I started gaining again last Christmas, but never posted anything here until I understood what was going on with me. I had decided to eat whatever I wanted over the Holidays and get back to business in January. That was a mistake, and not the first time I made it. I had done the same thing in my old life.
I am an R&Y Post-op since December 2008.
It is still my Brain at work, and it is wired to accept signals that indicate I am starving. One of those signals, Ghrelin, is not as big a problem as before, but has returned somewhat. The other signal or signals emitted by starving fat cells ( don't know the theory) are still in place, but are not a big problem without the Ghrelin.
Last year before my one-year appointment I grabbed a low-cal hot dog from the fridge to assuage my hunger. I took a bite, about an inch and a half of hot dog, and then in a fit of clumsiness swallowed it whole. We were out the door on the way to the appointment. I had K drive, since I figured I was going to have the foamies and how. I did not have any meat tenderizer at the time, which could help. I NEVER got the foamies. This told me that my pouch could pass relatively large objects now. If it is too big then that can be fixed, but the price is out of my reach during this latest great depression.
Now, my brain will solve problems, and figure out how to get the weight back on. This is no different from before. Like others I could eat more liquid foods and effectively bypass the surgery, like someone that drinks milk shakes.
I froze, like a deer in the headlights. This immobilization prevented me from reacting for some time. While I did not return to the cakes and pies, I did continue to slowly gain weight. When I began having trouble getting into my clothes and dreaded the thought of buying bigger pants, I suddenly snapped out of it.
Why? Because things are NOT the same as before. There are techiques that WORK and I am learning to use them again.
(Not in any particular order)
- I can load with liquid. This still works. I can drink water or a no-cal liquid at a sufficient pace to satisfy me temporarily. I like to do this while I prepare breakfast or pack a lunch. Keeps me from eating while cooking, and it takes the edge off the hunger
- Use the rules for liquid consumption. Mine is to wait thirty minutes after a meal, and NEVER drink with a meal. I also learned to wait at least five minutes after drinking.
- Watch sauces and goop that lubricate foods. I had reached the point of adding enough that pouch didn't stay full long enough
- Get enough protein. Cut calories somewhere else
- There are junk food substitutes that are definately on the problem. Like the MIAM (IndyKitty and I just had one each) (Now I am thirsty)
- Get with the program. I have three meals a day, plus two or three protein shakes. If hungry in the evening try to make a protein shake do it. (It usually does). Also, a Dill or SF B&P Pickle spear will usually cover a stray craving, and is practically free.
- Exercise.
So my pouch still works, and it is a tool I can use. I haven't done the exercise as much as I should, but now that I am losing again the headlights are gone.
So, like the angel said "Fear Not". Don't stare at the headlights. Remember you are not alone. Talk to your surgeon. My surgeon is herself a patient (Remember Hair Club for Men?) and that really helps.
I am a foodie. I will always be a foodie. Using the tools I have I can learn what works for me. Just don't let yourself think that you are doomed again. It is not so, things are NOT the same in this new life. Take courage. Be bold. Sometimes we gain weight. If we act we can turn it around and we do not have to suffer to make it happen.
