WLS support and inspirational information

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Replies

  • MacMadame
    MacMadame Posts: 1,893 Member
    I agree with you, Molly, about many people here downing us WLS people. Often, it has turned me off of reading the posts. I just go back to my old faithful, and I see why I stay there. I have much more support there.
    Welcome!

    I hope we can start to have some discussions in this thread ... so the more, the merrier!
  • IsMollyReallyHungry
    IsMollyReallyHungry Posts: 15,385 Member
    http://baribits.blogspot.com/

    Forgotten Past

    The brightest future will always be based on a FORGOTTEN past, and you can’t go on well in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches!

    Seize the day as a weight loss patient and live in the NOW. Try not to revert to old habits or that “stinking thinking” we all did in the past. Appreciate what you have today and the gift you have been given.

    Celebrate by doing something you didn’t do in the past because the excess weight you carried around for years. Ride a bike, go for a walk, take a swim, work in the garden, and learn to play tennis or join a volleyball team.

    Just enjoy the new you!
  • IsMollyReallyHungry
    IsMollyReallyHungry Posts: 15,385 Member
    Weight Loss Surgery Support:
    Daily Inspiration for September 22, 2010 Katie Jay, MSW


    Forgive yourself.


    You've had a tough road. Being obese was miserable. And you probably felt you were to blame, and that you should have been able to lose the weight and keep it off on your own. Maybe you understand the truth now: Obesity is a disease with many contributing factors. It is not a sign of a weak will. It is by far one of the most challenging and devastating diseases with which to deal.

    Forgive yourself for your imperfections, and encourage yourself as you embrace your new lifestyle. WLS is not a cure for obesity, but it is a great opportunity. You'll be able to take much better advantage of it if you are not beating yourself up all the time.

    Action for the day: In your journal, write a letter of forgiveness to yourself. Tell yourself you understand how hard it's been, and that you are ready to finally forgive and move on.

    © 2007, National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. All rights reserved. Daily Inspirations are provided by the National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. Get our free report, How to Regain-Proof Your Weight Loss Surgery at . www.nawls.com
  • MacMadame
    MacMadame Posts: 1,893 Member
    Hey, Mollie, where've you been?
  • IsMollyReallyHungry
    IsMollyReallyHungry Posts: 15,385 Member
    Hi MacMadame,

    I have been swamped at work so I have not had a chance to update this site. It is the end of the month now and I am busy for sure. I meant to catch up this weekend and still very busy. How are you?
  • MacMadame
    MacMadame Posts: 1,893 Member
    It's okay if you don't update this thread, but I wanted to make sure you were doing okay. I've been swamped too and it's cut into my internet time. Some people would say that's a good thing. :laugh:
  • IsMollyReallyHungry
    IsMollyReallyHungry Posts: 15,385 Member
    Thanks for checking on me. I will be updating this thread very soon! Have a good week!
  • IsMollyReallyHungry
    IsMollyReallyHungry Posts: 15,385 Member
    Weight Loss Surgery Support:
    Daily Inspiration for September 30, 2010
    Katie Jay, MSW

    Minimize damage.

    Because you aren't perfect, there may be a time when you want to eat more than you need. Before you take an extra bite, try to distract yourself. Get busy and put off eating.

    But, when you do eat--especially if you are overeating--pick foods that will satisfy you without adding a lot of calories. (For example, try celery sticks versus crackers, chicken or shrimp versus pepperoni.)

    Action for the day: Write down a plan of action for the days when you are tempted to overeat. By developing a list of healthy foods that satisfy you, you can minimize the damage of eating more than you need. And if you are consistently overeating, seek help from a professional.

    © 2007, National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. All rights reserved. Daily Inspirations are provided by the National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. Get our free report, How to Regain-Proof Your Weight Loss Surgery at .www.nawls.com
  • IsMollyReallyHungry
    IsMollyReallyHungry Posts: 15,385 Member
    Here are a few lines from an article by Connie Stapleton, Phd

    Make a chart of the essentials for success. Complete it daily and reward yourself (not with food) each day that you complete every goal.

    Take your calendar and mark off time each day for the essentials.

    Develop the mantra; "It's What I Do"
    When you don't feel like exercising remind yourself: "It's What I Do"... then do it!
    When you don't want to pass up dessert, remind yourself: "It's What I Do"... then pass it up!
    When you feel too tired to write in your food and exercise journals, remind yourself: "It's What I Do"... then do it!

    Think like a thin person.
    Remind yourself: "If I want long-term success, I make the time."
    There are no "good excuses" for not taking time to choose healthy behaviors.

    Be a friend yourself.
    The time you take to do the essentials for long-term success leads to your health and happiness.
  • MacMadame
    MacMadame Posts: 1,893 Member
    I just got my labwork back from my 2 year check-up. My B12, which was fine before, has gone up. My protein which was low to start has gotten lower again! :sad: I just don't know what is going on with that.
  • IsMollyReallyHungry
    IsMollyReallyHungry Posts: 15,385 Member
    I just got my labwork back from my 2 year check-up. My B12, which was fine before, has gone up. My protein which was low to start has gotten lower again! :sad: I just don't know what is going on with that.

    I am sorry I am just reading this. I thought it was good for B12 to up. Sorry about this. Just be glad you went back for blood work. Many do not. What did they recommend for you?

    I go for blood work with my primary phyican and my surgeon. My surgeon's office told me my vitiamin D was low and I did not start taking it regularly until recently and I swear it does make a difference. I will go and December for another blood work to check on this.

    Keep me posted
  • MacMadame
    MacMadame Posts: 1,893 Member
    Yes, my B12 is good. So is my Vitamin D and a bunch of other things. I'm just crying over the protein. I am consuming gobs of protein and yet my serum protein is low. It's very frustrating as I don't know what else to do besides eat a lot of protein.

    My surgeon recommends yearly blood work but for my surgery, if your levels are fine at the 2nd year check-up, then he says I don't have to get the full set every year any more. I don't know what he'll say about my protein. My iron has also been trending down so I wonder if there is a relationship there.

    I think at this point, I can probably drop back from getting the 17 vials of blood labwork to just getting the basics that lots of people go low in just in case my diet changes and I go low without realizing it.
  • I had lap band surgery 10-07-10

    I'm on liquids at the moment while the swelling goes down from surgery.

    So far so good!

    I wanted to say hi and "bookmark" this post :)
  • IsMollyReallyHungry
    IsMollyReallyHungry Posts: 15,385 Member
    I had lap band surgery 10-07-10

    I'm on liquids at the moment while the swelling goes down from surgery.

    So far so good!

    I wanted to say hi and "bookmark" this post :)

    Welcome! Congrats on LB!!! Much Success! At times when I am busy at work and life I will not have as much time to post. But there is myself and MacMadame who check this board regularly. So if you have some questions or would just like to vent please do so.
  • Will do! Thanks a lot :)
  • IsMollyReallyHungry
    IsMollyReallyHungry Posts: 15,385 Member
    THOUGHT I AM POSTING FROM is from -- Overeaters Anoymous Today

    When much is expected of an individual, he may rise to the level of events and make the dream come true.

    The best person to expect anything from is myself. Yet the very thought of excelling makes me shrink back and say, “I can’t.” I have experienced the joy of jumping in without self-consciousness and rising to my own and others’ expectations. What keeps me from attaining my full potential most of the time is the negativity of self-obsession. When my attention is constantly focused on myself and my performance, I am strangely hobbled. Getting out of my own way give me the freedom to rise to the highest level of which I am capable.

    For Today: Step 3 is the compulsive overeater’s prescription for making the dream come true. I turn everything over to God as I understand God, and take the plunge.

    ……..from For Today, Oct. 6
  • IsMollyReallyHungry
    IsMollyReallyHungry Posts: 15,385 Member
    Weight Loss Surgery Support: Daily Inspiration for October 15, 2010
    Katie Jay, MSW

    Change your course--even if just by one degree.

    When a pilot is off course, he or she can make a tiny correction and set the plane on a new course. You can do that with your life. If you are headed somewhere you don't want to go, change course.

    The great thing is you only have to make a small change to impact your life significantly. A one-degree turn will take you to a totally different place.

    Action for the day: Make a small, permanent change today that helps you to move in a healthier direction.

    © 2007, National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. All rights reserved. Daily Inspirations are provided by the National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. Get our free report, How to Regain-Proof Your Weight Loss Surgery at .www.nawls.com
  • IsMollyReallyHungry
    IsMollyReallyHungry Posts: 15,385 Member
    Weight Loss Surgery Support: Daily Inspiration for October 12, 2010

    Learn to tolerate being uncomfortable.

    Just for today, don't do one thing you really want to do -- or -- do one thing you really don't want to do. Practice being uncomfortable. Sit with feelings that you otherwise might try to avoid by eating.

    Many of the problems weight loss surgery patients run into stem from the inability to say "NO!" to themselves -- their unwillingness to sit with uncomfortable feelings.

    Action for the day: Allow yourself to be uncomfortable today by saying "no" to yourself. Then, record your experience and feelings in your journal.

    © 2007, National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. All rights reserved. Daily Inspirations are provided by the National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. Get our free report, How to Regain-Proof Your Weight Loss Surgery at .www.nawls.com
  • MacMadame
    MacMadame Posts: 1,893 Member
    Many of the problems weight loss surgery patients run into stem from the inability to say "NO!" to themselves -- their unwillingness to sit with uncomfortable feelings.

    This is SO TRUE and it drives me crazy sometimes. People convince themselves that the most destructive behavior is actually reasonable because somehow depriving yourself of anything at any time is BAD!

    I try to follow the Eleanor Roosevelt prescription to "do one thing every day that scares you." I don't manage it every day (some days are just too boring!) but I have done a ton of things that scare me and it's been great. Nothing bad has happened and I've accomplished a lot that I didn't think I could do.
  • IsMollyReallyHungry
    IsMollyReallyHungry Posts: 15,385 Member
    I totally agree MacMadame!!! I am still working on this. I don't like be uncomfortable. But I am getting used to sitting with being uncomfortable.
  • IsMollyReallyHungry
    IsMollyReallyHungry Posts: 15,385 Member
    Weight Loss Surgery Support: Daily Inspiration for October 19, 2010
    Katie Jay, MSW


    Use gratitude to get out of discouragement.

    Have you ever felt so discouraged you sought comfort in overeating or other compulsive behaviors?

    During your discouragement, try summoning up some gratitude. When you are eating compulsively and fearing you will regain your weight, self loathing or other negative emotions will not help. Nurture an attitude of gratitude so that even in hard times, even when you are getting sucked under in a raging swirl of discouragement, you are focusing on the way out.

    Action for the day: No matter how you feel today, write down five things for which you are grateful.

    © 2007, National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. All rights reserved. Daily Inspirations are provided by the National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. Get our free report, How to Regain-Proof Your Weight Loss Surgery at .www.nawls.com
  • Skeezyx58
    Skeezyx58 Posts: 11 Member
    Thank you Molly for taking time to post something positive for us daily! You are such a great leader!!! Thank you for keeping me encouraged! I am reading Katie Jay's book, Dying to change. Wow is her life mirrored to my life. Unbelievable! I'll try to add something positive and inspirational also. Thanks Molly!
  • IsMollyReallyHungry
    IsMollyReallyHungry Posts: 15,385 Member
    Welcome Lynette!!! (Skeezyx58)

    Post what you would like, comment, vent etc. We are here for you!
  • IsMollyReallyHungry
    IsMollyReallyHungry Posts: 15,385 Member
    Weight Loss Surgery Support: Daily Inspiration for October 21, 2010
    Katie Jay, MSW

    Believe you'll get better.

    If you make an effort to do something every single day, no matter how awkward you are at the start, you'll get better at it. You have to. You couldn't walk when you first started out so long ago. Now you walk all the time. It's not a big deal.

    It takes time and practice to establish new, healthier habits. But, have faith you will get better.

    Action for the day: Be conscious today of the new habits you are creating and practice them.

    © 2007, National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. All rights reserved. Daily Inspirations are provided by the National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. Get our free report, How to Regain-Proof Your Weight Loss Surgery at .www.nawls.com
  • IsMollyReallyHungry
    IsMollyReallyHungry Posts: 15,385 Member
    Weight Loss Surgery Support: Daily Inspiration for October 23, 2010
    Katie Jay, MSW


    Consider your surroundings.


    As your WLS lifestyle is not that of a hermit, considering the surroundings in which you live, work, and play.

    Do you spend a lot of time in your kitchen at home or near food at work? Are you likely to suggest meeting a friend at a restaurant, rather than for a walk? Food is not evil, but if you love it a little too much, consider the surroundings in which you put yourself. Are you around food more than necessary?

    Action for the day: Pay attention to your surroundings today. Do you spend more time near food temptations than is healthy for you?

    © 2007, National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. All rights reserved. Daily Inspirations are provided by the National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. Get our free report, How to Regain-Proof Your Weight Loss Surgery at .www.nawls.com

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    Weight Loss Surgery Support: Daily Inspiration for October 22, 2010
    Katie Jay, MSW


    Stretch.

    Are you happy with everything in your life? Is there something you are dissatisfied with, but you haven't done much about it? It's time to stretch. It's time to try a solution to what's bugging you that is outside of your comfort zone.

    People tend to want predictable lives--even if their lives are dissatisfying to some degree. Learning new skills, the fear of looking silly, not wanting to take the time, all these things make change hard--but change anyway.

    Action for the day: Do something today that is a stretch for you. Something that will move you closer to the satisfaction you are looking for in life.

    © 2007, National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. All rights reserved. Daily Inspirations are provided by the National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. Get our free report, How to Regain-Proof Your Weight Loss Surgery at .www.nawls.com
  • IsMollyReallyHungry
    IsMollyReallyHungry Posts: 15,385 Member
    Weight Loss Surgery Support: Daily Inspiration for October 25, 2010
    Katie Jay, MSW


    Let your adult self take charge.


    Who are you going to bring with you as you move from holiday event to holiday event in the coming months? Are you going to bring the little child inside who hates being deprived? Or, are you bringing with you the satisfied and goal-oriented adult who will take care of your true needs?

    When your inner child is in charge, you are more at risk for making unhealthy choices. The inner child may be rebellious, choosing to eat the things that are "forbidden." Your inner adult is better at delaying gratification and thinking through the consequences of a choice. When you are going into a challenging situation, your adult self will be your best friend. That part of you will say, "no," and will guide you onto an exciting new path of success.

    Action for the day: Pay attention to the voices inside your head that help you make choices as you go through your day. Identify your inner child's influence, acknowledge it, and then gently allow your inner adult to have the final say.



    © 2007, National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. All rights reserved. Daily Inspirations are provided by the National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. Get our free report, How to Regain-Proof Your Weight Loss Surgery at .www.nawls.com
  • MacMadame
    MacMadame Posts: 1,893 Member
    Hey, everyone, I'm checking in for a bit!

    I decided to stop tracking my food and exercise and learn to eat from internal cues. So I haven't been around very much. So far it's working pretty well, but keep in mind that I tracked my food for 2.5 years and my exercise for 1.5 years.

    The nice thing about tracking is that you can always start it back up again. So, if my weight starts to go up, I will do so. But right now it's actually going down!
  • IsMollyReallyHungry
    IsMollyReallyHungry Posts: 15,385 Member
    Hey, everyone, I'm checking in for a bit!

    I decided to stop tracking my food and exercise and learn to eat from internal cues. So I haven't been around very much. So far it's working pretty well, but keep in mind that I tracked my food for 2.5 years and my exercise for 1.5 years.

    The nice thing about tracking is that you can always start it back up again. So, if my weight starts to go up, I will do so. But right now it's actually going down!

    Hello!

    I think this is good idea. I know one's who do this and if they gain weight they go right back to tracking until the get gained weight off. Usuallly 5 pounds is limit and then they go back to tracking. Keep up the good work!
  • IsMollyReallyHungry
    IsMollyReallyHungry Posts: 15,385 Member
    Weight Loss Surgery Support: Daily Inspiration for November 1, 2010
    Katie Jay, MSW


    Eat at least three meals a day.

    It's surprising how many weight loss surgery patients skip meals, thinking they are doing themselves a favor. But, skipping meals can actually lead to weight gain. (Did you know sumo wrestlers are told to skip breakfast to help them gain weight?)

    Skipping a meal can also lead to excessive hunger and poor food choices later on, which leads to overeating.

    Action for the day: Eat three meals today, and have a protein-based snack if you are going to go more than five hours without food.

    © 2007, National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. All rights reserved. Daily Inspirations are provided by the National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. Get our free report, How to Regain-Proof Your Weight Loss Surgery at www.nawls.com.
  • IsMollyReallyHungry
    IsMollyReallyHungry Posts: 15,385 Member
    Weight Loss Surgery Support: Daily Inspiration for November 2, 2010
    Katie Jay, MSW

    Think the bite through.

    If you are a WLS patient who wants to avoid unhealthy snacking, change your focus and think the snack through. Before you take that first unhealthy bite, think about how it will create guilt and anxiety—how it will cause you to lose some of the self respect you've gained since having WLS. Consider how it will feel to lose your newfound freedom, your ability to move, the pleasure of having enough energy to be productive.

    It's hard sometimes to make yourself think about the consequences of your actions, but if you are going to have long-term success you might want to start thinking the bite through.

    Action for the day: Today, if you find yourself reaching for an unhealthy bite, think it through. What will be the short- and long-term consequences?
    ***********************************************************************************************************************************************Weight Loss Surgery Support: Daily Inspiration for November 3, 2010
    Katie Jay, MSW

    Rejoice.

    Have you taken the time to stop and think about how amazing weight loss surgery is? While most people would prefer to get healthy without having to go through surgery, at least there is a tool available that can bring great opportunity.

    Take a moment to rejoice. Weight loss surgery is a gift, imperfect though it can be at times. And you can use WLS as a tool to help fulfill your dreams.

    Action for the day: Spend a quiet minute in reflection today. Rejoice that you have a tool to help you, and think about where you would be now without it. Are you using this gift to its full potential?

    © 2007, National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. All rights reserved. Daily Inspirations are provided by the National Association for Weight Loss Surgery. Get our free report, How to Regain-Proof Your Weight Loss Surgery at .www.nawls.com
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