Wednesday, March 23rd

I totally relate to your desire to graze because you're sick!  I always struggle with soothing myself with food at those times too. 

Thanks! You know, I had lunch (3 oz chicken breast, 1/4 cup green beans and 3 TBS white rice-my big splurge for the day) which usually is more than satisfying and I could have still eaten more when I was done. Even now over 30 minutes later I could eat again. Funny thing is I can tell that my sleeve is actually full, but at the same time it feels empty. CRAZY MAKER! 

I know this feeling very well.  I think I'm getting hunger confused with other feelings.  Like for example, I notice sometimes my stomach is not full, and I equate that with hunger.  I guess after WLS I became so accustomed to having a "full" feeling (I don't mean overfull, I guess I mean more like it is adequately filled so that I am sated) that now the absence of that fullness sends me off.  Unfortunately, I think things empty my sleeve pretty quickly.  And combine that with the ability and desire to eat (which I ALWAY have) and I find myself wanting to graze all the time.  As I sit here at 3:00, there are so many reasons I want to eat.  Because I've hit the 3pm mark in the day, because I want a break from work, because chocolate sounds exciting, because eating anything sounds exciting, because I could eat again, because I am not full...and not a single one of those reasons are because I'm hungry!

To make matters worse, the more I keep tabs on my hunger, the more I imagine myself hungry simply because I'm thinking about it and the power of suggestion is mighty strong.  But I'm trying to remain honest with myself.  And as of right now I can say I am entirely un-hungry.  That doesn't mean I don't want to eat or could not eat.  But I am not experiencing physical hunger.  

I think you will love this: I got home and told Ron that I was fit to be tied because all I want to do is graze. He looks at me, puts his hand on my shoulder and says, "Of course you do. You're sick. You're supposed to eat to help you fight off the cold." Got to love him for that, right? 

I got past my chocolate craving after school, so I'm feeling empowered! LOL! 

HAHA! Oh that's RICH. Normie talk!

Good afternoon!  It's so good to be here with you all! 

Diane O, I'm so sorry about what's going on with Chuck.  I'm sending hugs!!!

Paula, you are truly a giving person and I'm sure that dad is appreciative of your support.

Carbon, thanks for the welcome back.  Hope you get your Fitbit straightened out.

Devon, sorry you're still feeling poorly.  :(

Linda - rock those jeans!  You mentioned being a social worker.  Isn't it funny, and probably not a coincidence, that so many of us work in helping professions - social workers, teachers, health care workers, etc.  For many of us, taking care of others took priority over taking care of ourselves for so long.  Finding the balance between helping others and taking care of my needs took a long time to achieve, but I feel that that balance is there, at least most of the time.  Without that balance, my way of taking care of myself was overeating - not the right way, but the only way I knew.

BrownBlonde,  I love to entertain too!  For me, I have to be careful, though, as I get caught up in the excitement of the special foods, and sometimes overdo.  I try to make sure there are adequate supplies of what I can eat, too, though even then I tend to over induldge.  I need to keep working on this area.

Today is the third day in a row with cutting way back on calories and carbs, and it feels good.  Last night was dance class, which always is a boost to my mood and self esteem.  Since my knee replacement, it feels like I'm dancing a bit better, as I can move more and am not constantly fearful of moving the wrong way and being in lots of pain.  Dress rehearsal and recital is just a little over 8 weeks away.  This is my older daughter's last year, as she's off to college in the fall.  My younger daughter returned to dance this year, so will also be in the recital.  I'm so happy to have one more chance for all three of us to share this together! 

Hugs, Mary

Hi skinny peeps, I am back from my trip to the mothership and brought about 3 pounds with me. They didn't have much healthy stuff and I was so busy fixing pureed meals for my mom who can barely swallow that I ate lots of cheese and almonds.  not good. didn't eat any sweets or carbs - just too much cheese and some pizza.  and wouldn't you know it dr. C is now here saturday.  getting ready for the lecture.

Sounds like a rough week for all.  Diane O so sorry for your issues.  It happens a lot.  You are what you are and don't change for anyone else.  Hope everyone else gets to feeling better.

I am thrilled to be back in my normal routine at home.  Had some good talks with the crazy person that may have sunk in if she remembers.  My mom is really fading - can barely swallow food and has lost quite a bit of weight. Thats how Parkinson's ends - people quit eating because they can't.

But its a sunny day here and I can be off to my fun stuff so I am grateful.   skinny food tonight.   diane s

Hello, 

Late check in from me.  I haven't had a chance to read much but Diane O's lead off.  Gosh, I am sorry, how painful.  But, of course you will get thru it aok, that is who you are.   Better to know now and have opportunity to move on earlier rather than later. 

123.7 this morning.  I spent the day running errands including getting my work picture updated and my driver's license photo and weight updated.  I feel like my soul was sucked out of me at the DOL.    

I'll catch up on the other posts a bit later.  

Gonna try ribs in the instant pot.  

Shel