I Guess I Need to Buy New Clothes
by
, 02-23-2017 at 09:27 PM (2217 Views)
I don’t post much here, but I visit almost daily to learn from others who’ve had or who are preparing for VSG. I see lots of new people with questions, as well as folks who have been around for a while and who are very inspiring. Some of you are also very real, frankly discussing challenges that we encounter. I’m four months post-op, and I wanted to share some observations from the perspective of someone who has made it through the first few months and has learned a few things along the way. I’m absolutely not pushing certain things; I simply thought I’d share some things I’ve learned. I know I still have a long way to go.
1. This really is a lifestyle change. I’ve found that restricting carbs and focusing on protein has become my focus, and it works for me.
2. I’ve learned to be prepared for challenges. There will be donuts at work. Friends will ask you to go out for pizza. Students (I’m a high school teacher) will show up at your door with something they made in foods class and want you to eat it all and then appropriately “ooh” and “aaah” over their creation. So…I keep a protein bar in my purse at all times, and I drink water or Crystal Light all day long. It helps.
3. I’ve found that having a hobby helps. I tend to eat when I’m bored, so I make sure I’m occupied pretty much all of the time. Ironically, my hobby is baking and decorating cakes. Go figure. However, I’ve done it for so long that I really don’t have much taste for cake anymore, so it hasn’t been hard to resist. The point is that it keeps me busy.
4. I record every bite of food that goes in my mouth. Everything. Even the occasional bad choice. It’s rarely as bad as I think it’s going to be, and I think holding myself accountable for my choices is important.
5. When I’m tempted to make a bad choice, I set a timer on my phone for 20 minutes. If the 20 minutes passes and I still want to do something bad, my plan was to try to figure out the least damaging way to do it. However, so far when the timer has gone off, the craving has passed and I either move on or make a healthy choice.
6. RE bad choices – if I’m tempted, all it usually takes is a mental note that I wrote checks for $11,000+ to have this done. I have no intention of spending that kind of money and not upholding my end of the deal. Besides, I already gave away most of my wardrobe.
7. I measure everything. Eyeballing can be dangerous.
8. I only overdid a meal once. The repercussions have served as powerful negative reinforcement, and I was so miserable that I cringe at the thought of doing it again.
9. The hunger and cravings sometimes come back. See #2 and #5.
10. I’ve learned to be prepared for nosy questions and unsolicited comments or advice. I opted to only tell my immediate family and two close friends what I was doing. Not a peep to anyone else. I know some folks have their suspicions, but most have enough sense not to ask. When someone does ask if I’ve lost weight, I say yes and smile. If they go further and ask how much, I simply say, “A lot” and change the subject. One colleague has said something about bariatric surgery a couple of times, I suspect in the hopes that I would offer input and perhaps even say that I’d had it. I don’t. I honestly don’t think it’s anyone else’s business how I choose to manage my health and body. Let them wonder.
11. At four and half months out, I still have all my hair. Hope this lasts.
12. Stalls happen. Enough said.
13. Finally, and maybe this is the greatest lesson I’ve learned – find people who support you. My husband has been fantastic, and I’m not sure how I would have made it through the first six to eight weeks after surgery without his unwavering support and care. My immediately family has also been extremely supportive and encouraging. That keeps me going.
So…I’m four months post surgery and 100 lbs. lighter. I read and study the comments here to learn from those more experienced that I am and to ensure that I stay on track.
What lessons have you learned on your journey?