Recent Posts

I think I'm in love with this message group! You people are amazing, and I really feel like you "get it" where I'm coming from.

Yes, of course I'm still thrilled I had the surgery and proud of myself for following through all the rigamarole... and actually lying down on that gurney and kissing my honey on the way to the operating room. And I would do it again tomorrow. I'm just at a bit of a speed bump. How could there not be a speed bump, undertaking something so huge and life-changing? And I have an inkling I don't know the half of it, the changes that are coming for me, not only physically but emotionally, mentally, dare I say, spiritually (more on that in another post).

Yesterday was my first day of "regular" food after the mushies phase. Pam cooked up a very most chicken recipie... no skin, small pieces of thigh meat... and I was surprised and thrilled that my little portion went down just fine after being chew chew chewed! I'm not bragging here... I really thought chicken might be my downfall. I've been waiting for the "uh-oh" feeling so many folks describe. So far... I can eat anything I've tried. This scares me a little... OK it scares me a lot... but I'm following all the rules (no drinking 30 minutes either side of a meal, etc) and feel satisfied with smaller portions. Getting used to that last part is taking some time... I have over-done it with some of the mushies, getting to the point of pain. I'm breaking down my resistance to measuring food. I've found little dishes that hold 1/2 cup, and I get to fill those little dishes up so I feel like I have a "full" portion while not over-doing. It's not that I feel hungry... I don't... it's just the old habits. I know you all understand!! Thank you for that.

I better get started with my crazy day... I'm trying out for the tenor lead in Ruddigore by Gilbert & Sullivan with a group I've worked with for many years. I usually play the old man parts or the stuffy official guy... this time I'm trying for the tenor lead!! I'm going to ask the directors to visualize me 75 pounds lighter, as I probably will be by the time the show hits the stage. Wish me luck!

Hi Greg and welcome to the Losers Bench!

OK, I read your post and all the responses and one thing I thought of... I like positivity also, and was thinking that when a person has this surgery you don't want any of their friends or loved ones to hear them say things like you said here, you don't want to have them think you are sorry you had this surgery because we know we aren't but would like to just let down our shield for a moment !  You did, we are here for you you, as the others said that is what this site is for !  We are your best friends and won't judge you for saying how you feel.  We are here for understanding and support.  Feel free to air your honest feelings ! 

Keep up the great work!

Thank you ALL for the sweet welcomes!
:)

Thanks for making me feel so welcomed Yvonne!  It means alot to me!  hug   I am so happy to find people who are living healthy and happy after wls.  -   Yes I have had alot of success in losing the weight.  Its just the keeping it off which is so difficult!  the longest I have kept it off was probably for a 7-8 year time during my 20's.  I did optifast at age 23 - starting at 230 ish and dropped down to 150.  I got married at 29 and I remember weighing 160 -so not bad but I had to work out 3 hours a day to keep that! 

I am sorry about your mom...      After seeing what my mother went through - I ask myself daily - why can't i lose weight?  It should be so easy compared to the challenges she faced!!    Anyway I know I will never fully recover from losing her......I miss her on a daily basis...

But moving on with life .  I am making one of the most difficult decisions and appreciate everyone's help !  thanks all

First of all Greg, WELCOME!!

I want to share with you why most of us are not feeling particularly positive at this time in our journey.  It is much like an alcoholic going through withdrawal.  Our body is going through hormonal changes but we literally are affected by the fact that when we get kind of "down" that we can't use food to self medicate like we did in the past.  What an incredible feat! 56 pounds before surgery and 15 during the liquid pre-op?  Your body is fighting to get back to where it was so it's holding on to those pounds because of going into starvation mode.  Pretty soon the pounds will be dropping off 5 pounds at a time.  Men in particular lose so fast!

I LOVE people that are positive to a fault!  Guess what? I'm probably your long lost sister!

This is exactly why I formed this board and that's so you can find answers to those little things you wonder about. Nothing makes me happier than to guide someone through their journey by helping them understand what most of us are about to face.  Your next to the last paragraph is what I call a "turn around statement" by talking about the good side.  Good for you!

As a newbie it's important to make all those life changes now and get them really under your belt (ok I didn't mean to be funny) before the honeymoon period ends.  We get this enormous high over losing this weight and when it's over it's time to get back to regular life and for some that is difficult.

So Greg, tell us about yourself.  We are so glad to have you here!
hugs, Y