The Last Supper

I couldn't stand John...I wanted Antone to win in the worst way.  Oh well!  Every time that I watch the Biggest Loser, it inspires me and I think why can't I do that? 

Today is my last day before my presurgery liquid diet, my last supper so to speak.  We're having our Christmas party at work and it's always over the top with amazing food.  Several of us started work together right out of college and now we're all in our mid fifties, with 50's aches and pains, and 50's weight gain. 

I have struggled with my weight since I was 10 years old and it makes me sad to think of how much life I have missed because of it.  Facing my 4th bariatric surgery is a bit overwhelming.  I hate to put my family through this again. 

Exercise is not my stumbling block.  I have done step aerobics since it was invented and faithfully work hard 3 or 4 times a week for an hour each class.  Fast food and junk food is not my issue, I rarely eat that stuff.  My issue is simply too much good food.  My wife and I are both pretty good cooks and we love to try new recipes and make good food with lots of big flavors.  I hope to still do that after surgery but concentrate on making that perfect bite just like you see on Food Network or with French cooking.  If you watch thin people, many of them eat very good, very rich food...they just don't eat that much of it and they don't eat all day long.  I'm hoping to get to that point. 

Thanks to everyone on the board for sharing their stories, it's been helpful to read about the good, the bad and the ugly.  I'm praying that I can sneak by under the radar and avoid the leaks, strictures, reflux, vagus nerve damage and the like. 

             Your an Amazing person.  Because, You have never given up. 

     I loved food once.  

   My brother loved food to.  He ate himself up to 500 pounds and died a 40 years old.    That when , I learned that are much more important things to love instead food.   First of all,  I love Myself, My family, My health, My dogs.

      That does mean.  I gave up enjoying food a good meal.   And one of my favorite shows to watch on the Food Network is Chopped.
 
     But, I stopped calling what I feel for food on a emotional level love at all.      I loved my brother.  I not love the bag chips or The rich big passion filled foods and big flavors that killed him.
         Even after your  4 surgery,s.  I think you need to learn about emotional eating and How it can kill you.  Compulsive Overeaters love their food and fill a passion for it.  It feels them on a emotional level.  You and you wife both need to rethink the way you think about food. If fills you on a emotional level like nothing else does.    I know I loved my food once.  But, I had to change my emotional relationship with food.  You and your wife both need to rethink your relationship with food and finding other ways to bring passion to your lives instead of cooking.
        I also wish. I  was a body type where could eat anything and never gain a pound.  But, God did not make my body that way.  I have to watch everything.  I put into my mouth and Have to exercise like.  I was the biggest loser just to stop from gaining.  I am a slider to.   I hate exercise.  But, Know I have to do it.
       I also want to say something else about the Biggest loser.  Thousands of people are tested and blood test taken.  Doctors  judge long before about their body type and if the weight will come off before the show begins.  Remember , Thousands of people are turned away.  The Producers know who  will be able to lose the weight before the show begins.  It also depends on how hard they work.  I guess is what the show  is about.  People on the show who been obesite all their lives since chilhood never do well on the show and are voted off early.   Because,  They do not have muscle mass and can't pull their weight.   So,   In a way the show is staged.  I still love the show and it has inspired me many ways to really believe that can happen for me too.
   I am sorry if you think I an judging you.  I don,t want to be mean.  I just want you to be sucessful.
   
I will say a prayer that surgery goes well and rest your life is blessed as well.
           
 

Doris,
Thanks for your insight and sound advice.  My surgery went well and I'm doing really well.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you.
Greg

I been so Blessed since my Gastric - by- pass. I so far have haved no major problems,  Except relearning to eat and the troubles and pains that go with that.

I really admire your persistence.  It's true that one only fails after one quits, and you are not quitter!!!

I would like to offer you the insight I gained into my I'm-a-great-cook-and-lover-of-good-food  fantasy.  It was just an excuse I gave myself to be around food, which is my Number-1 addiction. 

So I got real with myself and admitted that, as a food addict, I need to limit my contact with food.  That means, no cooking for dinner parties, or any other occassion.  For a long time, gatherings and celebrations have been all about the company, with food featuring only a supporting role.   My real friends are very supportive, and those who came over to overstuff their bellies have fallen by the wayside -- good riddance!

Please take an honest look at the role food plays in your life and redefine it so that it does not control you.  

Best of luck!
 

I have taken an honest look at the role food plays in my life and that's the reason I had WLS.  I'm a fairly disciplined person with most things in my life but I needed some help with eating...isn't that why we are all here?  The Lap Band failed me.  I followed all the rules, tracked my food, didn't push the limits, it just slipped.  Maybe my surgeon wasn't very good.  It never felt right from the beginning.

Honestly, I'm not really sure what you are implying but no one should have to eat canned tuna for the rest of their lives with an effective VSG.  My surgeons guidelines are very specific and there are many options for good food.  I'm one month out and 30 pounds down.  That's half way to my goal.  I go to support meetings, track my food and follow the rules. 

So glad you have shown such progress, and you seem to know everything you need to succeed.

Best of luck.