WLS support and inspirational information
Replies
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Well, my "no tracking" experiment is over. I saw 120 on my scale today!
Here's an interesting article about obesity and self-esteem:
http://www.obesityaction.org/magazine/ywm21/selfesteemandobesity.php0 -
Wow Mac! I did not realize you were down to 120! That is awesome!! Well by all means, track away....:-) Thanks for article! I will print out next week when I am back at work.
I lost 1 pound today. I am tired of yo-yoing now. This is the 1st month I actually gained a pound. I want to consistly lose 2 pounds a week and I know I can do this at my size. I really want to do more to reach my goals. I just have to get into the correct mind set.0 -
Weight Loss Surgery Support: Daily Inspiration for November 5, 2010
Katie Jay, MSW
Have some absolutes.
The trouble with having an overeating problem is you can't swear off food completely. You have to eat. In addition, you are around all kinds of food all the time. It's hard to resist. While there are plenty of gray areas when it comes to the WLS lifestyle, you can have some absolutes.
To give yourself some freedom over uncertainty, consider selecting a few foods or behaviors to which you will apply absolute rules. Be absolute about not eating refined sweets and carbohydrates, for example. Or, never drink soda. Or, walk every day.
Action for the day: Pick one thing you can be absolute about that will benefit your health. Write a contract with yourself (and be sure to sign it) stating what you will always (or never) do in support of your WLS goals.
© 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
*************** WHAT ARE YOUR ABSOLUTES? Please share. *****************
Mines is I absolutely do intentional exercise a minimum of 5 days a week and 45 min to 60 minutes per day.
Please share yours with me. I need some more absolutes I know and I am just interested in knowing what is one or some of your absolutes since you had your surgery.
I am working on making fried foods an absolute NO-NO also.0 -
I never drink soda. I gave it up pre-op and now I find it nasty so it's easy not to drink it. But also I know if I start to drink a little here and there, I will get used to the taste again and then I'll be drinking it all the time.0
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At this moment I can write my one absolute is to not drink soda again, diet or regular. Though I haven't drank regular soda in years. I stopped drinking diet before my surgery and have only had it twice since. The first time was a sip of my niece's diet coke which tastes fabulous but I only had the one sip. The second time was at a restaurant I ordered a diet pepsi, it was disgusting and I didn't drink it.0
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I actually have two absolutes, one is no soda at all and the other is no fried foods. I actually have not missed the soda at all which is surprising since I was a diet coke junkie. The fried food is a bit harder because my favorite was my moms fried chicken. I did take a bite once because I couldn't resist. Well it did not go over so well with my body and was sick for an hour afterward. Though this cured me of par-taking in FRIED food, the temptation is always there because of all the fried food I loved and ate pre WLS.0
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Weight Loss Surgery Support: Daily Inspiration for November 6, 2010
Katie Jay, MSW
Attend to your spirit.
Your heart and soul need nurturing. Many people who have WLS are wounded souls. In fact, the same is probably true of the general population. Treating yourself kindly, listening to yourself, feeding your soul with love—these things are vital to how you will define yourself following WLS.
Take a gentle approach with yourself as you make time for attending to your spirit.
Action for the day: Spend some time today being nurturing and loving toward yourself. Sometimes self nurturing takes a lot of practice. So, practice.
© 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.com0 -
Absolutely no soda's. It's been over a month since I had one and I still want a Dr. Pepper badly, but am not having one. Diet V8 Splash and Water are my new beverages of choice :happy:0
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Absolutely no soda's. It's been over a month since I had one and I still want a Dr. Pepper badly, but am not having one. Diet V8 Splash and Water are my new beverages of choice :happy:
One of these days I am going to try the V8 Splash. I keep hearing about them.0 -
Okay my absolutes are to not eat cokies or cake or chips everyday... I'll have them only twice a week, I hardly ever drink
pop so that will be one... But I will take my vitamins daily and work out ad least 4 times a week and I will add in a challenge twice a month for example spinning class (I hate spinning though)0 -
Spinning is awesome! But you need a good instructor.0
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I am not able to do spinning but I know that would be a good challenge for sure. Spinning classes are always booked up at my gym on the 2 weekdays they have them.0
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Weight Loss Surgery Support: Daily Inspiration for November 7, 2010
Katie Jay, MSW
Motivate yourself to exercise.
It's not impossible to motivate yourself to exercise. Some people find motivation when they make a commitment to meet another person for a walk. Others get motivated when they are paying a personal trainer. The key is to know that you can create your own motivation.
Be creative! Getting a dog that has to be walked will also give you a furry friend to keep you company while you exercise. And taking a volunteer job that requires physical exertion, like Meals on Wheels, will help you stay fit while helping another human being, too.
Action for the day: You can get motivated to move. Today, make plans to exercise with a friend or to help a neighbor. Motivation will follow such actions.
© 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.com0 -
My absolutes:
I absolutely have to work out at least 5 days a week for a MINIMUM of 45-60 minutes. I get away with just 45 minutes at least once a week since I know I will have at least 2 days where I'll workout for an hour and 15 to an hour and 30 minutes. On the weekends, one day may be a 2 hour day.... not that I'm into being extreme, but I love working out on the weekends, I have more time and don't feel rushed and may end up taking 2 classes in a row.
I too have to stay away from fried foods....it messes with my tummy in more ways than one ;-(
I pretty much have to stay away from "normal" bread... I might get away with HALF of a sandwich thin or HALF of a bagel thin....anything else is no bueno....0 -
Absolutely no soda's. It's been over a month since I had one and I still want a Dr. Pepper badly, but am not having one. Diet V8 Splash and Water are my new beverages of choice :happy:
One of these days I am going to try the V8 Splash. I keep hearing about them.
YES!!!! I Love the diet V8 Splash! I like the tropical and the mango peach ;-)0 -
Well, my "no tracking" experiment is over. I saw 120 on my scale today!
Here's an interesting article about obesity and self-esteem:
http://www.obesityaction.org/magazine/ywm21/selfesteemandobesity.php
WOW!!!!! Congrats on the 120 ;-)0 -
I'm not a soda drinker so that is not a problem for me, but I am a chronic snacker with Cheez-It's or Pretzel Snaps being my nemesis. Now that there are no more in the house I am trying to find healthier choices to keep me on track. The last time I tried the Diet V8 Splash it made me dump so I've stayed away from them. Crystal Light, Decaf Coffee and Water are my choices for fluid intake.
Looking forward to getting back in the gym soon, maybe today or tomorrow. I've been experiencing some hip and knee pain which the doctor says comes from jogging, pushing myself on the treadmill and over exercising. Back to walking with a slower pace which is going to kill me and a longer time frame. I will see how that works.
My absolute is staying away from the cafeteria food and taking my own meals. Not only do they taste better, but it keeps me on track.0 -
My absolutes:
I absolutely have to work out at least 5 days a week for a MINIMUM of 45-60 minutes. I get away with just 45 minutes at least once a week since I know I will have at least 2 days where I'll workout for an hour and 15 to an hour and 30 minutes. On the weekends, one day may be a 2 hour day.... not that I'm into being extreme, but I love working out on the weekends, I have more time and don't feel rushed and may end up taking 2 classes in a row.
I too have to stay away from fried foods....it messes with my tummy in more ways than one ;-(
I pretty much have to stay away from "normal" bread... I might get away with HALF of a sandwich thin or HALF of a bagel thin....anything else is no bueno....
I agree on weekend workouts and days when I am off work, I work out 2 hours for sure. I make sure I do 60 min or more of cardio in on those days. The highest cardio day for me is 75 min.0 -
Tippi,
Sorry to hear about knee and hip pain. Good on taking it down a notch as your doctor recommended. You know I suffer with knee pain, so I modify when neccessary and I that is why I try to watch it with the Elliptical machine and minutes and times per week on it.
Good job on eliminating junk food from the house too!0 -
Weight Loss Surgery Support: Daily Inspiration for November 8, 2010
Katie Jay, MSW
Eat dense protein first.
Soft foods can be comforting and tasty, but they are risky for WLS patients. For people whose WLS includes a small stoma through which food will pass into the intestines, the soft food goes through so easily that you may not feel full at times. Consequently, eating these soft foods may put you at risk for consuming more calories than you need.
Include dense protein with every meal. The dense proteins—beef, chicken, fish, etc.—will help you feel full and will stay with you longer. And be sure to avoid drinking beverages with your meals.
Action for the day: Have you gotten into the habit of eating soft foods that don't stay with you long? Record what you eat today and evaluate your diet. Add dense proteins as needed.
© 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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Good reminder about the soft foods. As I have the small stoma that foods pass through and I can tell that I do eat so much more when eating those foods before the protein. I have to remind myself to eat the protein first before I dig in to those mashed potatoes. I don't know if anyone else struggles with the no fluids with meals but it is still hard for me not to drink while I eat. I always have water at the table just in case I need. But I have to remind and stop myself not to just randomly drink it while eating my meal. I find myself watching the clock after I eat to see if 30 to 45 minutes have passed so I can drink again.0
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Good reminder about the soft foods. As I have the small stoma that foods pass through and I can tell that I do eat so much more when eating those foods before the protein. I have to remind myself to eat the protein first before I dig in to those mashed potatoes. I don't know if anyone else struggles with the no fluids with meals but it is still hard for me not to drink while I eat. I always have water at the table just in case I need. But I have to remind and stop myself not to just randomly drink it while eating my meal. I find myself watching the clock after I eat to see if 30 to 45 minutes have passed so I can drink again.
Yes Gina this was a hard one for me also. But I do not have water with me just in case. I make a point of not having water with me at the table so I will not drink it. I set my cell phone to remind me when 35 min is up. Even at home I do this and this works out fine.0 -
Weight Loss Surgery Support: Daily Inspiration for November 9, 2010
Katie Jay, MSW
Be open minded.
There is a saying: A closed system is a sick system. If you are closed to new ideas, information, and support from others, you are not nearly as likely to solve the problems that are challenging you. When you do not seek out others for support, your secrets and self destructive behaviors will discourage you and keep you down.
Open your mind to different people, approaches, and ideas, or you will lose out on a great opportunity to find new solutions and resources for long-term success.
Action for the day: Take a moment today to explore your degree of open mindedness. Have you been open to trying new things to help you succeed on your WLS journey?
© 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.0 -
No, that's bad... I am back down to 118. It's weird because my pants are all loose in the legs and there is one pair I am going to give to Goodwill as I look so droopy in them. But I know I've got more fat in my middle. It's just not effecting how my clothes fit. Yet.WOW!!!!! Congrats on the 120 ;-)
Btw, knee pain while running is usually a form issue. Most people seem to "over-stride". If you bend forward at the ankles and flick your feet behind you and land with your feet under your body, you may find your knee pain going away.
Also, it helps to have your running shoes professionally fitted at a good running store.0 -
Weight Loss Surgery Support: Daily Inspiration for November 10, 2010
Katie Jay, MSW
Make today count.
Sometimes life presents challenges that seem insurmountable. When tragedy strikes or plans fail, motivation can jump right out the window.
When you're feeling discouraged, it's easy to lash out at others or mistreat yourself.
But have courage. Despite your circumstances, make today memorable for something positive. A positive action won't completely take your worries away, but it is the first step to overcoming adversity.
Action for the day: No matter how you feel or what is happening in your life that is discouraging, take a positive action today. Make today count for something good.
© 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.0 -
Weight Loss Surgery Support: Daily Inspiration for November 11, 2010
Katie Jay, MSW
Be a force for change in the world.
Hoping the world will change to suit you, without contributing to the change, is likely to never happen. Your experience with WLS has probably made you realize how our world actually encourages obesity while disdaining it at the same time. Every social event involves fattening foods of some sort.
You can't tell everyone to stop serving that junk, but you can have enjoyable social events that center on other things besides eating, and serve healthy foods when food is a "must" at an event. You can be a gentle but vocal example that inspires those around you to change.
Action for the day: Quietly assert your needs today. Be a force for change.
© 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.0 -
Weight Loss Surgery Support: Daily Inspiration for November 12, 2010
Katie Jay, MSW
Push yourself.
Taking risks can be scary, but if you are not satisfied with some aspect in your life, then taking a risk just might be necessary to create change.
Getting out of your comfort zone may seem hard, but start small. If you practice taking risks, you will develop a tolerance. And once you are able to tolerate risk, you can take bold action to create a more satisfying life for yourself.
Action for the day: Take a risk today—even a small one will do.
© 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.com0 -
There are quit a few on here who have lost over 100 pounds and may be having the baggy, sagging skin issue already or you may be having it soon. I am posting some inspirations that have helped me come to terms with my saggy skin and hopefully it will help some of you too.
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See yourself in a positive light.
Shar-pei dogs have luxurious folds of soft skin. They're really cute. After losing a substantial amount of weight, people develop folds of skin as they lose weight, but most don't find those folds cute. To tolerate the folds from an emotional standpoint, it's important to look at things from a kinder perspective.
Use positive affirmations and self talk to help you accept (and even admire) your new appearance. After all, you're not morbidly obese anymore. Your health is improved. And you have energy and abilities that used to be out of reach. The positive benefits beat the negatives by far--if you look at your situation with nonjudgmental eyes.
Action for the day: When you look in the mirror today, smile and pick out something you like about the way you look. Don't leave the mirror until you think and feel something positive.
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Embrace your Shar-pei look.
As the pounds melt away, your skin may get a bit droopy. Just like the Shar-pei dogs with the many folds of sagging skin, you too will be lovable, soft, and healthy. Your loose skin may tighten up in time, or you may choose to have it surgically helped along.
Yet, is it not better to have the sagging skin, proud scars of your battle, than to be sick? Would you trade that skin for diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer risks, breathlessness, and immobility? Resolve not to be distressed by loose skin. It is only on the outside. Inside you are healthier, happier, and still you. Acknowledge the sagging skin as a positive change.
Action for the day: Make a list of the things you can do now, that you could not do before you lost weight.0 -
Weight Loss Surgery Support: Daily Inspiration for November 14, 2010
Katie Jay, MSW
Be deliberate.
Think about what you are doing as you move through your day. It's easy to do the same things over and over again because you are used to a routine. But if that routine includes some self-defeating behaviors, it's time to make some different choices.
By deliberately choosing to create a healthier pattern to your life, you can gain some control over your eating and your life.
Action for the day: If you normally stop in at a coffee shop on the way to work and order a muffin along with your latte, fix a healthy drink at home (a coffee-flavored protein shake, for example) and skip the coffee shop. Be deliberate in your choices today.
© 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.0 -
I love the reference to obesity being in remission. This really emphasizes the seriousness of obesity when we think of it as being in remission. The following article has some tips on how to let go of food crutches?
The Weekly Newsletter from:
National Association for Weight Loss Surgery
How to Let Go of Your Food Crutch
by Katie Jay, MSW, Certified Wellness Coach
Director, National Association for Weight Loss Surgery
www.nawls.com
Even though you say you want to be successful with your
surgery, do you sometimes eat when you wish you wouldn't?
When it comes to eating, is guilt a frequent companion
of yours?
Welcome to the club.
In our culture, with the amount of unhealthy food we're
exposed to, and with the holiday stresses bearing down
on us, it's safe to say many Americans, including WLSers,
will be using food as a crutch in the coming weeks.
In fact, eating food with no nutritional value during
the holidays has become such an accepted pastime, we
don't even realize that we are eating to deal with
feelings.
And because holiday eating is sanctioned by nearly
everyone, we have a golden opportunity to hide in plain
sight -- to use our crutch without anyone really knowing
we're using it. We take a brief vacation from the guilt
(or at least we try to).
"I am not going to feel deprived at Thanksgiving," we
insist. "I can handle a little indulgence." "I've been
so good this year, I deserve a holiday from food rules!"
"I've modified the recipe; this is *healthy* fudge."
Clearly, some of us *can* handle a little indulgence,
but why do we tempt fate? Why do we turn to food with
gusto and self righteousness?
Feelings.
Many of us don't want to feel our feelings. We don't
like the discomfort of deprivation, longing, feeling
different from others, isolation, loneliness, anger,
fear, sadness, shame, loss, or abandonment.
The truth is, however, that finding healthier ways to
deal with our uncomfortable feelings is essential to
long-term success.
Even when you feel resistance to putting down the food
crutch, it boils down to this: Do you want long-term
obesity remission or don't you?
I had to look in the mirror and ask myself that question
a few days ago, as I obsessed about whether or not I
should make gluten-free brownies for myself. "Maybe I
can handle desserts," I reasoned like a pro. "Maybe it's
been the gluten all along, and I really can handle more
sweets!"
When I asked myself whether or not I wanted to keep my
obesity in remission, I knew the answer immediately --
yes!
Some of us aren't so lucky. We really don't know what
we want. We don't know if putting down our food crutch
is possible, or even desirable. Is it worth feeling all
those negative feelings just so we can stay a size 12
(or whatever)? Apparently, the answer for some of us
is "NO!"
The only way to know if it's worth it is to give it a
try, to put down the crutch long enough to see what
might happen once we get used to living without it --
and to see that we can survive, or even better, thrive.
There are a ton of resources available to help us
learn to stop using food as a crutch, but the bottom
line is that we need to put down the offending foods,
identify and feel our feelings, find healthier ways to
deal with those feelings, and get as much support as
necessary to accomplish this challenging task.
Here's what seems to work for most people:
1. Devise a strategy you will experiment with when
you have uncomfortable feelings, instead of using
food as a crutch.
2. Take a few minutes first thing each morning to
visualize yourself moving through your day, trying
out your new strategy, allowing your feelings, and
making healthy food choices.
3. Resolve to be self aware before, during, and
after your eating -- no matter what.
4. Welcome your feelings warmly and "make small
talk" with them, so you can understand what they
are trying to tell you about your needs.
5. Honor your needs.
6. Notice without judgment the thoughts and
feelings you are having about your feelings.
7. Make notes about what you did in response to
an uncomfortable feeling instead of eat, and how
well it did or didn't work for you.
8. Resolve to stick with the experiment until you
know whether or not the new strategy can work.
9. If the new strategy is not working, get more
support. If it still isn't working, do some
research and try another strategy.
10. Never give up!
As one of my coaching clients reminded me
recently, the only way out is through. To
keep obesity in remission, we need to practice
putting our food crutch down, and bravely feel
our feelings, as often as we can.
It's possible!
Warm regards,
Katie
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