Small Change... - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

fisher1000 · 10-12-2008, 06:33 PM

I'm posting this as I was talking to another forum member today and thought it bore repeating for the group.

One of the activities that my wife does with students every year is give them all a penny. She asks the kids to brainstorm what they could do with just a penny. Of course, they say, "not much." But then she asks what they could do if they put their pennies together, with the class, with the school, with the community...pretty soon, those pennies can add up to a lot of money that WOULD make a difference.

You have to start with the one penny though...small change. Then that small change can turn quickly into HUGE changes.

I relay this story because the conversation I had earlier revolved around ways to really work the tool, our pouches, the right way. You can't undo a lifetime of bad habits at the moment the surgery occurs...one would hope that the pouch would help you control, but that's not always the case.

After the surgery, there's still a lot of work to do, but how does one wrap their brains around a new lifestyle so quickly? Small changes, that's how.

You tackle one issue at a time. You give it your best shot for a few weeks and establish a new, good habit, born from the bad ones you used to have.

For instance, this new lifestyle requires exercise. Do you have to be in the gym 7 days a week? No. But you need to move. What small change can you make? Can you commit to walking around the neighborhood a couple of times a week? Can you dance in your living room when you're alone in the house? Can you just find one way to move, 2-3 times a week that you can make a commitment to for at least 3 weeks, to try and establish a habit?

This new lifestyle requires protein. What small change can you make? Can you add dry milk powder to your milk? Can you try a new protein bar, or give that shake one more chance--maybe try to dress it up a little with coffee or fruit?

There are so many facets to healthy living. It is overwhelming to think of all the changes that need to be made to break out of our old habits, but one change at a time is manageable. Get that one thing under control, and then pick a new thing. If you do this on a three week cycle, think of what the next year will bring.

I'm not trying to be sappy or corny--but really, what do you have to lose, except weight, by changing ONE thing.

Small change matters. It's the seed of the BIG changes you want to see!

What small change can you make this week?

-Mike

gettinskinni · 10-12-2008, 06:51 PM

I'm SOOOOOOO glad that you posted this because I am wanting to start a pre-op liquid diet tomorrow in hopes to drop some lbs before surgery(which I don't have a date yet, but that is beside the point). I just worry sometimes that after I do have surgery that I am not going to be able to make those changes and stay with them the way that I need too and you have inspired me with the One Penny story. I need to get one of those pennies that come with a shape stamped in them and wear it as a reminder that all it takes is one small change at a time. Thanks again!! p.s. send a prayer for quick approval so I can start using the mighty little pouch to become the person within!

izanmanyzanz · 10-12-2008, 09:03 PM

God Mike thank you for this today. I am on another site and I had just put on a list things I wanted to accomplish as my goals this week. They are just little things, but little things that I think would help me start getting back on track. So I will list two of those here, not the third to not offend anyone.

1. To leave Mcdonalds sweet tea alone. It is a wasted 300 calories per 32 ozs. If I must have tea, it must contain splenda.

2. I will try to exercised at least 20 minutes every day.

fisher1000 · 10-12-2008, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by izanmanyzanz

God Mike thank you for this today. I am on another site and I had just put on a list things I wanted to accomplish as my goals this week. They are just little things, but little things that I think would help me start getting back on track. So I will list two of those here, not the third to not offend anyone.

1. To leave Mcdonalds sweet tea alone. It is a wasted 300 calories per 32 ozs. If I must have tea, it must contain splenda.

2. I will try to exercised at least 20 minutes every day.

Good for you, Izan! Especially with the tea... I don't want to come off as holier than thou, you know...but drinking your calories is a HUGE thing you can change. (I just discussed this with the person who inspired this post...) If you drink just two of those a day, that's enough calories for gaining a pound a week. If you cut those out, and do NOTHING else, you could LOSE that same pound a week. (That could equal 52 more pounds in a year!) Sometimes the smallest details...like a simple glass of tea from McDonald's, can have a huge impact. There are plenty of sugar free versions on the market so the transition can be as smooth and easy as possible.

Be vigilant!

-Mike

fisher1000 · 10-12-2008, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gettinskinni

I'm SOOOOOOO glad that you posted this because I am wanting to start a pre-op liquid diet tomorrow in hopes to drop some lbs before surgery(which I don't have a date yet, but that is beside the point). I just worry sometimes that after I do have surgery that I am not going to be able to make those changes and stay with them the way that I need too and you have inspired me with the One Penny story. I need to get one of those pennies that come with a shape stamped in them and wear it as a reminder that all it takes is one small change at a time. Thanks again!! p.s. send a prayer for quick approval so I can start using the mighty little pouch to become the person within!

Consider that prayer sent! You're going to do great!

-Mike

izanmanyzanz · 10-12-2008, 09:25 PM

Thanks Mike, I do know this I have just been really slipping lately. Don't know what is happening in this mind of mine but I am trying to get through it, 1 day at a time.

fisher1000 · 10-12-2008, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by izanmanyzanz

Thanks Mike, I do know this I have just been really slipping lately. Don't know what is happening in this mind of mine but I am trying to get through it, 1 day at a time.

You know, it bears saying too that we, as post-oppers, have to remove that thinking in our heads that says that certain foods are bad and certain foods are good. Certainly, there are better choices to make, but should we feel bad if we have a taste of something? There's a difference between eating a bad food the right way and eating a ton of the bad food without the balance of good food. We are going to be battling food for the rest of our lives...we should make it as easy a battle as possible and just decide ASAP that 1) food is fuel, and 2) if we want to enjoy food, then we should--just in moderation.

We can't go back to the way things used to be without trying hard to cheat the system. It's more worth it for us to put that energy into trying to make the right decisions!

-Mike

katzz87 · 10-12-2008, 09:54 PM

As always, Mike, you have the magic touch! Great topic and something I wholly agree with!

Keep up with all your encouraging words...

splendifor · 10-12-2008, 10:13 PM

MIKE good to see you again

sassy37 · 10-12-2008, 11:58 PM

Hi Mike ... Superb thread ..
Pre op I was going to the gym and walking 10 000 steps every other day I would alternate some kind of exercise .
Then after my surgery I was really tired and I guess Just in recovery now I know .
But for the last 2 weeks I thought I will never be able to get my motivation back, and yesterday ..... 15 days post op and 29 pounds lighter

I was in the gym for 9am on Sunday morning , went walking and did my gardens .

Im happy Im feeling back motivated to move .......