Gaining Control - xpost from WLS grads board (sorry long)

I just finished 2 days of the 5 DPT.   It was difficult because I let myself slip back into my old habits during the holidays.  The old habits really snuck up on me and I was too busy to pay attention to it (or am just so used to those habits for 40 years that it felt like a normal progression to me).  I was eating sweets every afternoon around 3 or 3:30 at my desk (my danger time) or would graze and have bites of every sweet concoction a vendor brought to work and felt like I "blew it" so wouldn't even monitor my choices at dinner to be sure they were healthy choices. I do dump but have figured out how to just have a little at a time so I won't get too sick. Anyway, didn't know if anyone else out there was struggling with this so wanted to put it out there for support.  I have years of disordered eating (for comfort, boredom, etc.) and of course am still trying to overcome that.  BUT, the important thing is that I am AWARE.  I WILL NOT put my head in the sand this time and not pay attention.  I have come too far and am worth too much to have to use food to make me feel good. Thanks for being there for my "true confession".  I just had to get this out there.  I can put it out there now that I feel in control - I felt too vulnerable to even discuss when I was in the throes of unplanned/unconscious eating.  Have a fantastic day. TGIF!

I totally understand where you are coming from... I too have let some of the old habits slip back in again.. but I like you, are determined not to put my head in the sand... I weigh every morning, and I am accountable. I had gained about 7 lbs from my losest.. but today I am back to my losest weight and plan on losing at least another 15lbs. I know it helps to confess... I did it not long ago. We can do this, we have already came so far.. Hope you have a great day too. Lynn

Thanks for the support girl!!!  Right there with ya 

Hi, Niecey.  I went through the same thing last year, and packed back on about 10 pounds during late November and December.  By January I was berating myself, feeling totally miserable, sure I was going to be a failure at WLS.  I can't say exactly what turned me around, but I did get back on track pretty quickly.   Because of that experience, I approached the holidays these years with a plan.  I do much better when I have a plan for how I'm going to respond to situations that I may not necessarily be in control of.  First, I am sticking to my regular food plan, which involves eating ~2000-2200 calories per day (I'm an exercise junkie, so eat quite a bit.)  I will allow myself an occasional cookie or treat, but only if it's something super special.  Why waste calories on an ordinary chocolate chip cookie?  But a thin slice of my Mom's homemade fruitcake?  That's something that only comes along once a year.  And I track the calories of the "special" things I eat so I stay within my daily range.   Second, I am sticking with my regular exercise plan as much as possible.  I feel better, I'm burning calories, and I tend to snack less when I'm working out.   Third, there are 5 days when I'm allowing myself to eat whatever I want:  Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New's Year Eve and New Year's Day.  I still keep track of what I eat, but if I want it, I have it.  It's only 5 days and I go right back to my plan the next day.  It's nice to be able to share in some of the special holiday foods without feeling guilty.  Also, 5 days of eating differently isn't bad in and of itself, as long as I get right back to my normal routine.  Heck, this is part of what keeps me going:  knowing that I can have treats once in a while, just not everyday.   Good luck on your continuing journey -  Kellie

Thanks for your reply.  Actually, an earlier post you made this month helped ME get back on track with this "eating thing".  Allowing some things but not all the time won't leave me feeling SO deprived     I am an all or nothing person with food (or have been anyway) - either I've been on a diet or pigging out. Learning new ways to cope especially at this time of the year is doable (?sp) especially when we have this board and each other. Merry Xmas

You have great strength to come and post and that is what we are here for. To help you through difficult times. You have worked so hard to get where you are. I know you are going to get back in charge of your food intake. So have a great weekend and right back at you!!

Thanks joteddie.  Your support means the world to me!!! Enjoy your weekend!!!

HEY NIECEY,          THANK YOU SWEETIE FOR POSTING JUST WHAT HUMANS WE ARE... IT IS NOT A SIN TO FALL AND STUMBLE....BUT IS A SIN TO NOT DUST YOURSELF OFF AND GET BACK UP... YOU ARE DOING SO GREAT AND SOMETIMES I GUESS WE GET SO CAUGHT UP IN LIFE THAT IT HAPPENS SOMETIMES... JUST KNOW YOU ARE NOT BY YOURSELF IN NO MEANS AND IT TAKES BALL$ TO POST THIS I KNOW... YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL.... KEEP UP THE WORK...  HUGS MARGE

Just sweet as ever, you are!!!  Thanks for all your encouragement - it means SO much