Christmas Party Hell

Hi Friends, Yesterday we had our Christmas Party at work and I discovered how much my new pouch can handle. I ate more in one afternoon than I do in any usual day. Of course, today I was up one pound. I'm getting back on track, about to go for my daily 35 minute treadmill romp, but the experience scared me. I even ate some sugary stuff and didn't have even the most remote dumping experience. I am seven months post op and realizing that now the challange of tolerance is comin' at me strong and fast. I can tolerate most foods, my pouch is expandable to a reasonable size. It's on me to take on the demons that got me to 301.25 pounds in the first place, using the tool that was skillfully crafted for me by Dr Rosati's artful hand, and reject my past behaviors. Woof! Scarey! Thanks for listening Hugs, Amy

Hi Amy, I think the important thing is that you recognize how easy it is to fall into past behavior patterns. Use your tool and kick those behaviors in the butt. You are doing so good on your journey, keep it up! Rachelle

You're right Rachelle, I know you're right. It's scary to feel somewhat "normal" again. I am terrified of returning to feeling out of control. But I'm the one who determines that, and I have a lot of support. Scarey stuff. Thanks for your vote of confidence! xo Amy

It's funny that you say that. I think that the one thing I'm most afraid of is being "normal". You know you've got the tool you need with your pouch and the support you need with the boards. I have faith in you. Rachelle

Hi Amy, Dont beat yourself up over one party. I know its scary as we discover old habbits creeping back but YOU are in control now. Its ok to splurge for a special occasion as long as it isnt every day....You have done amazing. As i always say its over now, dust yourself off and start your new day! LisaMarie

Yes, LisaMarie, it is scarey. I got so scared by it, I hopped back on the wagon today like a good little trooper. Good eating, exercise, and all my water. Don't like feeling like food has the better of me!! Thank you for your support honey. You're the best. Please let me know when you find anything out about your own stuff. Hugs to you, Amy

Girlfriend.....Even Dr. Rosati says that it's "Expected" that from time to time you might have a thin slice of cake at a Birthday Party or a small IC cone during a hot summer day. Like everyone says, YOU have the control and you have proven that! Don't beat yourself up. Those "damn little demons" are really strong at this time of the year. Love Ya, Peggy

Yes, you're right Peggy, Dr Rosati does say that a time to time splurge is ok. I just hate the idea that food has such power. I got right back on the wagon today, nutrition-, exercise-, and water-wise. I feel better now. How are you my dear? Give me an update. xoxo Aim

Amy: I will always listen. Each moment can be a opportunity for learning. Sounds as if you used this experiment to see potential pitfalls/barriers to your longterm success. For many they say it is the window of opportunity slamming shut or the honeymoon ending. 7months was the magic time this happened for me as well (hunger returned, ability to eat greater quantit and variety happend, emotionaal eating crept in, I was scared but not until 12 months did I get so scared I changed my diet! *riddance to carbs! LOL* and not until yr 4 I started addressing the emotional demons!) and 12 mo out was a wakeup call as that is when my regain started!!! BUT I am living prooof that choices can be made, (~*I am winning the battle w/ only 10# up from all time low, I can eat a lot but I choose not to most of the time, I can eat pizza, bread, etc but I choose to make healthier choices, protein fills me, carbs do not and only make me hungry sooner, when I work w physiology I gain better control of the emotions too! and I used to be a sugar a holic/cookie aholic I fear dumping but not 1/2 as much as not, I can not go back there to that place of 320# I WONT *SAY IT W ME! LOL~)we can be in control and we can fight the natural/expected changes that happen when the tool goes from 90% working to us needing to work 90%. You are a very wise, beutiful and ambitious lady and will succeed because you are worth the effort to do so! I decided to EMBRACE the fear, understand the research as it applies to most (that at 6mo or so for many the ability to tolerate a larger variety and quantity of food happens, hunger can return as well we let our guard down some as the honeymoon was misleading on how the rest of our journey will be, that false sense of security can be a real shocker when we finally eat a usual portion and are so worried we undid something or we r broke because once not long ago we ate 1/4 c and were stffed now it is 1 cup or so and yikes!) Many slide uncontrollably w/ grazing or overfilling to the point of sabotage, but others do not...It can be a glorious time as well that we once again adapt, it isn't as fresh or new and it can be that slippery slope only if we allow it, recomitting to the foundation you have built the food choices, the habits of eating smaller portions, better choices, eating slower, not grazing or snacking, lower the sugar/carbs and up the protein, avoiding carbonation or caloried beverages, the exercise, stress management, avoidance of emotional eating/rationalizing choices as well it is just for this party, this day, this meal it is ok but the denial/rationalization can be everyday easily and tomorrow restarting never comes for many, these are the thinngs of a longterm succesful postop, in addition it is a time many seek emotional support thru indv therapy or group supports! You are winning the war on Morbid Obesity one moment at a time, we all are! Remember only 50% Rnyes dump and that is EARLY On, again embrace the fear you won't dump and arm self to stay clear of those items that indeed were a piece of our disease that kept us down... YOU ARE A WARRIOR AMY! HUGE HUGS!!!!!!!!Thanks for sharing this, it is our mission I think to give back to all preops/postops hoping we share something that others can find useful! and simultaneously helping ourself! Take Care, Jamie 100cm proximal Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh Albany, NY 320(preop)/163 (lowest)/174 (current) 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery) Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King www.albanyplasticsurgeons.com http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/jamiecatlady5/ "Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"