WARNING: May be habit forming...

Here is one thing I've learned in the past few weeks especially (well I knew it already but I reaffirmed it). I have habits for a reason. A good reason.

Post-RNY your "normal" stomached friends and family will question your habits. They'll question if they are necessary. Especially when you've lost a good deal of weight. They'll say "you've done good. Can't you give yourself a break?" And you start to wonder if you are weird, or too stringent, or just plain neurotic.

I am here to tell you tehre is a reason for your habits.

Case in point. Me and protein shakes. I have one every morning for breakfast. Every morning, that is, except this week. My mom commented a few weeks ago, "Nik, you've done so well. You've effectively lost the weight. Can't you let yourself enjoy breakfast again?" (this was prompted by me refusing the breakfast she cooked btw). Fast forward to this week. I was out of protein shake supplies for a time (and flat broke). So I chose to eat my breakfast. Now the reason I do protein shakes for breakfast is because I have found they are the ONLY thing that seems to hold me until lunch without feeling ravenous. Why? Well several things--first, something about chewing sparks compulsive eating with me. I try to delay chewing as long as humanly possible. Secondly, my shakes always have upwards of 35g of protein (today's had 42) so it gives my system a lot to deal with. I drink it at 8, it takes my body until at least 12:30 to rebound.

So anyway. This week I did food. And like I knew it would, it did not hold me. I made good protein focused choices but it didn't work for me. And I thought back to what my mom said and I guess I would answer her, "it's not about 'giving myself a break.' It's about learning and incorporating new habits. This is not a diet. This is how I live my life. And if the occassion arises where I want to do something different I will. But for now this is working out o.k."

I share this because sometimes you can feel like a space alien after this surgery. You really do have to do things quite differently from everyone else. Stay encouraged. Do what works for YOU and stick to that. It's when we start to veer from what we know works for us that we end of screwing up--often monumentally.

That's wonderful advice!  I drink my breakfast for the same reasons. Scrambled eggs and turkey bacon or oatmeal just makes me crave more food.
One of my favorite sayings "it is what it is"!

Wow!  What GREAT advice!!  I LOVE it.  I love your story so much cuz I know I will be questioned the same way by my family!!  Thanks for sharing...

Thanks Nik,  that was a great post.  I knew there was a reason that I did a protein shake every morning...it sets me for the day and makes me feel better. 

It is always great to read your posts... You keep it real... you are not afraid to try change and admit when it doesn't work for you... Thanks Kathy

Thanks Nik.  I too start my day with a protein drink - and battle the "do you still have to do that" people.  Amen.  I like my drink!  leave me alone. 

Mantra for the day "I don't have to be like everyone else"

Good point, I have been extra hungry in the first part of the day and I do start off eating breakfast... I have been okay with it so far because my meals are "planned."  But if it starts to get out of control I may have to switch it up.

I totally agree with you Nik.  I drink my protein every morning around 6:00 with my coffee, usually about 26 grams.  I then don't eat anything until 11 bc I don't feel hungry.  People will ask me if I need to still drink protein and I say no I just like to...it has just become part of who I am.  It helps get that extra protein in, other than with food.

Love that analysis!

I just responded to someone who talked about dieting failure and not being sure about how the RNY would make it different.  This is part of what I was saying.  It's a lifestyle change and not a diet anymore.  It's a choice to follow the food plan every day and not a diet.  So much of this is following the choices I've made, not dieting.

Thanks for being here to keep us all on track!

 Awesome post, Nik. I just wrote a blog entry at 5:30 this morning about my mother, the food pusher, and how I fumble for explanations when asked why I can't have something, etc. 

I don't have to be like everyone else. 

I don't have to eat what I used to eat. 

I can do hard things!