Coming Back to Reality....

 When we began our journey some of us had a slow start. and then some of us had the good fortune of having the pounds just melt away.  Some months after our surgery the weight loss slowed down and some of us reached goal, some of us haven't reached goal, but we continue to lose.  I recently visited my surgeon's office for a followup and was amazed at the stories I was being told by the other patients as to how they have basically gone back to eating the way they did before surgery.  Some not as much, but still the same fried foods, hoagie's and fast food living.

Being "Back On Track" I'm learning to deal with the pitfalls (because I'm human) and the disappointments on the scale, but I've also come to realize that "to thine own self be true."  I can't eat just anything and expect to be successful.  I can't eat just anything and expect to maintain or continue to lose weight.  I have been slacking in my exercise efforts but with the breaking of the weather I know I will do better.

I was brought back to reality today when I found a pair of leather pants in my closet.  Now when I bought the pants several years ago I was a size 24...and the pants said 22/24.   Well, when I got the dang pants home I couldn't get one leg in the pants.  When I had my surgery I continued to try the pants on and when I reached a size 16 they finally fit, but it was too cold to wear them.  As I continued to lose the pants became too big.  Last night I tried the pants on and while they are still too big...they're not as big as they use to be.  Coming back to reality...if I keep tasting a little bit of this or a little bit of that, thinking that or trying to justify that a little is not going to hurt....yes it will.   

I will be 60 years old on March 29th and two ago I didn't think I was going to live to see this day let alone another birthday.  I've come such a long way, but I still have a long way too go.  Coming back to reality and staying true to myself is the best way to a happier and healthier lifestyle.  It's not just weight loss surgery, but a lifestyle change.

Genie

Wow, good for you for seeing things the way they are, taking it in, and turning it around to do something about it. Posting here is a wonderful start! Excellent!

wow thanks for your post....and Genie you are lookin fabulous at almost 60! you will get too your goal..i beleive it! I too have been at this crossroads...of realizing that this definately is a lifestyle change...i mean i always have known it...but when my weight has been stuck after having my baby 10months ago and is slowly creeping back up there...it definately has been scarring me. I never thought id be in this position after having the surgery i thought it would all just come off...i was 337 at my highest....and my lowest was 214...for a day :) then with baby i got up to 275 and i was down to 235 and now im 252...woow that was a mouth ful. so i  am saying stop to the weight gain and im here lookin for support and ideas! again..you will make it to your goal! keep up the great work!
<3 Karen

Hi Karen, and welcome to BOTT.  This is definitely the place to be for support.  I have visited the other sites here on OH, but I am really finding what I need here.  Don't forget to go back to basics...PROTEIN, VITAMINS, WATER, EXERCISE & JOURNAL your food intake...you'll surprise at what a difference journaling makes. You CAN do this! Again welcome and don't be afraid to express yourself, ask questions or ask for help. 
We're all in this together.Group hug!

Genie

Hey Genie,

Really enjoyed reading your post. There was a day when I didn't think I'd live to see my 30th birthday and I can still remember when I was even younger a doctor telling me I wouldn't live to see my 16th birthday if I continued going on this way. I have spent so much of my life putting energy into being angry and upset with everything I was always told I couldn't have because of my weight. I think being at an age or perhaps just to be able to realize that fighting isn't the way to go at least not the way I was doing it by rebelling. I'm trying to focus positively on my goals for a healthier life and lifestyle. I don't ever expect to be 150lbs. Would be nice but right now I just would be happier to close to 200 if not under.  Yesterday I tried on a pair of 4x capris that I really like. Previously when I had attempted to wear them I split them right down the middle. Yesterday I was able to wear them which is a great feeling. They're still snug but not to the point where they feel like bursting at the seams LOL. This group and the OH board is a great place to come for positive support and where I feel I can come to "get real" about what I have done and to what I am now doing. I was also one of those who could eat anything I wanted even if not in the same quantities as pre surgery. My downfalls - Cheetos - Well I am proud to say that I haven't had one Cheeto let alone one bag of Cheetos since before I did the pouch test. It's amazing at what I am able to stay away from if I put my mind to it. One night my family cooked lasagna for dinner with french bread. I chose to eat instead some canned salmon with cottage cheese and a few saltines. I try to remind myself to make good choices, but sometimes it's hard if I don't remind myself of my long term goals. Every day I wake up is a new day and a new start. I keep pretending like it's the first day all the time so I'm paying attention to what I eat instead of just eating whatever's there or around. Congratulations on reaching your 60th! I hope some day I will be able to do the same. Take Care,

Marilyn

Hi Marilyn,

Congratulations on your achievement!  That 4x will soon be a 3X! We have to take one day at a time.  My nemsis right now is Mike & Ike candy, and the 100 Calorie pack cookies...yeah right, what the hell is the point; nobody can eat just ONE PACK of those damn things. That being said I stay away from them.

Keep striving and take one day at a time and we will get there.  The most important thing to remember is "To Thine Own Self Be True."

Genie

Good morning to you all - WOW - what powerful posts!  

You know, reading what you each have shared gives me a new perspective on "The  truth shall set you free"  I realize that as long as I/we choose to think/justify "Just a little won't hurt" we aren't free - we're still slaves to food.  But you know, it made me think back to how afraid I was that I would not be able to have the surgery because of my age (several drs turned me away), because my insurance wouldn't cover it (took out a loan), and just "generically" scared that some unknown medical condition would pop up at the last minute (thankfully, it did not).  I remember how thrilled I was that I was approved and Dr. Lord did do the surgery - how faithfully I followed every guideline - and how lucky and happy I felt.  I noticed again something I tell my patients - it's all in our thinking and every one of the things I listed above were all a product of my thoughts at the time.  OK World, here I come!!!  Here's my new motto for me - First my thinking - Then my food - Then my goal - that's the road to joy in the here and now. 

Thanks so much for the wonderful Food For Thought you given us by sharing your realities and REALLY have a very fine day

Hi HappyLapBander,

Yes we are a slave to food, but at some point I hope to lose the ball and chain.  My friends are taking me to "The Cheesecake Factory" for my birthday dinner.  There concern was that, oh Ms.Genie can't eat their food; And why the hell not.  I can eat in the same restaurants that you do.  It's all about making the right choice from the menu.  No matter where you go...there's always the option of a SALAD and grilled something or other.  I have already scoped out the restaurant's menu and now its just making the decision of what I'm going to have; I know I'll be bringing home a "Doggie Bag."

Genie

Genie...can I just say...you look AWESOME for 60!!!!! Hope I will be able to say the same. This is from a girl who's depressed over turing 50 in 3 short weeks.

Thanks for the compliment Barb...and don't be depressed.  I just look at it as I'm getting better at what I do and "I've come a long way baby."  Around this time two years ago I didn't think I'd be here so depressed....NO WAY!  Looking forward to getting a new tattoo to celebrate.