REMINDER OF WLS COMMITMENTS MADE

It's the time of the year when people are making their New Year Resolutions, so I thought I would post an article/letter read at a PNC group that really hit me.  It was before I was approved by insurance and the words in this article stick with me even today -- 10 weeks after surgery.   Just thought people might find it interesting.....It is not intended to cast an opinion toward anyone or anythng.  I almost didn't post because I was afraid posts around it would think I was commenting on them --- but since all posts could relate to this, I guess I'll stick my neck out.  But please don't shoot the messenger.  It isn't anything I wrote, just liked it!!! XXOO ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THERE'S NO CRYING IN BASEBALL!!! By:  Leilani [Original draft written June 2004 - - Revised: April 2006] That's the sentiment (scenario) that comes to mind sometimes when I hear some of the comments from people who've already had the surgery.   In case you haven't made the connection, that's a line Tom Hanks made famous in the movie "A League Of Their Own."  Resorting to tears or just giving up every time the going gets tough.  Or your sick of taking vitamins, getting in protein is hard, water doesn't taste good, etc.  That kinda' thinking is NOT going to make you successful or keep you healthy.  ENOUGH already!  It's time to LOVE yourself enough to get "TOUGH" wtih your aftercare.  Your longterm health is worth it!! Success comes with a backbone, NOT a wishbone! First and foremost, you have to keep it POSITIVE.  As with everything in life, if you think you can't - you WON'T!  Simple enough? I have to wonder when "we" (as adults) finally take ownershipfor our actions, our life and our health?  We have been given a gift, a second chance to actually LIVE life again instead of merely existing on the sidelines.   It's up to each of us to do that as healthy and productively as possible.

We're ALL statistics waiting to happen and the insurance companies are chomping at the bit.  The bean counters are eager to drop Weight Loss Surgery ("WLS") from the policies; some already have.  Don't you know that any negative feedback thrown into the mix only strengthens their cause?  I may not be able to control every thing that happens to my body after WLS, but most things I can.  I CHOOSE to take control and I will be a positive statistic when the numbers get counted.   We live in a spoiled society, expecting everything in life to come with a buncha really cool choices.  Well, guess what?  When it comes to your health, you're not always going to get a choice.  You either DO IT and stay healthy, or you DON'T and your body pays the price. The way I saw it, I had a 90 day healing and adjusting period after surgery.  My 'super morbidly obese' body had more than enough stores to survive the learning curve.  In turn, it gave me plenty of time to heal, adjust and learn.  For those of you OVER 90 days Post-Op, the probation period is over - its time to get serious and LIVE what you've learned.   *  You say you can't get in enough liquids throughout the day, don't like the taste of water, or just keep forgetting? -- TOUGH!  It's not an option anymore.   Find a way to do it, get suggestions and tips from others in support groups, message boards, etc.  Read, learn and JUST DO IT!!  Why do you think there is a choice here? *  You say you don't like the big horse pill type vitamins, or the tart chalky chewables? ... it's just too many to bother with?  Or maybe you just can't remember to take them? --  TOUGH!  You gave up the option NOT to take vitamins when you agreed to have your insides rerouted.  FIND a way to get them in; crushed, minced, chopped, liquified, in a shake, etc.  No exceptions, your health depends on it. *  Protein is a must.  So you can't get it all in via foods and you don't like the way the shakes taste?   -- TOUGH!  Either get it through your meals (and there are a gazillion food choices out there) or supplement it with protein shakes and bars. Trust me, I don't drink my protein shake every morning because I think it tastes like a chocolate blizzard from Dairy Queen.  I've tried many varieties over the last 2 years.  I'd even venture to say 25 of the top sellers/flavors have crossed my lips.  For the record?  I've yet to find one that is as 'delicious' as boasted by the distributor.  So what.  I still drink one every morning.  My HEALTH dictates that I need "X" grams of protein per day.  If I'm not getting enough from my meals then I supplement a shake.  'Nuff said. This surgery is a gift, I owe it to me and everyone else fighting the approval process, to do it right!  I will continue to choke down my vitamins, my water and my protein every single day, for the REST OF MY LIFE.  Some days will be easier than others, regardless, no days will be missed. It's all about discipline.  Create a routine, set a timer, develop a pattern, tie a string around your finger, glue a note on your forehead, whatever it takes. You're an adult - take responsibility!  If this surgery doesn't slap a back bone into you, not much will. End of article..................................

Barb, Great article. I printed it for those days when I need a kick in the pants. Matter of fact, my excuse of it's too cold to walk outside is out the window.. I just made an appointment to join the local gym.  Thanks lady!

Amen.  We all did the research before WLS and knew the challenges that were ahead in the years to come.  Life is all about choices and we made the choice to have this surgery and now we need to make sure we make the most of it.  No one can do this for us, we need to step up and take responsibility for our own actions.  I printed this article out so when I get whinny I can read it.  Thanks Barb. Bonnie

Barb, thanks for posting this!!!  God gave us this second chance at a better life.  Now take responsibility for this gift.  I have copied this as well for when the bumps in the road seem unbearable. Thanks Troy

Amen sister...

This is a great article Barb...thanks for sharing it with us. I also copied it for future use!! We aren't always happy with the things that are required of us but we need to follow through anyway. This surgery has given us a second chance and I am not going to blow it this time no matter what it takes!! Hugs, connie d

What a great reminder this is Barb. When the going gets tough we have to remember this was our choice to make. 

I'm NOT trying to boast here, but the points made in that article are the reason I went & got my butterfly tattoo the week before my surgery.  I'm not perfect, in ANY way.  But my butterfly is there as my forever, always-in-my-face reminder of the things I need to do to honor this gift I've been given.  It keeps me accountable for every vitamin and Frito that enters my mouth. Personally?  I think a butterfly tattoo on the dominant hand of EVERY weight loss surgery patient should be MANDATORY!  You don't have to LIKE the rules, but you DO have to follow them!  And if you DO follow them, with the results you'll get, how could you NOT like 'em???!!!  ) (For any of you NOT familiar with my tattoo, I have a pic or two in my profile...)

What a great article, and I love the title (one of my favorite movies).  It kind of gives me that little reminder (like a knock upside the head with a 2 x 4) that I have no excuse to make any excuses.  I asked for this gift and jumped through hoops for 4 months now I need to suck it up and deal.  I knew exactly what I was getting myself into.  Thanks for this it is greatly appreciated!

Thanks for sharing Barb!