Being Vigilant
"Be vigilant!
Weight loss surgery gave you a tool to lose weight. You are now responsible in making sure that you maintain a healthy weight. It’s not rocket science."
I am responsible. I think it gets down to the basics here.
My brother had RnY several years before me and has been very successful at keeping his weight off, is extremely active and another inspiration. He enjoys long bike rides and racket ball, building things and being of service. He recently took a working vacation, 3 of them in fact, where he was working for the Forest Service, built a cabin and working on trails, things that require fitness and stamina. He has all that because he has taken the responsibility.
He encouraged me and has reinforced the basics with me all along. One of the tools he uses so many years out from his surgery date is referring to his surgery as his "little buddy"... which is always there to remind him of how much he can eat. As long as he is being responsible, eating his protein first, his little buddy tells him he is full and he does not overeat. He simply can't.
If he does the right thing. Like he still gets up every morning and has protein, usually eggs. He has them in many various ways. I dropped by his house yesterday after my PT and his eggs where full of cheese, topped with a really good salsa and he had some slices of avocado on the side. It was on a small plate, again reinforcing the fact that he does not need very much to be satisfied.
Today, in my own way, I do the same thing. I am responsible. Breakfast is still a really big deal. In fact, I have seen some evidence that things can occur several years out, with vitamins and blood sugar levels, etc. It is imperative that we take care of ourselves on elemental levels.
For me, it starts with breakfast. Good habits, keep reinforcing them however it may work for you. Tom also mentioned the importance of support in your life, which is what this place can be for you, if you use it, work it. I wish I had. Do not do what I did, do not isolate. I still have all the tools so all is not lost, I am doing what I need to do today, which is all any of us can ever do, no?
Keep focused, even long after all the weight is gone, being vigilant is super important. We can not rest on our laurels as they say in the 12 step meetings. You have to do the work. Life is worth it. Living is a beautiful thing. It is so worth it.
Let me be a warning for those that are not vigilant, who become complacent. Your results will not be what you will like, it will be harder and take much longer. No need for it though, as you now have the tools. Your own "Little Buddy" that you take with you everywhere you go, always there to help keep you on track and to not be complacent.
What do you do today, to be VIGILANT?
How do you stay on track, focused...
d
Great post. I like the idea of a "little buddy"! As you know I am still fighting w/ the insurance company to get my own little buddy (a sleeve, hopefully) but I think even pre-op it comes down to vigilance about making good choices and exercising self discipline. I know when I'm uber-stressed I go for the junk: McDonald's, cinnamon rolls, Snickers bars, etc. But since I have been seeing the bariatric surgeon I am trying to consciously make good choices w/ an emphasis on lean protein & veggies. I love eggs, so I try to have eggs and turkey sausage at breakfast instead of going for a sausage egg biscuit. Grilled chicken instead of fried chicken (tough for this Southern girl!). A veggie plate or a salad instead of country fried steak. If I can focus on my goals, like losing the weight so I can run and play tennis again, it's a little easier to make the good choices and not give in to temptation. As far as dealing w/ the stress, I try to talk to someone or go work out instead of going for ice cream.
I hope that by the time I am post-surgery (and I WILL get there, Aetna!), these choices are even easier to make, knowing that I only have a limited amount of space in that stomach and I'd better fill it w/ good stuff! Between that and regular exercise I am excited about the positive changes I can make in my body.
Best of luck to you!
I do not understand any insurance company not taking action on this, as it will save them a lot of money in the long run.
Hope Aetna pulls their head out of the sand on this for you.
As for luck, I believe we have to create our own luck. Which you are doing, by taking action, sharing your experience, your strength and your hope. Just never know who you may be helping by your honesty.
I know I for one appreciate it very much.
Remaining vigilant today,
d
Thanks for the post. It is so true. Personal responsibility is a biggie. Being vigilant on how you live life post-op is what keeps me on track. It's too easy to slide back into old habits. I would like to think that they have been erased. The reality is that they are still around; waiting to come back into my life. Thinking that you can change lifelong habits in 3 years is optimistic. I've come a long way in keeping them at bay. So, the story is that as a post-op life is not a breeze. We still must live our lives surrounded by the things that lead us astray. it's up to us to handle these in a responsible way. Your story and your brother's is really good to hear. You are definitely on the right track.-- Tom
Follow my journey to a happy, healthy, active life at TomBilcze.com
