Latest Observations - ThinnerTimes

Baron Patrick · 07-11-2007, 03:50 PM

It’s hard to believe I’m 6 weeks post-op. I kind of celebrated yesterday and picked up lunch for our son and I at Carl’s Jr. I had their grilled chicken sandwich – just ate the cheese and chicken! Good Lord that was so good. Yes, I’m being good and behaving – for the most part! Over the weekend, my wife heated up a package of heat-and-serve turkey breakfast sausage. I had two patties and they stayed down fine!

As far as the evening goes, I’ve found that if I eat anything after dinner, my pouch doesn’t like it, and let’s me know it’s not happy. It starts hurting, and grumbling! It does like water and the Crystal Lite, but that’s it. Talk about your body communicating!

I discovered this week - my car has actually gotten BIGGER (05 Altima)! I had to move the seat up, and forward. That is so weird! I can see growing out of a car, but to shrink?!

I took the family to Morongo (Indian Casino near Palm Springs), and had a blast. Let’s just say, combined, we tripled our original stake we came with! While there, I was noticing the men, and how many of them were so overweight. Specifically their gut sticking out so much, and hanging over. It made me wonder if I really looked that way myself. It was, in a way, kind of a reality check. I looked at them then looked at myself in the mirror. I still have a ways to go, but my stomach does not protrude. This may sound strange, but it made me feel different. Not that I was better than them (hell no), but, more “normal.”

Does that make sense?

I’ve given up drinking fat-free milk. My taste is changing again, and the fat-free just doesn’t do it for me anymore. I’m drinking the 2% (which I’ve always drank pre-op) and that works better for me.

I also find I’m very careful at dinner. My wife is wonderful ensuring I have whatever the dr. allows, and makes sure the portions are right. I’ve been bit twice for overeating, and now I’m making it a habit to quit before I feel full. If I “think” I want more, all I do is remind myself of that wonderful dumping experience! The rest of the family had spaghetti the other night, and yes, I had a bite. It stayed down no problem.

Thanks -
Just wanted to share!

Rachel · 07-11-2007, 05:24 PM

You are doing just great! It is always great to read what you have to say!! Keep up the good work you are amazing!!

Alleusion · 07-11-2007, 05:36 PM

Good job Pat! It's always good to experiement and find out what you can and can't eat. You're more adventurous that I was at 6 weeks, but we're all different. I do the same thing as you....the people watching. I'm amazed at the number of overweight people I see. It makes me sad...and I wonder if that's what I looked like too.

AlabamaChick · 07-11-2007, 05:52 PM

Pat, I know the feeling of the car getting bigger! When I drive I have room for a small person to sit in my lap! Not that I would do that, but you know what I mean! I am forever making comments about it. I did it just today actually to my daughter and I will just wave my arm around in front of my tummy between it and the steering wheel! I remember when I discovered I could see the seat between my legs! LOL It's amazing. Everything just keeps feeling BIGGER to me! My whole environment. What is really odd is my sweetie even feels bigger to me now, even though he's not. What REALLY makes me happy is in 3 pounds, I will weigh less than him! hehehe That has never happened. I know what you mean about people watching too. I do it alot and it breaks my heart..... I wish I could just take care of them all and give them what I have been given. I think we are just grateful for what we have and do not take it for granted while other people that have always been small or I should say "normal" do not know what it's like to be so happy to have what we have. I can't say enough how much this has literally saved my life........

LisaBoston · 07-11-2007, 06:16 PM

Oh Pat, sounds like you are doing great. I too drink the 2% milk vs. the fat free - seems that my pouch deals with the sugar in the milk better when it has fat mixed in there. If I do Starbucks with fat free milk, then I dump on the sugar alcohols - have it with 2% and no problems..go figure.

Love the car story.......You are shrinking my boy!

I still have to ask about weight limits in things like elevators, lawn chairs and such...its such a habit and I am still scared to break a chair or not fit into something. In time, hopefully that will change.

SDeRossett · 07-11-2007, 07:20 PM

Oh Lisa sweety, your signature says you're at 152. Please, you're not going to break any chairs. I was mortified when that happened to me at a birthday party when I was 268, so I know where you're coming from, but that is truly a thing of the past now. You're doing great!

Patrick...

I am a people watcher too. I was just comenting to my brother in law the other day how much I compare myself to other persons on the street, wondering to myself am I that size or shape??? Sometimes it's hard to judge from our own perspective just where we are in our body size. Keep up the good work! Love the car story too.

Sharon

Chubbola · 07-11-2007, 10:27 PM

mr. sunshine---
i read your posts and always smile! you're such an inspiration from your witty threads to your adventures to your amazing weight loss so far! i can't wait to not feel like a packed sardine in my car! it's always a chore to get in, get my seat belt on, and try to reach the pedals cuz i have the seat so far back because i'm so big...soon enough i'll be able to reach down and pull that seat forward!
good job on your one bite of spagetti, by the way!!!!!
courtney

coptergirl · 07-12-2007, 05:37 AM

Pat - you are so awesome - what great milestones with the car getting bigger...sounds like it could be made into a Tim Burton movie or something

Just because I can, when I drive I sort of tuck my left leg up on the seat under my right leg and it always gives me a chuckle

CeeCee · 07-12-2007, 07:55 AM

You're doing great, Patrick! I know, it was wierd to have to move the seat in the minivan!
How about this: I feel taller! Yup, it's easier to reach the top shelf of my cupboards now. I don't think there's a chance I'll ever be more than 5'2", but I like the illusion. I figure that with less stomach, I'm able to get closer to the counter, thereby extending my reach..
People watching: The TOPS International Recognition Days (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) are being held in Providence this year. I and a couple of the other chapter officers went yesterday. A lot of people have done phenomenally well, but my heart aches for the ones who are so obviously having a hard time getting around. I want to volunteer my story- but I don't. I was especially impressed with a 13 yr old girl who lost 30 or 40 lbs in the last yr; if only I had acted on my weight at her age...

Dyann · 07-12-2007, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CeeCee

I was especially impressed with a 13 yr old girl who lost 30 or 40 lbs in the last yr; if only I had acted on my weight at her age...

Pat..enjoy all the moments. Soon you will want a two seater convertible.

CeeCee...I did address my weight at 13 and lost it...to gain some by 20, and lost it again, to start regaining at 27.....and kept going until gastric bypass at 37. Glad for her but you know the stats...95% gain it back.
So don't kick yourself about not addressing it earlier. You are here now and taking care of business.