9 months and needing a change, any suggestions? - ThinnerTimes

jlcsmokey · 04-27-2006, 10:08 AM

Hi All,

Sorry if this is long.... It has been a while since I have been out here. I am an accountant and I had to make it through tax season, which I did with success. Eating during the busy season tends to be hard because it needs to be quick and I never usually planned before. This year I planned my meals and it was great.

Now that tax season is over and I am 9 months post op, I feel like I am beginning a new phase of my life. I did plateau in the middle of tax season, which I had hoped I would do. It was enough for me emotionally to see people that had not seen me in the past year and tell them what had been going on and how I lost 80lbs. I needed my mind to catch up with my body, because I did not always see what others saw when they looked at me. Plus, I didn't want to deal with getting new clothes so quickly. I did alot of shopping in early Jan to get me through tax season and I have outgrown some, but most still fit okay.

My situation is this. Since tax season is over, I have developed a sense of boredom that I don't know how to deal with. I am afraid of going back to old habits of eating, or for me now would be grazing. In the past month I have started to eat salads, which I couldn't eat before, I add chicken and pasta and lots of veggies. Then I look at the amount I am eating and say "oh crap, I am going to stretch my pouch, what am I doing?" Some of the salads I eat at work might take me an hour to eat. But if I don't eat while doing something else, then I feel like I am not getting enough because I am getting full quick. I know everyone is different, but how much is normal food to be eating at 9 months post op? I am getting a bit bored with food too. I can't remember what I ate four months ago and I didn't keep logs (I wish I did).

I am working on the boredom. I am trying to find hobbies that don't cost alot of money, because money is tight (still going to school for Masters, which classes start in 3 weeks). I was hoping once tax season was over I would be getting into more of the exercise. I have done some, just nothing consistent and not like I had hoped. I am single, so trying to meet men too, not having too much luck there, just trying to live life and see how things come about.

Any suggestions on amounts or advice for someone trying to plan for reaching the one year mark, please let me know.

thanks
Janice

brookscn · 04-27-2006, 11:13 AM

Janice:
I know what you mean - I do a huge tradeshow in July, and I work 9 months up to that show. After it's over, I get bored very easily. And it's weird - I kinda get a little depressed (just a little). Fortunately for me, I have other tradeshows to start working on, so it's not that bad.

I think once that school starts again for you, you'll be really busy! You should probably cherish the time while you have it.

Have you tried online dating? That's how I met my husband.

Bypassingme619 · 04-27-2006, 11:16 AM

Janice congrats on the -80 pounds you have lost. I know you are bored right now but I am sure once you start school in 3 weeks that boredom will fade. Even when you start school maybe you could take some brisk walks before class or after. Hey who knows who you might meet once you start school. The further you are out post-op you will be able to eat a little more but don't mix that up with grazing. I suggest eating a few bites and once you feel you are content put your food away. Don't feel obligated to finish that whole salad or whatever is in front of you. Is there anything you can sign up for to keep you busy until school? Maybe volunteering or just joining a yoga class? Well I hope you find some answers to your questions. Don't be a stranger.

bridgetgirl · 04-29-2006, 08:09 PM

I have to agree that internet dating will keep you very busy. The suggestions here are great1 The only 3 I have to add is, plan your meals, eat 3-5 times a day if thats what you need... keep your eating time to 15 minutes.. thats it! And lastly, join a soial group. Like a hiking club, or sracp booking, bible study, whatever your interests. If you feel your time with with social stuff, you will feel very fulfilled and wont be around the refigerator as much. Best wishes and good luck!

jlcsmokey · 04-30-2006, 04:10 PM

Thank you all for replying and giving me different ideas. After I had posted this I was searching on a few different threads in here and found an old post that said when we get in these ruts we have to go back to the basics. I found the pouch rules for dummies and printed them out.

The first thing that I realized is that now that I have extra time it does not mean I do not have to plan anymore. I totallly forgot the concept of 15 minutes. I am going to get a kitchen timer to help keep me on a time schedule.

I am working on the hobby side of my schedule, just trying to decide what is best for me, I think a group exercise environment would be best so I can socialize as well as exercise.

thanks again for the advice and remembering that this is the forum to help keep me on track.

nancy · 05-01-2006, 12:08 AM

this might be a good time to join the gym and start the exercise regime you need to keep that new you the same new you for the rest of your life...my mistake was waiting to do it until some of those lbs came back on me, tougher to loose when you're not "honeymoon" stage, believe me...besides, you'll be amazed at the exercise you can do that DOESN'T HURT now that you're not to fat to do it. may i recommend?? PILATES FOR DUMMIES which includes standing pilates, yoga and weight training. its a 3 disc set, got it at barnes and nobles for about $20. i'm amazed at what i can do!! good luck, and HAVE FUN!! - Nancy