Random thoughts form a 1 year post op (almost)

So - January 28th will be my one year post op anniversary.  I have been reflecting about the past year and just thought I'd share some "Deep thoughts by Jewels" with you all.  I have had a pretty disappointing year - but I know it's all my fault.  Although my weight loss was not great - I certainly learned a TON about myself in the past 12 months.

So in no particular order here it goes.....

~If the day before you go into surgery you have problems (money, addiction, relationships, anything) you will also have the same problems the day of and after surgery.  For some reason I thought I'd see everything through rose colored glasses as soon as I got the band - didn't happen!

~No matter how tight your band is remember cake, cookies, candy, ice cream and calorie containing drinks go down like a charm.  You must try to avoid those things (I haven't done so well on this one).   Protein 1st will truly help you from eating these foods because there won't be any room.  If you try anyway you will puke your guts out!

~No matter how good you are doing there will always be someone losing weight faster than you.  You will want to hurt them, but don't.  Look inside yourself to find the answer.  It is within you - if you can't find it consult your surgeon!

~The absolute best advice I got was from my Nut.  She said to get baby spoons and forks.  Take one small bite.  Chew until you can't chew anymore.  Set an egg timer for 2-3 minutes from the time you swallow.  Once the timer goes off repeat.  Do this for at least 20 minutes but no more than 30.  When I'm following this I do my best - always!

~The band is a wonderful excuse.  For example - my mother in law was trying to get me to eat some nasty looking crap over the holidays.  I looked at it and said "I think this might cause problems with my band" - people who don't have a band have no clue - use it to your advantage. (Yes I'm evil).  Oh and if you have to go to your mother in laws for Thanksgiving - it's always fun to take the egg timer with you, nothing like scaring the heck out of everyone every 3 minutes!

~People will try and be the food police and it's really annoying.

~Those who love you the most also tend to sabotage your weight loss - they probably don't even know they are doing it.  My husband is my biggest weight loss fan and worst sabotager of all.

~If you are having a crappy day - get a new bra that makes your boobs looks super perky (sorry guys, I don't know what you can do - maybe stuff your pants?).  I swear perky boobs always make me feel better.

Edited to add..........

~  I have laughed, cried, screamed, be completely joyous over my band.  I've been to my favorite place to eat and wanted to just tear the frickin' thing out.  I've been overjoyed to go to Vegas and not go to one buffett because it would be a waste of money.  I've cried when I haven't known how to deal with stress (when previously I'd eat).  I've screamed when I've followed all the rules and still not lost.  I've laughed my butt off realizing how ridiculous it is to use baby utensils and a timer just to eat.  Be ready for a roller coaster of emotions!!!

Thanks so much for letting me share some of my deep thoughts.  I'll add some if I think of any.

Have a great day!!!!!

Jewels

JEWELS!!!  Happy Bandiversary (almost).  Great Deep Thoughts, thanks for sharing.

Thank you girl - hope you are doing well =)

Jewels

Congrats on reaching such a great level of self-awareness and insight.

New bras are good.  Old bras are bad......funny story - wore one of my old pushup bras with a dress that had a little plunge, sat down at a meeting, crossed my arms and didn't know that ALL of my lusciousness (still had some then) was on display because they were spilling out of my now too big bra........always wear a bra that fits!

I loved all of your tips, definitely watch out for the unintentional saboteur.

I'm there with you.  The first new bra I got after surgery  was so embarrasing.  I had gone from a 52DDD to a 42DD - no wonder my boobs were hanging to my knees.  So now I know I'm losing when the girls start sagging.  I really wish someone would have said something!!!

Your story is too funny - how embarrassing!

Thanks for sharing and you are so right about the perky boobs. A Bra and a girdle are the only items of clothing I have bought since the surgery. Alot of my clothes are baggy or almost falling off but hey saftey pins work like a charm. (I only wear skirts, because they hide my fat the best)

I should have added to buy stock in safety pins!  Never buy the cheap ones - because if your walking down the hall and one of those puppies springs open - it hurts.  You want some serious steel safety pins!

That was awesome and well said Jewels. I am newly banded and will take your words to heart. I am already seeing some of that to be true.

Thank you so much and congrats on your new band!

Jewels
this was fantastic. You have a personality ver close to mine. I love your insights and it's soo true.

This one cracked me up the most

it's always fun to take the egg timer with you, nothing like scaring the heck out of everyone every 3 minutes
I could just see everyone's food going down in hunks cause the timer keeps going off..MWAHAHAHHAH *evil evil laugh* Ding... have to go chew