Putting it all into Perspective

Thnak you for a great post. You are right, healthy is the most important thing. Regarding trigger foods--Cape Cod potato chips--evil!

Lynda, I've always been a salt freak much more than sweets even though in my previous life, I ate my share of sweets too. In fact, in my pre-wls days, I was an equal opportunity food abuser - I ate it all, the good, the bad and everything in between. Patty

Amen Sister! What a thought provoking and full of simple truthes post. Although I have gotten as close as 3 pounds to my ultimate goal, then put on 12 pounds which I am currently fighting with, I too -- will never gain a person back again. In fact, at 48 (49 in November - boo hoo), I realize that it is inevitable that I will go thru periods of weight gains and losses in my future. The trick is to not let them get out of control. I vow that I will keep all that I have learned in perspective, and especially your words of wisdom. I think part of the trick is to keep coming here and looking and offering support. It helps keep us accountable to ourselves. Again, thanks for a great post. Hugs, Nannette

Nannette, I'm afriad most of us over the age of 40 will have to "diet" off and on for the rest of our lives. As i said in one of my infamous soapboxes - nothing is forever unless you work at it. The good news for me though, was that the wls gave me the tools needed to get the weight off - now it's up to me to keep it off. And, I definitely agree about being active here keeping us accountable. It's hard to give advice to others when you are screwing up yourself. Patty

You've been an inspiration to me and many others on the board for a long time. You've worked your program faithfully with a few slip ups. Nobody is perfect so don't beat yourself up over a bit of temporary grazing. Some of us just have to work harder at this than others. Like you I will never be a size 4, but I can settle for a 12/14 after plastic surgery (currently 16). If you haven't had plastic surgery you might consider that it could take you down a couple of sizes. That doesn't mean you have to have it, but when you start lecturing yourself it would be well to remember you can't lose that excess skin/tissue. Some things can only be removed with a knife per my plastic surgeon. She told me I could be anorexic and still have a big stomach.....its a combination of genetics and being over weight for years. I've always had a stomach. As long as I can remember I've been buying shirts long enough to cover it. I can't even imagine how it's going to feel to not have a stomach after plastic surgery next month. That is going to be an out of body experience for me. Fortunately I've been able to exercise since soon after surgery which has aided me in losing a lot of weight and building a lot of muscle. I won't ever fit the BMI normal scale. My surgeon & PCP are happy with where I am today and say it would be dangerous to continue to lose because I'd be losing muscle. I still get depressed every time I step on the scale, but I'm satisfied when I look in the mirror. Still have to make the mental adjustment to the # on the scale. Best of luck on getting those last 12 lbs off again. You've lost a lot more in the past and can get this off again.

Pat, Thanks for the words of encouragement. I know you are looking forward to your tummy tuck - I know how excited I was when I had mine done. My real problem now, is my thighs - they are huge - with enormous saddle bags that hang below my knees. My WLS surgeon and my orthopaedist both have told me that nothing but reconstructive surgery will help - unfortunately, my insurance company views this as cosmetic, not medically necessary. My ortho said he thought I would lose as much as 30 or even 40 pounds if I could have my legs done. That would really make me happy with my results. Don't let the scales get you down - they can be a friend but they can also be an enemy. Good luck with your PS. Patty