This is Hard!

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to give a small update.

I found Halloween to be pretty hard - not because I am craving sweets, but because grabbing sweets when they are there are so much of a habit for me. I've had no problem buying baked goods and chocolate for my family so far. Even buying the chocolate for Halloween was not a problem. Putting them in the bowl by the front door was not a problem. However as the evening progressed (and I didn't hand out the candy my husband did), I found myself doing other things and making my way toward the door about 3 times during the evening to grab a candy bar. I had to stop my myself all the of the times and question what the hell I was doing. Again, I did not crave it, I do not want it - it was pure instinct and habit. It really made me wonder why I did this (eating without thinking) in the past. No wonder I gained so much weight.

Also, for the last week or so, I have not been walking after dinner. I did go on a trip and walked a lot, but I am talking about "a routine" and being committed to it. The last few nights I have just not felt like it. Well...I won't be successful that way!!! My husband mentioned walking last night and we got our coats on and off we went. We talked about encouraging each other and how we cannot give in to our temptations and laziness.

I am so happy with my results and weight loss so far. I know that in the "old days" I would have given up long ago. The first couple of months have been very easy for me (I know I am blessed), but I am beginning to see the reality of the WLS situation.

Just wanted to share with those of you who have not had surgery - It is not all rainbows and roses. It's hard work and be prepared to work on yourself at all levels!

Thanks for listening.

Barb

So very true. It is hard work, a daily struggle. I was also a mindless eater. Still am sometimes, but at least now I make better choices on what I eat.

I was told once that the temptation to quit is strongest when you have almost reached your goal (not just in WL but in all aspects of life). Its kind of like, you have to be extra-strong in the end to be one of the success stories. I've never done that before in my dieting history, I've never stayed strong to the end. I really want this time to be different, and am trying to stay focused to make that happen.

Sounds like your husband is a great support for you - thats awesome! Keep encouraging each other and that will really help. And keep up all your hard work, you are doing so well and it will only get better from here with your perseverance. You can do this!!!

Wow. Thanks. I really needed to hear that! I too have never completed up to the end. This is all new to me. And, yes - my husband is great! Thanks for the encouragement.

Barb

Hi Barb,

I want to congratulate you: while you did go for mindless eating and habit, you became aware and stopped yourself. That is the whole battle right there! Yes, life is made up of mostly unconscious behaviours, like when we?re driving, and our mind wanders, and suddenly we?re home. Eating has been our habit, and if you?re like me, our comfort and company for so long, it?s no surprise you went to the bowl to get chocolate.

It is highly commendable you became conscious before you ate any. It's also highly commendable you chose not to have any. Too often, we make excuses like "I'm already here? or "it's Halloween" or "it's the mini bar, I'll just have one". Not you. You stopped. AND you got back on track walking with your husband.

Amazing!!

Thanks D. You are so encouraging.

I really need the support that the people on this site offers. Yes, it is hard and yes I survived, but makes me a bit nervous about next time.

How are you doing?

Barb

Falling into old habits is very tempting.. I've been the same as you and lazy about walking. Thanks for the reminder!! I need to get off the couch and get back to walking and exercising more regularly. Its always a struggle to keep on top of it but I didn't have surgery so I could be the same old person I was. We all need to be conscious of the battle and stay on top of it.

Yup. That's for sure!

Barb