WLS ROLL CALL (part 2)

Kathy's message brought out some VERY interesting responses!  My question is directed to those who have been successful in keeping the weight off long term. What have you done to keep the demons under control, such as grazing, other than white knuckling it or trying to rely on will power? Marie

I'm doing it right now.  I'm spending the evening on the computer.

Well....at 5 years out....I consider myself successful.  I have gained a few pounds but not many and I work constantly to get them off and to keep them off..... But I just wanted to share an observation about this 'maintaining' business..... I live in a very upscale condo building in Florida.  There are many many very wealthy 'older' ladies who live here.  (I only fall under the 'older' part).......anyway....almost every one of them are small, shapely and active.  Most are in their 70s and 80s.  And I watch them.  Closely.  And I talk to them. What I've learned, is...they all watch what they eat....and have done so all their lives.  When we go to luncheons, they order salads, and baked fish.  When we have ****tail parties, they munch on veggies and nurse one drink all evening.  And you rarely ever see one of the old gals with a piece of cake.  And if you do, its a paper thin slice.  They take vitamins and they take calcium.  They walk, swim, dance, play golf and one even still runs. I've never done that.  I never exercised.  I just always went hog wild and ate whatever I wanted in whatever amount I wanted.  And of course we all know where THAT got me.   So now, I've had WLS.  And no matter how much I want to eat all the old stuff....I just can't do it.  Its a battle I fight every day of my life.  Its a discipline I've never allowed myself.  Why?  Because its too hard.  Because it isn't fun.  Because I love to eat.  Because I like 'instant gratification'....and because I use food for whatever weird reason! So we just can't expect this surgery to keep us small without doing what it takes to stay small.  And we all know what that means.  Its just a matter of doing it.  Getting the mind set and keeping it.   So I use Fitday....I count calories....I count protein....I exercise....... And I take it one day at a time.

GREAT response Charlie!!  In the past 3 + years I also have been studying thin peoples' behavior, and have made the same observation!  I know of younger gals that get away with eating junk (chips, cookies, pizza).....but they eat it in small amounts and stay active.  Surgery or not, in order to be a thin person long term, you have to live like one!!  There is no magic involved!!  I get so frustrated with people that come to support meetings very concerned because they have gained weight and want to know how it could happen...they've done "nothing different" and the scale suddenly started climbing.  It's a basic calories in vs. calories out. Thanks also for your note about memory issues and aspartame....I've been watching what I consume to see if that may be a factor! Kathy

Kathy...thanks for the reply.....good luck with the aspartame thing.  It took about 6 months before I noticed a real improvement....but I did.  The only time I use it is for the occasional CL on the go packet....thats about it.  I now carry Splenda mini's in my purse....I love them...no packets floating all over...they are in a little yellow plastic container you just click and little Splenda pill pops out......

My mother had RNy 31 years ago. She did regain 16 pounds from from her lowest weight. She's 71 and very healthy. She still eats small portions and doesn't eat and drink at the same time still. She eats a variety of foods but does eat her meat entree first. She eats cake at a birthday party, and enjoys occasional ice cream. She mostly eats vegetables and some protein at every meal except breakfast and she eats eggs most days. I guess following the rules long term matters. People get a couple years out and think they can eat like they used to, and gain weight. You can never eat all the calories you did before surgery and keep the weight off.

I needed to read this post today, thanks