Quote:
Originally Posted by jiffypop
WOW!!!! just plain WOW!!! see? time DOES fly! and that's actually one of the keys that i found was important to getting through the surgery and aftermath with success.
ONE DAY AT A TIME. ONE MINUTE AT A TIME. really. keep focused on what you're doing NOW [water, protein, exercise, vitamins], and the future will take care of itself.
Also, what you're describing is one of the BIGGEST reasons that we suggest making changes as soon as you've made the decision - it'll be - I don't actually want to say EASIER - but you'll be accustomed to paying attention to what you're eating and why, and more open to change.
i'm not gonna lie to you. The first three months or so ARE HARD. But [as you noted] time passes NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO. So, just keep focused on the right now, doing what you're supposed to do.
The flip side of that is that you'll also find yourself grinding your teeth [being frustrated, being angry, annoyed, sad and so on] and you won't know why. THAT's because you're trying to emotionally eat AND YOU CAN'T.
So, I hope that you've started recognizing what kicks you off into eating mode, and have been working on changing this - whether it's knitting furiously [hadda get that in!], or taking a walk, or talking to someone or chewing gum, or cleaning, or...... choose coping mechanism that works for you. And you might need more than one.
hope this helps - I'm so happy for you. and keep asking questions!!!!!!
So wise and so true! I'm one month post-vsg and it is getting better, but yes, it is rough. I downloaded some good books on emotional eating to my Kindle that I'm working through, writing everything down that I eat, and dealing with my feelings (which I used to avoid and stuff).
I think I went back to work too soon (2 weeks post-op). Yesterday, I opened my snack drawer at work (thankfully I cleaned it out when I was pre-op dieting) and was disappointed there was nothing in there. So, I stress eat as well. It's hard to just sip water when you want something sweet or salty.
I am also adjusting to portion size and chewing (chew, chew, chew). I'm on soft foods now and able to consume 2oz at a time. My head wants to keep going but my body is full...it's a sensation I am adjusting to.
Went to a happy hour last night and got plain iced tea (no splenda at the bar). It was hard to watch everyone with their drinks and snacks, but I made it through this one and I will make it through more.
I wish I had read emotional eating books prior to surgery and had more preparation for the realities of what life is like post-op. I am grateful I am not physically hungry now, but that is one small aspect to why I overate.
Good luck on your journey. If you prepare yourself well, it will make it less surprising when you encounter these new realities.