Confession...

Ok, so I am not really losing right now...I have lost the 80 lbs and most of that was in August and September and there is really no one to blame but ME.  I know that I don't get in the exercise I should for two reasons, and I know their just excuses probably, but one is by the time I get all my housework done or have chased the two year old I dont feel like exercising, so you say do it in the morning then and yes I should.  But I am achey in the morning after being in bed all night.  But I know I need to just go do it and maybe build myself up to it.  Its just hard finding the time with having 3 children and running them here and picking them up here, I know take care of me too right?  That's like this whole vitamin thing, I am not the best about getting all of them in either, and I KNOW how very important that is.  But I take care of everyone else and forget myself.  My counselor has told me that pretty soon there will be no more Angela to take care of the others, so first I have to take care of me.  I don't even test my sugars much.  Plus I haven't said this but I am having major stomach problems and don't know what's going on, whether its the stress/depression/anxiety I suffer from, or if its just something going on since surgery.  So I DID call the surgeon and they put me on something to calm my stomach and a pill that is for infection in case there is one.  So with that being said I guess a lot of this could be why I am not losing.  I know its not really from what I eat, although I think I have made some bad choices, but then try to get right back at it.  I guess I dont know what else to say or do.  I know there are a few things I have to change or this tool won't help me.  So see Cheryl, even I am not the best at this.  Take care all and hope you all are doing fine.  Hugs...Angela

well, honesty is the first step.  I won't be the one to "Flame YOU" cause as you know i'm far from perfect.  But, yes, taking care of Angela should be # one.  you need to take this one step at a time, I think the most important right now would be your vitamins and your tummy not feeling well.  Don't worry about loosing, that will come.  DO you understand your organs could shut down if your lacking certain vitamins? and some is irriversable.  Please, take care of that.

And, I guess I'm pretty rough on everyone.  I"m sorry.

That must be a load off your chest!!  I don't like to exercise either and I'm afraid that even after I have the surgery I won't either.  So I can feel for you.  But yes, you DO need to take care of you first.  Think of obesity like any other disease. If you had cancer and the doctor told you to go have chemo every day for an hour. You would do it, maybe you need to think of this the same way?  I don't know, but good luck.

here is a list of vitamins and why they are important.  http://gastricbypass.netfirms.com/vitamins.htm#D

Oh Angela  I SOOOO know where you are coming from!  It IS tough chasing after kids, keeping a house reasonably clean, and then.......all the other stuff!  It seems like "WE" always take a back seat!  Especially at this time of year when there always seems to be something to do!  Sounds like you are getting plenty of exercise chasing the 2 year old and cleaning and stuff.  But, you do need to make sure your tummy is ok and that you take your vitamins.  You DO have to take care of yourself or you won't be able to take care of everyone else. 

Vitamins are hard......I am able to take most of mine in the morning so that helps me out A LOT!  I sometimes forget my second multi for the day, as I have to take it later and I have a problem scheduling my calcium, since I can't take it with the Carafate for my tummy.  So, I've let the calcium slide for now.  Once the tummy is healed, the calcium will take the carafate's place in my schedule.  I guess, what I'm saying, is try to figure out what works for you with the vitamins and then, just stick to your plan.  They are SOO important!

Don't stress too much about your food choices.  We ALL make "bad" choices at some point or another.  It's no biggie and I'll be the last one to "flame" you for that cause I make bad choices too! (all the time!)   If you are getting your protein in first and drinking your fluids to stay hydrated, it will all work out!!  Protein and fluids will help curb the desire for some of the carby/"bad" food (at least it does for me).  Just hang in there........I know you can do it!

As for exercise.....chasing those kiddos around counts!  haha!   All that housework counts!  Pushing a cart around the grocery store counts!  It's all physical and it gets you moving.  I'm willing to bet you are burning more calories than you think you are!   I know it's discouraging to not see the scale moving when we want it to, but, it WILL move (I am saying this to myself too!)  

So, I guess, all I can add is......take care of you!  Make a little time for yourself (it's hard, I KNOW!!)  Do your best to stay healthy by taking your vitamins, protein, and fluids.  I'm right there with you stressing over how to get this all done and stay sane at the same time!!

Sending hugs and peaceful thoughts your way!   

Angela,

Don't beat yourself up over this. No one is prefect. You will get there, maybe slower than some but you'll do it. Knowing what you need to do is good. Next you need to decide how you're going to accompli**** You do need to take care of yourself first, but you know this, so you will do it.

Here is an idea for the vitamins that works for me, maybe it will help you.
I put my vitamins in a weekly pill container every Sunday (thats my sleep in day that I have more time to do things, you pick the day of the week that works for you) then I have all the pills I need for each day prepared for me, I put the weekly pill container somewhere where I will see it. Mine sits infront of my computer monitor on my desk because I sit here every morning before work for 10 minutes while I eat my breakfast and read my e-mails before I leave for work. You could put them anywhere that works for you (by your toothbrush, the kitchen sink etc.)

~dori~

You had some really great thoughts in the responses here from our little group. None of this is easy and we are all human and make mistakes.

You do need to take care of others and if you want to do your best for them, you need to take care of yourself.

Exercise is a tough one - it took me 5 months before I could do anything meaningful - so for me in the beginning it was more about taking small steps at improvement.

Yo've taken the first step by assesing what things you are not doing.

It is hard to take the time for yourself when you have young children. Can you swap childcare with a friend and go take an hour long walk? Put the toddler in a stroller and go take a walk together?

I too set up my pills for the week. I get my 2 flintstones vits, and prescription meds in after I brush my teeth in the morning. 3 days a week there's a Vit b12 in the pill sorter, Saturday there's a Vit D .

Calcium- I have a pill box in my purse and will place 2 calciums in a pocket so that it's there at mealtime- lunch and dinner. Don't try to double up and take both calciums at the same time. Your body can only absorb 1 pill worth at a time.

 I am able to stay on track by logging my meals, exercise and water on www.mydailyplate.com. It keeps me accountable for my actions.