Puttin' in the time...for Mindful Eaters, Not newbies

Hello Mindful Eaters, I connected with this. I especially pointed out this isn't for newbies but newbies if you are reading this, you are in your honeymoon period, not hungry or just dealing with head hunger. Heck I remember the days I didn't crave sweets. So Mindful Eaters...let's really pay attention to what we are putting in our mouths! We are taking charge and getting in control.
We are a success and finally my pants are starting to hang on me, time to move down to the next pant size. People are noticing I'm dropping weight. I don't like the attention, I don't want to be put on some pedestal. I just want to be healthy and grab a hold of kicking the bad carbs and sugars out of my life forever. Now I know that will never happen but I will be aware and practice Mindful Eating. Sending great big hugs to all us Mindful Eaters! Debbie

Puttin' in the time Posted: 05 Apr 2011 03:02 AM PDT Think back -- how often have you been actively working on managing your weight?  Now think again and notice I said "actively". Actively means you are thinking about what you are putting into your mouth every time it opens up.  (So in a really mindful meal -- maybe you are only actively paying attention 20% of the time) What about all those other times when, if someone brought your eating to your attention, you would stop but since they don't bring it up you keep on munchin' away?  Are you actively working on managing your weight then? What about the 6 weeks you were on your last diet?  Sure, in the beginning you were actively working since there was a certain amount of self imposed awareness -- and you lost weight, didn't you? But what about the 2 or 3 days before you gave up that diet all together?  Where you actively working on managing your weight during that time frame?  I bet not!  I don't know anyone who actively manages their weight right up until the instant they decide they have had enough of that particular diet. My point is this:  understand what you're doing.  If you don't want to actively manage your weight today -- then don't.  But don't misunderstand what it takes to make weight loss happen.

Deb, I usually like your posts. They are informative and uplifting, but this one has me confused. I feel with my pouch I am forever mindful of what I am eating. (I am a dumper and I live in mortal fear of having a gas attack in public, that would keep anyone mindful LOL). My thought is once the food is  chosen  measured and put the plate what more is there to be mindful of? I am just not getting the message. Do you mean like snacking? I guess I am being stupid here, but I don't get your message today.

I don't believe any one is stupid when they ask a question. You are right on when you asked this question.

Okay here is truth: The farther you are out from surgery the more you have to work at keeping that weight off. It's great that we measure our food but later on we can eat more. The pouch stretches and can hold more food...that is normal and we want that to happen to us.

So just be aware if you start stress eating later on or God forbid, start the "grazing process" to graze on carrots, fresh fruits or veggies and not cookies, candy and dessert. Yep, some people are dumpers and some are not. Some people had never had dumping syndrome.

Now I count myself as a "model bariatric gal" always exercise and watch what I put in my mouth. I'm being honest here...I gained 30 pounds over time and part of that was having emergency surgery and no exercise, I comforted myself with carbs and sugar and I don't dump like a fresh post op but if I push the limits I will dump. Exercise still hurts me when I really push myself and that's why I'm back in the warm water therapy pool and walking more. I'm getting my body back slowly and I still have to deal with some tummy pain...I think it's more adhesion's. My body just makes adhesion's like some people makes kidney stones.

One thing is for certain: we are all different and my experience's might not mirror yours and others. I'm just putting it out there for people to think about. When life experience's like death, being laid off work and just plain stres****s up...most of us will reach for food to comfort us.

The positive thing is people...it's okay to keep on fighting this struggle with food, never give up. We have a tool, an advantage to get back on track. I don't mean to scare the newbies at all. You should enjoy your honeymoon period and just keep an open mind, learn and stay mindful of your eating. Hope this answered your question. It feels great to be back on track! Hugs Debbie+

Another good one

Thanks Laureen, I really connected with this one today. Just like your posts keep me on track. I love this forum. We learn from each other a lot. Hugs Debbie

Great post, thanks. One thing I found out during a NOT mindful period is that one cupcake or what ever does not have to lead to a month of bingeing on sweets. That was always my pattern before, but since my wls I have learned that even if I am careless for a time it doesn't have to become a long time. I can start being mindful again right away.
Sue

Whoooooo Sue! Thats the way to think. One cupcake will NOT make you fat....but eat 6 of em' and we will be out of control. If we are able to limit ourselves to the treats and no go off the deep end...then we are a success! Knowing your trigger foods is a plus. Potato chips are a trigger food for me.

Hello Debbie.....I have lost about 6 pounds since I moved to Iowa. Still need to lose more. Now the weather is warming up an I plan on getting up much earlier and start walking before my daughter leaves for work. At least 3 times a week. I used to walk 5 days a week but that was last year....I need to build up to that again.
Really trying hard to watch what I eat. Some days are better then others!!

Have a great day.....hugs.....connie d

Way to go Connie! Congrats on your 6 pounds!! See we can do this! Hugs Debbie