Hi BOTTs!

Hi Everyone,

Just thought I'd introduce myself. My name is Jen. I had the RNY in Victoria, BC, Canada 8.5 years ago. I lost 150 lbs in the first 2 years, but have struggled with some regain. 3.5 years ago, I had twins! My weight has slowly creeped back up and my food out of control as my time has become less and less available to me. Stress levels at an all time high. I am also a full time shift worker which has it's own food challenges. 2015 is the year I get myself back on track and health becomes a priority again.

I saw the post about food accountability, but I don't have much to contribute today. I am on day 5 of the 5 day pouch test and have been much more successful this time around than I have in the past. I know there is mixed reviews on the pouch test, but for me, I see it as a cleanse to jumpstart my BOTT. I feel I've finally moved past the carb withdrawls and plan for my BOTT. 

Thanks for approving me to join and I can't wait to get to know you all. 

Jen

PS. Any other Canadians in here?

Hi Jen and welcome

I had my surgery  in September of 2006.  If my math is correct our dates are similar.  I too started struggling with regain after the 5th year or so. That seems to be common.  I know what to do I just have to do it.  Even when I am not compliant I know that my tool will do its job as long as I do so I don't get as down on myself as I did before surgery.  I have done the 5 day pouch test and agree that it is a good way to start the journey back to basics.  I am sorry your lifestyle is so stressful.  I have a 3.5 year old grand daughter and I can't imagine having to deal with twice the energy, independence, and whining etc. (and she is a good kid)  That and shift work truly makes for a hectic life.  However, it is possible to make things easier.  That same ole song and dance.....preparation.   So easy to say and so hard to do.  that is usually the reason we all fall by the wayside.  We get stressed or tired and just stop preparing, then it is tough to get in the mindset to get back where we need to be.  I don't have that excuse.  I am very busy but my busy ness is not controlled by anyone else, time wise, but me.  I am retired and don't HAVE to be anywhere at any set time other than doctor appointments.  I do have a full calendar but that is because I am enjoying my life.  If you can carve out prep time it will make your life easier.  This is what I do when I am being successful.  I shop on Fridays then at some point that day or on Saturday I package my protein into 4 oz portions in baggies and keep a few out and freeze the rest.  I use a George Foreman grill so when it is time to cook I start heating the grill while I make a salad.  When the grill is hot I start the protein and microwave a veggie.  Both is done in 3-5 minutes.  Of course I am cooking for one.  You have a family to cook for.  I still think knowing what you will cook which day and having those item ready to use ahead of time makes it easier.  The idea of having to go home and prep and cook makes it so much easier to run through the drive-thru at any old fast food place.  I hope I am making sense.  I am rushing because I need to get to one of those doctor appointments I was talking about.  I wish you the best of luck with this journey of making health your priority.  Also best of luck getting some level of control on your stressful life.  Enjoy those little ones while they are little.  It is still so hard for me to realize that my little ones are now 38 and 39 years old.  It goes so slow when you are in the middle of it and then all of a sudden its gone and they are husbands and wives and parents with all the responsibilities you once had.  Man....that makes ME old.

Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply! You are absolutely right on the preparation! As soon as that slips, I find the draw of the drive-thru so tempting! I'm going to try packing the protein in individual portions as soon as we are home from the store and get veggies cut up and ready to go ahead as well. Anything that saves time and follows "the rules" is only going to help me in the long run.

Hi Jen

Welcome! We are here to help each other get back on track. Check out some of the sticky posts above and LET'S DO IT!

Jen - I can't believe I'm reading this... Our stories are so incredibly similar!!

I'm also Jen :-) or Jenny. I'll go by Jenny here.

I had RNY in Feb 2005, so I'm coming up on my 10th anniversary. I can not believe it's been that long!

I lost around 120 in two years and was at my goal weight. I maintained that weight until...

I had twins 3.5 years ago!

I had a hard time gaining during the pregnancy and was in fact back into my regular clothes within a month after I had them. But when they got to be around 18 months the weight started creeping up. I am now 30-40 above goal (which is 140-150) and am feeling very down about it.

I'm not a Canadian but I am a Carolinian... close enough, eh?

Jenny

Thanks for replying! I cannot believe how similar the post-babies weight loss is. By the time the kids were 18 months old, I was up 40 lbs from pre-pregnancy weight. How do you cope with time management and keep things organized? I feel like we are in chaos here all the time! LoL.

My twins are July 4th, yours? :)  (does that make me part American? lol)