Guidelines for Newbies

Jan, I do not take issue with this book whatsoever. It is one of my favorite WLS books and I refer back to it a lot. I have read it many times and I do live by these success habits. This book has helped me get back on track many times and stay on track. I can honestly say this book is what has helped me do so well in my journey. It is simple, common sense. If I had listened to what my surgeon told me, I would be in a world of hurt right now. Glad I found Colleen and her book. It has worked well for me these past few years. This is just my opinion. Take Care, Dawn

Wow, I never expected a response like this one!! I'm sorry your surgeon wasn't up to what you needed, but I'm glad this book did you so much good! I liked the book and it was a very fast read. Jan

Jan--Have I mentioned lately how much I really enjoy you and your posts? Well--in case I haven't --I do. I still think your intention is great and I love the thought. Hasn't this book been around a while? If I am not mistaken Charlie quotes from this book a lot and that is where she gets her carbonation hang up from. Some of the FAQs in this book may be out of date by now. I believe, though, that while there are always those who are able to achieve success when ignorring the rules--following these rules greatly increase our chances for success. Regarding liquids--I am embarrassed to say this--but I do drink with my meals. It crept up on me slowly. I believe firmly that drinking with my meals allows me to eat more and prevents me from staying full longer. In fact that is how I began the bad habit--when I was out with people I would drink in order to eat a little more and not stick out so much. I do drink caffeine--occasionally drink alcohol--but didn't for the first 8 months or so. I do not drink carbonated beverages--they don't feel right to my pouch. I believe STRONGLY in protein first. I always follow that rule and I believe that following it is the number one key to successful use of our pouch. For me snacking and grazing is the devil. My nutritionist strongly disagreed with any snacking except at meal times and I didn't really understand her point--but now that I can eat lots more--I fully understand it now. Supplementing with vitamins--something I do every day. I feel like I signed on for this when I chose the surgery and it is just part of the deal. Exercise--to me this is another key to success. While losing weight can be done without exercise--I think maintaining our weight loss long term is easier done when we have established new healthy routines whi*****lude exercise.

Lynda, you're so nice to me. Thanks!! I think you nailed my point on the head in your post!! Can I borrow it? You said: While there are always those who are able to achieve success when ignoring the rules--following these rules greatly increases our chances for success." And that was my point. If you want to pretty much insure your own success, follow these guidelines. If you are one of the lucky ones who can eat and drink together, or indulge in soda or NOT exercise, that's swell, but as for me, I can't take that chance! I've been snacking/grazing too much and I'm working on that again and I'm making a very conscious effort to NOT drink when I eat. As a newbie, these basic guidelines could provide an excellent groundwork for living post-op! Thanks again, Lynda!! Jan

Speaking of Charlie, where the heck is she??????

Delores--Charlie has definitely been among the missing lately. She's been working so she just doesn't have time to "play" with us lately.

I know for a fact that I am weird. On the rare occasions that I have drank more than a sip or two of water with meals I felt so full and bloated I thought I would vomit. I was seriously uncomfortable and that feeling stayed with me for a couple of hours at least. behavior modification. I may be a slow learner, but eventually I do learn.

Val--I'm weird too--in too many ways to count (not all relating to wls).

aaw in a perfect world.... Keep fighting the good fight.

I'm 23 yrs post op.. manintence 20 yrs..I do not post the things I do because I have to do it for my life style..I drink when I eat why I work second shift in a chicken plant we have 30 mins from the time we leave the line till we have to be back on line washing up removing aprons gloves and caps I hate the full feeling and doing my job isn't easy and the smells well it can turn a tasty meal into a lump in gut....I also have drank pepsi so I can burp again to get rid of that feeling.. not diet, diet made me sick.... once you get far enough out you do what your life style requires. Not being allowed to leave the line to pee or drink required me to gulp water in all nite long it seems I actually drank in 3 bottles at nite ..Now on weekends its a bit differant..15 yrs of this... I'm sure I wouldn't do these things..I learn to eat just to get it over with.. On weekends (which many times only consist of Sundays) I'd enjoy going out to eat.Mostly fish..Haven't eatten bread in 15 yrs...ate rice about everyday. So I am me it didn't hurt me I'm living proof of what ..I live for my lifestyle...when you get far enough out you'll do what you need to do.. make up for the boo boos which end up to be just a change for the day.I never told any one I had the surgery So when I had the rny done because of scar tissue nobody under stood...I don't really bother to explain..to hard Just my 50 cents worth.. Wendy