Having a Hard Time

I seen the doctor tuesday and we have a plan to introduce one week at a time.  For example This week I have to go from 1 protein/calcium powder to 2  a day.  Next week add the suppliments, week 3 add the ulcer meds and week 4 start journaling.   Then I see her again and we will introduce whatever is left the same way.  I joined the gym but I am still waiting for the check to get there (I was awarded money through a program).  With the kids in school I have us on schedules and day 1 of this (yesterday) did not go so well.  We were off schedule all day and nothing got done all because the alarm didn't go off right in the morning (for their first day of school).  Needless to say I was rushed and stressed all day even after they left for school.  SO far all is well.  I only have a few minutes left of computer time before I wake them up.  I did take my multivitamin so far and plan on taking protein/calcium next.  I have read posts about how much protein you need etc and for many months now I have only gotten 24 grams a day IF that.  The doctor did repeat how concerned she was about this and that I could die, etc.  She says I need baby steps to get back on track.  I lost 10# Aug-Sept so it's slowing down and the hair loss is pretty bad.

I see the dieticain next week but I was wondering how many calories I should be eating.  I think I eat too much after reading others posts.  Also I wonder if my pouch has stretched form too much diet soda and too much food.  I am so confused, ashamed and just having a hard time geting back on program.  Jimi

It is hard to get back on track, but the first step is what you are doing now.  There is so much to remember to keep yourself on track, but just take it one day at a time.

My kids are in school, they started Aug. 8, so we are in the routine now.  I get up about an hour before they do just to get everything ready.  I should probably sneak in at least a 20 min workout, but I am not there yet. lol

The best way to get the protein in is to remember to eat it first.  I usually eat Chicken Breast, eggs, etc. before I eat anything else.  I mess up (almost daily), but I am doing much better than before.

I still drink diet soda, but it is my vice that I am keeping. 

You can do it.

Take care.

I think one of the hardest things to do when getting back on track - whether it is eating, exercise, or anything - is to be tolerant of starting back at the beginning.  I tend to think if I can't do what I did at my best, then I'm failing - not so - failing is refusing to do what your body needs at any given point in time.  Right now starting back and going forward slowly is what your body needs.

And 10 lbs is great progress!!!!  Stop and think about it - how would you feel if you gained 10 lbs - bet that would seem like a lot but you're almost saying it's not enough to count - my goodness, it sure is - CELEBRATE

WE CAN DO THIS TOGETHER

You have to try very very hard to stretch your pouch to the point of no return. I really don't think you've had enough time since your surgery to do so, so please please please don't fret too much about it. Your pouch will become much more efficient as time goes, and will be able to take in up to 1 1/2-2 cups of food by the time you're fully healed and into a normal routine years to come. But remember, just because it CAN... doesn't mean you must fill it.

I've only just re-started taking my daily vitamins (I've been SO bad about those up till now) and recording my calories again. Sometimes I get angry because of the amount I've taken in. But I have to remember, I don't need to wait till tomorrow to start anew and get back on track. I can do it RIGHT now. That's one of the biggest downfalls of trying to BOTT... we have that old addage "Tomorrow's another day"... in other words, you can feel free to continue to pig out today as long as you try harder tomorrow. I HATE THAT!... nosir, its a pitfall to live that way. I like "Today is a new day" Better. It puts you right into the now. Maybe I have eaten half a slice of pizza in a weak moment, and its sitting there, staring at me. Today's a new day! Toss the rest of that slice in the trash and have some water.

Its going to take many many little steps before you're back up and running again. Don't be afraid or upset if you trip up now and then. Happens to us all, and that's why BOTT is here. Please please drop us a message when you're having a hard time, or better yet, when you need to GLOAT because you had a wonderful, excellent food and exercise day! I look forward to hearing more about how it comes!

I think it sounds like you have the beginnings of a plan--one step at a time.  You're concentrating on your vits this week and know that it really, truly is very important to get in more protein, so I'm sure you're more aware of that now.  Sounds like your dr. gave you a little butt-kickin'!

Be really, really honest w/ your dietician next week & see what kind of help she offers.  I'm sure you haven't stretched your pouch to any degree (other than the amount it just naturally stretches over the course of time). 

Keep coming back for your "encouragement fix" here!

That is good advice baby steps...of course it's easy to say if we are not in your shoes.  Try to journal each day about how you are feeling and set up small realistic goals for the day. 

Please feel good about what you are doing, it's a start.

We are here for you 

Take care,
Kathy