Never say "forever"

Your post should be a "must read" for any pre-ops and post-ops as well.  I had surgery in 2001 and your post is more true today for me than ever.  

Not only did I Like your post, bookmarked it as well.  Thank you!

I truly luv your post! It's such a reminder to people like myself that the battle against obesity is for a lifetime, that wls isn't a "cure" for all your food issues like some people like to think. Thanks for sharing your story. 

For me, staying active on these boards might help other people sometimes, but it helps myself all the time. It keeps me honest & reminds me that I might trip up, but there are plenty of others who trip up too. Thanks for sticking around.

What a spot on post, I've seen so many people come and go here and some just never "get it" that they can not go back to old ways. It breaks my heart every time I see an post of "XXX lbs gone forever" because they can and will come back much quicker than what it took to lose them!

At least 50% of the battle is a mental one and people must recognize that and get a therapist on board if the battle is getting to be more than they can deal with. If they just can't make that connection between themselves and disordered eating then they should see a therapist and work on the mental side of the battle. There is no shame at all in that when needed, in fact I wish more people would do that from the start so they could make the battle easier on themselves! It gives you a more even playing field.

Kate is correct the fight never ends, it gets a bit easier with time but even then it is still a fight. It only takes one BBQ, dinner out or special occasion to blow the whole week and one disappointment can turn into months of going back to old bad habits and having to start all over again. I think the best advice is the minute you see things heading out of your good zone you have to jump back on the wagon immediately not tomorrow or next Mon. but right there at your next meal. Nothing lasts "forever" especially in the weight loss world!

I'm only 3 weeks post-op and still trying to learn the signals my head and pouch are giving me. I come here because I know I will find answers from people who have gone through what I'm going through and will be going through in the future. I appreciate the truth even when it isn't what I want to hear. I was struggling getting my fluids in and came here and received great support and great ideas to try. I'm not at 64oz yet but I'm at 40oz up from 20oz...maybe. I've been amazed at some newbies who seem to ignore their program and go back to eating like they did before surgery and then are amazed when their weight loss slows, stops or they start gaining again. I still can't eat more than 1/3cup at a time I don't know how you could physically eat more so soon after surgery without serious pain. I started really reading posts about a month before my surgery to get a sense of what to expect. If I wasn't here I would have been more miserable than I was because of the gas pains, still trying to figure out how to get fluids in, I would not have been prepared for things tasting too sweet or salty, beware of hiccups, or the 3 week stall or that there will be subsequent stalls on the way. I'm not looking forward to a rebound when I get to maintenance but if it happens I know that many vets have experienced the same thing and I'll need to really look at what I'm eating to pinpoint any regain. I learned that hiccups are telling me I ate too fast, too much or both. I also learned that as soon as I was able to get more fluids my stall unstalled. I'm starting to relearn what my body is telling me and it's from people like you who keep me going forward and not getting down when I struggle to get in the fluids and proteins that I need. Everyone has reassured me that it will get better day by day and it really has. I won't say never but I will say I plan to work my program, stay in touch here and use my new tool as best as I can.

Thank you for the words of truth, encouragement and support.

Thanks for sharing. I am reminded everytime I make a less than stellar choice that I am not 'cured'... or everytime I take an extra bite just because it tastes good... I am not 'cured'. #truth

I agree with KATE's post 500% !!!

Often times, when I see a newbie post their exciting news, I get almost as exciting as THEY are. I get SO much inspiration from THEM...On the flip side, when I see "XXX pounds lost forever..."Can I eat Fritos, at 2 days out"..."Is wine a clear liquid"..."I'm cured of food issues and Diabetes"..."All carbs are good for you"...I go nuts and want to flush my laptop down the toilet...the list goes on and on...

Why am I still here? 13 years post RNY.... OH member since November, 2001, without a "break", or a "GBCF" post (gotta love those)..I'm here because unlike lost pounds, the need for KNOWLEDGE and SUPPORT are FOREVER...and I need those things as much as anyone

Thank you, KATE, for a FABULOUS post

Great post and so true. I know that at just over 3 years I am already having to be vigilant or the scale goes up. Losing was easy, maintaining is hard. I hope I will be a long term success like you

OMG Kate, your timing is perfect!!

I'm about five years out, and haven't been visiting the OH boards regularly, as I had those first two years. Struggling right now with the old "demons" coming back. Thanks for the reminder that I'm not in it alone, and that there's still a supportive, knowledgeable and experienced community to lean on!

Best,

Laura

It is a long journey, that is for sure. But for the newbies, and those just a couple years out, it does get easier. It just becomes a way of life. No pressure on what to eat, or how much. You will just know. And what helps me, don't ever say, you are a "success". Success means you are done. We are all works in project. I will be a WLS success when I am in the ground. Knowing the journey isn't over, will help you to keep looking forward.

Jo****ruly envy you! You seem to have it cracked.  I am afraid for me it gets harder not easier, year by year!