something occurred to me yesterday as i was hiking with magnolia louise [the dog, for those of you who are new around here].

when she's on the leash, she's really good, even if i'm not holding the other end. she stays near me, comes when i call, and pays attention.

when she doesn't have the leash on, she runs off to do whatever she wants. she'll come back eventually, but i have to call her a lot, and she might be out of hearing. at some point, she realizes that she's not near me, and comes back [sort of].

what does this have to do with WLS? well, before, i could just keep eating. nothing physically stopped me. and now, i need to pay attention. big time.

if i wander off plan, there are consequences, but, for right now at least, i always come back to where i belong.

yeah, it's a silly analogy, but bottom line, we still have to make a choice about whether or not to use the tool on a day-to-day and meal-by-meal basis, and keep on track.

Nice analogy. No matter our routes to wt loss and health, I believe we must find a mode if discipline or control that we did not have previously. Rules and regs, so to speak. Internal or external. And we have to work that discipline.

Dang skippy !!

It sure is a daily, minute by minute thing isn't it. So many times I walk by the vending machine (on my way to get water mind you lol) and I see those freakin candy bars waving to me. Some days are harder than others thats for sure.

Love the post Jiffypopopopop!!

Great analogy. I feel like I have to keep myself on a tight leash to keep from straying from my new healthy lifestyle. There are so many things that distract me. If I do stray, I come right back.

Love it!! I totally agree.

reminds me of someone here who described the band to me as a donut on a leash LOL... cracked me up then and now. that was pre-band and my band definately has a leash attached!!

This is sooo true Jiffy.. I feel it.. I live it.. and on most days, I love it

D.

"but bottom line, we still have to make a choice about whether or not to use the tool on a day-to-day and meal-by-meal basis, and keep on track"

Jiffy, I have to say that your thoughts are right on target and come at a time when I really needed it. I think I'm going through the mourning phase of WLS. I'm feeling sorry for myself because I can't eat bread, beef or apples for another 6 months. I love fruit, but it stops the weight loss. I'm tired when I get home, so I don't walk, etc., etc.

We probably have all been there, but reading those few words helped to wake me back up and realize that I am the one chosing to look at the things I can't have, instead of all the things I can. I can walk, I don't take meds for High blood pressure, I have less pain, I can tie my shoes and on and on. There are definitely more pluses than minuses. Thanks for the post.