Good Morning. Being slightly OCD helps

I heard that being slightly OCD helps folks be successful post WLS...thought that was kind of funny-strange and maybe even a little funny-ha ha. The further post-op I get, the more I see that being OCD in the right areas may be a benefit. Being stubborn and a rebel in the wrong areas may be a detriment. What I've noticed about successful people is that they are OCD about their vitamins and labs, and they also follow orders. I don't necessarily mean they blindly follow the orders of their surgeon but they choose a successful post-WLS way of life and follow the lifestyle as if they were following orders. It's a choice to follow rather than stubbornly go off on your own as if you already have all the answers or the answers don't really apply to you. I worry about the folks that are proud they can eat carbs and not have their WLS keep them in check. I worry about folks that want to wait until their labs crash before they supplement. 

Just some thoughts for the day. Y'all have a good one. Remember MLK today and all he stood for.

--gina
   

I have often said I am a rule follower.  It has held me in good stead with my WLS, my business (not following Medicaid rules is called Medicaid fraud and is nothing to laugh at) and my ponies even.  My horse competitions all have governing rules.  Break them and you are eliminated from the competition. 

I was steadfast in following the rules pre and post surgery and I think my recovery was smoother because of it. Not saying that folks who have issues are because they aren't following the rules, some folks have problems no matter what they do.  But the chances of problems are lessened if you don't do crazy stuff, follow the rules, take your vits, etc.  As I have gotten further away from surgery, I have tested the waters to see what "normal" life will be like.  I never got this surgery to be on a diet for the rest of my life.  For me, so far at least, I am happy eating high protein, pretty low carb.  I have maintained for 4 months with slight variations from that on days, but basically sticking to those rules. Of course, i take my vits daily and have adjusted them according to my labs as needed.  And I haven't felt deprived or left out at any time.  My rules are working for me.

I'm a rules person but also not a blind follower. It works for me.

Yea, it bothers me when people, who are 3 weeks out say "when can I eat pizza again?"...really?  Why did they get the surgery if they want to go back to their old eating habits?  I know... they think the surgery will "cure" them forever - well, they're in for a BIG surprise!!  They need to "follow the rules"... I just shake my head when I see that.

I know I've tested the boundaries and have paid for it in a few areas. 

*like*
I really appreciated the fact that my surgeon and the team always referred to the surgery as a tool, not a cure. This really put in my head that I need to work and do certain things for the rest of my life.

Well this idea gives me lots of hope.   Im OCD about stuff already, and OCD about other things in life too.  LOL    So once I make goal I have high hopes of staying on the right track.   :)   Thanks Gina.

Aimee

This rings very true.  My family definitely says I have OCD characteristics, and I guess I do.  Glad to know they'll be helpful in the future! 

 Uh oh.  I'm DCO the complete opposite of OCD.  I might be in trouble.  I am a rule follower though as long as its reasonable.  Example, my doctor said I can have 2 oz meals 3 times a day and 2 snacks and I need to have 80 grams of protein.  But he is not a fan of protein shakes.  It doesn't add up for me so I have a protein shake for breakfast and follow the rules the rest of the day.   As my food choices open up I will supplement with protein powder where I can.  When I think "when can I have x again". I always try to tell myself next year maybe.  When I'm in maintenance.  Those are the "rules" as I understand them.  

So I'm asking you to help me and my DCO.  If it looks like I'm getting out of control; call me on it!  Please!  I need this to work.

I think you and I think a lot alike. I'm also a trust but verify kind of person :)