WLS lessons learned
Getting close to 6 mos now and I reflect on my new life style changes.
1. Cant eat/drink: pizza, most breads, pastas, ice cream, sodas, beer, fried foods, fatty foods, most candies, cookies, pastries, fast food junk, bacon, pork sausages, and an assortment of other stuff my pouch hates.
I suppose over time this may ease up and thats my FEAR
What I can eat/drink: vino, tuna and most fish, vino, beans, some tubers, vino, fresh veggies, vino, beef jerky, vino, good beef/pork cuts, vino, skinless chicken breast, vino, fresh fruit, vino
Isnt this what God intended?
I am a thinner man now and can dress more normal, move much better down 66lbs - 40lbs to go
And the best part is, 3 glasses of wine and I can offer solutions to ALL the WORLDS PROBLEMS AND MAKE MY WIFE SMILE
PRICELESS
What have found in your journey?
I had my original RNY on 11-14-00 and my revision RNY (due to staple line disruption) on 01-21-05. I didn't have dumping syndrome after either RNY. I've said it before and will repeat it often--the WLS is NOT brain surgery, i.e., the operation is on our guts and not on our minds.
I am a compulsive overeater. I am a sugar and white carb addict and a junk food junkie. All of this has been in remission due to my work with the Beck Diet Solution. Since starting the program on 01-29-09, I haven't indulged in my addictions and I have lost 35 lbs. I don't eat sugar, white flour, or junk food. I now weigh and measure everything of caloric value that goes into my mouth. That's the only way I can keep myself honest with the food. I already know from past experience that eating junk does not make me sick. But, snacking from morning to night -- actually my wife said it was 24 hours per day, was slowly allowing me to gain weight. I was sabotaging my efforts. It's a wonderful feeling of freedom and relief to be free from that compulsion.
I was out for a ride yesterday and I was thinking how nice it is to drive around and NOT have any snacks on the seat next to me. I didn't feel compelled to stop someplace for junk food. I could easily ride past fast food joints.
Also, I now bring my own salad dressing with me to restaurants. I ask for salads without dressing and I use Walden Farms salad dressings that are SF / FF, and calorie free. That alone can be a major calorie difference in a meal. I also know that when I eat in most restaurants that at least half of my meal is going home in a box. The only time I take bread is when I'm going to give it to my wife. Some of the guys on here know that I like going to Mastori's restaurant which is famous for it's breads. I don't eat any but my wife does expect me to bring her some.
Life is much easier and happier since I've been following my program. I've mentioned that I'm bi-polar abd that I always thought that the best I could hope to feel is OK. That's no longer true. I now feel happy. I actually like myself. I note things that I do accomplish during the day. I am having many positive experiences. The WLS can transform your life too. And, if you still have a problem after you have WLS, get a copy of the Beck's Diet Solution which works with any diet. Take as long as you need with each of the steps in it. I recommend the hardcover version for pre-ops who are having trouble losing pre-op weight. And, I recommend the workbook (only) for post-ops. Bob
I am a compulsive overeater. I am a sugar and white carb addict and a junk food junkie. All of this has been in remission due to my work with the Beck Diet Solution. Since starting the program on 01-29-09, I haven't indulged in my addictions and I have lost 35 lbs. I don't eat sugar, white flour, or junk food. I now weigh and measure everything of caloric value that goes into my mouth. That's the only way I can keep myself honest with the food. I already know from past experience that eating junk does not make me sick. But, snacking from morning to night -- actually my wife said it was 24 hours per day, was slowly allowing me to gain weight. I was sabotaging my efforts. It's a wonderful feeling of freedom and relief to be free from that compulsion.
I was out for a ride yesterday and I was thinking how nice it is to drive around and NOT have any snacks on the seat next to me. I didn't feel compelled to stop someplace for junk food. I could easily ride past fast food joints.
Also, I now bring my own salad dressing with me to restaurants. I ask for salads without dressing and I use Walden Farms salad dressings that are SF / FF, and calorie free. That alone can be a major calorie difference in a meal. I also know that when I eat in most restaurants that at least half of my meal is going home in a box. The only time I take bread is when I'm going to give it to my wife. Some of the guys on here know that I like going to Mastori's restaurant which is famous for it's breads. I don't eat any but my wife does expect me to bring her some.
Life is much easier and happier since I've been following my program. I've mentioned that I'm bi-polar abd that I always thought that the best I could hope to feel is OK. That's no longer true. I now feel happy. I actually like myself. I note things that I do accomplish during the day. I am having many positive experiences. The WLS can transform your life too. And, if you still have a problem after you have WLS, get a copy of the Beck's Diet Solution which works with any diet. Take as long as you need with each of the steps in it. I recommend the hardcover version for pre-ops who are having trouble losing pre-op weight. And, I recommend the workbook (only) for post-ops. Bob
I discovered that at 8 and half months out, I can eat some of the no-no foods my pouch used to hate. I also discovered if I really want to sabotage myself - I can.
BUT - I Don't even want to!! That is the best part! I no longer crave sweets like I used to! I do still want carbs like crazy, but I seem to be able to temper it. I now like healthy alternatives to almost everything I used to eat. I have also found I am much more lactose intolerant than I used to be. I also like wine much more than I used to - since beer is not an option. However, I get a serious buzz after 1 glass. I told my wife last night that 1 glass of wine now is long 2 neat scotches pre-op. Wow - cheap date!
While I still dread exercise, I am much more willing to excersice simply to burn off the huge energy reserves I have now. And exercise seems to have a big improvement on my disposition.
I am loving wearing 34 inch pants, and medium shirts. My kids have never seen me wear these (my oldest son in 23). My wife is a little jealous - which I enjoy a little (in a passive aggressive sorta way). I am still trying to get the brain to see a thin person - that is still one I am struggling with.
BUT - I Don't even want to!! That is the best part! I no longer crave sweets like I used to! I do still want carbs like crazy, but I seem to be able to temper it. I now like healthy alternatives to almost everything I used to eat. I have also found I am much more lactose intolerant than I used to be. I also like wine much more than I used to - since beer is not an option. However, I get a serious buzz after 1 glass. I told my wife last night that 1 glass of wine now is long 2 neat scotches pre-op. Wow - cheap date!
While I still dread exercise, I am much more willing to excersice simply to burn off the huge energy reserves I have now. And exercise seems to have a big improvement on my disposition.
I am loving wearing 34 inch pants, and medium shirts. My kids have never seen me wear these (my oldest son in 23). My wife is a little jealous - which I enjoy a little (in a passive aggressive sorta way). I am still trying to get the brain to see a thin person - that is still one I am struggling with.
I know I still do!
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