QOTD/Check In

Chele, after re-reading your original post I think I might have not answered the *real* question as to what you meant by autopilot. To again reference my two friends, it HAS become autopilot for them to just make the right food decisions, and to exercise regularly, even when they hate it. So in that regard, I think there *will* come a time when it just comes naturally that we have to fight that battle each day. When, I don't know. I think I have not been truly tested yet because my appetite has not come back yet. I think my personal true test of if I am ever able to become that person will be when it does. I think so many of us understand what your asking - I sure as heck do - I just think I personally am so scared of losing out on this "honeymoon" period that I AM all consumed with doing everything right and don't feel like being tested just yet, if ya know what I mean. Please don't go into lurkdom...this question has really made me think and I think it was a great one! Beth

"To again reference my two friends, it HAS become autopilot for them to just make the right food decisions, and to exercise regularly, even when they hate it. So in that regard, I think there *will* come a time when it just comes naturally that we have to fight that battle each day." ****************** Thank you. Yes, that is what I was wondering! Chele

Hi Chele I think it's just a matter of time. Habits take time to make and to break. I am finding that my new behaviors are becoming habits. But it's taken 4 months. I am not so consumed with what to eat anymore, I know what to have. This has and is a learning process. We are still all in the infant stage and I think things will get easier as we get further into it. But it is a lifetime commitment if we want to be successful. I know I didn't go through the "cut and paste" just to gain back the weight 2 or 3 years down the pipe. I know what to do and I will keep doing it for my own sake, no one else's. And that's a first for me as I usually put others first. Now it's my turn! Regards and hugs, Ronna

You're absolutely right, Ronna. New behaviors have to become habits and that doesn't happen overnight. And putting yourself first is important...I'm learning how to put myself in there..."somewhere"! Chele

Hey Chele. I was kinda wondering the same thing. I mean, I know the change I made is indeed a lifestyle change, but when do things become a little more normal instead of just "normal". I don't think we'll ever be 100% normal as long as we follow our "plans" as we're told. I have to admit that I do feel alot more normal now than 2 months ago, and I'm sure that in a few more months I will feel even more normal. I did indeed feel consumed by this surgery up until recently. In my personal opinion....MY OPINION before someone gets in a tizzy....it's not good to be consumed by this. Being consumed with anything isn't good. It takes over your life negatively. The ones who think they're not consumed with this are usually the ones who are dangerously consumed and it may lead to problems down the road. You don't have to be a 43 year old that weighs 80 lbs. to have an eating disorder. We had this surgery to become healthier...mental health included. Some people are so focused on shedding the pounds that they forget about everything else. Once again, this my opinion! Also, we are all adults here. We all have our own opinions...which is allowed. We don't have to get all razzle dazzled because someone makes a comment and we automatically think it's directed to us. Assumptions causes big problems, especially when all we see is words running across the screens. I thought the main board had a bunch of wackos but we're beginning to sound just like them. What went on the board earlier this week was SOOOO stupid, and should have never happened. It was very childish and once again just so stupid. We're all here for the same reason...support. When will it be okay for someone to pose a question and someone else not get in a tizzy over it? If you think it's directed towards you, email that person privately so you two can squa**** on your own time. Remember we are all adults here...we should act as such. No need to go in lurkmode or leave the board...it's your right, but it's childish at the same time. Remember we all have a common bond and should be here for eachother...not against. I really do love you all and each and everyone of you have been so helpful to me. We can understand eachother like no one else can understand us. This is directed to no one in particular...if you think so then that's your own guilt. I'm talking in general. And sorry if it comes off harsh, but the bickering is getting lame. Smooches, April

You rule.

I go to the restaurant and everything is "normal" for me. I am sure that sounds weird when you work around food all day, but that is my life. I know food and how to make and serve it so that it is wonderful. I don't think about what I can or can't have, what my body will or will not tolerate. I just do what comes naturally.(eating is the futhest thing from my mind at the restaurant.) It is when I come home that the new life style comes back to the forefront of my mind. I, too, am tired of shopping for new clothes all the time, so I don't. I wear them until I literally can no longer keep them up. When I do buy something new I buy it small so I can wear it longer. In a way that helps me track what I am loseing in size rather than pounds. But the day is coming that I will hit the mark where I will live the rest of my life and then I will concentrate on a real wardrobe instead of just tees and jeans. We are all going to have to find our own comfort zone for our new lives, I am just glad that we can come here and find acceptance and support as we explore all these changes and feelings. Hazel

Chele, I think everyone is basically saying the same thing here. I think you're saying you're tired of obsessing about it and I can totally relate. I would like to be "normal", too. And by that, I mean that I'd like to eat when I'm hungry and like a "normal" person. I use my MIL as a good example. She is thin (she does work out on a regualar basis), but she doesn't obsess about food. I don't think she goes through the day thinking "what's in the pantry that's yummy to eat?" I think she eats when she's hungry and she eats until she's full, which means she doesn't usually finish her meal. She just "eats". I want to continue to be conscious of my weight. As Renee said, I was one of those people who didn't weigh at home because I didn't want to see what the number said. So, I do think weekly weighing is important to maintenance. I'd also like to get to the point where I have to worry if something I eat is going to make me . And, I would like to get to the point where I can actually have a little of everything at a meal (I'm not allowed traditional carbs, beef/pork or raw veggies yet). So, I totally understand the "autopilot" idea and am looking forward to being able to make these changes I've made happen without having to think about them constantly. Thanks for the great question. Please don't just lurk. I, for one, love reading your posts. Lisa S. 227/169/140

Hey Chele, I totally hear you on the auto pilot thing. It's a question of am I eating right, did I make the right choices, did I get enough protein in, did I take my vitamins? But one of these days after "conditioning" the right choices will be ingrained in our minds and will happen with very little effort. It is a lifestyle change and the key to a lifestyle change is it happens for LIFE. I do things now with out thinking about it too much like drinking protein or taking my b12. Last year at this time my norm was reaching for whatever was bad for me at the time, but now this year some of the things that I will need to make this surgery successful just come naturally to me. It's like when you are on medication for a long term illness, i will use my asthma for this example. Last year I would notice my inhaler was getting a little empty and mindlessly call the pharmacy to get a refill. This year I notice my protein supply is getting low so I mindlessly jump into the car to go get more. It does become a routine and less consuming. Right now it's so new that this is all our lives are going to be focused on for a while. Give it some time Chele, I know so many people who have had this surgery that are leading totally normal unassuming lives now and they are 3+ years out. Chin up Chickie... I hope I answered your question. Dana