SOAPBOX TIME: NOTHING IS FOREVER

That is what has gotten so bad about the main board. All the pre-ops and new post ops spouting "words of wisdom". So much false info floating around and of course, none of them are the wiser. Seems like any input from some one that has walked the walk is unwelcome.

Patty, this is a very insightful and much appreciated post. I'm 2+ years post-op from my first surgery and 7 months post op from the revision to fix the unzipped staple line. It is so much harder (and slower) losing the weight the second time... and I never got close to goal after the first surgery. I feel a *****eated of the "first year" honeymoon period. I struggle so much with the same things those who are at the two year mark and beyond struggle with and yet I'm only 7 months out from the second surgery. So much of your post rang true for me ... the cheeses, yogurts, and soft foods were much more weight loss friendly after the first surgery than the second one. I have to avoid them now or I'm ravenous too quickly after eating. I did have to smile at the "no eating in the car" rule. I've learned my most vulnerable time is when I first get home in the afternoon. I work out in the gym at my office after work (4:00 PM for me). I've found that if I pack 2 oz. of unbreaded chicken breast strips to eat on the way home I can avoid the raging hunger of having just worked out and landing at home with the food demons. Good luck to you as you continue to work your tool! DeeDee

Delores, The no eating in the car is aimed at those who "drive through". Dr. W even said that eating protein or having a protein shake in the car is ok. It's the Mickey D's, Wendy's and, for me, Sonic that are problems. My most vulnerable time is after dinner and before bedtime. That is when I used to eat chips or popcorn and I still think I should be able to have them. Before I cut the carbs out, I had a bad time between 3:00 and 5:00 at work. Now, that doesn't bother me. Patty

I needed to read this. thank you for posting this.

Misha, You are so welcome. I hope it helps. I think it's important to share our stumbles as well as our successes. Hopefully, someone can learn from my mistakes and maybe I can learn from someone elses. I really am quite serious about avoiding the sugar free stuff - it's a blind pitfall - the calories are as high or higher than the regular sugar loaded candy and cookies - so it's a false sense of security when we eat them. And they do make us crave sweets. Patty

I am so glad you are here. You are so full of humble wisdom... I think you are tops. Thanks for the words of wisdom.. May they sink in all of us who are over the year out .... ***hugs*** excellent words to learn by!!!! deb

Deb, You look great. How are things going? I believe we met in Arlington, if I remember correctly. Patty

Hey Patty.. yep we sure did. I am doing great.... Like many others I did regain about 10lbs but have since lost that and a couple of more.... I have a secret why Im errr how keeping it off but too scared to share it to all... lol.. well i probably will eventually but just not right now... and NO im not purging or anything... when I get brave eunff I'll share how .... im really keeping down the weight but im having some *help*... deb

Thank you Patty for the awesome post!! I totally needed that post today too. BTW, the eating in the car thing really hits home for me. I travel for a living and am in the car and away from home every day for extended periods all year long. My lunch usually comes from the drive thrus. Good thing there are some healthy choices out there, but eating in the car usually leads to more eating in the car, and snacks, and mindless eating. I hate it. But anyways thanks! Michelle 8/3/04 294/150/150

Michelle, That has to be so hard. I usually don't have too much trouble with drive thrus since I don't like french fries very much and it's hard to eat salad or chili while driving. However, Sonic's popcorn chicken is a temptation as well as their Cheddar Peppers - which I had for breakfast yesterday as I was driving to an out of town wedding. So much for not eating in the car. And the sad part is that I had a protein bar in my purse. Patty