4 years post op, but haven't reached my goal - Page 2 - ThinnerTimes

norwegiangirl · 01-06-2008, 12:21 PM

I agree with what the others have said! You have done great!!! Not only have you lost weight, but you've also given birth to 2 lovely kids after you wls!!!

Here in Norway they say that if you loose 70-75% of the excess weight, the surgery is considered a success. And exactly; how many people do you know that has a few extra pounds on? Quite alot i would bet. And that's fine, you are no longer morbidly obease, you've added years to your life.

Vim&Vigour · 01-06-2008, 03:54 PM

I would add start with what is visible for yourself. If you cannot afford a babysitter, offer to swap hours with a friend. My friends and I used to "catch up" when we babysat for each other. We started off with "10 credit points", one point being equivalent to half an hour with child/ren awake and a whole hour with child/ren asleep. Our husbands would look after our own children at home. So, when I babysat at a friend's house, I would bring my ironing to do at her house, thus catching up, or paint my nails or write some letters, whatever. Then, I would be able to go out, free of charge, with my husband, for something cheaper, such as out for a coffee and chat or to the cinema... I was skint as a church mouse but managed to "get a life" in that way away from my 3 tiny ones aged under 4 years. When it was my turn to go out, I would make a point of making myself look as nice for myself and for my husband as I could... My babysitting friend would arrive 15 minutes before I left so that I could dress in peace and quiet. (very helpful in keeping a strong marriage!).

By "improving" your looks, you receive instant gratification. You know you are not "spending" much of the non-existent money and that your husband need not worry about the "expense" of an evening out...

By "feeling good" from the evening before outing, my spirits were uplifted for the day ahead. One of the "rules" my husband and I made were not to talk about either children or his work after the first half hour so that we actually had some "quality" time...

You have 4 children who will benefit from your revised eating pattern. Make their meals work around what you can and should eat - the same rules apply pretty much for their stomach sizes portion wise! Sit down to eat with your children, make a meal with it, talk about nice things and get them to take a nap after lunch... During their "quiet" time you are able to catch up with a little housework, laundry, responsibilities, whatever... You'll feel good about your image, your time with your husband, your relationship with your children and your eating pattern will soon fall back into place. Take the family out for a run, swim, bike ride or whatever exercise you feel comfortable with. Your tool will soon feel in a routine again and a lot happier.

Best wishes for a continued weight loss and finding your comfortable place in the scale of things! Let us know how you are getting on and welcome back!

Cheers!
Vim in London, UK

SueRN · 01-08-2008, 04:54 AM

Like everyone has said before, get back to basics. Proper diet, exercise, and sleep are so important. You do have a full plate but you need to really examine your schedule and lifestyle and see what things you can do different. Like for exercise, go for walks with your children. Or take then to the park or something and kick around a soccer ball. This will also start your kids with healthy habits. There are so many little things we can do if we get creative enough. I gained back 15 lbs. Started South Beach diet just before Thanksgiving and dropped 10 lbs the first 2 weeks. Lost 1 more lbs and am still trying for those last 4lbs. Start with small things so you don't get overwhelmed. We're here for support, suggestions, and just to listen. Good luck to you! Sue

twodogsmom · 01-08-2008, 07:04 AM

The obvious triumvirate! I know you are tired but can you load everyone into a stroller, scooters, wagon or the like and take a walk? This will help physicallyand emotionally. Are you depressed-I might be! Check in with your docs-surgeon and your primary. Try to get to a support group. The one at Rain's on second Tues (this month its 3rd Tues) in Vista is GREAT!