struggles and control

oooh.  Jackie, you just gave me a great "tool" with that tipping comment.  Now all i can think is "Weebles wobble but they don't fall down"!    Just have to get that through my brain as a metaphor on this journey, because that's what it's all about, isn't it?  In the long run we may have "wobbles" but if we have a good center of balance we WILL return to it.  Finding and defining that new center of balance is what this is all about.  

Thanks!  I'll also look into the resources you provided... I appreciate it so much!

Karen

I am so right there with you, especially since getting pregnant. I am below my pre-pregnancy weight still but know it won't last if I don't take control soon. I don't think that I could do OA either because I am not good at relinquishing control. If you find a good therapist in the Doylestown area let me know. I was seeing a woman over on Pine Street but I wasn't thrilled with her.

Good luck and you CAN do this!

I hear ya, loud and clear... and we can help each other along this road, as well.  I'll let you know if I find someone good!

Hugs

karen

first and foremost hugs to you Karen.  It looks like you understand the issue its just finding the right solution.  it is my opinion that all answers come from the self.  You have the answer in you you just have to find it.  these types of posts and inner dwellings will help you. 

I don't have the answer but I do have the encouragement.  You can gain that power.  Just remember you don't have to fight and win every day... just most days. 

I wished you lived closer because I could help with the exercise thing.. I can be very pushy.  :-)

Thanks for the encouragement, Sandra... I'm finding more and more that these types of reflections - and making them publicly - DO help.  And the reassurance that it just takes "most days" is a good one, too - makes me feel less "binary" (it's either ON or OFF plan).  haha.

As to the exercise, I'm feelign like I'm doing well with it - just am not on a set routine as much as I'd like or was in the past.  I'm still pushing myself hard with the routines and I'm still getting to the gym 3-4 days a week, just finding it easier to sleep in sometimes and not feeling as guilty when I skip a day (which scares me).  I'm already planning on using my gym reimbursement from my health plan for personal training sessions, and am looking forward to that - I think it will help me "get organized" around my workouts. 

Pushy can be really good!  Feel free to push!

karen

Karen I identify with your struggle greatly. There is so much more I want to say, I am much better at talking in person than typing my thoughts.  I think that 12 step concepts can be ok for some people, but I dont think that they help everyone. It never hurts to just look into it. I definately think you should call the therapist...they can help craft an approach more specific to your issues and temperment. In any event I want you to know I understand and support you. I have some trainings I will be going to in Oct I will tell you more about later. They will be geared towards helping WLS patients that are further out. I will learn for me and then be able to turn around and help others

Ah, Nicole, I really wish you lived closer - I would look to you therapeutically, not just as a friend.  You seem to have your head around so many issue and you always are looking for new approaches and new tools to use with your clients and yourself.  I so respect that.   Thanks so much for always sharing your insights and learning - i can't wait to hear more about your classes!

Karen

Karen,

I feel your pain! I have been going through the same things in the past two weeks since my Dad was in the hospital. I spoke with my therapist today about it and she said that it is very important to take a few minutes each day to process things especially those "stressful" moments of life, which for most of us lead to eating. My therapist deals with a good many WLS patients, and she is right in Newtown if you want her number.
I am also reading a book by Geneen Roth called "Breaking Free from Emotional Eating", she also wrote Women, Food and God. I saw her on Oprah the other day and she was very enlightening for me. As I am reading this book, I am seeing lightbulbs go off all over the place! If you want to borrow the book when I am done with it, I will be happy to lend it to you.

Karen, you are truly an inspiration to me! Don't be so hard on yourself! We are all human, we make mistakes, and we cannot be perfect 100% of the time! The true success is how quickly you dust yourself off and say, "ok, I didn't follow the rules today, but I will do better tomorrow, or the next meal, or whatever you want to put in there..."
That is what I am trying to do with myself.
Hang in there. You will get back on track and so will I !!!

((HUGS)) Beth

Thanks so much, Beth.

I do think part of this is just being overwhelmed with SO much going on this spring and summer.  i need some down-time to focus on "me" and my journey.  I'm still reading Women, Food, and God and want to go back and re-read/work Anatomy of a Food Addiction.  After that, i might just take you up on your offer and borrow roth's other book.  I'll keep you posted.

Thanks for the words of encouragement.  They do help tremendously.

Karen

Karen,

That you are expressing what you are going through, taking feedback and action is a huge step in the right direction.  At only 7 months out, I find myself already allowing myself to get out of an excercise routine and back in to workaholic mode and I let that get in the way of me taking care of myself as my priority.  Tips on ways to keep life in balance and stay disciplined are areas that I struggle with myself.  I wish I had words of wisdom, but am a bit of a "backslider" myself.

Am hoping that the suggestions here bring the right combination to overcome the struggle.

xoxo,

Maura