Re: Recent thread on RNY experience (very long)

[Guest guest]

This sounds like a Weight Watchers or Craig session. Yikes!!!

WHy get the surgery if you are so obsessed about everthing that goes

into your mouth?

OOHHHHH freedom-----sweet freeeeeeedommmmm!!!!!!

Pammi

> Here's a thread (names withheld) from the OSSG list that I mentioned

> here recently. It's rife with the kind of diet mentality I was

intent on

> never reliving! As I have said before, I would have stayed MO before

> undergoing a potentially punishing procedure with mediocre long-term

> results (when compared to DS).

>

> While the advice exchanged isn't " bad " in and of itself, I think

it's

> important to note that these folks are compelled to permanently

embrace

> this sort of mentality in order to maximize their long term

success.

>

> I didn't want to have a life defined by limitations... I just

wanted to

> live like the " never been fat " folks and not have to think about

this

> crap! LOL. I'm happy to report that my DS is allowing me to do just

> that. Woo hoo!

>

> M.

>

> ---

> in Valrico, FL, age 39

> Lap DGB/DS by Dr. Rabkin 10/19/99

> Starting weight 299, now 153

> Starting BMI 49.7, now 25.5

> Starting size 26/28, now 10/12

> http://www.duodenalswitch.com/Patients/M/melaniem.html

>

> Direct replies: mailto:melanie@t...

>

>

> ===========================================================

> Subject: Re: Straying off the narrow path--HELP!

> ===========================================================

> MESSAGE ONE

>

> Hi Folks--

>

> I am now almost 3 months post-op, and have discovered an unfortunate

> fact--I can eat sweets in small quantities and not dump. The bad

part

> is, I find myself snacking on a small oatmeal cookie here, a hershey

> kiss there, a small sliver if pumpkin pie--you get the picture. I

> wouldn't be so worried except that it has become a daily thing. I

> probably eat 100 calories of unabashed sweets per day now--up from

none

> post-op.

>

> Now, I realize this is a shadow of what I used to eat, but I have

> stopped losing weight. More importantly, this is the same kind of

> eating habit, in tinier form, that got me to where I was before

WLS. I

> know that I have about 18 months to change habits, and I do not feel

> that I am on the right track any more.

>

> I sure could use some inspiration and any practical suggestions you

all

> might have.

>

> ===========================================================

> MESSAGE TWO

>

> I know I found myself eating way too many things over the holiday

> weekend that were not the best choices for

> me! I know I did not do like I could have pre op but I still felt

bad

> about it. I decided this morning that I was going to do my best to

get

> back on track and make better choices again. So far... so good. I

still

> take it one day at a time and sometimes, one minute at a time:)

>

> Don't beat yourself up, just realize that you want to change that

habit

> now and ask yourself if you really

> want it. Or even... try saying you will save it for later, sometimes

> that works for me and it might be a

> few days before that later comes. Trust me, I am no saint here but

I am

> trying to make better choices

> because I want this tool to work for a lifetime.

>

> ===========================================================

> MESSAGE THREE

>

> I had this problem early on too.. at about 3-4 months I was a

nutcase,

> testing my limits. I don't dump on sugars either. Sugar and

starch on

> the other hand... blammo. I finally started doing things like

sucking a

> lemon drop when I wanted some sweet, or now I eat watermelon.

Sweet,

> watery goodness. No sugar added popsicles do the trick too. And

not

> that bad for you either.

>

> It took about 3 weeks for me to get my head around the problem. I

still

> find myself in the baking section at the grocery store, looking at

the

> tubs of frosting and thinking. That was my secret sin before WLS,

> snacking on frosting, bleh. Last week I found myself staring at the

> cake mixes and frosting, and actually thought about why I was there,

> what I was stressed out about and went and bought some fitness

magazines

> instead. I think as long as you are aware of yourself and stop long

> enough to think about what's going on inside and why you feel the

need

> for sweet, you have won 99% of the game.

>

> For me, now, exercise has replaced my food obsession, tho that can

be a

> problem in itself. For now it's a healthy thing.

>

> Maybe try writing your 100 reasons, and your accomplishments so far

and

> all the tiny things that are going well to help you get your head

around

> sweets.

>

> You can do it girl!!!!

>

> ===========================================================

> MESSAGE FOUR

>

> Cheating happens to the best of us. Just decide not to do it...or

> substitute something else instead...like meat or cheese.

>

> Don't keep the stuff in the house if possible. Are these cravings or

> just habits? If they are sugar cravings I would look into taking

> chromium picolonate one tablet a day. That wiped out any cravings I

had

> for carbs.

>

> If it is a habit you need to stop that right now. Look at what is

going

> on in your lifestyle that supports that habit and see if you can

modify

> it. If you are having a hard time regaining control, talk to a

> therapist.

>

> It just ain't worth it to have a habit control us like that

considering

> how much we have invested into getting better.

>

> ===========================================================

> MESSAGE FIVE

>

> So far, the recommendations for stopping unhealthy snacking have

> involved the following:

>

> 1. Keep problem foods out of the house.

> 2. Substitute healthier versions of the snack (chocolate protein

shake

> for chocolate, grapes for candy).

> 3. Keep more healthy snacks handy (chicken or tuna salad and

crackers,

> SF popcicles, fruit)

> 4. Write out your 100 reasons for WLS and read it when tempted.

> 5. Get a therapist if all else fails (a good cognitive behavioral

one).

>

>

> I'll let you know if I get any other suggestions.

>

> ===========================================================

> MESSAGE SIX

>

> You sound like me. Please let me know what answers you get offline.

I

> feel so out of control suddenly and know that I haven't lost weight

in

> about 3 weeks.

>

> Somehow I need to find my way back.

>

> ===========================================================

> MESSAGE SEVEN

>

> okay, I too, can eat sweets and not dump...and I found out all too

soon

> as well....and because of this, its the reason behind what I am

about to

> say:

>

> now, something you wrote, intrigued me...... " I find myself

snacking... "

> you all of a sudden wake up and realize that you are snacking on

> goodies, like you had no control over your mind or body?? I am not

> trying to get smart here.....I just want you to see what it is that

I am

> seeing, based on what you wrote..........

>

> and I want to tell you that you DO have control over what it is

you do,

> and the decisions you make......if you can remember this, and own

the

> fact that you are willingly putting sugar into your mouth, then you

may

> not " find yourself " in the predicament you have been in...does that

make

> any sense?

>

> A few months ago, I would have probably wrote back to you and said

> something like, " well.....you are not on a diet, and you need to

live a

> normal life....and a sweet here and there is how 'normal' people

handle

> thier sweet cravings.....and a sweet something-or-other has been

okay

> for me......so maybe this is okay too.. " ......

>

> and now, I say.....that because I dabbled in eating sweet things

again,

> my tolerance level has increased, and you know what THAT means! It

> means that my sweet cravings have increased, and my quantities have

> increased as well......I had to get real with myself about one week

> ago....and I had to go " cold turkey " ........I had to stop

> completely......and this week, lo and behold, I finally broke into

the

> 160's.....I have been at a stall for a few months, and just getting

rid

> of the sweets (even on the holiday weekend) I managed to lose a few

> pounds....so, I know, that what I did for me, was exactly right on.

>

> Anyway, I think that you need to stop the sweets, and not even

replace

> it for something else.....its gonna also be about breaking the

> " snacking " thing, I think.

>

> I also had to give up my protein bars.....I got to a point, that I

> started to use them for a goodie.....a snack.....and that's another

> reason, why I think I have lost a few pounds this past week...I

gave up

> sweets and protein bars.

>

> If you can get more satisfying meals in, with perhaps one snack

(only

> healthy snacks that can count as protein, I would say) and drink to

the

> point of feeling like you are flushing yourself.....and really

> concentrate on protein, with little amounts of carbs......I think

this

> is the key to getting over the desire to eat sugar......the sugar

acts

> like a drug on me, and makes me " want " to continue on with

eating....and

> then the whole merry-go-round starts up.....

>

> You have to get this in line now, because the further you get away

from

> surgery, the harder this gets, if bad habits are not dealt with

> aggressively.

>

> I have to resolve, that yes, I will no longer diet....but no....I

am not

> " normal " ....I have to conduct my life in accordance with what works

for

> ME.....I will not be able to be like someone else down the road,

who can

> eat sweets a little bit here and there......sweets and me are like

> alchohol to the alcoholic......and its just the way it is for

me.....

> this maybe will be what you will find, I don't know....

>

> I would say, that you do not have 18 months to change....I would

say,

> that you have more like 8 months, possibly less, to

change.....after the

> 8th month or so, you will see a huge difference in what you can eat

and

> tolerate...especially if you do not dump.....right around 8 months

out,

> I noticed a harder struggle in food isssues.....some days are better

> than others.....but I am only 11 months post op right now....18

months,

> is still kind of far away...and already, I am dealing with the

issue of

> food and making the right choices......its not easy, but its

necessary.

>

> ===========================================================

> MESSAGE EIGHT

>

> I don't post often but I totally agree with you and had to put in

my 2

> cents worth. I am only 3 months post-op and noticed my weight loss

> slowing down and my desires increasing. Post op I was struggling

to

> get enough in and now suddenly I need to watch the snacking. But I

> realize that I am not normal, I am a food addict/compulsive

overeater

> and the surgery doesnt change that....so I went back on a more

> appropriate regeimen that better uses my tool, " the small

stomach " . I

> drink lots of water up until 30 minutes before eating. I allow

myself 2

> fruit & vegie snacks between the 3 meals otherwise my

> protein based meals with some carbs are limited to 15 - 20 minutes,

> approximately 1/2 cup - 1 cup depending on density, NO SUGAR and

limited

> fat. I DO NOT DRINK LIQUIDS for an hour and a half after eating. I

am

> not dieting, but I am staying healthy and have a measured way of

> approaching food that acknowledges my disease of overeating. I have

> chosen to participate in Overeaters Anonymous and find it to be a

> lifesaver. The surgery is not the solution only a tool, we better

start

> getting it right now, it wont get easier as the

> months and years go by.

>

> ===========================================================

> MESSAGE NINE

>

> You are so RIGHT ON!!! I am not quite 8 months post-op and I agree

with

> your " take " on XXXXXX's situation. It is important to " nip " the

> straying " in the bud. " It does not get any easier. In fact, it

gets

> more difficult.

>

> Like you, I have been very successful post-op. But, I work at it

all

> the time. And yes, I have done some snacking myself - allowing

myself

> " just 2 macaroons a day. " It is a cycle of habit that re-visits

all

> of us who have had food addictions.

>

> Your response to XXXXXX made me take a good look at what I have been

> doing. Fortunately for me, hunger (in the usual sense) has not

been a

> part of my life over the last 7+ months. I get interested in

eating,

> but I am not hungry. Thank goodness for this.

>

> I follow all the guidelines that we know so well - until about 9 PM.

> Then, I decide to eat " just a bite or two " of something sweet. I

can

> " justify " it with how well I have followed the WLS plan - all day,

all

> week, all month, etc., etc. But, like XXXXXX, I have " strayed off

the

> narrow path. "

>

> By next week, when I actually reach my 8th month, I will probably

only

> be down 6 lbs for the month of November. That's the smallest weight

> loss for a month that I have had. I am not complaining. I am

> grateful for my success. But, it is a wake-up call. I still have

60

> lbs to lose.

>

> I make my resolve with you XXXXX. No more bites of " something

sweet "

> just because I've done so well the rest of the day. I want to

reach my

> goal much more than I want to eat those 2 macaroons. It all seems

so

> BASIC and logical when I type it in black and white.

>

> My " program " is a little different than yours - so I will continue

to

> eat my protein bars. You see, I eat no breakfast and no snacks. I

eat

> a protein bar - as a meal replacement for lunch - and a small

> dinner that is 60% protein and a little vegetable. On a regular

basis I

> do not eat pasta, bread, crackers, cheese, or sweets of any kind.

And

> from this point on, I will grab a handful of grapes at 9 PM - and be

> done with FOOD.

>

> I MUST get past this addictive behavior.

>

> ===========================================================

> MESSAGE TEN

>

> You are so right, girlfriend! I just need to be more mindful of my

> choices and stick with protein--more solid protein at that. I

started

> doing that yesterday, and, lo and behold--2 lbs dropped off (had 3

oz of

> steak for dinner today, yum!). I plan to keep your post and read

it for

> inspiration. It was the kick in the pants that I needed.

> Thanks!

>

> ===========================================================

> MESSAGE ELEVEN

>

> XXXXX and XXXXXX, THANKS. I needed that!!

>

> I'm 10 mos. out from surgery tomorrow and have been struggling with

the

> " Snack Demons " for the past two months. And yes, my weight loss has

> slowed down. It's so hard to be honest with myself about this.

Turning

> to food (as in sugar and fat!!) for comfort is so deeply ingrained

in

> me, it might as well be tattoed on my forehead: " FOOD JUNKY " .

>

> I read a post a few days ago that stopped me dead in my tracks.

Someone

> had been to a support meeting where four women were in attendance

who

> had had WLS and had regained ALL their weight. Reading that was

like a

> bucket of freezing cold water being thrown in my face!! WHOA!!!

Mew

> (Mew is me!) not want that happen to HER, no WAY !!!!!!

>

> So I really AM on a journey, and there really ARE ditches you can

fall

> into? And detours that can keep you from getting to your

destination on

> time? And rules to follow (or not, and suffer the consequences)?

What

> have I heard/read so many times about WLS? " This is NOT a magic

pill or

> a quick fix. " Oh DARN!! I wish it WAS!!!! <<sigh>> Yes, it's

still

> in my power to rob myself of the benefits of this surgery, by a

simple

> act of my will.

>

> I think I need to start reading these posts more often. I tend to

get

> busy and forget to read. That's probably like a drowning man

refusing

> the offer of a raft, right??!!????? Or maybe a better analogy is,

you

> have this back yard full of treasures and somehow never find the

time to

> walk out your back door and pick one up. DUMB!!!!! REALLY

DUMB!!!!!

>

> So courage, my Sisters. At this time of year when everyone and

> everything around us is shouting, " EAT!! EAT!!! It's ok, it's THE

> HOLIDAYS!!!! " When the smells, sights and sounds of Christmas are

> overpowering. When memories of our childhood Christmases and

Hannukahs

> and Ramadans are all about SPECIAL HOLIDAY GOODIES. THIS is the

time we

> should all have our noses buried in OSSG posts, our WLS books, or

> whatever INSPIRES us to renew our resolve. Hey, let's not kid

> ourselves. It's a real WARZONE out there.

>

> Let's stay in touch.....and BE THERE for each other over the

Holidays.

>

> ======== end ==========

[Guest guest]

Absolutely chilling, .

To think that you permanently f*ck up your body and get nothing in

return! The saddest part of all was reading about the person who

wrote that she was not/would never be " normal. " Ahhh, you see that's

all I'VE ever wanted, and I would never choose a surgery that

wouldn't let me be that, or at least approach that. I think that's

what made me latch on so closely to the things that you've written,

. The idea of being " normal " and being able to live the rest

of your life with this surgery and having no regrets about it (well,

except for the ADEKs!)

> Here's a thread (names withheld) from the OSSG list that I mentioned

> here recently. It's rife with the kind of diet mentality I was

intent on

> never reliving! As I have said before, I would have stayed MO before

> undergoing a potentially punishing procedure with mediocre long-term

> results (when compared to DS).

>

> While the advice exchanged isn't " bad " in and of itself, I think

it's

> important to note that these folks are compelled to permanently

embrace

> this sort of mentality in order to maximize their long term

success.

>

> I didn't want to have a life defined by limitations... I just

wanted to

> live like the " never been fat " folks and not have to think about

this

> crap! LOL. I'm happy to report that my DS is allowing me to do just

> that. Woo hoo!

>

> M.

>

> ---

> in Valrico, FL, age 39

> Lap DGB/DS by Dr. Rabkin 10/19/99

> Starting weight 299, now 153

> Starting BMI 49.7, now 25.5

> Starting size 26/28, now 10/12

> http://www.duodenalswitch.com/Patients/M/melaniem.html

>

> Direct replies: mailto:melanie@t...

>

>

> ===========================================================

> Subject: Re: Straying off the narrow path--HELP!

> ===========================================================

> MESSAGE ONE

>

> Hi Folks--

>

> I am now almost 3 months post-op, and have discovered an unfortunate

> fact--I can eat sweets in small quantities and not dump. The bad

part

> is, I find myself snacking on a small oatmeal cookie here, a hershey

> kiss there, a small sliver if pumpkin pie--you get the picture. I

> wouldn't be so worried except that it has become a daily thing. I

> probably eat 100 calories of unabashed sweets per day now--up from

none

> post-op.

>

> Now, I realize this is a shadow of what I used to eat, but I have

> stopped losing weight. More importantly, this is the same kind of

> eating habit, in tinier form, that got me to where I was before

WLS. I

> know that I have about 18 months to change habits, and I do not feel

> that I am on the right track any more.

>

> I sure could use some inspiration and any practical suggestions you

all

> might have.

>

> ===========================================================

> MESSAGE TWO

>

> I know I found myself eating way too many things over the holiday

> weekend that were not the best choices for

> me! I know I did not do like I could have pre op but I still felt

bad

> about it. I decided this morning that I was going to do my best to

get

> back on track and make better choices again. So far... so good. I

still

> take it one day at a time and sometimes, one minute at a time:)

>

> Don't beat yourself up, just realize that you want to change that

habit

> now and ask yourself if you really

> want it. Or even... try saying you will save it for later, sometimes

> that works for me and it might be a

> few days before that later comes. Trust me, I am no saint here but

I am

> trying to make better choices

> because I want this tool to work for a lifetime.

>

> ===========================================================

> MESSAGE THREE

>

> I had this problem early on too.. at about 3-4 months I was a

nutcase,

> testing my limits. I don't dump on sugars either. Sugar and

starch on

> the other hand... blammo. I finally started doing things like

sucking a

> lemon drop when I wanted some sweet, or now I eat watermelon.

Sweet,

> watery goodness. No sugar added popsicles do the trick too. And

not

> that bad for you either.

>

> It took about 3 weeks for me to get my head around the problem. I

still

> find myself in the baking section at the grocery store, looking at

the

> tubs of frosting and thinking. That was my secret sin before WLS,

> snacking on frosting, bleh. Last week I found myself staring at the

> cake mixes and frosting, and actually thought about why I was there,

> what I was stressed out about and went and bought some fitness

magazines

> instead. I think as long as you are aware of yourself and stop long

> enough to think about what's going on inside and why you feel the

need

> for sweet, you have won 99% of the game.

>

> For me, now, exercise has replaced my food obsession, tho that can

be a

> problem in itself. For now it's a healthy thing.

>

> Maybe try writing your 100 reasons, and your accomplishments so far

and

> all the tiny things that are going well to help you get your head

around

> sweets.

>

> You can do it girl!!!!

>

> ===========================================================

> MESSAGE FOUR

>

> Cheating happens to the best of us. Just decide not to do it...or

> substitute something else instead...like meat or cheese.

>

> Don't keep the stuff in the house if possible. Are these cravings or

> just habits? If they are sugar cravings I would look into taking

> chromium picolonate one tablet a day. That wiped out any cravings I

had

> for carbs.

>

> If it is a habit you need to stop that right now. Look at what is

going

> on in your lifestyle that supports that habit and see if you can

modify

> it. If you are having a hard time regaining control, talk to a

> therapist.

>

> It just ain't worth it to have a habit control us like that

considering

> how much we have invested into getting better.

>

> ===========================================================

> MESSAGE FIVE

>

> So far, the recommendations for stopping unhealthy snacking have

> involved the following:

>

> 1. Keep problem foods out of the house.

> 2. Substitute healthier versions of the snack (chocolate protein

shake

> for chocolate, grapes for candy).

> 3. Keep more healthy snacks handy (chicken or tuna salad and

crackers,

> SF popcicles, fruit)

> 4. Write out your 100 reasons for WLS and read it when tempted.

> 5. Get a therapist if all else fails (a good cognitive behavioral

one).

>

>

> I'll let you know if I get any other suggestions.

>

> ===========================================================

> MESSAGE SIX

>

> You sound like me. Please let me know what answers you get offline.

I

> feel so out of control suddenly and know that I haven't lost weight

in

> about 3 weeks.

>

> Somehow I need to find my way back.

>

> ===========================================================

> MESSAGE SEVEN

>

> okay, I too, can eat sweets and not dump...and I found out all too

soon

> as well....and because of this, its the reason behind what I am

about to

> say:

>

> now, something you wrote, intrigued me...... " I find myself

snacking... "

> you all of a sudden wake up and realize that you are snacking on

> goodies, like you had no control over your mind or body?? I am not

> trying to get smart here.....I just want you to see what it is that

I am

> seeing, based on what you wrote..........

>

> and I want to tell you that you DO have control over what it is

you do,

> and the decisions you make......if you can remember this, and own

the

> fact that you are willingly putting sugar into your mouth, then you

may

> not " find yourself " in the predicament you have been in...does that

make

> any sense?

>

> A few months ago, I would have probably wrote back to you and said

> something like, " well.....you are not on a diet, and you need to

live a

> normal life....and a sweet here and there is how 'normal' people

handle

> thier sweet cravings.....and a sweet something-or-other has been

okay

> for me......so maybe this is okay too.. " ......

>

> and now, I say.....that because I dabbled in eating sweet things

again,

> my tolerance level has increased, and you know what THAT means! It

> means that my sweet cravings have increased, and my quantities have

> increased as well......I had to get real with myself about one week

> ago....and I had to go " cold turkey " ........I had to stop

> completely......and this week, lo and behold, I finally broke into

the

> 160's.....I have been at a stall for a few months, and just getting

rid

> of the sweets (even on the holiday weekend) I managed to lose a few

> pounds....so, I know, that what I did for me, was exactly right on.

>

> Anyway, I think that you need to stop the sweets, and not even

replace

> it for something else.....its gonna also be about breaking the

> " snacking " thing, I think.

>

> I also had to give up my protein bars.....I got to a point, that I

> started to use them for a goodie.....a snack.....and that's another

> reason, why I think I have lost a few pounds this past week...I

gave up

> sweets and protein bars.

>

> If you can get more satisfying meals in, with perhaps one snack

(only

> healthy snacks that can count as protein, I would say) and drink to

the

> point of feeling like you are flushing yourself.....and really

> concentrate on protein, with little amounts of carbs......I think

this

> is the key to getting over the desire to eat sugar......the sugar

acts

> like a drug on me, and makes me " want " to continue on with

eating....and

> then the whole merry-go-round starts up.....

>

> You have to get this in line now, because the further you get away

from

> surgery, the harder this gets, if bad habits are not dealt with

> aggressively.

>

> I have to resolve, that yes, I will no longer diet....but no....I

am not

> " normal " ....I have to conduct my life in accordance with what works

for

> ME.....I will not be able to be like someone else down the road,

who can

> eat sweets a little bit here and there......sweets and me are like

> alchohol to the alcoholic......and its just the way it is for

me.....

> this maybe will be what you will find, I don't know....

>

> I would say, that you do not have 18 months to change....I would

say,

> that you have more like 8 months, possibly less, to

change.....after the

> 8th month or so, you will see a huge difference in what you can eat

and

> tolerate...especially if you do not dump.....right around 8 months

out,

> I noticed a harder struggle in food isssues.....some days are better

> than others.....but I am only 11 months post op right now....18

months,

> is still kind of far away...and already, I am dealing with the

issue of

> food and making the right choices......its not easy, but its

necessary.

>

> ===========================================================

> MESSAGE EIGHT

>

> I don't post often but I totally agree with you and had to put in

my 2

> cents worth. I am only 3 months post-op and noticed my weight loss

> slowing down and my desires increasing. Post op I was struggling

to

> get enough in and now suddenly I need to watch the snacking. But I

> realize that I am not normal, I am a food addict/compulsive

overeater

> and the surgery doesnt change that....so I went back on a more

> appropriate regeimen that better uses my tool, " the small

stomach " . I

> drink lots of water up until 30 minutes before eating. I allow

myself 2

> fruit & vegie snacks between the 3 meals otherwise my

> protein based meals with some carbs are limited to 15 - 20 minutes,

> approximately 1/2 cup - 1 cup depending on density, NO SUGAR and

limited

> fat. I DO NOT DRINK LIQUIDS for an hour and a half after eating. I

am

> not dieting, but I am staying healthy and have a measured way of

> approaching food that acknowledges my disease of overeating. I have

> chosen to participate in Overeaters Anonymous and find it to be a

> lifesaver. The surgery is not the solution only a tool, we better

start

> getting it right now, it wont get easier as the

> months and years go by.

>

> ===========================================================

> MESSAGE NINE

>

> You are so RIGHT ON!!! I am not quite 8 months post-op and I agree

with

> your " take " on XXXXXX's situation. It is important to " nip " the

> straying " in the bud. " It does not get any easier. In fact, it

gets

> more difficult.

>

> Like you, I have been very successful post-op. But, I work at it

all

> the time. And yes, I have done some snacking myself - allowing

myself

> " just 2 macaroons a day. " It is a cycle of habit that re-visits

all

> of us who have had food addictions.

>

> Your response to XXXXXX made me take a good look at what I have been

> doing. Fortunately for me, hunger (in the usual sense) has not

been a

> part of my life over the last 7+ months. I get interested in

eating,

> but I am not hungry. Thank goodness for this.

>

> I follow all the guidelines that we know so well - until about 9 PM.

> Then, I decide to eat " just a bite or two " of something sweet. I

can

> " justify " it with how well I have followed the WLS plan - all day,

all

> week, all month, etc., etc. But, like XXXXXX, I have " strayed off

the

> narrow path. "

>

> By next week, when I actually reach my 8th month, I will probably

only

> be down 6 lbs for the month of November. That's the smallest weight

> loss for a month that I have had. I am not complaining. I am

> grateful for my success. But, it is a wake-up call. I still have

60

> lbs to lose.

>

> I make my resolve with you XXXXX. No more bites of " something

sweet "

> just because I've done so well the rest of the day. I want to

reach my

> goal much more than I want to eat those 2 macaroons. It all seems

so

> BASIC and logical when I type it in black and white.

>

> My " program " is a little different than yours - so I will continue

to

> eat my protein bars. You see, I eat no breakfast and no snacks. I

eat

> a protein bar - as a meal replacement for lunch - and a small

> dinner that is 60% protein and a little vegetable. On a regular

basis I

> do not eat pasta, bread, crackers, cheese, or sweets of any kind.

And

> from this point on, I will grab a handful of grapes at 9 PM - and be

> done with FOOD.

>

> I MUST get past this addictive behavior.

>

> ===========================================================

> MESSAGE TEN

>

> You are so right, girlfriend! I just need to be more mindful of my

> choices and stick with protein--more solid protein at that. I

started

> doing that yesterday, and, lo and behold--2 lbs dropped off (had 3

oz of

> steak for dinner today, yum!). I plan to keep your post and read

it for

> inspiration. It was the kick in the pants that I needed.

> Thanks!

>

> ===========================================================

> MESSAGE ELEVEN

>

> XXXXX and XXXXXX, THANKS. I needed that!!

>

> I'm 10 mos. out from surgery tomorrow and have been struggling with

the

> " Snack Demons " for the past two months. And yes, my weight loss has

> slowed down. It's so hard to be honest with myself about this.

Turning

> to food (as in sugar and fat!!) for comfort is so deeply ingrained

in

> me, it might as well be tattoed on my forehead: " FOOD JUNKY " .

>

> I read a post a few days ago that stopped me dead in my tracks.

Someone

> had been to a support meeting where four women were in attendance

who

> had had WLS and had regained ALL their weight. Reading that was

like a

> bucket of freezing cold water being thrown in my face!! WHOA!!!

Mew

> (Mew is me!) not want that happen to HER, no WAY !!!!!!

>

> So I really AM on a journey, and there really ARE ditches you can

fall

> into? And detours that can keep you from getting to your

destination on

> time? And rules to follow (or not, and suffer the consequences)?

What

> have I heard/read so many times about WLS? " This is NOT a magic

pill or

> a quick fix. " Oh DARN!! I wish it WAS!!!! <<sigh>> Yes, it's

still

> in my power to rob myself of the benefits of this surgery, by a

simple

> act of my will.

>

> I think I need to start reading these posts more often. I tend to

get

> busy and forget to read. That's probably like a drowning man

refusing

> the offer of a raft, right??!!????? Or maybe a better analogy is,

you

> have this back yard full of treasures and somehow never find the

time to

> walk out your back door and pick one up. DUMB!!!!! REALLY

DUMB!!!!!

>

> So courage, my Sisters. At this time of year when everyone and

> everything around us is shouting, " EAT!! EAT!!! It's ok, it's THE

> HOLIDAYS!!!! " When the smells, sights and sounds of Christmas are

> overpowering. When memories of our childhood Christmases and

Hannukahs

> and Ramadans are all about SPECIAL HOLIDAY GOODIES. THIS is the

time we

> should all have our noses buried in OSSG posts, our WLS books, or

> whatever INSPIRES us to renew our resolve. Hey, let's not kid

> ourselves. It's a real WARZONE out there.

>

> Let's stay in touch.....and BE THERE for each other over the

Holidays.

>

> ======== end ==========