My conclusion on Time Out and a discussion hopefully!

Of course what I type is for anyone who chooses to read it.  But my responses are very much directed to Molly and her transparent sharing today and on so many days. I have followed the discussion and determination of the Time Out plan for the last few days.  While I wasn't doing the EXACT thing, I was looking at every thing passing my lips and choosing, FOR ME, the best choices.  It has brought an awareness to the forefront I needed.  Thank you. My result of the focused sharing was to make an appointment with the therapist I saw for my mental health evaluation before WLS.  I saw her tonight for the first time in 20 months.  It has been a motivator to PUT ME FIRST on the list of things needing MY attention. I haven't had a gain........but I haven't gotten to goal in 16 months.  I haven't had a meltdown........but I still beat up on my emotions.  I haven't made life altering changes.........but I am restless with the scope of where I am.  It has always been an 'everyone else first' existence in my life.  I knew before and I know it now, I have to take care of me because that is MY job to do so.  If more attention needs to be made to make better food choices, then I need to make them.  If time for exercise needs to be made sacred in the schedule, I need to make it.  I know making others responsible for my well being is still the same cop out it was years ago.   Today is the first day of my TIME IN program.  What do I need today to improve my health and wellbeing? Molly, thanks for being so transparent and sharing so deeply of your heart.  It has touched mine. Vicky

Very thoughtful post here Vicky. Thanks for sharing your perspective and I am a huge champion of doing anything we can to improve out health and wellbeing together! Thanks for sharing in my journey. It means a lot!

Vicky: I am loving your idea for a TIME IN PLAN!!!  Brilliant and right up my alley.  I can't do what everyone else can with the TO plan- mainly because quick fix plans have never served me, before or after WLS.  Like you, I am all about working on TIME IN!   Again, great idea! Two of my favorite quotes from the past 2 days: Your Goals minus Your Doubts = Your Reality -bariatriceating.com/Susan Maria Every choice moves us closer to or father away from something.  Where are your choices taking your life?  What do your behaviors demonstrate that you are saying yes or no to in life? -Eric Allenbaugh

Molly, thank you for writing this so eloquently.  I could have written the same thing (if I was articulate enough to express my feelings so well.)  You are definitely not alone. Jenn

Hi Jenn,  I try to keep it real, as they say. It does no good to lie to myself or others. Not to say I don't sometimes try. I have ya'll here to keep me honest! Thanks for your kind words. Molly

Hi Molly, this is my post in response you your thoughts. I actually do this kind of thing for a living, not psychotherapy, but mental health management, I also am sooooo in this with you!!   I know you thought the pouch is not "reset" but you have to admit it is taking less food than 2 weeks ago, I am pretty sure that is the general feedback.  And you mention resuming the proper way of eating, food choice, and sufficien****er intake which is the life-long goal anyway.    The cycle of sugar/white flour craving IS a key for us and I found without taking a stand (in this case using TO) we cant just limit it to break that cycle very effectively. For me and many who post here the cycle just escalates until we feel out of control.    I think it is awful that your insurance doesn't pay for a therapist, not like you need a lot of work, it could benefit you to practice some cognitive therapy or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy which works on developing better coping strategies. You seem to be very resourceful, if you look up these terms you might find some interesting reading! Let me know if you have questions about it once you check it out.  I REALLY do appreciate how open and honest you are and it makes a difference to me.

Oh yes, when I eat properly my pouch feels awesome and very sensitive to being fuller faster so long as I steer clear of the poisons that got me here in the first place I have a lot of deeper digging to do and will definately look into the strategies you have mentioned here to get my brain wrapped around some of these ideas and how to cope more effectively. Hmmm...you are such a nice addition to this forum...I love me a good nurse. Whenever I go to the doctor I always cringe when he walks in (sorry docs) and yet feel so at ease with my nurses. Actually, my nurse WAS a doctor (PCP) for many years. I actually thought she was a physician and she was a nurse practioner. I called her by her first name and still have her cell phone number in my phone eventhough I moved across the state. She was so great during my wls journey and in the care of my DK's. Nurses are special people! Anyway, thanks again for your valued insight! Molly

Wow!!!  Such an excellent thread!  Thanks so much for starting it. You should be so proud of yourself due to the fact that you are willing to look "inside" and analyze your actions, thoughts, and needs.  You are a very insightful person and that is HEALTHY.   You have been a major source of inspiration on the board and I hope will continue to share your struggles. Good luck and way to go!

Denise, Thanks so much! Yes, I AM proud of myself and will not give up on trying to figure out why I do the things I do either. Yet, I'll try not to drive myself crazy about it in the meantime. Thanks for your post. Molly

Molly, I believe you exhibit symptoms of ADHD>