Closet Time Outer...

As you can see, I am a fairly recent WLS grad.  But, I have to tell you this board has really motivated me.  It's interesting to see how our lives truly CHANGE after about 18 months.  I was glad to find a place on OH where I fit a little better.    The surgery for me has been a complete BLESSING!  I have the life I have always dreamed of.  And yet, amazingly, even after nearly DYING...I find myself creeping into old habits.  I mean you have GOT to be kidding me.  But, yep I have eaten carb upon carb, tested my limits with sugar and even stopped drinking water.  OIY VEY, what is wrong with me?  But alas, I have been spending the last couple of months trying to get back on track.  I am running, eating better and trying to regain control of this awful addiction.   So, I have gained/lost and gained/lost the same 4 pounds for about 2 months.  That is humiliating for me to admit.  So, I came to WLS grads board only to discover that I am NOT alone!  PRAISE GOD!  I am sorry you are all struggling, but I will admit, I felt so empowered just knowing that there are people that share my pain.  Okay, all this is to say, I am a closet TIME OUTER.  While I realize this may NOT be for everyone.  The fact is, I am really, truly being blessed by it.  Yes, I am losing weight, but really more importantly, I am LEARNING to get back to the basics.  I am totally feeling WONDERFUL.  When I see carbs, chocolate etc.  I pray myself through, and tell myself, "NO!  You need to cleanse your body!"  And well, it's just felt like an absolute miracle.  I know my body is adjusting and cleansing and I plan to maintain this.  It's not a diet...it's a life change!   While I haven't TOTALLY eliminated food.  (If I am absolutely truly (not head) hungry, I eat about 3 oz of grilled lean meat.)  But, that is ALL!  And, then I drink, drink, drink water/crystal light.  Isopure is my protein shake of choice.  It's not delicious, but it DOES curb most any craving.    Anyway, I wanted to confess this to people so they will hold me accountable.  And also encourage you to try your own TIME OUT plan.  It really is helping to change my life and get me back in the game! Thanks for listening~     

I am really with you on this using the philosophy of getting back on track, not as a gimmic or quick fix.  It can be a useful tool to interrupt the cycle of returning to old routines and habits. Just like you said, to get "back to the basics." Maybe if we called it that, people might not see it as negatively and it might not be used in a harmful way??  I cannot disagree with the WLS plan of STRICT adherence, but for me the modified version has fit my body needs by having a protein dense meal and green veggies or cheese if needed.  I have been FREE from carbs for 12 days and today we had a gathering at work.  There were plenty-O-snacks, let me tell you, and I kept to pepperoni, cheddar, 2 strawberries ( and they were LUSCIOUS, I never say THAT about cookies) and a big bite of fresh pineapple.  I am also focused on the need for lifestyle change.  So GOOD FOR YOU to take the effort in caring for your health and here's to all of us trying to do th same thing!!

I was just saying how much I am TRULY enjoying the food I am eating because I not just mindlessly putting it into my mouth.  It's DELICIOUS again!  And, just in case noone has told you, that is AWESOME restraint you used at the gathering!  YOU GO GIRL!! Thanks for your words of encouragement.  I really appreciate them.  Again, it's nice to know I am not alone.  

Hey Becky! Hey, call it Time Out, call it getting back on track...call it whatever you want. I am sooo with you in this deal. I am supplementing with protein shakes a couple times a day and eating lean dense meats and veggies too and I feel much better now that I have kicked to carb monster to the curb. That is the main thing for me. Abstaining from white foods (ie, potatoes, rice, all the "duh" foods), simple carbs and sugars and most of all chips, crackers, cookies and pastries and all that crap...yes, I said crap. I cannot believe I was putting all that into my body on an almost daily basis. Shameful!  That junk makes me so darned tired and so hungry. It really just fuels the fire. Anyway, I applaud your efforts and you are really, really not alone. For every single "hit" there is on your post under the times viewed column, there is a story. A story of regain, desperation, or curiosity about what you are going through. Sometimes people just suffer in silence and don't reach out. Well, to heck with that. Without the support of this site I am so screwed.  So, major props to you for posting this and doing something! Molly

Thanks Mol~ That's what I would call you in person, MOL!  You just have the friendliest face.  So, because I am a chronic nicknamer you are Mol in my head.  Hey, that's what I call all my Molly's in my life!!   I appreciate your words of support.  Doesn't it feel GREAT to be cleansing your body like this.  I am just really loving it.  I will say it's super HARD and I have to pray myself through certain moments.  But, God is good and I am successful because of His grace!!!  I have been able to say "no!!" to a lot of things this week that I didn't have the chutzpah to say no to before and it feels amazing! Anyway, I appreciate your candor and your welcoming spirit.  Thanks so much~

Hey Becky! I am a MOL! It is so funny that you referred to me as that since that is what close friends call me too! Anyway, you are in that club now!!! I have to tell you that since you mentioned God...I will tell you much of my Time Out duration was full of introspection and meditation. Just like when people do a prayer fast. Why do they do that? Well, to re-focus and to take stock and focus on him. It was kind of like that for me too, only by sheer accident. When I wasn't thinking about food all the time I had more time to think on other things.  Interesting side note to T.O. plan! huge hugs! ~Mol

Glad to see your post,,,and I can relate! Im a closet Time Outer too! Im killing the carb monster and its not always easy. I havent gained any weight, but have stayed the same ,,about 20 pounds from goal, for almost a year! I think Ive lost about ten pounds in as many months, so I decided it was time to get serious. The holidays really wrecked me,,,I tasted the pastries and found out I dont dump on em! So, while Im not going totally food free,,I am choosing only protein or veggies. Thats a big improvement! Rest assured, you are far from alone in this quest!! But we can do it!! Blessings Betsy

Betsy,  Thanks for your friendly support.  I know exactly what you mean about testing limits.  I have tested them to the extreme and it can be scary.  You would think since I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE being more mobile, active with my kids, running etc. that I would LEARN...but, still I test.  So, I get up, dust off and start again.  It's all we can do, right?  It's a lifelong battle and I plan to WIN!   That's why I came back to OH.  I am trying to be accountable to someone.  And, well, for some reason to know that I am not alone is really comforting.  So, thanks again for your thoughts and well wishes.  We CAN do it  !