PlumpKitty

Send Message

Block

Add Friend

I raise my hand and admit that I get sucked into how things "look" as a huge part of my motivation.  Is my house organized, the car clean, my rearend looking OK, my skin clear, hair shiny, teeth white?  Do I look happy?  What is everyone thinking about me? 

I have to stop and back that bus up.  Being concerned with what others think, and how things appear to them, is completely human.  However, there comes a time when we have to ask ourselves, "What makes me happy?" 

I think the same goes for exercising and trying to eat healthy.  We shouldn't be striving to do these things just to be thin or look good.  How about striving to have more energy and emotional happiness, which are increased by eating well, stabilizing blood levels, and exercising?  Why not be a lifestyle role model to your kids and friends?  Or focus on treasuring and taking care of the gift of good health? These sound like reasons one can believe in.

When I look at most successful people who are fulfilled, they are doing something because they are passionate about it.  As a by product, they may have stumbled upon recognition, money, or other opportunities.  I've found that if you are going just for the mighty dollar, bragging rights, or power, you will either fall short or get it and be miserable. 

Why?  Because isn't so much of life about intention?  I can be in a heated discussion with my husband, and if he isn't trying to go out of his way to make me angry or hurt I don't get that upset.  When I see he is deliberately pushing my buttons, I react so strongly to his intention.  If the kids spill something on accident?  No problem.  If they do it on purpose?  Don't you get mad?

How about finding something you enjoy (or can bear to do) in the exercise arena that makes you feel good?  Start here: Don't eat food that tastes like cardboard to you, but find something that you enjoy eating that is doing something good for you and your health.  Will you ever enjoy it as much as cheese pizza or ice cream?  Do I need to say it?  In the end, and overall, you will feel so much better; and, as a by product, your waist will become smaller, skin clear, and smile wider.
 
If we only focus on the drag idea of "I have to lose weight," who can sustain that as a motivation for a lifestyle change?  Love yourself and learn enough about the importance of good health to become passionate about the continual pursuit of improvement. 

Oh, and on the days you can't get out of bed to do your workout, then sure, think about how great your butt is going to look.  Hey, on certain days it's just about getting the work done.    ~Gabrielle Reece

Okay, you've all heard the term "grazing" — you know, picking at food throughout the day instead of (or in addition to) eating regular meals. This constant, indiscriminate eating — especially when you're focused on another task, such as talking on the phone or watching TV — is the downfall of many a committed dieter, but it doesn't have to be.

If you're piling on pounds because you eat when you're distracted or bored, rather than when you're actually hungry, try the following tactics to break the habit.

To curb daytime grazing:

• Don't eat while you're standing up, in the car, or on the go or when you don't have time for a full, proper meal. If you sit down at mealtime and pay attention to every bite, you will be more relaxed, you'll notice when you're satisfied so that you won't overeat — and you'll actually enjoy your food!
• Don't skip meals. I mean it. You might think you're saving yourself calories, but it will only leave you famished and more likely to consume extra calories later on to feel full.

To curb nighttime grazing:

• Why do most people graze at night? Because they're bored. If you've been thinking about taking up knitting, crossword puzzles, Ping-Pong, or some other hobby that will keep your brain busy in the evening, now is the time to do it.
• Brush your teeth. Food never seems quite as appealing when you have that fresh, minty toothpaste taste in your mouth.
• Try a cup of hot tea; the warm liquid in your stomach can help you feel satiated.

When you are fulfilled — say you have a productive job, joyful activities, and healthy relationships — you're much less likely to mindlessly eat. If you start taking charge of the external things in your life, it will be easier to take charge of the internal ones. Finding nonfood ways to fulfill yourself will pay off for your body, but it will also help you relax and become a happier human being. When you take the time to look after yourself, you tell the world that you're worth it, and that you deserve the best life has to offer. Once you project this kind of attitude, you can't help turning it into reality.   - Jillian Michaels www.jillianmichaels .com

There's more to fitness than losing weight! What's the use of having a great body if you're unhappy?

And I know you think that losing weight will cure your unhappiness - but it doesn't always work like that. You are going to have to tend to all areas of your fitness to be healthy and happy.

Here are three easy ways to lighten up:

1. Walk with weight. That's exactly right; you've got to put weight on if you want to take it off quickly. Some people use hand and ankle weights – but that's really not the healthiest way to load your body – it puts too much stress on the extremities and can alter your natural stride and spinal alignment.

Some walkers and runners use a backpack – again not so good for the body as the uneven weight distribution (all in back) is taxing in an unnatural way, bad for posture and again, may negatively affect your alignment.

I recommend a weighted vest - yes, this one is mine, and of course I think it's the best one, but there are others, and I recommend that you do your research before buying one. The WalkVest evenly distributes weight around the mid-torso – it holds the weight secure - close to your body with a core conditioning belt which, as it says, helps condition your core, strengthen and tone abdominal muscles, and protect your lower back.

It allows for weight changes (adding and subtracting) in small increments (2 lbs). It holds up to 16 lbs of weight total, which is more than enough for power walking or running. Make sure, when looking in to buying any weighted vest - that it is adjustable, that the weights load around your middle evenly, and they are securely fastened.

When you exercise – or even just walk your dog around the neighborhood with that extra weight – your body burns excess calories, you sculpt and tone and build lean muscle faster, and you are able to build bone density to protect against osteoporosis.

You lose weight faster (we are lightening up here) when you work out with extra weight because your body doesn't adapt to it the way it has adapted to your own body weight. So it works harder – it has to – to carry the extra weight. If you want to lighten up effortlessly – walk around with extra weight, and burn extra calories without even thinking about it.

2. Give up refined sugar. Wow, are you going to see and feel a difference in your body and your mood if you do this. Stop eating pastries, ice cream, cookies and candy, and don't drink soda or alcohol for 14 days, and your body will shrink.

You will lose the puffiness that comes from ingesting too much sugar. Furthermore, you'll feel clearer, you'll be less moody, and, after 14 days, you may just want to clean up your diet for good. It has happened for me, and it can happen for you, too.

Lose weight and inches, feel and look brighter and lighter, and don't be surprised, too, if your friends and family tell you how nice you are to be around.

3. Think positively. There is one thing you can be sure of, and of this I am certain – everything changes. So, if you are having a rough time of it – know that this, too, will change. And if you are doing/have done all that you can do to make a situation the way you want it to be – then you have to surrender to the powers that be, and get on with living your life as happily as you can.

Lighten up, let go, and let your efforts flower in their own time. Think thoughts of success, achievement, fulfillment, and happiness. See yourself attaining your goals and imagine the best-case scenario! If, on the other hand, you are not doing all that you can do to activate or change a situation (and I am not talking about forcing something that doesn't fit – I mean doing what you responsibly and respectfully can do, and then getting out of your own way), then take the next step as soon as you know what it is.

When you do, you will feel better, happier, even lighter, just because you have taken the action.

Peace and Happy Trails to You,

Debbie Rocker

 

Wouldn't you just love it if your body decided to burn fat and calories on its own?

It can:
1. Exercise in short, intense bursts (interval training) for effective fat burning after exercise.
2. Increase the amount of resistance/strength /weight training you do, to build more lean muscle. Muscle is 'metabolically active' and burns more calories than other body tissue even when you're not moving.
  And of course, for best results:
3. Chill on the amount of food you are eating.

Technically:
1. Our bodies are built to survive, so when you exercise for long periods of time (often and consistently) your body thinks it needs to hold on to fat for energy. Doing short (12-15 minute), intense exercise sessions builds strength and burns calories, but not fat, so it "feels safe" using fat stores for energy after exercise.
2. Resistance training (using extra weight) helps build lean muscle mass (and strong bones), and muscle burns more calories than fat.
3. If you are obsessing over things like fat grams and not eating a nutritious diet, your body will reserve energy (store fat) to survive.

Realistically:
1. Varying your exercise is the most effective and efficient way to stay lean and healthy. You must do some longer exercise to build cardiovascular endurance, burn lots of calories, and yes, even burn fat during exercise - your body will not click in to "save" mode unless you exercise for long periods of time, regularly and often.
2. You must do resistance training in order to build muscle and strong bones.
3. Nobody wants to exercise more - and we don't want to train our bodies to need more exercise to stay fit. So exercise efficiently – two short, very intense (relative to your level of fitness) training sessions weekly, like a 15-minute fast run/walk or fast cycling sprint intervals, and two moderately long, moderately intense sessions (30-45 minutes) of strong walking, cycling, or yoga, with one long day (60-90 minutes) of a moderately paced walk/hike. That's a great five-day/week training schedule.
4. Instead of adding more days to your workout schedule, add a weighted vest to your training. I have said this before, but this is the most efficient way that I know of to build muscle while burning calories. For more information, go to http://www.walkvest .com/.
5. Eat moderately - stop counting fat grams and calories and look at how much food is on your plate! And eat more nutritiously by eating foods that are natural and unprocessed.

Keep it real -
Debbie Rocker

Do you get the feeling I have minor obsessive tendancies? This is all for my shoulder bag luggage :)

Good morning :)
Im ill and awake so of course to pass time Im reading OH. Every few days I do something incredibly stupid. I log out and read what the people who either have me blocked or I have blocked to say.
Today I am very sad about a few people but in particular Valgroce from the DS crew. Val is one of those people who pretends to be "nice" when talking off of her board but then goes home to make fun of all the people she made friendly with while out. This is not a new thing, its been obvious for a long time.
One of the reasons I say this is because Val and I were very cordial on a post she made on the main board getting info on how much RNY people REALLY eat post op. She was hoping to find out we eat like little birds for life OR regained weight. She was shocked to find that most people actually eat a fairly normal amount for normal small people. After this polite exchange Val blocked me. Im not certain why, possibly because I eat too much for her happy little view of pre op successful RNYers or perhaps because she always hated me and was only polite because it was on the main board.

This is her latest: Well, I blocked that gag-meister for a reason (and thanks for pasting the quote btw).  It sounds like she needs to take her ball and go home.  Don't let the doorknob hit your fanny, PK! 

This was directed at me because I dared complain on the RNY board that the RNY board wasnt moderated to my satisfaction. The nerve of me having opinions on MY board for MY surgery type and MY support group!

So usually Vals snide comments are more about making fun of RNY surgery and its patients. Today I read many many comments of hers making fun of someones weight and appearance after losing weight. My jaw dropped reading these posts by her:

We'll have to check the next crotch shot she posts to see if she's still got her meds on the night stand again and kahlua mudslide drink on the dresser

Yeah, but it's the jiggly puddle of TWAT lying around her.  I showed my hubby, and after he came out of the corner from cowering out of fear, he said he'd rather stick his pecker in a meatgrinder than tap that nastiness.  It reminds me of a song my uncle used to sing when he was drunk
Mabel -- get off the table -- the quarter's for the beer

I hope you have a coupon for that fabulous surgeon to fix that puddlin twat before you post anymore virus porn.  I don't know if my supper shopper coupon book has any ads for "Make me not look like a Trailer Dwellin KMart Tramp", but if I find one, I'll be sure to pass it along.  It might be next to the Dairy Queen coupons on page 12.  

I just dont get it. Really arent we all in the same boat? Arent we all embarassed by our skin issues? Dont we all worry for life if losing weight was worth the brand new 80 year old body wls has given us? How could any formerly obese person sleep at night after insulting another formerly obese person in this manner? How can her words of support to others ever feel good? Many of her DS mates have lost hundreds of pounds. How does this make them feel?

As someone with severe skin issues, I can say it makes me ashamed and afraid. If other obese people are willing to publically take such pot shots what do the "normal" people think?

I have to say I REALLY admire the people on the SBAAWLS board for their Friday lingerie pictures. It is an amazing mental recovery to go from the bodily self loathing of the obese to the open displays of sexuality these people share. Mentally I am not there. The nude pics I show are to help other SMO people know what the possibilities and limitations of wls on the naked body can be. Basically I am trying to gross people out with my pics. I want them to know that wls helps you lose weight, it doesnt turn you into a model. 

Do I feel "sexy"? Only with the one person who never stopped seeing me as sexy before, during and after my SMO. Will I feel sexy after my plastic surgery? I thought I might, but I have a feeling these words will stay with me. The lady Val is taking shots at has a beautiful body, I know mine wont be nearly so asthetically appealing. 

Ugly truly does go clear to the bone. Here is val in HER lingerie shot, sort of reminds me of my pre op version of "sexy" cause chocolate was my best substitution for such alien feelings.



These are my morning musings which for the sake of keeping drama off the RNY board, I will only post here.

HUGS
PK

The DS/RNY bickering... *le sigh*

What is the solution? Is there a solution? 

Over the last year both RNYers and DSers have been at fault for starting these messes. On top of that both RNYers and DSers have been at fault for fanning the flames over and over to keep it going. The only real benefit from it all is at least the Bandsters get a break from it all.. Apparently it used to be Band/RNY wars all of the time.

It has come to my attention that on another active low moderation board where the members rule Diana, and people like her, is put in her place rather well. Mainly because everyone knows her BS and drop kicks her into reality. We have relied on moderation for so long we havent really learned how to defend ourselves without creating more fire like people who are on a no moderation board from the begining. 

Personally I like moderation. I also like strong segregation for surgery types. I would be MUCH happier with an RNY board where "visitors" are expected to play nice/respectful and walk on eggshells. A board where calling people names and getting personal are not allowed is perfect to me. I dont believe in self governing bodies. Mainly because generally speaking people are too self involved to really care how their actions impact the group. That is why we have laws/rules everywhere "real". 

OH doesnt want to moderate anymore even though I and many others have emailed to complain, plead and demand for better and more moderation. So we have to learn how to respond to certain actions we would have once just let the powers that be handle. 
 
1. ignore - if a post is annoying/offending/rude do you really add to it by saying "go home" or "stfu"? Sometimes the only arguement against stupidity is ignoring its existence.

2. block - the same people (rny/ds/non surgery) come here for entertainment in the form of angry board wars. They say the same bs repeatedly and its so obvious that yes even newbies will figure it out. So just block these people, I know have.

3. dispute - there are some things that are on topic (RNY) and totally off base being said. Post the truth, without name calling, or getting personal. "No that is not true and here is why..." Slinging mud only gets you dirty and ruins your credibility.

In the end we are all here for our own personal reasons. Personally I believe that LIFE LONG support group is essential to life long success at permanently losing weight through breaking addiction. I have food addictions and I need a place to keep on track. For the time being that place is here with you guys.

I have several DS friends, and there are quite a few DSers I respect highly from afar. If you dont have friends of other WLS methods, get some. It will help you keep perspective and hold your tongue on certain matters. Like to say "Haha all DSers stink!" is only gratifying if you dont have a DS person you care about. Once you do, you have to stop and think "omg Im glad that isnt actually true because my friend would suffer". 

Im not here to dispel myths about the DS/RNY or WLS in general. That isnt my job. People who think that is their job are in for a long life of depression and unfullfilling work. Im here for me 90% and you 10%, and you will benefit more from my 90% than I will. 

Do what you have to do about this situation and lets still support each other through it. Its about learning our new life with RNY, everything else we do here is just comradery and bonding stuff to keep us coming back. 

Topic: RNY and Dieting
Post Date: 1/24/08 9:38 am
Don't mind me, I am just ignorant retired factory rat that has a few thoughts about RNY and dieting.

I have been "dieting" since I was 17 yrs old.  I know all the rules to dieting.  I know most of the diets.  I have seen nutritionist.  I have read self help books on dieting.  I have researched dieting and genetics.  I became a self styled "diet" expert.  I know it all!   Did it help me over the years, only for short periods of time.  The longest I was not obese was about 2 yrs in the late 70's and another 2 yrs in the late 80's.

What I did not know or listen to about diets was that you can't do it alone, you need support.  And that you can't diet, you need a life style change!  I am sure most of you have tried all the diets and are also experts and can spout off the rules of a successful diet and yet here we are.  

Personally for me, I used food in place of feel good drugs, companionship, to join the crowd and whatever else just happened to pop up.  Looking back, I did not ENJOY eating, I just ate.

OK, I am "only" 10 months out from surgery so maybe it is too soon to say, but I have not felt like I was dieting since surgery.  Yes, there was a few months at first, where I wanted something that just wasn't in my surgeon's protocol but was comfort food for ME.  I avoided it at the time and I am glad that I did.

I thought, I would be unhappy if I found out I didn't dump at a drop of the hat.  But I have changed my mind.  I don't dump at a drop of sugar or extra fat.  I have tested the waters up to a point and that point is all I need!   I never liked "pigging" out on food.  I felt terrible afterwords, remorse, guilt and that led to more eating cause I am failure so might as well do it up right!  Now I don't need to "pig" out.  I have my protein first, then my veggies and fruit and if I have room or the desire I will have the extra carbs within reason that I used to love.  

Yes, used to love.  They do not appeal to me now, French Onion dip...yummm  I still like it,  I never did like the chips that you just had to eat with it.  Now I can have French Onion Laughing Cow cheese and satisfy that craving.  I don't want or need the chips or crackers that I could use with it.  Want a cracker?  Take a couple of Ritz crackers and spread SF Smucker's jam on it.  Another yum.  

Who has room to over-eat if we have changed our life-style and bad habits?  Not me!  Oh I admit to having a couple of grazing days where I can eat more then I should but for some odd reason the guilt is gone and I can get back on track the next day.  

I do not get hungry most days and have to remind myself to eat.  Head Hunger will always be there but so far I am successfully dealing with it.  Am I dieting...no way...I have changed my life style with the help of RNY.   I feel like I am a slow loser but get real girl!  How successful would I have been without RNY?  How would I have lost this much weight with dieting without RNY?  I know folks do it but it wasn't in the greater scheme of things for me.  Is this considered dieting, not in my book!

Do I want a steak today....go for it!  Just not everyday, like "normal" eaters.  Do I want a cannoli (homemade by daughter) go for it.  I only have room for a cannoli not a dozen.  A small steak not a 16 oz.  I now enjoy my food.  I eat slower, savor the flavor and don't worry about being hungry or not eating everything on my plate or in the refrig!

Is this dieting?  Again not in my book.  Is this deprivation?  I think not, at least for me.

So for those pre-op, newly post-op or a bit further out, RNY is not a diet.  It is an opportunity to change your life-style for a better healthier you if that is the way you want to go.

Thank you for listening to my rambles.
Hugss
CarolynK

 

I got this is my email and wanted to share:

Tips to Feel Satisfied With Less Food

Did you know that simply changing the way you eat could help you to feel more satisfied after eating?

Notice I used the word satisfied, not full. There's a big difference. Full means, "I'm really stuffed." Satisfied is simply, "I'm no longer hungry."

Satisfaction is actually a learned feeling. Many of us in fact feel satisfied after eating only half of a meal, but we don't recognize that feeling because, instead of pausing, we go on and eat to fullness. I am still part of the clean-plate generation — that's just how we were brought up.

But now we need to change our thinking and learn to recognize what it feels like to be satisfied during a meal. If you stop when you are satisfied, you will eat less food.

Try some of these tips to help you feel more satisfied at meals:

• Use smaller plates and bowls. This trick actually fools your mind into thinking that you're getting more food. When you see a plate (no matter what size) brimming with food, you're already thinking, I am going to be satisfied after this meal! Smaller plates mean that your portion sizes will be smaller and you'll eat less food.
• Eat your meal slowly. It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to get the message that you have eaten enough and to then communicate that feeling of satisfaction (or fullness!) to your stomach. Put your fork or spoon down between bites of food, talk with others at the table, chew your food thoroughly, and drink liquids during meals to slow your rate of eating.
• Drink plenty of non-calorie beverages each day. Interestingly, the feeling of thirst can sometimes impersonate that of hunger, so make sure you are drinking enough fluids every day.
• Change your eating schedule, or create one that works. Skipping or delaying meals can result in overeating. If you skip meals often, try to eat on more of a schedule. You will then feel more satisfied with what you do eat.
• Enjoy your food. Take the time at meals to simply enjoy what you are eating. Taking pleasure in what you eat will help you feel more satisfied.