good it feels to know so many people understand and so many care!  I felt so alone, and still know I have to do this, but at least I don't feel alone, anymore.  Thank you all, so much.  I've gotten through this day, now will deal with tomorrow, when it gets here!   

One day at a time Ginger...one day at a time!

Ginger, I am going to write in bullet points becaus eI think best that way.
1. The fact that you feel your surgery restricts how much you eat and not what can work in your favor if you learn to treat it as your friend. I had RNY but I don't have any foods I cannot eat. there's definitely limits on how much. I can even have a mini candy bar and not die. Go for the second one and I know I'll be in trouble. I learned that the very hard way. But now, I have candy at home and I'm not finishing it in one day.
2. I don't know what the 6 day intensive is but it almost sounds like a crash diet and like any other crash diet, it might work in the short term but won't for the long term. for that, you have to work on yourself and teach yourself the habits that might have been unlearned in the past few months.
3. You are in OC? Invite us all over and we'll have a For ginger support group meeting :0)
4. Don't beat yourself up too much. The fact that you are talking about this and admitting you have a problem is GREAT. I know enough people who have trouble with that first step an delude themselve sinto thinking everything's great and they don't need any change or help.

Good luck with your journey! We are here to listen and to offer our individual advice based on our experience but if you feel like you need it, find a professional or a support group nearish you to go to and vent at.

Good morning, Sylvie!  COME ON DOWN, ANYTIME! (seriously!!)  Actually, I've been talking to my neighbor to see if he'd rent his townhome out, several days or a week to interested people, since it just sits empty with him only coming down a couple of weekends a year.  Then I can have support all year!! LOL!

The intensive 6 day, apparently goes back into your childhood, similar to doing the 4th step, to help you understand deep things that may affect how you deal with things. 

I guess I really need to do each day at a time (actually, that's all any of us have, if we're lucky!)  So far, today, is good, even if it's raining.  Guess the sun is really up there, I just can't see it.  I need to get on the bike and go to the beach!  Need to remember to take my vitamins twice a day, as they're high in B's which helps how you feel, psychologically, and at this point I surely need that.

Thank you so much for replying, it means alot.
Ginger