Article copied from Bariatric Support International's free newsletter.
The End of Invincible
by Colleen M. Cook
Success! Finally. A lifetime of struggling, losing, gaining, gaining, losing were finally over. I had found the answer: weight loss surgery. And what a needed and most welcome solution it was. The first two years following my surgery were unbelievable. Looking back it seemed that the weight just fell off! And then I was normal, thin and healthy. I wore a size 6! And apparently I am a tiny, petite, small-framed person. Who knew?
The horror that I felt helped me to recognize that I had reached a very important milestone. A milestone that I have termed "The End of Invincible."
I had succeeded, finally! I was a winner and I was in control. It seemed that now I had a handle on things, I could relax a bit. I had worked so hard, now it was time to enjoy the rewards. It seemed I could eat just about anything. Once in a while, I would have a little cookie here, a little piece of candy there without gaining, then a bite of cake or pie. I could slack off a bit on my exercise and the scales remained the same. "This is great," I thought, "finally, some reprieve from all the worry, all the disappointments. I am just like a normal person now. Just like those who I have seen eat whatever they want, never exercise and always remain thin and healthy."
And then it happened. I started to regain. Three pounds, then five, then seven. The horror that I felt helped me to recognize that I had reached a very important milestone. A milestone that I have termed "The End of Invincible."
Through the years we have worked with a number of patients who have regained extra pounds that they swore they would never see again. They are so devastated with feelings of guilt, hopelessness and regret that they stop attending support groups and refuse to see their bariatric surgeon. Some are so distraught that they will not even acknowledge that they have had weight loss surgery at all. We have seen many through the years desperately needing help and not knowing where to turn. Some have re-joined old weight loss programs such as Weight Watchers®, Jenny Craig®, or started the Atkins® Diet again. Others even turn to prescriptions for weight loss pills and powders.
If you are one who has lost the “new you” perhaps you are blaming yourself, or others for lack of education when you had your surgery. Perhaps you want to attend support group meetings in your area but feel uncomfortable about sharing your story of weight-loss and weight-gain. Please know that we understand. We created our Back On Track Program in 1998 and have been able to help those in your position get back in control. Here are a few tips and suggestions to help you evaluate your situation, take control, get back on track, and recapture the new you you were once so proud of.
- <LI style="MARGIN-LEFT: 3em">Know what you weigh today. <LI style="MARGIN-LEFT: 3em">Set a new goal weight and goal date. <LI style="MARGIN-LEFT: 3em">Select a weigh-in location where you can check you weight once each week. <LI style="MARGIN-LEFT: 3em">Track your progress on a goal sheet, weight-tracker, or progress chart.
- Evaluate your compliance weekly with each of these Success Habits™ Principles:
Personal Accountability
I recognize that I alone am responsible for my successes and my failures.
Portion Control
I understand the importance of satiety and listen to my body’s signals.
Nutrition
I make good healthy food choices each day.
Fluid Intake
I drink the right amount of the right beverages each day.
Regular Exercise
I have adopted the habit of exercise as part of my lifestyle.
Vitamins & Supplements
I take good quality vitamins each day to ensure my good health.