Would I Eat Cardboard?

I really don't see that you made a mistake here.  Trying to choke down dry and chewy food could have made you sick or, minimally, terribly uncomfortable for quite a while.  The shrimp were likely much easier for your sleeve to tolerate, and a little sauce on them wouldn't have hurt you, especially this early out.

Was it really giving in to temptation to make that choice? IMVHO it wasn't.  If you had decided you could only eat ice cream, well, that's more like giving in to temptation in my book.  :)  You looked for a protein choice that you could actually eat -- good job!

I have to say that the original cardboard comment and this posting have both unsettled me a bit.  I love coming on here and learning this foreign, crazy process from others that are actively involved in it.  But I talked with my NUT about the cardboard posting because it just didn't sit right with me.  I don't want or expect to cut out all foods except lean proteins for an extended period of time.  In my very humble opinion, that would not be either healthy or beneficial long term for me.  If I eat something, I want it to taste good and nourish me.  I am not talking foods that are bad for me; I am talking about a variety of good foods.  For now, they will mostly consist of lean proteins and vegetables.  I am trying to add in a small portion of fruits (berries) a few times a week, ultimately increasing that I am sure to once a day or so.  At some point, I may find that I am able to reintroduce some form of whole grain (if I continue to work out as intensely as I have been), but I am not near that phase yet.  Yes, my job is to lose this weight, but I did not have this surgery to place myself into a permanent stage of denial and restriction.  I am sure that was not the point of the post, but as a newbie, it did make me question my take on the whole process.  I feel much better after talking to my NUT, and taking a closer look at my own goals and perceptions.  As always, I am learning such a tremendous amount about this process and myself, so I thank everyone who does contribute to these posts, even if I do not follow the advice of others to the tee.

Sorry if this offends, truly the intention is not to do so.

No offense taken! I agree, we are all here to learn from each other. Our paths are different but our destination is the same! You are about a month ahead of me. I am just starting to eat "moist meats" and stuff and trying new foods one at a time. I'm trying to figure out this whole crazy thing too. I enjoy reading your posts and I appreciate your feedback on mine!

Plus, we Jersey girls have to stick together! Lol

LOL...true dat!  You're doing so great....keep up your excellent work!

 

I'm so glad to hear that Elina didn't actually eat cardboard...LOL!  But I swear I've tried a protein bar that tasted like sawdust...One bite and in the tra**** went, just like that stupid Isopure crap...I think you did great!  Do not be disappointed in your actions at the restaurant.  By golly, if only 2-4 ounces goes in, it darn well better taste good.  That's my feeling on it.  You can stay on plan and enjoy your meals.  Keep up the great work!

Deb

Thanks!

Oh, honey---life is too short to eat bad-tasting food! Especially in a world where there are so many tasty, healthy choices!

My mindset is exactly the opposite. Pre-op, I think I would have eaten cardboard---if I could have put some gravy on it. (*grin*) Back then, I would eat darn near ANYTHING, because I was always hungry, always driven to eat. Now---I refuse to eat anything that's not absolutely delicious. I'd rather do without.

Yes, focus on protein---but make it tasty protein, or one of these days you're going to go hog-wild. Depriving ourselves of the pleasure of eating is probably THE biggest reason we couldn't stick to a diet long-term pre-op.

That is an excellent point!

Here's another POV:

You are sane. 

I was committed during the WL phase. I made AND BEAT all my surgeon's goals for me. I lost more than 100% of my EW and I have KEPT IT OFF at 4.5 years out. I most definitely would NOT eat cardboard. Not only that, but I think eating cardboard is a s sign of an unhealthy relationship with food. I love myself. I do not think that because I was fat that I must be mean to myself. I do not believe that I have to be mean to myself to lose weight. I don't.

When I was losing weight, I kept my carbs low and my protein high. I did not have a glass of wine with dinner every night because I "deserved" it. I did not tell myself lies in order to justify unhealthy eating. But I did go to a party and have dessert once in while. Then I wrote it down in my log and made sure I everything else I ate that day was low enough carbs that I didn't go over my carb count for that day.

And, if I screwed up one day and didn't hit my nutritional goals, I figured out where I went wrong and did better the next time.

I also believe that in order to succeed at weight loss and -- more importantly -- maintenance, we have to learn to have a healthy relationship with food. Choking down horrible taking food because we're "on a diet" is not a having a healthy relationship with food. IMO it's just as perverse as eating past the point of satiety just because it's there.

Now, if you had used the fact that the tilapia as excuse to order cheesecake, that would be difference. But to be beating yourself up over ordering *shrimp*? To feel like a failure and not dedicated because you ordered shrimp and blotted the alfredo sauce of them? I think you are letting other people run your race for you...