Making positive changes while trying to learn to "think thin"

I think that as they say, the surgery is only a tool. That's why some people will get in trouble again. You can elect to use it or try to work around it. I've lost about 80% of my excess weight to date and I'm 8 months post op. To be honest while I have lost a few pounds in the last couple of months, I haven't really tried to lose any weight in the last 6 weeks or so. I'm not sure I want to because of escess skin issues. I feel good and look pretty decent in clothing. I'm concerned about what I'll look like thinner, so while I'm not out to sabotage myself, I'm also not working "hard" at dropping the last 15 - 20 lbs either. I'll just have to see.

I have been looking for some tools to help me "think like a thin person." I know that many factors contributed to my becoming fat, including genetics, but I also know that my siblings all carry the same genes and are normal sized. While I'm delighted with all of the health benefits that have come with this weight loss ... and fitting into size 8 jeans doesn't hurt anything either ... I am terrified that I'll sabotage myself and end up where I started. So I decided that I needed to really look at how to also re-tool my outlook and behavior. To that end, I found a great book called the Beck Diet Solution Workbook by Judith Beck. It's not about dieting at all, it's about behavior. About recognizing behavior patterns and reworking things to get and keep yourself in a frame of mind and reference that is supportive of maintaining a healthy weight. They have a workbook that I'm using to try to retrain my thought processes. I think it's going to be a big help in the long run, because like most of us, I have lost weight before. I need to have the tools to keep it off. I think that the surgery is going to be one huge tool in my arsenal, but it is my head that can mess it all up for me in the long run, so I'm really trying to get tools in place to ensure that I use the WLS to it's fullest.

This week I will turn 50 years old. It is the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I have spent this past year working on regaining my health. Now, I'm working on finding ways to sustain and even improve this newfound health. I look forward to it being on of the most personally empowering decades thus far.

 

Hey Barb! Sounds like a great book and that is what I need to do (work on the mindset) as well. I am quite scared of slipping into old patterns also. I know personally I have alot of things that I am sure I could stand to work through.  I hope you are well. I have to fill you in on things. Been a crazy last couple of weeks and am hoping things will calm here soon.

Lisa

Hi Lisa -

I've missed you. I hope that you are well. I'm going crazy myself, but hope things will get better soon too.

Give me a call sometime.

Love,

Barb

That book sounds wonderful Barb. Where did you find it at? I'm going to have to take a look at Amazon and see what I can find as well. It sounds promising and like a great plan for success!

Hi Holley -

I got the book at Barnes and Noble. It is actually a companion workbook that goes with another book called the "Beck Diet Solution." I don't have the regular book, but I'm on the hunt. The work book is great. It's a six week 'program' and gives you something to work on each day. Like you said it sounds promising.

Barb

Hi Barb,      Nice to see you on the board. :O) Sounds like you are taking all the right steps to achieve continued success. You have done an amazing job so far. I hope you find that the book gives you the additional tools you need to overcome the behavioral issues we ALL have that have gotten us into the same boat. I'll be looking for a copy, as well.      Thanks for sharing with us...and soooo nice to see your face again! xoxoxox Mare

Mare - I had my gastric bypass with Dr. Harris in 2003.  In fact I led his support group from 2003 - 2005 (I was his first support group leader).  Then I moved to the Chapel Hill area in 2005.  Dr. Harris is the most wonderful, caring physician.  You are in great hands.  Please tell him Betsy said hi.  He'll know who you're talking about (I just emailed him not long ago).   I used to live in Tibbys Branch off Porters Neck Road so you aren't too far from where I lived.  Good luck to you! Betsy

Hey Betsy - Thanks for the email. I am very excited and very confident in my choice to use Dr. Harris. I appreciate the fact that he has been very strict with me in regards to his requirements of me pre-op, which have forced me to be strict with myself. I was frustrated, at first, to have to lose close to 40 lbs before he would do surgery, but I have learned a little bit more discipline because of it...and have lost it! I will tell him that Betsy said hello...as long as I can remember under the meds I'm sure I'll be on then.  Best of luck to you with your upcoming procedure. (I read your profile.) Keep me in your thoughts, and I will do the same for you. xoxo Mare

Mare -

Thanks for your lovely note. Let me know what you think of the book ... You can get it at any of the major book stores.

Love,

Barb

P.S. Won't be long now!

(((( Happy Birthday! )))) How about that for a turnaround -- it's your birthday week and instead of getting gifts, you're giving them to us.  Awwwwwww ...  Thank you for starting this inspiring thread, and I hope you have a marvelous birthday!