Article-After the Honeymoon - ThinnerTimes

Suzanne-photog4fun · 04-24-2004, 04:23 PM

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.

jeanmarie29 · 04-26-2004, 06:30 PM

That was a great post Suzanne...frightening though. I cannot imagine having had this surgery and then eventually having to go back to a weight watcher meeting. I think I would truely die. The angst, worry, depression.....all those awful feelings we are so sadly accustomed to. I hope to maintain my rigorous eating/excersising habits for all of eternity. The back slide would be horrible to have to deal with. That is a hell of a wake up call. I watch my daughter, not quite 2 years out, and she eats everything and does not gain anything...thank God. I just hope it stays that way. Of course her portions are not anything like they used to be though, due to the size of her stomach. I really don't know how people could over eat. God I hope it is never me. Thanks for the news......very informative .. like a reality check.
Jean
open 2/23/04
258/214/140

cali4ialuv · 07-18-2004, 09:59 PM

Thanks so much for this useful information. I really need this reinforcement these days. I have been looking for related articles to assist me with staying on tracking and fighting those sugar demons. Prior to surgery, my drug of choice included carbs and soda. I didn't battle with sugar. However, I now fight eating sweets on a regular basis. It's tough! I actually crave desserts that I never ate before. So far I'm winning the battle, but it's a constant battle. I came across this article that I hope will benefit someone. Keep up the good work and keep the info coming!
http://www.gastricbypassfamily.com/W...oonIsOver.html

Suzanne-photog4fun · 07-19-2004, 06:35 AM

Good article, Tina! And to all of you in the 6-12 month honeymoon phase.....make the most of it by establishing good eating habits with minimal carb's. Mostly just eat protein, vegetables, a little fruit, and VERY little rice/pasta/potatoe. Avoid reintroducing fast food/sweets habits or specific foods that you use to overeat on. You want to try to lose the largest portion of your weight in the first 6-9 months along with establishing daily exercise habits.
It gets tougher when the "honeymoon" is over so definitely cherish this time!

Christina · 07-19-2004, 08:19 AM

Thank you girls so much for those articles. Of course I am just pushing 4 months out, however, like prior to my surgery, this information is very important at any stage of the game. I feel so well informed about the future and what it holds because of you guys!!! Thanks so much..