Moving on

Moving on is a hard thing to do. Local and web-based WLS support has been important to me through my journey. I couldn't have done it alone, successfully, and I know I will continue to need some type of support so that I don't find myself slipping back into my old habits. But finding what's right for now isn't as easy as it was in my pre-op days and the first year post-op. Yet, I realized last night after awakening from a terrible nightmare--a nightmare of the genre I used to have when I was MO but haven't had now in perhaps 2 years--that I have to stop thinking like a formerly fat person, and accept and live as a normal-sized healthy person. To do that, I have to move on and find my support network elsewhere, somewhere that doesn't focus so heavily on weight and eating, but rather, on other life issues that are also important to me. I am excited about what lies ahead in my life, even though I have no idea what it is. I have the energy and health and confidence and joy to take it on. Your insight, knowledge, wisdom, wit, and even the challenging repartee that takes place from time to time have all contributed in some way to where I am today. You are an interesting group of people who have broadened my thoughts and my life. I wish each of you success, health and happiness in your journey, on each path that it takes you, to each new place. Never forget that you are worthy, and that you CAN do this, whatever "this" is each day. Believe in yourself. Love yourselves. Blessings, Ann Moving to the next path of my journey

Hi Ann, I am really happy for you that your WLS journey has been so good and that you were able to get the insight and support that you needed along the way from this site to help you be succesful. I would only offer up to you this thought: All of this wisdom, knowledge, etc. comes from those who have gone before. If all post-ops that had the surgery eventually decided that they had gotten what they needed from this site and decided to "move on" then who would be here to offer the same knowlege and support to the other members. Please understand I do not mean this as a flame in any way because I understand the need to be normal. But at the same time I know I could not have made it through this without the advice and support of everyone here and so I feel that now it is my duty to offer the support back where I can....pay it forward if you will. You have something very valuable to give....your experience. Regardless of what you decide though, I wish you the very best in the remainder of your journey. Take Care. Audra

Good Luck Ann I understand totally, I do believe at some point it becomes less about what we weigh and what we eat but more so the external and internall issues that we have to deal with in order to remain successful. There is a lot of emphasis put on weighing and what everyone eats..lots of times there isnt talk about what got us to surgery point to begin with. Those issues goes into remission but they can come back years later after surgery and if we're not ready to deal with those then it can mean trouble. I understand your moving on..You need to do what is best for you..not what is best for people here on the board..is why I mainly lurk and dont post..specially on the main board. I refuse to get caught up in the what did you all eat today thing, because if you notice..there are some pretty far out postops who are eating very little calories which cant be healthy..and it's like who can eat the least..quite scary indeed. Again, good luck..stay positive and remember you'll always be welcome back here.

I'm always puzzled by that long term post ops are eating too. How some people eat such a small amount every day is amazing.

I Too have to question how people live on such small amounts but then again they do not say how much they eat only what they had. Yes, it is amazing. Betty

Referring to the amounts people eat each day -- I am one of those long term post ops who still eat very little. I think maybe some surgeons make our pouch a little smaller than others perhaps? I can eat 4-6 oz of yogurt at a time and feel very stuffed. For breakfast, I can handle one egg and 1/4 pc of toast and that's it (maybe -- sometimes JUST the egg). Cottage cheese - 1/3-1/2 cup max. When I crave meat, I make a 2 oz patty and fry it up, don't know how many oz. that is cooked - but that's all I eat. Nothing on the side with it. When I mention these things - that's what I have for a meal. I usually eat one thing. I can't do what others talk about and have some meat, veggies, etc all at once. I limit my meals to one item or I am simply just too full. Maybe size has something to do with it? I started at 206.6 and now weigh 123. I am only 4'10-3/4 in height. I have set my goal at 110 and sometimes wonder if I will ever make it. The last pounds are the hardest. My surgeon told me my pouch is the size of a small tangerine, so when I eat, I visualize that and don't put any more than that into it. I still average 800-1000 calories a day, whi*****ludes 80-100 grams of protein and 64-80 oz of water. Don't know if others who still eat small portions are this way, or if it sheds some light for those of you who eat more. Personally, I can't imagine eating as much as some of you say you do at a meal. But I do know that we have to do what's right for us individually, without judging each other or making someone feel bad for the amount they consume. I think it is great we can come here and read each others' posts and either answer them or just ponder the words. I think it is also imortant to hear from those at different stages of their journey, whether it's one month or several years. At one time or another we will all go through each stage as the one before us and follow in the steps of those who have gone first. Whatever you do today -- do it for yourself and enjoy each step. If someone learns from it, or does the opposite, well that's great either way. Look out for Number One!

Pam--Maybe you misunderstood me--I really was not trying to criticize anyone and what you describe in your recent postings is not very far from what I eat daily. I, too, am quite satisfied with one egg and maybe one piece of bacon for breakfast (usually just the egg though). A quarter piece of toast at the most--I just use it to sop up the yolk. I don't get full from two thirds of a yogurt though. For me the problem comes in when I start grazing--that is the danger for me. I totally agree that sometimes a lot of what people eat must be related to the size of the pouch. Although--another thing that absolutely amazes me is the quantitiy of what people can eat early post op. When you mention a 2 ounce patty-2 ounces was how much my plan called for me to be able to eat of protein before I was allowed to add in veggies and then fruits. I bet it took me almost 6 months before I could do that--but I did start adding the veggies sooner (against my nutritionist's orders). What I referred to in my post is I often read postings on various boards where people pretty much are only having protein shakes for meals and then sometimes a very small something for dinner. While I am still trying to lose more weight, that is not a bad way to go, but I am just not convinced it is healthy. At least for me it is not--and I do think that some of us develop eating disorders after being morbidly obese and then losing lots weight. Not pointing any fingers--just mentioning my thoughts. Wondering though--do you have the band around your pouch? I've been sort of taking a personal survey. Have a great day.

I feel the same as you do about posting what I eat. I did it once and someone pulled it all apart and told me how bad everything was for me and left me with air and water. That was the first and last for me.

Betty, I had someone do that basic same thing to me once and I responded with, "Oh, you must have misread my post. I was TELLING what I did; I was not asking for opinions or advice. When I seek advice/opinions you'll be able to tell it by the question mark at the end of the sentence." Here's your sign... DeeDee

Oh DeeDee!!!! Thats a good one!!!!!I wish I had thought of some come back but I just and said nothing. Oh, the newbies. Betty