Met with the Social Worker today

Well, I had my first meeting today with the social worker at the bariatric clinic here in Windsor and it's really starting to seem more "real" to me She really emphasized the whole idea of "lifestyle changes" and gave me more homework to do - similar to keeping a journal that she wants to read. I'm not crazy about that part because I'm a pretty private person and find it hard to share my inner feelings with strangers but I know that it's all part of her making sure that I understand what I'm taking on and am able to make the changes I need to. I told her that my "problem" food is bread - I have a very hard time with it and always eat too much. She told me to go home and throw my bread away and not buy it anymore! Yikes! I don't think that will work yet as my husband still likes to eat bread once in a while so she suggested freezing it and having him just take out a slice when he wants one. Oh boy, this part is going to be tough but I'm telling myself that it's a lot like when I quit smoking three years ago - that took willpower so I should be able to do this too.  Just needed to ramble a bit - thanks for listening to my babbling.....lol.

Deb

hi, I am just starting on this journey with my first apt with the surgeon today.  I know it will be a hard road to travel but i just keep reminding myself about the benefits .  Congrats on the not smoking!! I had a hard time with that myself , but i  did it  and have been smoke free for 2 years  almost.  I think back to the things i did that t helped me to quit and plan on using the same tactics for my food issues.  changing my rewards for a cd, or  new book instead of a pizza or some other comfort food.  it's gonna be hard but sooo worth it .  I have been making changes slowly, like using sugar subsitutes, whole grain bread instead of white and a lot of no sugar products.  One key thing that helped me when i quit smoking was that when i messed up , i stopped beating myself up for it , and just  kept going , so i do the same with my food now.  HeeHee now i am rambling,lol  I know you can do it , if you can quit smoking you can do this!! you got  the willpower, and strength, you go girl!!     cynthia

Hi Cynthia! Nice to meet you! You're right - if we had the willpower to quit smoking, we can do this too! That's what I keep telling myself. Good for you for starting to make changes already - I plan on getting started as well - give my body (& mind) time to get used to the new way of eating before surgery. Like you, I refuse to beat myself up if I slip and eat something I shouldn't. I'll just get right back on track. This is going to be an amazing journey but we'll remind ourselves of the prize waiting for us, right? Just think how great we are going to look!!!

Deb

good for you. It's good to get this journey moving along. Remember, keep your eyes on the prize.

Thanks Monica! That's exactly what I've been telling myself. I know that my biggest challenges will be chewing my food a LOT (I'm a fast eater, now) and sipping, not gulping and also, not drinking while I'm eating. Those are the three things that are really worrying me - the rest seem very "do-able". Guess I'd better start practising now!

Deb

I used to be such a fast eater. During the period of time before my surgery, when i was with my daughters (i told them abut the changes i had to make), they'd say to me "did you even chew that?" (the answer was likely no lol). I would gulp down my fluids too (oh my especially milk, there's nothing like gulping down an entire glass of ice cold milk, that i miss).

Now, after surgery, I'm so afraid of something not going down right that i do take the time to chew, take small bites. It now takes me as long to eat my tiny meals as my hubby does to eat his normal one. sometimes even longer.

so, what I'm saying is, don't be discouraged if you find it difficult to change things like slowing down your eating. I wasn't able to do that very well, but i still find it possible to change those bad habits now that i absolutely have to.


best of luck

Mon

Hi Mon

It's so nice to hear that others share the same bad eating habits - lol! I LOVE drinking down a big cold glass of milk - oh yeah! I think that I'll slow right down after surgery, just as you did, because I'll be so afraid of getting my food stuck somewhere.  I'll change what I can on my way through my journey and not stress over things too much.

Deb

I like the idea of "lifestyle changes" - and I think that's what's made this whole thing work for me. I don't feel like I'm on a "diet".  I eat mindfully, plan my meals, don't eat sugar... and this has just become my "way of life".   I also like the idea of journalling your thoughts, though I do understand the discomfort in sharing your inner-most thoughts with someone.  When you're writing, write it for YOU.  Disregard the thought that the SW may read it  -  take it as something you're doing for yourself.

K. :)

Hi Karen!

That's a good idea - if I just act as though no-one else will be reading my journal, it may be easier. I already had to do some previous "homework" for her, describing certain incidents in my past, so I'll try your idea.  I guess as far as the changes go, if you don't think of it as a "diet" it may be easier to do, since dieting always seems like being "deprived" of things, whereas "lifestyle changes" sound more positive. I like that - thanks!

Deb

Hi Deb;

The SW may not even read it, she probably just wants to make sure you are being more accountable to yourself. I agree with Karen, write it without thinking someone will read it.

The bread thing is tough. I am (or was) a carboholic to the extreme. It is easier when you are on the go, have children and are on a tight budget to have the quick grab and go carbs and they fill you up (temporarily). Bagel for breakfast, sandwich for lunch, potatoes, pasta or rice at dinner never mind snacks. They add up fast. I was also a big cheese eater. The only way I was able to stop cheese was to not buy it. Not buying bread is hard as there are other people in the house that rely on it. Is there a type of bread your husband likes that you don't care for? I started storing my bread in the freezer so that it wasn't as readily available. I only did this a few days before Optifast. This was one change that was very hard. I did try to use less for myself pre-op. Rather than a full bagel, I had half; instead of two tea biscuits at Tim Horton's in the morning I cut down to one and then one every other day etc.

Going cold turkey for food is hard. Kudos if you can, but if not don't beat yourself up. Try having less or eliminating one thing at a time. It is a process. Celebrate the small sucesses. You will get there.

Best of luck on your journey,
Kristie