Question:
Do you ever get sick of ...

dealing with WLS.. I am very grateful for this tool but do you ever get tired of counting protien, water intake, taking daily meds ect.. I knew I had to do this coming in and I do it, but some days I wish I didnt have to worry about if I had 20 ounces of water instead of the 75 I normally get and feel like im going to fail because I missed one day of being on the program.. Anyone else feel this way?    — Catherine B (posted on September 3, 2003)

September 3, 2003
Yes, I do feel that way sometime, and I know it's not a crime to fall off the protien/water/vitamin wagon once in a while. However, for me it's one of the things that keeps me mindful of my tool, and the committment I made to myself through WLS. Making this a daily habit keeps me on the "straight and narrow". It's a discipline that we are learning, and Yes I do get tired of it and no I am not perfect with it, but I am trying to let this tool teach me the disciplines needed for long term success.
   — Happy I.

September 3, 2003
Never! This is one of the main objectives to knowing full well in advance of the lifestyle change post ops must live. Another reason for all the tests/evaluations pre op. Just because one may want/approved for this surgergy doesn't necessarily mean all are/will adjust to the everyday ritual of protein/water/meds for the rest of thier lives. The trade off is your health! We abused our bodies for years with not so much a thought, now we must sacrifice what must go into our bodies to keep our weight down and remain healthy all in the same. This is why we "Must" research and know with out a doubt the new way of life we have choosen to live. I think most only see this procedure being what they want/must have for weight loss."Health" should be the main focus and weight loss only secondary. Being positive before/after is of great importance. Attending support meetings on monthly basis is a factor in being successful with this procedure, besides helping others going after us in this journey. Just like any diet we've been on a hundred times, once you loose your weight and become the "Ole You" as before .... You eventually gain it back. This is why support meetings are of great importance before/after and at goal! Speaking for myself....This has changed my way of life in many ways. One being I don't live to eat, but eat to live. Food is no longer on my brain and in my thoughts as before. A comfort food as you will. Being active with exercise and keeping a daily journal from day one has been my key to success, only 6 1/2 months out. Actually, to think of it....This is the 1st time I ever thought of what we must count in a days time as post ops. I glady and without hesitation count my Protein/Water/Meds and Blessings. Having accepted new way of life, you tend to forget what/all we do for the best health ever. Good Luck in one and all's journey, wherever that may be. Lap RNY ... 2/11/03...250/158/145
   — Hazel S.

September 3, 2003
While I have not has my surgery yet, being a diabetic has sort of prepared me for the coming change. By logging in my food intake and exercise regime, it has become second nature to me. It is just another part of the daily ritual of life. I know that more than likely for the space of 4-10 weeks I will feel like hell, but I look forward to the long term. I've freed myself from sugars and carbs a long time ago, and now it is just a matter of watching protein and amount. By God, one day I will get back to the 150-175 lb. range and I will continue my exercise regime, and my daily rituals, and will be thankful for it. All of life is a series of rituals, it just depends on how we approach it. Spice up your routine with your own sense of ritual, you'll find yourself thinking of things in a whole new light. As a guy, the closest thing I can put it in terms to is smoking. Some people smoke because they learned early. I've never cared for cigarretes myself, but I do like a good pipe. But it has been years since I have smoked my pipe, but the ritual of careing for, and cleaning my pipes still affects me, it is calming. So it's not about the smoking, it's about the ritual involved with something I used to enjoy. The same can be said for cooking. In my mothers later years, she was barely able to tolerate eating certain foods because of cancer, but she would still cook for us as a family, even though we often tried to do so ourselves, but she said she was 'comfortable' with the cooking, and it wasn't neccessary to eat what she was preparing. It's all a matter of perspective and ritual.
   — track

September 3, 2003
The longer out you are the easier it gets. I dont really count much of anything at 2+ years. Drink at least 2 BIG tumblers of water daily, take vitamins and eat protein first. I dont measure food never had other than knowing my big tumblers hold about 3 cups.
   — bob-haller

September 3, 2003
YES!!!!!! especially on days when I am doing things with the family away from home. There are days I just don't want to eat and drink but i am fully aware that this is something i will have to do the rest of my life. It is constantly on my mind but i don't neccessarily like it. I get so wrapped up in things at times, i just wish i could have a day when I could be "normal" and eat and drink with the family and not have to worry about everything.
   — Delores S.

September 3, 2003
When I was 15 I suffered an accident and had 5 surgeries and 3 years of physical therapy to correct. I got very sick of going to therapy, hospitals and doctors and would get quite depressed about it, so I do know where you are coming from as far as feeling like my life revolved these changes. Post RNY, I remind myself everyday that I am curing myself of my medical condition (obesity) by following these new behaviors (watching what I eat and exercise). I don't write down what I eat, because I have a list of 5 each of acceptable breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. No matter which selections I've chosen for the day, I know I've gotten in my protein, limited my carbs and made good choices. I don't really think about how much protein, etc. unless I'm out to dinner or a party - something outside my routine. Also, as far as water I make sure I get in 2 cups before breakfast, 3 between breakfast and lunch, 3 between lunch and dinner, and 2 after dinner - 10 cups total. I find these routines to be less burdensome and makes me feel more 'normal'.
   — Yolanda J.

September 3, 2003
Sure I think we all get tired of counting protein grams and water intake and popping all the vitamins, but anyone who ever compromises on that puts their success in danger of failure. Most of us pre-op were food addicts in one way shape or form and none of us can ever afford the luxury of compromising on adequate nutrition in the form of protein, water and vitamin intake--I know that would be a prescription for disaster for all the ground I've gained. And I never, ever want to go back--even for the pleasures a few days of falling off the wagon would afford.
   — Cathy S.

September 4, 2003
I agree it's tiresome, almost overwhelming at first, but it does get to be second nature. I've made a habit of getting my vitamins, calcium and water in before dinner. But before dinner every night I do a mental tally of how many ounces I've drunk, see if my daily pill case is empty, and assess how much protein I've eaten. If I forgot a dose or slacked off on the water or protein, I still have time to correct it before bedtime. I'll admit I'm less regimented on the weekends, and sometimes I do miss some of the water. But, I don't beat myself up over it, or feel like a failure. I just start new the next day. It's all about balance. Just keep doing it, and it will become habit.
   — Vespa R.

September 4, 2003
For a while I felt like that, but after being critically ill for a while, I prefer this lifestyle. I agree a lot with something Bob said about the water - get a really big cup! I have a 32 oz. Nalgene water bottle, and I always drink at least 3 bottles full/day. Then it doesn't seem like I am drinking tons of water... just three containers full. Also, I am hanging out with some really physically active people, who have a lot of fitness and nutrition as part f their daily lives. They bike, or run, or work out every day, and are not post-op necessarily... and all have really positive attitudes. Then I don't feel so "abnormal", and don't mind the routines of being post-op... I just consider if being smart, and taking care of my body.
   — kultgirl

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