Head Hunger & Update

Hey ya'll

I've been so busy it's hard to find time to get on here, but the folks here were so helpful on my journey towards RnY, I wanted to come back and give an update...

I'm 11 months out from RnY, and let me tell you, it's been a roller coaster.  About a month before surgery, my mother passed away from cancer.  The timing sucked in a way (it's never a good time to loose your mother), but in a way it was a blessing.  I had her place to clean out/pack, and estate work to complete while I was on opti - made for some interesting conversations (ie how can you survive on 3 shakes doing all this), but more importantly, it kept me busy so the time went quick.  (I could never have the 4th shake - I was satisfied all day on 3 shakes, and if I tried the 4th, I felt too full)  Told the dr and he was fine with me just having 3, so that was that.

Anyways, I passed my goal weight of 220 back on July 1st.  I was 215 as of this morning (I seem to fluctuate between 215 and 220)..  I couldn't be more happy with how it's turned out.  I've had people tell me that they didn't recognize me I've changed so much.  Even people I've met since the surgery seem very impressed with the new me.

I've even had someone at work tell me that they've been watching me, and I'm inspiring them to talk to their dr about the surgery. 

I've found that most places have been very helpful with my restrictions, allowing me to order off the senior's or children's menu.  Heck, I've even found that I can eat at McDonalds with my kids  (Chicken snack wrap - grilled chicken - I eat the contents and toss the wrap).  Not the best but it works out great for time with the kids :)   Heck, I just came back from 2 weeks in Florida, and I only put on 2 lb.

I've had a few issues - excess skin, I'm very self-consious about it, but am working through it.  I don't have enough that it's "floppy", and I'm not getting infections, so I'll just have to work through it. 

Another issue is head hunger - how do you guys deal with it?  I see food, and then I "feel" hunger.  It's not real hunger I know, but it's still there, and it's hard to work through.  I also struggle with boredom eating - I know, "just get up and do something", but after all day working, and then doing work around the new house, it's nice just being able to sit and watch TV for a bit...  it's a struggle.

And the last issue I've had, and it's odd, my wife completely supports me during all this, but she says I've lost too much..  I don't have any padding on my shoulders and they're too bony.  How can I respond to that?!

On a more positive note, I've signed up for the waterfront 5k with a good friend of mine.  I'm doing the charity challenge for Autism Ontario.  (my son is autistic)

If someone told me a few months ago I'd even be considering it, they would have been laughed at, now I'm getting ready for it.  I've been doing about 4k every other day (walk/run), building endurance.  (using the C25K app)

Anyways, that's what's going on.  I'm going to finish my applesauce for lunch, and then get back to work.

I'm looking forward to your responses.. 

Hi Josh!

Congrats on your success.  Sorry to hear about your Mom.  That must have been a very emotional time for you.

As for the hunger, try water first, then if you are still hungry, have a wise snack.  For boredom hunger, just do something with your hands.  I usually suggest a craft or a puzzle.  Something you can do while relaxing in front of the TV.  Maybe even puzzle books.  Keeping your hands busy, keeps you from thinking about food.

Sorry, I can't help you with the boney shoulders.  I've never had that complaint.

Good luck with the competitions.

Cathy

HI Josh;

What an inspiring story - thank you for sharing this!!!!  Congratulations on your success!!!

Bob

sorry to hear about your mother passing away must have been difficult.  not sure about where about you live but when i was pre op i took a workshop called "craving change" it was very helpful in finding out why we eat the way we do.  what to do to help us when we're bored and head hunger etc... im sure others with agree with me who have done the work shops it might be worth looking into it was heald at my local dr's office and it really helped me and still helps me post op