need some help

I thought I would reach out to say that I need some help during this 'limbo' phase. I feel like I am in a gray zone between surgeons. I had done well and lost weight before seeing Dr. B, and was down 10 (total of 41 pounds lost since last year) pounds when I would have had to sign consent. Because I got the call from the Halifax clinic, and now am waiting for a consult and surgery hopefully by summer, I think I felt like I could ease off my diet. I have gained weight, and I am having trouble getting back under control. I would like to say goodbye to the Goodbye Diet, and I thought some encouraging words from you guys might help. Thanks in advance...

Hey Suzanne,

The waiting game can play havok and I am right there beside you.  No doubt many of us have made changes in our lives and seen some great short term results but then as the time continues the pounds creep back on.

I myself lost 15 pounds but have started struggling again in portion sizes and better choices.  As the time passes the end almost seems farther away when there is no specific date in sight ... so we need to pull up our bootstraps and focus on several short periods with a plan!

Look over the changes you made to lose the 41 pounds (woohoo good for you ... remember that you accomplished that) and see where have you slacked off.  Focus on one or two things to change for a couple days and then add some other change.  Look at your water intake, are you keeping track of all your food intake by writing it down or using an online site like sparkspeople?  Do you need to purge your cupboards and do a healthy groceries event?

Don't beat yourself up about the "goodbye diet".  That is in the past.  Today is a new day so focus on the good things you are still doing (for me it is still getting in my fluids daily, my vitamins, focusing on protein ... although tonight I did have some extra pie at moms cause next time she makes them would likely be Thanksgiving and I am hoping/planning on being in recovery stage then).

One major positive is that you are still coming to this site for support and being real.  I don't spend as much time here as before because the wait is drawing on my patience and reading several forums seemed to take over my life, lol ... but I do check in so if anyone has a question I can help with or needs a reality slap I will step up. 

Blessings that we may all soon have some info on our next step along the wls journey ...

M

Thanks Michelle. I love your term 'reality slap'. That's what I need. I so appreciate hearing that others are in the same boat. We always tend to think we're the only ones, don't we? 

One thing that might help is that the more you shrink your liver the better off you will be at surgery time...at least for band patients.  I was always fearing them postponing me if i didn't lose enough before surgery and that kept me very strict to my diet.  Just remember why you are doing this...for better health.  you will get there, keep focused.  patsy

Thanks Patsy! You're right about the threat of the postponement. It just seems that when I am faced with a temptation, that's not the voice I hear...I am starting fresh today, just got home from the gym, and I am resolving to have a 'clean' three weeks with no binging. I CAN DO IT! (if I tell myself that does it get easier???)

 Suzanne, hang i there!  I also have struggled with staying in weight loss mode.  I would have my "meeting" and then gain a couple of pounds or so - then have to lose that plus... before the next meeting.    For me the goal was to focus on just the next step or the next appointment.  When I look back it is hard to believe that my initial wait will be 5 YEARS next month.  My first appointment in Moncton was scheduled for Dec. 22/08 - cancelled due to a snow storm.  So really it's only been about 4 months since the first meeting with Dr. B until my surgery on the 28th of April (I think it says the 27th on the list)

AND - we all have the HOPE that warmer weather will soon be here and we can get outside - for me it will be to work in my yard - I can't wait.  That should get me away from food and have a little exercise to boot.  And then there is always walking - not my personal favorite - but still an option.

Michelle had some great advice that would work for me as well.

Thanks, Suzanne. When I was in the process with Dr. B, I did the same thing, lose for the appt, then gain a couple of pounds. The trouble began when I got a reprieve (more wait time) with the new surgeon. In Halifax you go to the Info Session first, then get a consultation. So I'm waiting for the consultation in No Man's Land, and feeling unaccountable. That's when I eat. Only now I FEEL the weight I've gained, and I don't like it! I will take all of the words of advice and hopefully those are the words I'll hear in my head when I am tempted! Thanks, ladies.

I wish you luck on your upcoming surgery! You go girl! 

Hey Suzanne. The main thing you must not forget is that right now you are down in weight from your heaviest. That is an improvement. We sometimes tend to focus only on the end result (which we must remember also) but we forget what we've already accomplished. Keep your focus on taking it one day at a time and if you have a bad day -and you will-it is just one day. You can't change yesterday and you can't know what tomorrow will bring so focus on today. Live it like it will be your last. Be happy, be grateful, be thankful and never hesitate to reach out when you need an ear. I know you're a wonderful woman just by the career you chose so remind yourself of that daily and give yourself permission to be happy ( and to be human).  You deserve it. And yes, telling yourself you can do it will help because you're believing in yourself. Take care and I'm always here if you need an ear. Starr