Starting lifestyle changes...

 I had mentioned in a previous post how I was journaling my food intake, etc and how I had lost some weight. So I went another step forward and attending a local weight management program put on by our local community health center for 6 weeks. Now that the program is over, I am continuing with the dietician who facilitated the program.

We had a conversation on Tuesday regarding bariatric surgery and she was complimenting me on making the lifestyle changes now. She said that in her field she sees many people who have the rapid weightloss through surgery but then put the weight back on in a couple of years because they haven't made the lifestyle changes.

I am down 30 pounds now. I think it has been the easiest 30 pounds I have ever lost. Mindful eating and journalling have been the key...oh and manicuring my nails every night to deter from the mindless/boredom eating. I know that a lot of my eating was due to emotional and irregular eating. It is interesting as well because I eat every 2 hours...who would have thought? I am not hungry or craving food and I have great looking nails!

So just to keep moving on until I eventually get a call for the bariatric clinic.

BTW... I called Dr. Savoie's office last week and I was told that the consults have stopped  at February 2009 until they can catch up on the backlog. I am soooo close but sooo far away.

congrats on your weight loss.  even though you said its the easiest  weight you ever lost, i bet the life style change was hard.  i agree, it seems that even though you may lose weight through surgery...if we dont figure out why we are overweight in the first place...it will all be for naught in the end

and awesome news on your nails lol

Thanks.

I have participated in almost every diet program known to man I think. What I have learned this time around though and I think is the most important for me:

Eating every 2 hours:
keeps my blood sugar stabilized so I don't crave sweets (food that is a trigger for me)
doesn't get me to the starve mode whereby I could binge eat


Once I detoxed from the sugar and salt I find I almost have a heightened taste to these two items. i.e. can't stand having any salt in the food, sweet peppers almost taste sugary like fruit, one piece of candy will satisfy me rather than a whole bag.
                                        

I really think my biggest challenges will be when there is an emotional crisis and how I handle that. However my mother just passed away and I was worried about the eating etc but got through it ok.

Not sure what has "clicked" this time around but it is working so far...but just like a 12 step program I will take it one day at a time.

Congrats jjwbuster!! A change in lifestyle and one's behaviours is a very good place to be while waiting for your surgery.... It is the very grounding you need... we all need. WLS is only a tool not a cure all. What you have learned and putting into practice now, is what will make you successful in weightloss. Kudos to you !!!

just a side note, i noticed your profile ns blue and even though you are waiting for WLS...you have lost a good amount already also...you guys rock!!

Thank you sunny. Yes, as of this morning when i jumped on the scales I am down to 329.4. I guess in changing my lifestyle now it is teaching me lots about me n how my body works... working on behaviours and habits I have struggled with for years..

My "one on one" isn't until Nov 8th.. heck that's 3 months away... but I will keep plugging along. I'm in this for life.. a change of life... if they agree to allow me to have WLS then so it will be it...it will be an added tool to get me where I need to be.

 JW, so sorry for the loss of your Mom.  You've got her now watching over you from above.  That's been my saving grace through all of this.   

Congrats on your success, and dealing with the psychological issues that can result as people lose drastic amounts of weight.

You are definitely on the right path!   Keep on girlie : )

jjwbuster,
i think i have similar traits.  i love salt...alot... or the point if i dont put it on food, i wont eat.  sugar im not so sensitive too.  i have been cutting down on my salt intake but have not cut it out completely yet.  (this frankly scares me lol)

the fact that you have determined some of your trigger points is excellent.  i believe that i eat out of boredom/loneliness and also, i dont know when to stop, i am sincerely hungry but dont stop when i should as i havent felt the "full" feeling yet.  when i actually do, it is way after when i should have stopped.

emotional eating would have been very hard when your loved one passed.  it would have been soo easy to find comfort in food...a safe place...but you are definitely on track and have all our support

 Thanks everyone for your comments. I know that even when I have the surgery that weight management will be a lifelong challenge. 

On a side note, for my weigh in this week I maintained. No loss and no gain.