Sometimes Life gets in the way
I've been pretty lucky, so far in my weight loss journey. My kids are grown, so I don't have the issues with feeding them while keeping myself on plan. I work from home so I don't have those sweet treats that others bring in to share. I can cajole myself into being happy with salmon and roasted cauliflower, and convince myself that cucumbers in a sauce of yogurt and balsamic vinegar is a good substitute for pumpkin pie.
But last week was a real test of my sleeve, and how we integrate our weight loss plans into a life that doesn't necessarily cooperate. I went to Delaware with my hubby who was testifying in a patent infringement suit. We went down on Monday to testify Tuesday and head home on Wednesday. However, Tuesday brought an epic snow storm, and the court was closed for two days. The trial didn't start until Thursday, my hubby didn't testify until Friday, and we ended up staying in a fancy hotel for 6 days with little to do but eat. The few attractions in the area were closed due to the storm.
I tried to stick to my plan, but it was hard when there were so many buffets and deserts, and trays of cookies and sweet little deserts where chocolate shells are filled with chocolate mousse, topped with cream and drizzled with chocolate. - and they are little and they call to you, saying "I'm not that bad, look how tiny I am." Needless to say, I succumbed on more than one occasion. I did order healthy off the menu, and ate protein first, but beyond that I was not so good...
I really hate going off plan. My sleeve still worked. Even when I went off plan, my trusty sleeve set limits for me. But I really hate giving up control to those food demons who've controlled me so much in the past. I am so thankful to be home, and know that I'm in control again. On the way home from the train, I picked up salmon and chicken and veggies for roasting, and I know I'll get back to the discipline today. But its a sobering experience to see the power food still has on me.
I think the bottom line is: when you find yourself in those difficult food situations, you have to do your best to limit the damage and not let it throw you off plan long-term.
It is so good to be home.
Carol
Surgery May 1, 2013. Starting Weight 385, Surgery Weight 333, Current Weight 160. At GOAL!
Weight loss Pre-op 1-20 2-17 3-15 Post-op 1-20 2-18 3-15 4-14 5-16 6-11 7-12 8-8
9-11 10-7 11-7 12-7 13-8 14-6 15-3 16-7 17-3 18-3
Oh Carol - I am totally with you. It has been a heavy luncheon week at my office. I would be dishonest to say no cookies passed my lips. Yes- thankfully the sleeve kicks in but even many ,months out with good habits in place the food demons ever wait for us.
I am also grateful to follow my regular routine. I feel better in my body and yes my mind. Again- this a journey of learning everyday. I have no intention of losing this battle and neither do you. I have a conference next week and will prepare by bringing my shakes with me and snacks. In life,we have to live in the real world so it is a learning experience.
Best wishes.
Nancy
Learn from your family history and rewrite yours!
Well said Carol! Well said! Life doesn't really get in the way though, life just keeps on ticking along. We get in our own way sometimes, and mess up life if we do it too often. Staying on plan is challenging on many levels, at the beginning getting the protein and liquids in, then sticking to whatever plan one has, getting to goal, then long term I don't even know what awaits us. Some say its super hard, others say it isn't. We shall see! I think the best long term view I have read about on here says something like, stay on the long term maintenance plan 80% (or 90%) of the time and don't beat yourself up for the deviations, just get back on the horse right away. Exactly what you describe.
5ft0; highest weight 222; surgery weight 208; current weight 120
Like you, I am ready to be home and back in my routine so that I can follow my plan.
So cucumbers in yougart is as good as pumpkin pie??? I am going to try that.
Carol,
Good for you to recognize this. I think it speaks volumes in the VSG journey to be able to see this. As my coach says, its about progress, not perfection.
We all know the slippery slope and what can happen once the first one goes down. It is a component of why I had WLS for sure. I hope I have your resolve to recognize this if I ever find myself in that situation.
Good luck with your journey!
Scott
VSG: 8/8/13
Kudos for coming on here and being accountable to your OH friends. 
I really like to think about how "normal" and "thin" people handle these situations. They obviously choose to indulge once in awhile but they don't beat themselves up for that "one cookie" and don't let it take over their thoughts about when they can get "one more" (which is where I am different!).
But they do exactly what you have done, which is go back home and immediately go back to healthy eating and exercise.
Tracy 5'3" HW: 235 SW: 218 CW: 132 M1: -22 M2: -13 M3: -12 M4: -9 M5: -8 M6: -10 M7: -4
Goal reached in 7 months and 1 week!
Lower Body Lift w/Dr. Barnthouse 7-8-15
Great thread! Very approprite topic as I just got back from being out-of-town for a week - I ate 85% on plan but it is hard. And I would have been so tempted in that hotel with all those sweets around. I do see that the farther I am out from surgery (11 months) the more food looks good to me - it didn't early on.
What seems to be different with the sleeve than past diets I have been on - is the limits from the sleeve, my head telling me to get back on - the determination is there, I'm exercising consistently for the first time in my life, and really wanting to eat healthy. I have to give myself permission to realize that I'm human - will slip up occasionally and not beat myself up over it and think I'm a lost cause (past behavior). I also think my taste buds are changing a little - one of my favorite past foods (turkey cranberry risotto) didn't taste as good to me - only had one spoonful!
